You can travel to Key West by Road, Sea or Air and when you get there you will find it a city of fascinating contrasts. In fact after a few days there you may find yourself wanting to stay far away from the hassles of everyday life forever!
With its balmy weather and beautiful blue skies, the island is, as are the rest of the Keys, famous for its many watersports including amongst others diving and fishing. Golfers can also enjoy themselves at the Key West Golf Club.
The island' s seafaring tradition can be found at the renovated Historic Seaport district, known locally as the Key West Bight. In years gone by dozens of shrimp boats used to be here. These days it is the place to arrange a day on the water or just stroll along the harbour or dine at one of the many restaurants.
Key West' s African cultural heritage is represented by the Bahama Village neighbourhood which was founded early in 1800. It was started by Africans migrating from the Bahamas. Here you will find historic churches, indigenous food and many annual festivals. Hemingway used to come here to mix with the locals at boxing matches and arm-wrestling contests. These days new restaurants and shops are opening up in Bahama Village.
If you visit the Village do go to see one of Key West' s most significant African cultural sites the 1860 African Burial Ground. This is located on the island' s Atlantic Ocean shore beside a Civil War-era fort. Experts believe it to be America' s only African refugee cemetery. A memorial honoring the buried Africans is being constructed at the site.
There are many ways to travel around Key West including public transport, taxis, tour trains, trolleys, bicycles and even by foot. We tend to take one of the tour trains for a relaxing ride around and after that walk most places.
As you walk along the palm lined streets you will discover gingerbread mansions and tin-roofed conch houses and also see the John Audubon House and Ernest Hemingway' s home. The latter is a delight to have a tour around do not miss all the cats lounging in the sun! On even the smallest roads the locals have faithfully restored old wooden homes and you will see many tropical tress and flowers in their gardens.
The one activity everyone in Key West goes to is the Sunset Celebration on the Mallory Dock. However it does get very crowded and you are surrounded by jugglers, mimes, musicians and street artists.
Then the city starts to enjoy its night life. Surrounded by music everywhere the streets are full of open air bars, cafes legendary pubs as well as first class restaurants this really is the place to relax at the end of the day.