IgoUgo

Key West Journals

Home away from home

A travel journal to Key West by kimbis

Quote: Parts of Key West are decidely "touristy", but you can still have enjoy a bit of the old island life there if you try.
  • Cheer!
  • Flag
  • Print

Home away from home Best of IgoUgo

Overview

Quote:
Be sure to check out the cemetary, either on a tour or just by having a quiet walk around on your own. I know that sounds strange. Key West has a long and colorful past, however, and you can see bits of it here without the pre-packaging. Quick Tips: Leave the rush-rush-rush at home when you go to Key West. I find I enjoy it most when I just set off and let serendipty decide where I'm going to wind up when I head off for the day. Shopping seems to be polarized. Either VERY expensive or VERY cheap. There are some interesting shops along the way, however, if you care to look for them. I found a place that sold things that change color in the sunlight, and did a LOT of my Christmas s...Read More
Quote:
The main house is a renovated 19th century mansion, complete with leaded glass in the windows and two levels of wrap around porch. There is also a second house of roughly the same vintage that they use, and a couple more highly renovated rooms over a garage/storage area. Much nicer than it sounds. Some of the rooms have cooking facilities, and they just added a pool. Mona, the owner, is a wonderful lady who has lived in KW all her life. There is a continental style breakfast that comes with your room, and it's a great way to start the day. You can sit out on the porch and watch as the resident cats, chickens and rabbits snooze in the morning sunshine. Because you are right on Duval, but...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 8, 2000

Southernmost Point Guest House
1327 Duval Street
Key West, Florida 33040
(305) 294-0715

Blue Heaven Restaurant Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Blue Heaven"

Quote:
Historical and hysterical, you really have to see it to believe it. It has been, in it's time, a brothel, a boxing ring and a cock fighting center. You dine in the sunshine, shielded by sails hung from the trees while chickens run between the tables. There is a rope swing hung in the middle of the dining area. It's a little pricier then you might expect, given the atmosphere, but the food is wonderful. Breakfast, lunch and dinner served.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 9, 2000

Blue Heaven Restaurant
729 Thomas St
Key West, Florida 33040
(305) 296-8666

Southernmost Point in the Nation Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Southernmost Point"

Quote:
Located at the corner of South and Whitehead, it's hard to miss the Southernmost Point marker. A completely kitchy tourist stop, it really is a must-do. (It's about a block from the Southermost Point Guest House, which I highly recommend) It's amazing to look out over the horizon, know that Cuba is closer to you than Miami is at that point, and wonder at the people who cross in home-made vessels. There is almost ALWAYS a helpful person there to take your picture in front of it for you. There used to even be locals who pretty much made their living taking tips to photograph people in front of the huge marker.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on October 9, 2000

Southernmost Point in the Nation
Whitehead And South Streets
Key West, Florida 33040

Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Mel Fisher Museum"

Quote:
Heft a real gold bar for yourself! You get to learn a lot about the history of the Atocha, and the real life treasure hunter Mel Fisher who found the wreck after it had been lost for centuries. Some amazing artifacts are on display, including a truly beautiful gold and emerald cross. You can buy the jewelry sold there, or similar, much cheaper elsewhere on the island. Check their web site at http://www.melfisher.org

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on October 9, 2000

Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum
200 Greene St
Key West, Florida 33040
(305) 294-2633

Key West Airport Best of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Quote:
Any visitor to Key West owes it to themselves to fly in at least one time in their lives. The tiny airport is straight out of a Bogart movie, and the planes that fly in there are twin-engined prop jobs where you may have to step over the 'hump' in the aisle that goes over the landing gear. No trouble getting lost on your way to the gate here...there IS only one. You will find several rental car desks, however, and lots of information on things to do all up and down the Keys. It's also your first indication of the attitude change you are about to experience ... generally happy, helpful people greet you. Folks who can say with a straight face 'Gee, we're out of Neons. Would you mind driving a m...Read More