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UNITED STATES | Florida Keys, Florida Travel Guide
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Key West
Key West
At the end of the road – or the beginning, depending on how you look at it – is fantastic, eccentric, exciting Key West (MM 4-0), geographically tiny but packed with enough history, attractions, cultural activities, nightlife and watersports to keep visitors busy for weeks. Located closer to Cuba than the US, Key West is the country’s independent, irreverent subtropical paradise, with a balmy climate and anything-goes ambience that have long provided a haven for writers, artists and free-spirits.
Among those who have sought solace, solitude and inspiration in Key West are Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Robert Frost and Jimmy Buffett. Even President Harry Truman retreated to Key West to relax and rejuvenate.
The not-so-famous have also discovered Key West as a paradise of unlimited opportunity – among them, Bahamian wreckers, commercial fishermen, sponge fishermen and Cuban cigar makers. Today, Key West’s Bahamian and Cuban heritage is represented throughout the island in restaurants, cigar shops, museums and accommodations.
Another important facet of Key West’s history is its military legacy, spotlighted in a number of Civil War-era forts, including Fort Zachary Taylor on the island’s west side, East Martello Tower and West Martello Tower on the south shore, and Fort Jefferson, located 68 miles off Key West in the Dry Tortugas.
Today’s visitors to Key West can follow the pathways of the past while enjoying such modern diversions as game fishing, diving and club-hopping the fabled bars and saloons of Duval Street. Not to be missed is the daily sunset celebration at Mallory Square, featuring such street performers as flame swallowers, tightrope walkers, mimes and other assorted characters.
Gay Key West
With its laid-back ambience and “come as you are” spirit, Key West is a popular vacation destination for gay and lesbian travelers. In fact, about a quarter of the island’s year-round population of 35,000 is gay, and gay residents currently hold many prominent civic positions, including city commissioner and chamber of commerce president.
In addition to the things that attract everyone to Key West – the weather, the history, the nightlife, and shopping – gay and lesbian travelers are drawn to local events celebrating sexual diversity such as the annual Rainbow Colors Ball, WomenFest, and the kick-off to Fantasy Fest, the Headdress Ball. While most of the island’s guesthouses are “all welcome” – meaning that anyone, regardless of sexual preference, is invited to stay – there are a number of men- and women-only guesthouses. Call the Key West Business Guild for specific information at 305-294-4603 or 888-294-4603, or visit their Web site at www.gaykeywestfl.com.
Last updated November 16, 2010
Posted in United States | Florida Keys
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