At the southern tip of Florida and only 90 miles from Cuba sits the southern most U.S. city of Key West. Once the base for Caribbean pirates and later home to Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams, Key West also served as the winter White House for President Truman and the inspiration for the drawings of John James Audubon.
Inhabitants are a colorful blend of eclectic artists, writers and others just escaping from everyday life. Everyone has a story and they’re more than willing to share it with you. No one seems to care about the rest of the world, only about enjoying life every single day. This is Jimmy Buffet’s headquarters and the site of the annual Parrot Head convention. Sunshine, tropical breezes, crystal clear water and a never ending party make this an ideal weekend getaway.
Where else would you find a restaurant that celebrates Thanksgiving every Thursday night or a town that sponsors bed races down its main street or a place where restaurant owners call the local jail first when employees don’t show up for work?
Unlike other parts of Florida dominated by fast food restaurants and neon signs, Key West is more like a tropical Caribbean island with tall palm trees, incessant sunshine, crystal blue waters, cascading bougainvillea and colorful hibiscus.
Duval Street, the center of most activity is lined with countless open air restaurants and bars, live music, souvenir shops, clubs and B&B’s. You could spend your whole weekend here just making (or drinking) your way from one end to the other.
Each day ends and evening begins in Mallory Square with the Celebration of Sunset. The Square is filled with hundreds of people, street vendors, and street performers and the sunset is the most glorious you will ever see.
When warm is what you want, there is no better weekend destination than Key West.