At the foot of the Florida Keys lies Key West, an impeccably groomed island full of Victorian architecture and pirate heritage. This southernmost city in the United States has a lively, jovial atmosphere combined with a rich and colorful history.
The Southernmost Point
Walk or take a pedicab along famous Duval Street and check out the local shops on your way to the monument that marks the southernmost point in the U.S. As you stand there looking out across the Caribbean, you are only 90 miles away from the exotic yet troubled island nation of Cuba.
Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum
After returning from Europe, Ernest Hemingway became enamored with Key West and spent many years of his life living and writing here. His first book he finished writing while working from home in Key West was A Farewell to Arms.
He made many friendships, and was intrigued by the variety of backgrounds and levels of prosperity among those he met. His acquaintances and friendships from his days on Key West became the basis of the characters in his novel To Have and Have Not, which was about Key West during the days of the Great Depression.
The home of Ernest Hemingway now serves as a museum and popular tourist destination. Soak in the personal touches that remain from his life there, including a penny he pressed into the concrete near his backyard pool, which cost him $20,000 to build.
Visit one of the descendants of Hemingway’s six-toed tomcat, a gift to him from an old sea captain. Now there are over 60 cats living on the property, and over half of them have extra toes.
Sunset at Mallory Square
In Key West, the sunset is celebrated every evening at Mallory Square. Once a port for military and cargo ships, the pier is now used for the many cruise ships that visit the island. Each evening, hundreds of people gather on the pier, entertained by fire-eaters, musicians, mimes, and acrobats. There is a variety of food served up, including Key West’s famous conch fritters. As the sun sinks into the distant horizon, the crowd cheers it on. Sunsets in Key West are both beautiful and unique.
The Conch Train
This popular tourist attraction has been operating on Key West since 1958. It will take you on a 90-minute loop through Old Town Key West, and includes many famous island sights along the way, including Hemingway House.
Harry S. Truman Little White House
This was the winter home of President Harry S. Truman and his family, and he spent so much time in Key West it became known as the Little White House. It was originally built in the 1800’s as an officer’s quarters for the United States Navy. In addition to being the second home of one of our presidents, it also hosted other Presidents including John F. Kennedy, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Jimmy Carter as they conducted affairs of state and personal business.
Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden
This tropical botanical garden will delight and enchant you, with Orchids and exotic plants mixed with colorful parrots. This is a popular location for special events and weddings.
Pat Croce’s Pirate Soul Museum
No visit to Key West would be complete without exploring the role pirates played in its history. This museum has the largest and most authentic collection of pirate artifacts in the world. Step back in time 300 years to the less cultured days of the island.
There is nothing else in the world that can compare with a visit to Key West. There are a number of activities for children and families, including snorkeling in the island’s warm, clear waters, and nightlife to satisfy party-going adults, including bars and pubs that remain open until 4:30 in the morning. The perfectly maintained and colorful buildings stand out against a backdrop of sugary sand beaches and brilliant turquoise water, making Key West a true sight to behold.
