Located at the very bottom of the country, Key West is actually closer to Cuba than it is to Miami. While Key West has been popularized by cruise ships and vacationers for years, the locals really make it a welcoming environment. Even if you're in front of them at the bar. Known for their special key limes, famous residents, Cuban influence, and great weather. Key West is probably known best for it's celebrations and nightly parties. A great place for any visitor for so many reasons, a trip to Key West should be on your vacation destination list any time of year.
Parties/Festivals
All over the country you will find the residents enjoying an opportunity to loosen the tie or kick off the heels and party down. Not many do it like they do in Key West fishing. With a mixed bag culture that is as diverse as it is as unified, you will find cheerful crowds ready for some fun around any corner. Late April marks the annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration filled with wild competitions and even a boat battle. The Goombay festival in October marks the start of the world renowned Fantasy Fest which brings together approximately 100,000 people to the area. With multiple events throughout the calendar year, there will surely be a chance for you to get involved.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
This is a great place to stop if you're a Hemingway fan or if you haven't even heard of him. The tour lasts roughly a half hour and is full of interesting information about a complex personality and local legend. Although Hemingway only lived here in Key West for about ten years, his impression will forever be felt throughout the island. Head over to Sloppy Joe's and you'll see what I mean. Home to about 50 six toed cats, you'll be sure to spot a few descendants of Hemingway's original six toed pal Snow Ball. Tours are available 9-5pm year round or you can wander by and get a good glimpse.
Mallory Square
As the sun goes down everyday many of us miss the chance to say goodbye to the day and hello to the night. When you're in Key West this would be the place to make up for those chances lost. Street performances and live music are abound while this daily event "goes down." Considered by some to be a bit of a tourist trap, you can still get some good food and drink while getting ready for your next adventure. A great organized ritual where performers take turns to draw the crowds side by side with vendors and artists. Jimmy Buffett and the founder of Cirque du Soliel are said to have gotten their early starts right here.
Duval Street
I hope you are ready for some fun. This is one of the most happening places in the keys if not the most. Food, Drink, and shopping are artfully clumped together. You can bring the kids during the day but put the blinders on. At night, get a sitter unless you want to answer a bunch of questions. Duval Street goes down quite a ways and has it's quaint parts as well. It also makes for a great walk in a beachy setting with interesting homes and people along the way. If you want to, you can take this street from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico in no time. If you don't feel like walking, jump aboard the "world famous" Conch Tour Train.
Fishing
There are so many reasons to do this while in key west. There's one good reason to do it early in your trip, seasickness. Get in a fishing excursion before you've been to Duval Street too many times. There are multiple charter companies out there which are vying for your tourist dollars. You can fish for Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, Blackfin Tuna, Blue Marlin and the list truly goes on and on. Because of the wonderful weather you really can fish in key west all year round. Charters aren't the cheapest activities in the keys but the experience is truly priceless averaging about $700. for a 1/2 day.
Southernmost Point Buoy
Put in place at the southern tip of key west is the closest place to Cuba to civilians in the U.S. It'll be a quick stop on your trip but a unique one. The buoy is brightly painted and nestled in a great part of town with many nearby attractions such as Hemingway house. Take a picture with the loved ones and take home a fun memory. The view across the water is spectacular at sunrise and will surely be less busy at that time of day.
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