Key to Tropical Paradise, Key West, Florida. Key West, Florida: attractions. Key West After Hurricane What are Functionality Cookies
In Key West, absolutely different cultures, styles, and aesthetics combine amazingly harmoniously.
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This billboard is located in the popular Mallory Square in northwest Key West, considered best place to watch the famous local sunset and the nearby harbour. The sign reads: "Welcome to Malory Square, where the sun goes down and the fun begins. Celebrating the world famous Key West sunset." One of the events is the "sunset festival" held in Mallory Square. Local residents, speaking about it, forget to mention that this festival is daily: after all, sunset happens every day!
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Shipwreck Museum
In 1821, the Florida Keys came under the auspices of the United States, and that’s when they began to come to life. And everything would be fine, but these same territories were also chosen by pirates (the capital city, Key West, appeared around this period). Judging by the data that has survived to this day, the main source of income for the “settlers” were merchant ships that crashed near the archipelago. There are even suggestions that some shipwrecks were specially staged: by removing the markings of the shoals, greedy adventurers were simply waiting for prey. But here’s the problem: over time, the ships became more and more perfect, and therefore, disasters occurred less and less often. What can I say? technical progress was clearly not on the side of the sea robbers!
Shipwreck Museum.
Here, actors dressed in 19th-century costumes act out scenes from the sinking of the ship Isaac Allerton, which sank off the coast of Key West in 1856. At the Shipwreck Museum, they will tell you that Hemingway’s house was built in the 19th century for one of the city’s richest businessmen, who lived off the spoils of shipwrecks. The rule was this: all the loot belongs to the one who first reached the sinking ship. First they had to save everyone who could still be saved, and then raise the sunken cargo. Shipwrecks happened at least once a week and at the expense of this business Key West was the richest city in North America. The whole city waited day and night for the call sign "Wreck ashore" - "shipwreck". This changed, first with the improvement of the quality of ships, and then with the construction of the railway. From this tower they looked at the sea around the clock in anticipation of a sinking ship - it offers a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico.
Fort Zachary Taylor
Fort Zachary Taylor National Historical Park. A visit to it is included in the "Ghosts of Key West" tour.
Fort Zachary Taylor
Building with loggia and tower on Duvall Street in Key West. See original (3746×2810)
Duval Street, Key West. Original (1024×768)
San Carlos Institute, built in 1871, is a reconstructed example of Cuban architecture, resplendent with majolica tiles from Spain. A center for the study of Spanish culture is located here.
House on Duval Street in Whitehead St.
Jimmy Buffetts Margaritaville Cafe on Duvall Street in Key West, Florida.
Mel Fisher Museum. Mel Fisher Museum Original (1024×680)
Mel Fisher (August 21, 1922 – December 19, 1998) was an American treasure hunter famous for discovering the wreck of the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha (1622).
Information about the whereabouts of the wreck was extremely scarce, but the treasure ship haunted many treasure hunters. However, one of them, who was determined and made the search the dream of his whole life, had already managed to find the treasures of the lost ship. In 1968, Mel Fisher decided to go in search of the ship and its treasures. He was considered a pioneer in the diving industry. He was distinguished by his energy and desire to independently comprehend all aspects of this activity, but his main motivation was the search for a treasure ship.
For almost four centuries, the ocean hid the treasures of the ship Nuestra Senora De Atocha, and on July 19, 1985, Kane Fisher came close to its remains. In the search that had become a real obsession for his family, a turning point came, and unexpectedly luck smiled on the treasure hunters.
Mel Fisher has been waiting for this moment for 16 years. At his headquarters in Key West, he received an epoch-making radio message. Soon Mel Fisher himself descended on the ship's treasures. When he found himself at the bottom, his hands shook with excitement. Soon, chests with gold coins, chains, emeralds, jewelry and much more were discovered nearby. As a result of his discovery, Mel Fisher is recognized as the world's greatest treasure hunter.
There is now a Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in Key West, run by Kim Fisher. Treasure hunters have so far managed to recover about 40 tons of treasures in the form of bars and other jewelry, and at the bottom there are still about 8 tons (35 boxes of gold, 300 silver bars and 100 thousand silver coins), the rights to which belong to the Fisher family.
The search for the treasure of the galleon “Nuestra Senora De Atocha” turned into a real epic for the Fischer family, and yet he realized his cherished dream, and we can rest assured that while the remains of the coveted cargo are buried in the silt, successive generations of divers will continue to try their luck.
P.S. According to expert historians, there were 47 tons of gold and silver on board the Spanish galleon, not counting smuggled jewelry, which made up 20 percent of the total cargo.
Of course, you can’t miss visiting the famous Aquarium. It was built in 1934 and is said to be the world's first open-air aquarium.
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Of course, it is not the largest in America, but it is interesting for its unusual show of feeding sharks and huge sea turtles. And besides, they allow you to touch various underwater creatures with your hands, see barracudas, eels, sea bass - you can’t list them all. Sharks and turtles are fed 4 times a day, feeding times are written on numerous signs, so that it is convenient to see the Aquarium and watch the shark or turtle lunch.
Shark Fishing in Key West
You can also go fishing, since the choice here is almost unlimited, and try to catch a swordfish or barracuda. Local fishermen claim that they even catch sharks, but this is very rare. If you catch some unusual fish, they can make a stuffed fish for you for an additional fee, but it will be quite expensive, and it is unknown how such a souvenir will be treated at customs"... (from LiveJournal)
The Oldest Devil in Key West St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Original (1024×653)
St. Paul's Episcopal Church. see Original (2560×1704)
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Small White House of President Harry Truman. (Harry S Truman Little White House)
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The house was built in 1890 as housing for naval officers. Later, American presidents lived there: William Howard Taft, Harry Truman, Dwight David Eisenhower, John Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and others.
Harry S. Truman bust and portrait in Little White House, Key West, FL.
Time seems to slow down here, and you don’t want to rush anywhere.
The wildlife in Key West deserves special mention. In addition to the expected lizards and all sorts of marine life, the city is full of wild cats and... roosters and hens.
Chickens in Key West are treated with special respect; we will have to write about them separately.
They walk freely around the city and know how to cross the road in the right places.
Cars slow down and wait patiently until the last “pedestrian” steps onto the sidewalk.
In some cities, flocks of pigeons have become a common addition to the city landscape, but here they are chickens. They walk freely everywhere, feeling like worthy citizens of the city.
The roosters are beautiful - a tail with a green tint, a red crest.
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We also see decorative boats everywhere. Ships, boats - everything was included in the design of the city. Even small houses are decorated with them.
There are an incredible variety of restaurants, restaurants, cafes, cafes here. And they are all unique and unusual. The restaurant is like a sailboat...
Hard Rock Cafe, Key West. Original (1024×768)
And this restaurant “Hud Rock Cafe” is interesting for its history. The Hard Rock Cafe building in Key West is called the only Hard Rock Cafe in the world where a ghost lives. There is even a tour from the Key West ghost series. The building was built by Florida's first millionaire, William Curry, as a wedding gift to his son Robert. But Robert’s life story turned out to be sad: he suffered greatly from various diseases, and the feeling of pain did not leave him throughout his life. Over time, Robert had to manage the Kerry family fortune, but he was not the best entrepreneur, probably due to chronically poor health. He lost the family fortune and eventually committed suicide in the second floor bathroom. They say that this beautiful building is haunted by cruel fate even today, about which the restaurant employees continue to tell stories and tales.
This man "needs a beer" and tells "dirty jokes for $1 dollar" as reported on his billboard.
Sloppy Joe's Bar: This is Papa Ham's favorite bar and can be considered a "small branch" of the museum.
Here you can see a stuffed fish that Hemingway caught and his photographs. The menu includes various of the writer's favorite dishes and drinks, some of which are named like that: for example, “Hemingway's favorite double hamburger.”
Well, if you are lucky and you find yourself here in mid-July, during the so-called “Sloppy Joe’s Hemingway” - this is a look-alike competition that is very popular here, you will even be able to drink a glass of ice-cold beer in the company of an almost real “Hemingway”. In general, it must be said that in Key West they love and know how to have fun. Every month various competitions and festivals are held here, so the chance of getting to some kind of celebration is very high - this is the Robert Frost Festival, and a theater festival, and all kinds of musical holidays... In a word, there would be a desire to celebrate, but you can always find a reason.
Key West is the abode of rich, but sometimes disillusioned people. Perhaps even a saving shelter for those who recklessly flee from the pressure of the big city. Here you can get rid of depression by drowning it in a glass of Cosmopolitan steamed with ice... and......
Key West: 90 miles to Cuba (part 1)
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“Everything here is literally imbued with the proximity of the ocean, and no matter where you turn, you will certainly run into either the Gulf of Mexico, or you will find yourself on the shore, washed by the waves of the Atlantic. The ocean with you is an inseparable part of the soul and a happy peace, like the presence of a beloved woman, without whom you are lost and You don’t know what to do with yourself if she’s not around.” - this is another author’s impression of Key West (in the story
Key West Attractions - this is exactly what all vacationers should definitely pay attention to. Their diversity and uniqueness amazes every person. Also, due to the good climate, Key West sees an increase in the number of tourists every year.
Things to do in Key West
Always on the list of attractions you can see a unique street of its kind called Duval Street. It is distinguished by the fact that during the daytime you can arrange interesting shopping there, as well as taste incredible dishes from famous restaurants, while at night the entire territory turns into an unforgettable carnival party. The holiday here always lasts until dawn, as a result of which there is often simply not enough time for other attractions in Key West.
For those who love to soak up the sun and walk on soft-touch sand, Key West's longest beach, Smathers Beach, will appeal. The city authorities equipped it at the highest level. American Butler can organize any active type of recreation.
For all lovers of diving and snorkeling close to Key West There is an opportunity to dive to see the Great Barrier Reef. This unique natural site consists of a huge number of colorful corals, as well as many tropical fish that prefer to live in such conditions.
Fishing here brings unforgettable pleasure! The very realization that you can catch a fish in the same place where the famous Ernest Hemingway once did is simply incredible! These waters are home to some representatives of the mackerel family, golden perch and many other representatives of the underwater world.
Romantic Places and Culture in Key West
Key West Island in Florida it is considered a fairly old city, founded back in 1822. That is why many artifacts of the people living here have been preserved here.
- The most popular place in the evening is the central Mallory Square. Sunsets captured at this location have appeared in various films several times.
- The Museum of the famous Ernest Hemingway is considered no less stunning than all other places! In it you can see how this Nobel laureate, familiar to everyone with his unusual view of the world around him, lived in the old days and under what conditions he created his works. All the characteristic features of the interior in which he lived have remained untouched to this day.
- For those who love cultural recreation, city of Key West offers a variety of art galleries, several theaters and a symphony hall. In addition, a successful literary seminar is held here every year. All this allows you to gain a lot of mixed pleasant emotions, as well as feel a feeling of some sublimity.
The city of Key West, as it is often incorrectly called by tourists, is currently considered the best place in old Florida, where you can relax and really have a good rest in the most comfortable world-class conditions.
American Butler invites you to visit this wonderful city by organizing a tour for you and your family and friends.
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Travel to the southernmost city in the USA with us!
Key West is a popular beach resort and the capital of the Florida Keys archipelago, located on the island of the same name. A real tropical paradise, where even the harsh police cars say that they are guarding its gates - “protecting paradise”.
Cruise ships with tourists come here almost 24 hours a day. But most of it, of course, comes by land. Whom you will meet in this city! And poor students, and sedate pensioners, and the Princess of Monaco, and even Madonna herself, who loves to visit this island city.
A little history
Once upon a time, Key West was an incredibly wealthy city: locals lived by collecting supplies washed ashore from sunken ships after shipwrecks. This was in 1889, and in 1930 Key West was declared bankrupt. But those days are long gone, and now city residents live only on the money that tourists leave here. The latter, it must be said, do not skimp, and shell out round sums for a vacation in a paradise.
Popular hotels in Key West
Weather in Key West
Entertainment and attractions in Key West
The city has an incredible number of art galleries. The rather prosaically named Key West Gallery is considered the most famous and visited. Here you can find the works of many famous authors, as well as those who are just starting their creative path.
The city has an incredible number of art galleries.
Chickens are also held in special esteem in the city. There are also quite a few of them here, and they all walk freely around the city. Chickens know very well where they are supposed to cross the road, and they do it very carefully. Well, drivers simply stop their cars and wait until all the interested birds have finished crossing the street.
But still, the most famous landmark of the city is a model of a buoy, which is built of cement. On this buoy is written in large letters the following: “Republic of Conch/ 90 miles to Cuba/ Southernmost point of continental United States/ Key West, Florida/ Where the sunset is.” Before the buoy, there was a sign here, but it was very often stolen by tourists, so the city authorities decided to write these words that are significant for the city on a cement buoy, which certainly no one can move.
Key West Museums
The most popular museum in the city has a much more romantic name than the gallery - the Museum of Shipwrecks. At first glance, the original wooden building can only be called a museum with a big stretch.
The most popular museum in the city has a much more romantic name than the gallery - the Museum of Shipwrecks.
Here, local theater actors, dressed in 19th-century costumes, perform real naval battles for the audience. And on the very roof of the museum there is an observation deck, onto which at one time every day the residents of the city took turns climbing and looking at the ocean, waiting for a shipwreck. When it finally happened, the person on the landing shouted at the top of his lungs that the ship was sinking and that it was time to go rob it. Raspberries, not life!
Fort Zachary Taylor
Another great place in the city is Fort Zachary Taylor National Historical Park. Here you can see real ghosts of pirates who, like all pirates, are arguing over who owns the chest of gold.
Hemingway House
It is impossible to visit Key West without visiting the famous writer Ernest Hemingway, the most famous resident of the city, and indeed the entire archipelago. He came here out of curiosity, but stayed and bought a small house with a garden.
The city is home to an incredibly large number of cats. There are about four animals for every Key West resident. By the way, there is another interesting story about these tailed creatures. Once upon a time, Hemingway was given an amazing six-toed kitten, which, since 1935, has led the family tree of the famous six-toed cats. Six or even seven toes on two or all four paws is not a breed or a disease, but a gene mutation. The descendants of Snowball, given to Hemingway, are the main owners of the writer’s house-museum. Today, more than 40 cats live here: they lie on the beds and accompany curious tourists. And behind the house there is a real six-toed cat cemetery.
Key West is also a center for sexual minorities. Here you can very often meet homosexual couples, and no one pays any attention to them. Everyone treats it as something that is also part of the city.
What do the residents do here? Practically nothing. They spend their days wandering around the city, messing around and having fun. This is why it seems that time in Key West has stood still and is just standing still. And the people living here are incredibly slow. Therefore, you should not be surprised that a tourist will have to wait not 5 minutes, but half an hour, and sometimes even more, for his order in a cafe or restaurant.
Key West (Florida) is both a city and an island. The territory belongs. You can get to it via numerous bridges - straight from Homestead or Miami. The island is located at one of the southernmost points of the United States, on a large archipelago called the Florida Keys. Among travelers, this resort is known for its warm climate, gorgeous beaches and high-class hotels.
From the history
Until the 16th century, the Kaalus Indian tribes lived here. In 1521, the first person from Europe visited the place. The island was given a name meaning “covered with bones”, which was associated with Indian battles. The modern name appeared as a result of an error. The Spanish words were eventually replaced by similar-sounding English ones. And now the name of the city of Key West can be literally translated as “Western Key”. Over time, the island began to be populated by new residents arriving from other territories. They were engaged in fishing, and from time to time they had to save passengers from sinking ships from death. Salt production was also developed here. In the 19th century, the island became part of the United States. Over the years, the place has become popular among tourists and vacationers.
At the beginning of the last century, the famous railroad was built across the islands, which stretched straight from Miami. It was destroyed by a strong storm in the 1930s and replaced with a car one. Now just over 25 thousand people live here permanently.
Consequences of the disaster
Strong winds and tornadoes are not that uncommon in Florida. Hundreds of residents died after a hurricane occurred in 1935. But this was not the only such episode in the life of the island of Key West. Most recently, the city of Key West suffered severe damage in September 2017 following Hurricane Irma. Houses and buildings were destroyed, trees were uprooted. The wind speed almost exceeded 210 km/h. The violence of the elements led to severe flooding. As a result, many residents were left homeless, and the people themselves were previously evacuated. The city is gradually being restored, many objects are being rebuilt.
Beach holiday
Why is Key West, Florida so attractive to tourists? Firstly, the special climate. In these parts, the temperature does not drop below zero degrees. The weather is usually clear and sunny. From morning to evening you can spend time on the beach, acquiring pleasant shades of tan, swimming in the purest sea water.
The coastal area is strewn with sand. The most popular among tourists is the equipped Smathers Beach, where there are parking spaces, retail outlets and cafes, a recreation area with the ability to rent tables and chairs. Many come here for diving or fishing. You can buy a catamaran or a boat for a while. There are also wild beaches on the island. For example, one of these is located on the territory of Fort Zachary Taylor Park. A quieter and more peaceful place, visited by significantly fewer tourists.
Entertainment
The already mentioned park is one of the places that are definitely worth visiting in Key West (Florida). Until the 40s of the last century, there was an active fort here. On this moment This is a historical park where you can take a walk (on foot or by bike), rent a kayak, or sit in a cafe. Park visiting hours should be confirmed in advance.
Duval Street is considered the main street of the city. On both sides you can see numerous cafes and restaurants. For example, Sloppy Joe's is a bar that Hemingway himself once visited! Fans of the writer's work are sure to come here to take photos of the interiors and have a couple of cocktails. This place often hosts concerts with live music. Other establishments offer karaoke, and If you come in the evening or at night, you can get into a colorful show and become a participant in the carnival.
Key West Attractions
You can move around the city not only on your feet. It also offers excursions, which are carried out on a special tourist bus. Or you can rent a scooter or bicycle to explore the surrounding area on your own. There are many palm trees around. Coconuts from them are sold in retail shops. A tube is inserted inside to make drinking coconut milk more convenient.
In the southernmost point of Key West, Florida there is a local landmark - a large painted buoy. Sometimes a long line of tourists forms to take pictures next to him. The buoy symbolizes the southern point of the United States (although in fact this is not entirely true). It also bears the marker “90 miles to Cuba.”
The city sells original souvenirs: it is wise to buy something to remember your visit to Key West (Florida). These could be magnets, small crafts, or sold in some stores. They are made on the island, according to local sellers. By the way, real Cuban cigars are prohibited from being sold in the United States.
Museums
Key West is home to many interesting museums. First of all, it is worth mentioning the Hemingway Museum, located in the house where the writer lived. The building has a long history, and it was built back in 1851. In the museum you can see antique furniture and things of the famous author. Hemingway brought some trophies with him from expeditions to distant lands. The museum is home to amazing animals - six-toed cats. These are the descendants of the writer's pet cat.
It is unlikely that any other city has a Shipwreck Museum. Here is an interesting exhibition of things that came to the residents of Key West from sinking ships. In addition to household items, you can see real gold bars, as well as watch introductory videos about rescue operations. Another museum complex where you can get acquainted with maritime treasures and treasures is the Fisher Maritime Museum. And you can see the inhabitants of the ocean by visiting the Key West Aquarium. Entry there, like museums, is paid, but tickets can be booked in advance.
How to get there?
You can get to the island on a large cruise ship. This is how tourists from China and other distant countries arrive in the Florida Keys. Another option is to fly by plane. Key West has a small international airport. But it is worth considering that the weight of luggage is very limited. Most often, travelers prefer to get to the island by car. The bridge offers stunning views of the sea, coral reefs and ships passing by. Along the way you can also see what remains of the destroyed railway.
There are practically no buildings in the city higher than two floors. And some ancient buildings, according to legend, are haunted by ghosts. An example is the Victorian-style mansion Marrero's Guest Mansion, near which the silhouette of a deceased girl, the beloved of the former owner of the house, has been seen more than once. And the walls of some other buildings still remember the times of pirate bloodshed.
You can stay in Key West (Florida) in a good hotel or in a private home. Some residents rent out rooms or entire villas to visitors.
