I recently returned from a trip to Key West, Florida. It's long been a domestic 'final frontier' of mine, one of the few places I've always wanted to visit, but never have.
Here are my observations:
- While not that far in distance, the drive from Miami to Key West takes 3-4 hours since you're going through several other island keys and resort areas. It was interesting to see everything, and even stop for food and beverages -- but I wouldn't care to do it again as opposed to flying.
- Viewing the sunset is a big deal at Key West, and hundreds gather each evening for just that activity. At Mallory Square, the sunset is accompanied by several street performers to pass the time. For those willing and able, there are lots of sunset cruises on the water available.
- The main tourist hub is Duval Street. It's a two-mile long stretch of nothing but big bars (some famous, like Ernest Hemingway's old hangout, Sloppy Joes) and restaurants and touristy shops on both sides. It's amenable to not only walkers but also those on bicycles and scooters. It was a longer, slightly more family-friendly version of Bourbon Street in New Orleans.
- The Key West Historic Seaport is another tourist hotspot. There were at least three large restaurants with outdoor seating from where you can watch fishing boats and yachts moving in and out (or cruise on one yourself). Jimmy Buffett's Key West recording studio is there as well.
- I was expecting more of an island vibe to Key West, kind of laid back with Jimmy Buffett music emanating from every corner. Turns out it had much more of a classic rock, crossover-county vibe, with a big blue-collar crowd to go along with the affluent tourists, at least after the sun went down.
- Speaking of music.....there was a lot of live music. It started in the morning at the resorts and a few bars, and it was almost everywhere at night. It was practically a necessity for a bar to have live music to draw patrons in from the street.
In summary, I'd say if New Orleans mated with Cape Cod, the offspring would end up to be something like Key West.
