Key West
First recorded by Spanish explorers in 1513, this tiny island (key), just two miles by four (3.2 x 6.4 km), has changed in status from a pirates’ den to the most prosperous city per capita in the US. Always attracting free-thinkers, eccentrics, and misfits, Key West has a uniquely oddball character that is still apparent despite the upscale tourism that has developed since the 1990s. The self-named Conch (“conk�) inhabitants include many gays, writers, artists, and New-Agers.
- 1601 N. Roosevelt Blvd
- Tel: 1 888 222 5148
- www.Keywestinfo.com
- 9am–5pm (approx.) daily
- adm
Running from the Gulf of Mexico at the north end to the Atlantic Ocean in the south, the main street of Old Town is the place to do the “Duval Crawl.� This is the arduous task of strolling the street and stopping in at all of the 100 or so bars, pubs, and clubs that line Duval and its neighboring roads.
Every evening at sunset, the fun-loving citizens of the self-styled ‘‘Conch Republic� throw a party in this large, seaside square, complete with entertainers of all sorts.
An archway across Petronia Street at Duval announces that you are entering this largely African-American neighborhood, which offers a tiny slice of Island culture. A block in is the Bahama Market, featuring handicrafts; farther along is Rick’s Blue Heaven.
Dedicated to the lure and lore of sunken treasure and the equipment that has been used to retrieve it. Most impressive are the gold artifacts from 17th-century Spanish galleons.
“Papa� Ernest Hemingway lived in this Spanish colonial-style house built of coral rock from 1931–40, and wrote many of his works here. Remnants of his stay include boxing gloves and supposed descendants of his six-toed cats.
A glimpse into mid-19th-century life on the island. The audio tour is excellent, as “ghosts� of the family who lived here take you through the rooms.
The tombs are raised to avoid flooding and because the soil is mostly hard coral rock. Famously droll epitaphs include “I told you I was sick� on the tomb of a notorious hypochondriac.
- sunrise–6pm daily
- free
Housed in the imposing old Customs House are paintings of some of the island’s eccentrics and notables, along with accounts of life here in various epochs.
Built in 1848, Key West’s lighthouse was capable of beaming light 25 miles (40 km) out to sea. Climb the 88 steps to enjoy panoramic seascapes and views of the town.
The 1866 brick fort is now a military museum with a fine collection of Civil War artifacts. The island’s best beach is nearby.
- 8am–sunset daily
- adm
Standard Oil Magnate
Cuban freedom fighter
Naturalist
Writer
President
Playwright
Poet
Educator-philosopher
Singer-songwriter
Actress
