I didn't hear much about Florida Keys as a tourist destination, in fact, I only knew about this tiny place when it was featured as the finish line of The Amazing Race Episode 18, specifically the historic Seven-Mile Bridge. So when my friends invited me to join them to spend a few days in Key West, I took the opportunity to explore and learn more on what this place has to offer. The Florida Keys extend from the southern edge of Florida, southwest into the Gulf of Mexico. At land's end stands the island of Key West, the southernmost point of the continental United States of America. It's only 90 miles to Cuba.
The inhabitants of this Florida enclave are an eclectic group made up of artists, entrepreneurs, retirees, writers and those who consider themselves to be living an 'alternative' or 'eccentric' lifestyle. Today there are about 25,000 people living in Key West. That is a lot of residents for such a tiny island, but Key West has so much to offer such as a laid back atmosphere, great fishing and diving, great weather most of the year, and beautiful scenery and sunsets. So it is no wonder that so many people call Key West home. Even some celebrities have called this little piece of Paradise home, at least for awhile.
Here is a list of some of the notable Key West residents, past and present.
- Ernest Hemingway - a Nobel Prize winner for Literature and is seen as one of the great American 20th century novelists, and is known for works like A Farewell to Armsand and The Old Man and the Sea.
- Tennessee Williams - was a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright whose works include, A Streetcar Named Desire and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
- Kelly McGillis - an American Award winning actress.
- Jimmy Buffet - is an American singer–songwriter, author, actor, and businessman. He is best known for his music, which often portrays an "island escapism" lifestyle, and the often humorous things he has experienced throughout his life.
- Calvin Klein - a world renown fashion designer.
The local atmosphere is decidedly laid back as the biggest commitment on the island seems to be the almost subconscious daily gathering of people to watch the gorgeous sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. Key West vacations are typically lazy, sunny days on the beach, and nights on the town that often last till dawn. The island is loaded with flashy clubs, shops and restaurants, and prices here can be a bit on the high side.
Some of the most popular island activities include eating a slice (or two) of 'Key Lime Pie,' strolling on the busy Duval Street, dolphin encounters and whale watching, marlin and sailfish charters, parasailing, jet skiing, windsurfing, and scuba diving in some of the best coral reefs in all of the Caribbean islands.
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