Story and photos By Bob Nesoff
With travel becoming a bit of a chore in some locations, vacationers should do some research. How about an independent republic within the borders of the United States and almost within spitting distance of Cuba?
This trip was abbreviated. We came in on the Celebrity Apex. While some lines give you a brief time to explore or enjoy, Celebrity afforded its passengers nearly a full day on Key West. One of the best things about a cruise is that your hotel goes with you. No packing, unpacking and then packing again.
The rustic nature of Key West is a tad different than the luxury on board the Celebrity Apex. But that’s what you travel for. Isn’t it? To see and do things that are different.
The southern-most point in the United States lies at the tip of the Conch Republic. You can’t miss it because there is a huge monument in the shape of a marine buoy.
Now locals in the Conch Republic might like to argue that their Republic is independent, but the government in Washington, DC might argue the point.
You don’t need a passport or any identification to go to the Conch Republic, because its official name is Key West, and it lies at the very tip of the keys reaching from Florida’s mainland to the tip of Key West and within a scant 90 mile of Cuba.
Those born on the key refer to themselves as “Conchs,” a sobriquet no new comer, no matter how long you’ve lived there, can misappropriate. As with many real estate deals, the key, then owned by Spain, was sold to a John Simonton for a measly 200 pesos – A fantastic bargain. That amount today might not even be able to cover a dinner tab. The Mexican peso today is worth about $10 U.S. But the purchase today would be counted in the hundreds of millions.
Key West has a habit of bringing people back for a return visit. It’s the people, the atmosphere and the warmth and welcoming attitude of the Conchs. And, all there is to see and do on the key.
Arguably, the biggest attraction is the buoy denoting the southern-most point. It’s free, but that’s not it’s attraction. Get there early because once the day moves along, so does the line waiting to photographed with the buoy in the background.
But there is more. So much more to see and do. Visit Mallory Square right on the waterfront. You’ll find musicians, jugglers and all sorts of entertainers. Drop a dollar or two into their collection bucket. You don’t have to, but they will appreciate it.
Check out the shop that advertises it is “Better Than Sex.”
Get your mind out of the gutter. It’s not a whoopie house at all. Their main item is amazing desserts that they feel are better than sex. While I think most people would debate that point, the desserts are really good. But take a photo yourself and companion standing under the canopy with that legend.
It’ll be nigh impossible to see everything in Key West, so do what was suggested last week. I always recommend that when in a destination for the first time, do some research before you arrive. Once here, however, try the Old Town Trolley. It may look like something out of an amusement park, but the “conductor” knows his way around, makes stops, and gives a great description of what you’ll see.
Check out Sunset Key, just off-shore from Key West and make dinner reservations. This is not a stop for tourists looking around. Residents and those there for an amazing dinner are welcomed and transported by a smallish ferry boat. The sunset viewed from here is one of the most amazing sights and the food matches the atmosphere.
A must stop, especially for the younger, but of legal age is the Hog’s Breath Saloon. That doesn’t mean if that category has come and gone for you, that you will feel uncomfortable there. To the contrary it is arguably the most enjoyable place on Key West to have a beer or even something stronger. Step in and you are immediately one of the crowd. “Crowd” describes the Hog’s Breath perfectly. It may take a few minutes before you can snuggle up to the bar, but it’s worth the wait. It’s like the old V bar, “Cheers, where everybody knows your name.”
If you want to imbibe more, try Sloppy Joe’s Bar, the favorite watering hole of Ernest Hemmingway. The drinks are big and so is the hospitality. The place seems to never close so take your time, go sightseeing and them come to Joe’s for a nightcap. One of the more interesting, and popular, eateries is Blue Heaven. But make sure you call for a reservation a day or so in advance.
Blue Heaven is truly a near-heaven destination. The food is terrific and there’s even a little private area that is raised about the others there. But not by much. This is truly a Key West type destination. The floor, if you want to call it that, looks like a beach transported to Blue Heaven. It’s all white sand and that truly lends the flavor of the island to your stay.
The walk back to the cruise pier and the Celebrity Apex was with a mixture of feelings. Although this was a return visit, it really felt that something was being left behind. Oh well, there’s always another day.
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