Key West - Travel Report
Aug 11th, 2016, 12:39 AM
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Key West - Travel Report
Key West is located at the tip of the Florida Keys and the southernmost point of the Continental United States. The archipelago is a far-stretched coral cay (key) that is comprised of many small, low-elevated, and sandy islands. It is about a 4-hour drive away from the city of Miami. Compared to the rest of the country, or even Miami, Key West seems much more like part of the Caribbean.
I have heard about Key West for a long time, but I never really understood this place. My impression was it’s just a tourist town somewhere in the Florida. Until I had a week in Miami and I joined a day tour by myself, I found out the island has some pretty unique and iconic highlights.
Check out knycx.journeying blog about the photos!: http://wp.me/p5Lw9a-16F
My day started in the city of Miami in the early morning. I was picked up at the Conrad Miami by a big coach bus (which was about 30-minute late) and I didn’t expect it was such a big group. Every seat in the coach bus was filled. It was then a long way down to Key West through the famous 42 bridges (including the famed “Seven Mile Bridge”). For a day trip, we had about 6-7 hours on the island and there are optional activities visitors could do.
As for me, I decided to rent a bike and travel around the island. I enjoyed the Caribbean vibe with Caribbean-style street performers, boutique and designer stores, tropical sceneries, and outdoor cafes and restaurants. Notable attractions include Ernest Hemingway’s House, the Southernmost Point of the continental US (“90 miles to Cuba” monument), the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, the Mel Fisher Museum, the Light House Museum, USCGC Ingham Maritime Museum, Key West Art & Historical Society, or Mallory Square. In fact, it would be a joy just strolling along in the Duval Street. The Old Town of Key West is part of the National Historical District with a lot of old houses, and architecture. One of my favorites would be the Tropic Cinema, an Art-deco style cinema still in operation – the cinema even features 3D movies like Star Beyond, Ben Hur 2016, or Finding Dory.
Instead of walking or biking, visitors could join a Hop-on Hop-off Trolley tour to journey through the major attractions on the island, or Conch Train tour to visit the Old Town Key West in a historic train tour that operates since 1958. Active visitors could choose some excursions at a small fee to optimize their experience. The beaches at Key West are not necessarily the best in South Florida; watersport lovers could still see living coral reef and marvel at the dramatic natural habitat in the South Florida, either snorkeling or riding a glass bottom boat. More, I saw daredevils parasailing in the sky and they enjoyed an incredible aerial view of Key West!
Southernmost of Everything
As mentioned, Key West is the southernmost point of the continental U.S. and the city is proud of it. Therefore, it only makes sense to find a lot ‘southernmost’ places and objects on the island: The Southernmost Point (“90 miles to Cuba monument”), the Southernmost Guest House, the Southernmost Beach Café, the Southernmost Restaurant, the Southernmost Hotel, and the Southernmost trash bin!
What’s the Chicken?
There are over 80 bars and a vibrant nightlife on a small island, so Key West is not short of strange things. Yet, to make it more interesting, it’s common to see lots of chicken roaming freely on the streets in Key West as if they were on a farm. Sometimes the chicken would even get into fights on the sidewalks…
Why are there chicken in Key West? A long time ago, there was a law against killing birds in Key West because of various voodoo practices that took place on the island. As a result, the chicken was freed from captive and its population continued to grow through the years. The population of Chicken grew so big that the city had to hire chicken catchers to control the amount 10 years ago.
Key Lime Pie
In case you are wondering, Key West is the birthplace of key lime pie! A key lime pie is made of a mixture of key lime juice, egg yolks, and milk sticking on a pie crust. The texture is tender with an interesting blend of sweet and sour. I was told the Key West Key Lime Pie Co and Key Lime Pie Bakery has the best key lime pie in Key West. What do you think?
Here’s a tip: a genuine key lime pie should be white, not lime green – The green was only artificial coloring to make it looks key lime.
The US 1 Mile Marker 0
The US Route 1 (US 1 ) is a major north-south U.S. highway that stretches over 3,800 km on the east coast. The highway ends in Key West and the stop sign has been an icon to the island since the establishment in the 1920s. Interestingly, the end of the Mile 1 in Key West is connected to Mile Zero.
Although it’s just a road sign, it presents a deep meaning to me: In life there are times we are stuck in a crossroad, or we thought it is a dead-end. I always do. There’s always an ending of something spectacular, yet, it marks the beginning of something new. Stay hopeful, be optimistic, be brave, and move forward!
The souvenir shop at the crossroad is awesome. I recommend the key lime mix which is a great summer drink at parties. There is a post office on the other side of the road too, how great it is to post out postcards at the southernmost point of the U.S.?
The Southernmost Sunset at the Mallory Square
There’s no better way to end the day (before hopping back on the bus to Miami) than celebrating the amazing sunset at the Mallory Square – 90 miles away from Cuba, a completely different world.
Yes, it is a celebration with lots of other visitors and street performers. So enjoy the moment and atmosphere. In Key West, it’s okay to walk along the Duval Street with open bottles. Buy a drink and head to the square a little bit earlier as you watch sailboats and catamarans heading out to catch the sunset from the water.
Check out knycx.journeying blog about the Sunset!: http://wp.me/p5Lw9a-16F
I have heard about Key West for a long time, but I never really understood this place. My impression was it’s just a tourist town somewhere in the Florida. Until I had a week in Miami and I joined a day tour by myself, I found out the island has some pretty unique and iconic highlights.
Check out knycx.journeying blog about the photos!: http://wp.me/p5Lw9a-16F
My day started in the city of Miami in the early morning. I was picked up at the Conrad Miami by a big coach bus (which was about 30-minute late) and I didn’t expect it was such a big group. Every seat in the coach bus was filled. It was then a long way down to Key West through the famous 42 bridges (including the famed “Seven Mile Bridge”). For a day trip, we had about 6-7 hours on the island and there are optional activities visitors could do.
As for me, I decided to rent a bike and travel around the island. I enjoyed the Caribbean vibe with Caribbean-style street performers, boutique and designer stores, tropical sceneries, and outdoor cafes and restaurants. Notable attractions include Ernest Hemingway’s House, the Southernmost Point of the continental US (“90 miles to Cuba” monument), the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, the Mel Fisher Museum, the Light House Museum, USCGC Ingham Maritime Museum, Key West Art & Historical Society, or Mallory Square. In fact, it would be a joy just strolling along in the Duval Street. The Old Town of Key West is part of the National Historical District with a lot of old houses, and architecture. One of my favorites would be the Tropic Cinema, an Art-deco style cinema still in operation – the cinema even features 3D movies like Star Beyond, Ben Hur 2016, or Finding Dory.
Instead of walking or biking, visitors could join a Hop-on Hop-off Trolley tour to journey through the major attractions on the island, or Conch Train tour to visit the Old Town Key West in a historic train tour that operates since 1958. Active visitors could choose some excursions at a small fee to optimize their experience. The beaches at Key West are not necessarily the best in South Florida; watersport lovers could still see living coral reef and marvel at the dramatic natural habitat in the South Florida, either snorkeling or riding a glass bottom boat. More, I saw daredevils parasailing in the sky and they enjoyed an incredible aerial view of Key West!
Southernmost of Everything
As mentioned, Key West is the southernmost point of the continental U.S. and the city is proud of it. Therefore, it only makes sense to find a lot ‘southernmost’ places and objects on the island: The Southernmost Point (“90 miles to Cuba monument”), the Southernmost Guest House, the Southernmost Beach Café, the Southernmost Restaurant, the Southernmost Hotel, and the Southernmost trash bin!
What’s the Chicken?
There are over 80 bars and a vibrant nightlife on a small island, so Key West is not short of strange things. Yet, to make it more interesting, it’s common to see lots of chicken roaming freely on the streets in Key West as if they were on a farm. Sometimes the chicken would even get into fights on the sidewalks…
Why are there chicken in Key West? A long time ago, there was a law against killing birds in Key West because of various voodoo practices that took place on the island. As a result, the chicken was freed from captive and its population continued to grow through the years. The population of Chicken grew so big that the city had to hire chicken catchers to control the amount 10 years ago.
Key Lime Pie
In case you are wondering, Key West is the birthplace of key lime pie! A key lime pie is made of a mixture of key lime juice, egg yolks, and milk sticking on a pie crust. The texture is tender with an interesting blend of sweet and sour. I was told the Key West Key Lime Pie Co and Key Lime Pie Bakery has the best key lime pie in Key West. What do you think?
Here’s a tip: a genuine key lime pie should be white, not lime green – The green was only artificial coloring to make it looks key lime.
The US 1 Mile Marker 0
The US Route 1 (US 1 ) is a major north-south U.S. highway that stretches over 3,800 km on the east coast. The highway ends in Key West and the stop sign has been an icon to the island since the establishment in the 1920s. Interestingly, the end of the Mile 1 in Key West is connected to Mile Zero.
Although it’s just a road sign, it presents a deep meaning to me: In life there are times we are stuck in a crossroad, or we thought it is a dead-end. I always do. There’s always an ending of something spectacular, yet, it marks the beginning of something new. Stay hopeful, be optimistic, be brave, and move forward!
The souvenir shop at the crossroad is awesome. I recommend the key lime mix which is a great summer drink at parties. There is a post office on the other side of the road too, how great it is to post out postcards at the southernmost point of the U.S.?
The Southernmost Sunset at the Mallory Square
There’s no better way to end the day (before hopping back on the bus to Miami) than celebrating the amazing sunset at the Mallory Square – 90 miles away from Cuba, a completely different world.
Yes, it is a celebration with lots of other visitors and street performers. So enjoy the moment and atmosphere. In Key West, it’s okay to walk along the Duval Street with open bottles. Buy a drink and head to the square a little bit earlier as you watch sailboats and catamarans heading out to catch the sunset from the water.
Check out knycx.journeying blog about the Sunset!: http://wp.me/p5Lw9a-16F
Aug 15th, 2016, 02:43 PM
#3
Neo, I didn't know that either. I know we had dang roosters in the tree outside our bedroom window last visit and could have done a few in.
The southernmost point is really on the Navy Base. shhhh.
The southernmost point is really on the Navy Base. shhhh.
Aug 15th, 2016, 05:11 PM
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Nice report, but there is so much more to do and see in Key West that it is a shame the OP spent so little time there!
I know the city was trying to get rid of the chickens and was trapping them and sending them off to far away places, but I think it was unsuccessful. I enjoy seeing them. Is the Chicken Store still there?
One thing the OP left out is that there are three professional theaters in Key West so those who are theater fans have a good selection of shows to see.
Also, there are very interesting tours of Key West Cemetery that shouldn't be missed. If you can't hook up with a tour, it is worth visiting on your own.
As far as Key Lime pie, there are many different kinds so it is fun to try them all and decide on your own which is the best!
I know the city was trying to get rid of the chickens and was trapping them and sending them off to far away places, but I think it was unsuccessful. I enjoy seeing them. Is the Chicken Store still there?
One thing the OP left out is that there are three professional theaters in Key West so those who are theater fans have a good selection of shows to see.
Also, there are very interesting tours of Key West Cemetery that shouldn't be missed. If you can't hook up with a tour, it is worth visiting on your own.
As far as Key Lime pie, there are many different kinds so it is fun to try them all and decide on your own which is the best!
Sep 1st, 2016, 02:28 PM
#6
I love the cemetery. I ride my bike over there and just walk around reading the markers. Some crazy markers there. Higgs beach has the African American graveyard. The cemetery is the highest point on the island so homes around there are best for not flooding.
Sep 6th, 2016, 04:26 AM
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The chicken store is no more, alas.
For the cemetery, be sure to check out the Yorkshire terrier gravesite. The owners had three Yorkies, sequentially. The last one to be buried there must have been a real terror--the inscription on his little grave says "His difficult spirit was a challenge to love." Also look for the grave stating "I told you I was sick."
And for caffeine lovers: Five Brothers cafe - strong Cuban cafe con leche, corner of Southard and Grinnell (mom, dad, and five kids escaped from Castro's paradise in the early 1960s). Get one of their lunch blue plate specials. Monday = picadillo. Friday = oxtail. With rice and beans, your choice of plantain or yucca, and Cuban bread. Yum. Closed Sunday. For more cafe con leche: the no-name cafe, run by Felix, in the laundromat at the corner of White and United.
For the cemetery, be sure to check out the Yorkshire terrier gravesite. The owners had three Yorkies, sequentially. The last one to be buried there must have been a real terror--the inscription on his little grave says "His difficult spirit was a challenge to love." Also look for the grave stating "I told you I was sick."
And for caffeine lovers: Five Brothers cafe - strong Cuban cafe con leche, corner of Southard and Grinnell (mom, dad, and five kids escaped from Castro's paradise in the early 1960s). Get one of their lunch blue plate specials. Monday = picadillo. Friday = oxtail. With rice and beans, your choice of plantain or yucca, and Cuban bread. Yum. Closed Sunday. For more cafe con leche: the no-name cafe, run by Felix, in the laundromat at the corner of White and United.
Oct 2nd, 2016, 05:01 AM
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There is a wonderful writer named Lucy Burdett (real name Roberta Iselib) who writes a detective series. As you read you feel like you are on the ground walking and scootering around the island.
The main character is a food critic and one of the places she highlighted in her last book was a food cart called Garbo's Grill.
Then last night I was watching Guy Fieri's Diner's, Drive-Ins, & Dives. Garbo's Grill was one of the restaurants they visited. The line to order is around the block. The food looks fantastic.
The main character is a food critic and one of the places she highlighted in her last book was a food cart called Garbo's Grill.
Then last night I was watching Guy Fieri's Diner's, Drive-Ins, & Dives. Garbo's Grill was one of the restaurants they visited. The line to order is around the block. The food looks fantastic.
