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You can fly, sail or drive to get here. Check out the Key West website listed below for details. Personally, I enjoy the sight of the crystal blue waters of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico as I drive down US 1. From your car, you may even receive the treat of an escort of dolphins swimming alongside you. When you arrive in Key West, I recommend jumping aboard the Old Town Trolley or The Conch Tour Train. Both will give you a plethora of insight into the history that makes up the unique present-day island. Once you've gotten a good view of Key West, if you want a true feel for the island, rent a bike or a moped. Key West is only two miles by four miles, so you won't have to ride far. On the west side of the island, you'll pass Smathers Beach. There you'll find volleyball nets, food vendors and water sport concessions. I spent many a high school Saturday sunbathing at Smathers, but never worked up the nerve to parasail. In the center of town is Bayview Park. If you've brought your tennis racquet, hop onto an open court. You'll encounter some great tennis players ready to take you on. If it's an early weekday morning, one of them just might be my dad - a tennis aficionado. Near Bayview, you'll run into the fishing charter docks at Garrison Bight Marina. Ernest Hemingway and Zane Gray fished the waters around Key West, searching for the blue marlin, sailfish and giant tarpon. Try your hand at deep sea fishing by spending an afternoon or a day aboard one of the many fishing charters at your service. Or maybe you've dreamed of swimming among the
brightly colored fish near the coral reefs. Now's your chance.
There are snorkel and dive trips leaving the island at all hours
of the day. Join a small group, or charter one for a private
party of your own. My husband and I once enjoyed a leisurely
sunset cruise on a catamaran. All that was required of us was to
show up and enjoy ourselves. Hours of snorkeling in the warm
waters, then free drinks and snacks while we rode back admiring
the picturesque Key West Sunset.
But if you're not into water activities, there are plenty of other attractions to keep you busy. Ernest Hemingway's home, art studios, The
Audubon House and Tropical Gardens, The Key West Lighthouse and
Keeper's Quarters Museum, The Key West Museum of Art and History
at the Custom House, the Curry Mansion Museum. The list of
interesting spots to visit goes on. Try the Trails of
Margaritaville tour and hear about the events and people that
influenced Jimmy Buffet. Or for the brave at heart, enjoy the
Ghost Tours of Key West.
Enjoy shopping? Take a stroll down the famous
Duval Street. Here you can buy jewelry, t-shirts, clothes on the
cutting-edge of fashion, you name it. Buy an ice cream and
wander. Or stop at one of the local bars and enjoy a refreshing
drink. Two of my favorites are Sloppy Joe's and the Hogsbreath
Saloon. If you enjoy karaoke, pop into Two Friends Patio
Restaurant. On a Saturday night, you'll probably run into my
parents. That's my dad singing the Willie Nelson or Frank
Sinatra song, and my mom doing justice to "Endless Love".
If you for sure want to find my folks, and even if you don't but are looking for a good time, head on down to Mallory Square - my favorite part of downtown Key West. Here you'll come across the aquarium - step inside and pet a shark. My kids loved that. A block away is the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum filled with artifacts and treasures from the Atocha, the Spanish galleon Mel Fisher and his gang discovered off the shores of Key West. Mallory Square is the perfect vantage point from
which to view a breathtaking Key West sunset, as well as get a
sense of the island mentality prevalent among many locals. Here
you'll encounter a hodge-podge of vendors and performers ready
to entertain. From a bagpipe player to a contortionist, singers
to musicians. My kids' favorite is the SilverMan. His act has
been duplicated in cities country-wide, but my kids swear he's
the best. Of course, we're probably biased. And this guy is
good.
But I've yet to tell you about my favorite part of Mallory Square - El Meson de Pepe restaurant. Here, their motto is "Where the sun sets and the fun begins". I think that says it all. Located in the Cayo Hueso y Habana building on Mallory Square, the restaurant serves up delectable food, while inside the building you'll find artwork and historical scenes detailing the Cuban influence on Key West. Most nights El Meson de Pepe will have a live band playing outside on the cobble-stone patio. Imagine this: a gorgeous sunset sky brushed with vibrant pinks, purples and reds, the luscious smell of Cuban food (black beans and rice, fried plantains, breaded palomilla steak, and fresh bread) wafting on a soft ocean breeze, a fast-tempo salsa singing through the band's speakers, and swift-footed locals spinning around the makeshift dance floor intermixed with stutter-stepping tourists anxious to join in the fun. It all makes for a memorable Key West evening. Having family in Key West, I've never been in need of a hotel when I visit. However, there is definitely not a shortage of them. From the low-budget to the no-budget variety, small rooms to luxurious suites, overlooking the water to overlooking the neighbor's backyard (if you're at one of the incredibly cozy bed and breakfasts). Whatever fits your fancy, or your wallet, whichever the case may be. Just suffice it to say, Key West has it all: sun, sea, shops, savory food, and scintillating excitement. During the cold winter months ahead, come for a visit. In a city where fun and relaxation are the order of the day, the door is always open. Websites and phone numbers: a bevy of info on everything you need to know: www.keywest.com Old Town Trolley: 305-296-6688 or 800-868-7482 Key West Aquarium: 305-293-7229 Conch Tour Train: 305-294-5161 Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum: 305-294-2633 Southernmost House: www.southernmosthouse.com Audubon House: www.audubonhouse.com Earnest Hemingway Home: www.hemingwayhome.com Key West Art and Historical Society: www.kwahs.com El Meson de Pepe: www.elmesondepepe.com
To read last month's Travel article, click here
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months
before my father was transferred. By the time I was in seventh
grade, I'd lived in six different places, including two
different countries. But when my family moved to Key West, Fla.,
the summer before I started seventh grade, little did I know
that we would stay here for the next six years. Though home will
always be where my parents live, Key West holds a bevy of
memories for me. Come with me on a quick trip down memory lane
to see what I think makes the island so special. Located 130
miles from Miami and only 90 miles from Cuba, Key West is the
southernmost point in the continental United States. In fact,
you can take a picture in front of the Southernmost Point marker
near the picturesque Southernmost House Grand Hotel and Museum
in downtown Key West. 
