Written by Captain G
Key West is known for many things. Sailors may think of it as “Race Week.” Vacationers may consider it a destination where one can visit everything within walking distance. RVers probably consider it a place to visit on a day trip or a turnaround spot at the end of US 1. For us, Key West is so much more. Here are our five things to do while visiting The Conch Republic.
#5 Sloppy Joe’s
Located at 201 Duval St. (24.559111 x -81.804956)
If you attended public school, you know what a Sloppy Joe is. And who doesn’t like a good Sloppy Joe sandwich now and then? Now imagine that with live music and booze. Sounds pretty good? We think so. We visit Sloppy Joe’s Bar every time we visit KW and tell ourselves it’s for good luck. Try the sandwich at least once. Text your friends back home to look you up online with the restaurant’s live webcam. Smile and make a toast.
The iconic bouy is located at 1400 Whitehead St. (24.551294 x -81.80104)
A historical landmark called the Southernmost Point of the Continental United States. At this point, you are closer to Cuba than a Walmart. It is an excellent spot for that vacation photo opportunity, and you should expect a waiting line for this free memory. For fun, take along a Polaroid Camera. For reference, this bouy is near the southern end of Duval Street. A walking route option is to stroll along US 1 to view the famous lighthouse at 938 Whitehead St., The Hemingway House at 907 Whitehead St., and Mile Marker 0, which stretches from Key West to upper Maine, located across from Zero Mile Art at 501 Whitehead St.
#3 Key West First Legal Rum Distillery
Located at 105 Simonton St. (24.560945 x -81.80457)
Free rum tasting, yep! Free distillery tour, yep. Located in the original Key West Coca-Cola bottling company building, this stop has reached #3 on our list. They offer mojito classes to train you to create and enjoy this refreshing summer drink. Take time to enjoy a little history and a libation.
#2 Walk Duval Street
Duval St is located in the center of town.
More millionaires once resided in Key West than in New York City. The same is true for roosters and hens other than millionaires, but these chickens are treated as royalty as they own the lanes all across town.
On Duval Street, you can find art galleries, famous bars, live music, pharmacies, Key lime pie shops, and folks from all walks of life. Maybe even a celebrity or two. You can find food, music, and drink from one end of the road to the other. Just remember to watch where you step the later it gets into the early morning hours. It is said that Ernest Hemingway used the light beaming from the Key West lighthouse to find his way home on more than one occasion.
Located at Mallory Square Pier, 420 Wall St. (24.559151 x -81.806883)
Who calls evening drinks “sundowners?” Who has heard of “The Green Flash?” You are lucky because both can be chased here on the pier while waiting and enjoying the street performers and entertainers. Mallory Square is on the west side of town and is the perfect location for an evening with friends and drinks while watching the sunset. Remember not to look directly into the sun. Hold hands, laugh, and watch out not to hit your head on other people’s selfie sticks.
Do you have any Key West memories that you would like to share?
Written by Captain G and not written by AI.
Aquatramp 