Visit Key West

I sometimes think that I could spend the rest of my life exploring new vacation spots in and around Southwest Florida and never run out of things to do! Traveling all over the world has been thrilling (and frequently exhausting), but there is a definite advantage to having so much beauty and excitement practically in my own back yard. While Key West is a little farther than my back yard, at 300 miles from Fort Myers, this small island offers big opportunities for fun.

Key West is a mere 90 miles to Cuba, and the influence of the latter is manifested in the cuisine, among other things. I’ve eaten at El Meson de Pepe, on Wall Street in Mallory Square. The place features authentic Cuban fare, as well as more “mundane” meals. The seafood is abundant and delectable. Nothing beats dining al fresco, while sipping an ice-cold mojito (Cuban cocktail), and listening to live music from a mariachi band! Pepe’s is a fun place.

Visit Key West.  Recreation comes in many different forms in Key West, from deep sea fishing in the “wine-dark sea” way offshore, or wading knee-high in the nearly-transparent water closer to land. Just about anything that you can do involving the ocean is a popular diversion in Key West. If you’d prefer to stay on dry land, you can go bar-hopping, take a trip to one of the malls, play golf, or visit a historic site, such as Ernest Hemingway’s house, on Whitehead Street in Old Town. The renowned author spent many years in Key West, and wrote three of his novels there.

The southernmost of the five Florida Keys, Key West is linked to the other islands via U.S. Route 1. Some visitors opt for the scenic journey by car down the meandering stretch of highway. A direct flight from Miami takes about an hour. Key West is one destination that you should put on your list.

Visit Key West