Naturally beautiful, historically important- Key West makes for a remarkable vacation.
Visit Key West once and you’re sure to come back often as I have for more than 20 years. It’s not just the perfect weather and the unbelievably beautiful water (and all the things to do on the water)– but the people, the history, the vast amount of sights and the wonderful, casual attitude the island exudes.
If you’re planning a Key West vacation, ….check out all the really fun things to do– like a ride on the Conch Tour Train that takes you all through Old Town Key West while your engineer tells you all about the many Key West attractions you’re seeing. It’s a fun tour with amusing stories and you get to see many of the famous Key West spots in a short period of time.
Also–see the sunset at Mallory Square. Once you participate in a Key West sunset celebration, you’ll never see the sunset as something ordinary again. It’s true– the magnificent sight of the sun slowly melting into the water is just breathtaking and I feel that way every time I see it.
Believe all the hoopla you hear about the Key West bars and restaurants along Duval Street and stop in at any of them for a cool drink and some great food. At Captain Tony’s Saloon on Greene Street you can even see the original bar stool that Ernest Hemingway sat on in the old days. When you meet some of the locals, you’ll understand why so many people come to Key West for a weekend and end up never wanting to leave–these people are warm, friendly, folks that make you feel welcome and relaxed.
The last time I visited Key West I made a point to take a tour of the Little White House. This is where Harry Truman lived and worked when he came to Key West during the mid 1940’s. It was supposed to be a winter retreat for the then President of the United States, but the story goes that Truman loved Key West so much he found it hard to leave. Now you can tour the home and see authentic items that belonged to Harry and Bess Truman and learn about the many important meetings that took place while they lived there. The Little White House itself is really charming and lovely and the tour guides give a lot of interesting information and history–all in all it is a worthwhile experience.
If you can, make time to see some of the other popular Key West attractions like Flagler Station, the Key West Aquarium and all the stunning Victorian houses. If you’re visiting Florida, Key West is one of the most unique and intriguing places you’ll ever discover. From the water sports and beaches to shopping and sightseeing– there’s something to do and see for people of every age.
