It Always Feels Like Going Home
I don't live in Key West, Florida and I never have. Yet, when I go there, I always feel like I am going home. There is something about the island that helps me center and refocus and I always feel better. Not to mention the fact that I always have a whole stinking lot of fun while I'm there. Let me take you on a tour of my second home:
A Short History Of Key West, Florida
Cayo Hueso (pronounced ki-yo-wess-so) is the original Spanish name for the island of Key West. Spanish-speaking people also use the term Cayo Hueso when referring to Key West. It literally means "bone key". It is said that the island was littered with the remains (bones) from an Indian battlefield or burial ground. The most widely accepted theory of how the name changed to Key West is that it is an anglicization of the word -- being that the word "hueso" (pronounced wess-so) sounds like it could be "west" in English. Other theories of how the island was named are that the name indicated that it was the westernmost Key, or that the island was the westernmost key with a reliable supply of water.In 1763, when Great Britain took control of Florida, the community of Spaniards and Native Americans were moved to Havana. Florida returned to Spanish control 20 years later, but there was no official resettlement of the island. Informally the island was used by fishermen from Cuba and from the British Bahamas, who were later joined by others from the United States after the latter nation's independence. While claimed by Spain, no nation exercised de facto control over the community there for some time.
The Conch Republic
Many were sons and daughters of Loyalists who fled to the nearest crown soil during the American Revolution. In the 20th century many residents of Key West started referring to themselves as "Conchs", and the term is now generally applied to all residents of Key West. Some residents use the term "Conch" to refer to a person born in Key West, while the term "Fresh Water Conch" refers to a resident not born in Key West but who has lived in Key West for seven years or more. However, the true original meaning of Conch applies only to someone with European ancestry that immigrated from the Bahamas. It is said that when a baby was born, the family would put a conch shell on a pole in front of their home.In 1982 Key West (and the rest of the Florida Keys), briefly declared its "independence" as the Conch Republic in a protest over a United States Border Patrol blockade. This blockade was set up on U.S. 1 where the Northern end of the Overseas Highway meets the mainland at Florida City. This blockade was in response to the Mariel Boatlift. A seventeen mile (27 km) traffic jam ensued while the Border Patrol stopped every car leaving the Keys supposedly searching for illegal aliens attempting to enter the mainland United States. This paralyzed the Florida Keys, which rely heavily on the tourism industry. Flags, T-shirts and other merchandise representing the Conch Republic are still popular souvenirs for visitors to Key West.
What To Do In Key West
- Sunset In Mallory Square: Don't even think of visiting Key West and passing on this. Anyone on island will be able to tell you what time sunset is, head to Mallory Square about a half hour (or an hour even) before that so you can see the performers and stroll among the vendors. I will usually get there and perhaps purchase an adult beverage, then find a spot on the edge of the dock to sit or stand, and I just watch. The people all all around and the changing view as the sun is dropping. My friends know I;m not real chatty while I'm watching, it's rejuvenation time for me. And, when the sun is set, don't forget to applaud, it's only polite to show your appreciation.
- Sunset From The Top Of The LaConcha: The LaConcha Hotel (currently a Holiday Inn property) is, at six floors, the tallest building in Key West. They have a bar and observation area on their roof. It will cost you the price of a drink to go up there and it is very worth it. The hotel is right on Duval Street, and offers great views of the whole island and the sunset over the Gulf.
- Old Town Trolley Tours: Especially for your first visit to Key West, invest the time (and a bit of cash) into this tourist train. You will get a fully narrated ride through Key West to see the sights and have them explained to you. This train has the advantage that you can hop off of it to explore (you have ten opportunities to leave the train, then reboard).
Books On Key West Available From Amazon
Key West: History of an Island of Dreams
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The Houses of Key West
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Hemingway's Key West
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The Streets Of Key West: A History Through Street Names
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Key West 101 Discovering Paradise
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Key West Sights That You Cannot Miss:
The Key West Lighthouse: One cool thing about this lighthouse? It's not on the water. Check out it's history, walk to the top get some great pictures.Ernest Hemigway Home & Museum:Take a leisurely tour of the home and gardens of the late Nobel Prize winner, Ernest Hemingway. A Registered National Historic Landmark.
Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden:
A beautiful botanical garden located in the heart of Old Town. Orchids and exotic plants thrive among parrots in this secret garden. Art gallery on premises. Self or guided tours.
Pat Croce's Pirate Soul Museum:
Experience one of the largest and most authentic collections of pirate artifacts ever displayed under one roof. Step back into the Golden Age of Piracy, over 300 years ago, and witness how pirates lived, fought and died.
Southernmost Point: Located at Whitehead and South Street, this is such the kitsch-y, tourist-y thing to do that it has crossed back over to being cool. Be polite though, folks at the Southernmost Point all want their picture taken with the huge concrete monolith the same as you do - that's what that line of people are doing. So get in line. While you're there, be nice and help someone out by taking a picture for them.
Cool Places To Stay In Key West
...a few of my favorite places.
It's not that I don't like them, I have frequent stay programs with most of them and like earning points. But, not in Key West.When I am in Key West, I want to be in Old Town. I want to stay in a place that has the charm of the town and in which I can lose all sense of the outside world. I want wood floors or tile floors, and I want ceiling fans, and wicker furniture. I want cats and chickens roaming the property. I may not get a television, or an alarm clock, or sometimes even a telephone. You know what? I'm good with that. Check out some of the places I've stayed if this sounds like something you might be interested in too:
- The Southern Cross Hotel: First, really - it's a cool name. That being said, it is a great location, right on Duval, right near everything. There are several buildings, and you may need to be able to negotiate stairs. There aren't elevators, there is no pool, and if you are on the Duval side of the establishment, your room could get some noise. It is a very clean hotel, the prices were very reasonable and the staff was some of the best in town.
- Eden House: This charming property is a bit of a walk, but worth every step. Their pool area is a tropical paradise you have to see to believe. The hammocks are just every where and they are waiting for you. The property is quiet, the staff is exemplary, and the morning coffee is really good. The rooms are small and some rooms share a bathroom with others (you will know this before you book the room!), and the ones that have a private bathroom are configured a little oddly, but that doesn't take away from this place at all at all.
- The Pilot House: This property is one street off of Duval, and easy walk to the nightlife scene. My room there was ever so spacious, with it's own kitchenette, and little private porch. The pool area was "clothing optional", but that wasn't a problem. I left my suit on and those that chose not to were very subtle about it.
Fun Key West "Stuff" From Amazon
Some Duval Street "Establishments"
...found on Flickr
Sloppy Joe's
Margaritaville
Willy T's
Bagatelle
Irish Kevin's
Cheeseburger In Paradise
Rick's & Durty Harry's
The Hog's Breath Saloon
The Bull & Whistle
The Flying Monkey Saloon
Sloppy Joe's
The old Strand Theatre
A Few Quick Tips For Your Trip To Key West
- Please don't travel to Key West and expect it to be a beach paradise. It's not. It does have some very nice beaches (it usually will make someone's top ten list), but, really, there is so much more that is much better to do there.
- Think about it before you take your kids to Key West. This is not to say that Key West, especially during the day, is not family friendly - it is, and you can find many activities that the kids will enjoy. But, when the sun goes down it is honestly more of an 'adults only' area.
- Be smart with your health while you are on island. You're in the tropics - it's hot there. A steady diet of only alcohol, as tempting as that may be is only going to end you in the hospital.
- Be smart with your safety while you are on island. I am not saying that Key West is a dangerous place, but it is known as a tourist destination. And, anyplace that is known to attract tourists also attracts predators. Just be smart.
Now It's Time For You To Go!!
You've got all the information, now book your travel! I've set this up to take you straight into Key West International Airport, but you can also fly into Miami (MIA), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), or West Palm Beach (PBI) and rent a car and drive in.
Popular Key West Annual Events:
...not an exhaustive or all inclusive list, by any means - but this gives you a rough idea.
- Acura International Boat Regatta ~ January
- Key West Literary Seminar ~ January
- Conch Republic Independence Celebration ~ April 23
- Red Ribbon Bed Race ~ April
- Survivors Party ~ May
- Queen Mother Pageant ~ May
- PrideFest ~ June
- Cuban-American Heritage Festival ~ June
- Hemingway Days Festival ~ July
- WomenFest ~ September
- Fantasy Fest ~ October
- Goombay Celebration ~ October
- Robert the Enchanted Doll Day ~ October 24th
- Parrot Heads in Paradise Convention (aka Meeting of the Minds) ~ November
- Boat and Holiday Parade ~ December
Key West LogBook
Have you been to Key West? Share a story or a favorite place. Are you going to Key West and have questions? Post it here and I'll give you some help. Or, just leave a note to say hi - and thanks for visiting my lens!
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kiwisoutback
Love Key West, especially the drive down from Miami over the Keys. The bars are some of the best anywhere. Nice job! Posted June 19, 2008 |
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Joan4
Your introduction to this lens was of interest to me. I love the Keys, and I always tell people "my feet fit the ground down there". No one understands. Yes, it feels like "home". Perhaps our ancestors were there at one time. There is definitely a feeling of being connected to the land. I have not had that experience at any other place I have ever been in my life! Thank you for a beautiful lens! Posted June 02, 2008 |
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Billco
Nice lens. Love Key West. Posted May 08, 2008 |
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Denise_RN
I relished every word of this lens, because Key West is one of my "Dream Destinations." I haven't made it there yet, but I'm hoping my husband and I can take a trip there soon. Thanks for providing so much information. Posted January 27, 2008 |
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TheDragonlady
Another well thought out, awesome lens. I really enjoyed my stay here! 5 stars! Posted December 24, 2007 |
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Traveling Supplies Available From Amazon
Now that you've decided to go to Key West, you might need these:
Men's Travel Kit
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Travel Comfort Set
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Curling Iron Cover
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Roxy Check On It Luggage Set
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