The best way to describe Key West, is a vacation place. Meaning whenever you’re there, the ambience and atmosphere catches you up in it and you could well be somewhere in the Bahamas or the Caribbean.
Key West is also a state of mind. You can watch sunsets from Mallory Square on the harbor, or from the bars and restaurants on the boat basins.
You can shop or whatever on famous Duval Street. Since nobody knows how to throw a party like Key West does, you can join in at Fantasy Fest (think Mardi Gras) at the end of October, and see for yourself. This is, after all, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. Whatever you imagine about Key West is probably true.
Or you can enjoy the reality of Key West’s other state of mind too – its wonderful diversity, history, and creativity. Lots of writers, artists, artisans, and musicians have always called this state of mind/special place home, from Hemingway to the present day.
There are also plenty of areas in Key West where the locals go besides Duval Street and the sunset bars. In fact when you get off of Duval, you will find restaurants, art galleries, grocery stores and antique shops in the neighborhoods, and tree-lined little streets with lots of tropical foliage where people live.
So although you’re in one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, the neighborhoods here are quiet, lined with historical architecture and have a very comfy feel. And the historic district is very compact. You can walk everywhere.
The keys are beautiful and you can water ski, jet ski, sail, snorkle, scuba dive, fish, swim, .......Go and enjoy if you ever get the chance.
Hi Gary,
Very good post and super information, I think Key West will be my wife and I next vacation.
Okay, now I am ready to pack my bags.....I could use and escape.
Gary it's funny that you're the second blog I've seen about the Keys today. Both postings are inspiring me to revisit. Thanks!
Key West is a great destination.
30 years ago it was also a great destination; in fact it's always been a great destination.
I was kind of put off my last visit when I learned the old customer of going down to Mallory Pier to watch the sunset in the last place in the continential United States now has a 3 drink minimum.
The "Conch Republic" has had a long and colorful history.
As a true Conch, I cant agree with you more. I love Key West! Thanks for sharing, Jim