As we
discovered there is a lot to see in the Florida Keys. Whether you cruise, fly,
or drive in to Key West you'll find more than you imagined to explore in this
historic city. In theory, you could walk from end to end of Key West since
it's just over miles long, then again we found it easier to take a
Old Trolley Tour.
These tours let you sit back and take in the history and scenery of Key West without worrying about traffic or parking. Because you can get off and on at 12 different stops once you've purchased you Old Trolley Tour tickets, the tour is a excellent way to explore Key West and decide which of the more than 100 points of interest you'd like to visit. Among the attractions you'll find are Ripley's Believe it or Not, the Hemmingway House, Casa Antigua, where you’ll find the Pelican Poop Shoppe, the Key West Aquarium, the Key West Shipwreck Historeum and Museum, the Pirate Soul Museum, the Butterfly Garden, the Little White House, and so much more.
The
professional drivers are both entertaining and share many details about Key
West as they drive you through the amazing town. We enjoyed the humorous
stories and spirited personality of our driver, who also helped us with
directions when we were lost. The best part of the tours are the friendly
staff, who made the start of our Key West adventure a fun and memorable one.
We'll certainly return and take the Old Trolley Tour again so we can see the
rest of the attraction we did not have time to visit on our last trip. Be sure
to ask about special discounts available like the
Key West VIP pass when booking your Old Trolley
Tour because you can save a lot of money on other attractions in Key West as
well!
Once
you've taken the tour start your visit to local attractions in Mallory Square,
where there are several great attractions to enjoy. At the
Key West
Aquarium we found creatures native to the Keys, and join the daily shark
and turtle feedings. During special times of the day you can also pet a shark,
and other undersea creatures like hermit crabs, conchs, sea cucumbers and sea
urchins. The Key West Aquarium has an assortment of tanks filled with colorful
sea life, and a knowledgeable staff that can help answer any question you may
about the history. The Key West Aquarium is a great place to start you tour of
the city, and is located right across the street from our next destination;
the Key West Shipwreck Historeum and Museum.
We
did not realize how many ship wrecked along the Keys, nor did we imagine the
tremendous wealth that could be gained by saving the lives of the crew and
diving down to retrieve the goods stored on these ships. The
Key West Shipwreck Historeum and Museum is more than you might expect when
you first walk up and purchase your tickets. Suddenly, you find yourself
stepping back in time to 1856 when the wreckers warehouse helped Key West
become the richest city in the United States. Skillful actors take you into
the life of the men who saved lives and retrieved the actual artifacts from
the wrecked vessel Issac Allerton that sank in 1856.
The
stories told are based on events that built this lively city, and part of its
historic past. The only question is; were these salvagers heroes or just
pirates seeking their fortune at the misfortune of others? You be the judge as
you relive the history and view artifacts from an age gone by. When you're
done exploring inside the Key West Shipwreck Historeum and Museum don't forget
to climb the stairs of the 60' lookout tower for an amazing view of Key West!
Speaking of Pirates, you need only travel
back towards Duval to find the Pirate Soul Museum.
If you've ever been interested in the history of
pirates, then the Pirate Soul Museum is
the place to visit while in Key West. This unique collection features not only
authentic pirate artifacts, it brings their stories to life with interactive
exhibits. The stories told in the Pirate Soul Museum
are about real pirates which were feared throughout the Caribbean. From
Captain Kidds last voyage to Blackbeard, you'll come away with
understanding of the life these pirates led on the open seas.
The
Mel Fisher
Museum that carries on the history of the Keys with interesting exhibits
that include a treasure of gold. Test your strength by lifting a bar of gold;
it's heavier than you might think. Among the exhibits we found intriguing was
the one of the Slave History in the Caribbean, as well as what life was like
in the Keys. Each museum adds new insight and allows you to imagine life as it
was in another time!
One
of the statues in Key West you cannot miss is the huge figures dancing outside
the Key West Historical Museum. This was one of our favorites because it
highlighted the works of artist, Mario Sanchez, and key figures in Key West
history like Ernest Hemingway, and other great men and women. each exhibit
takes you back to a time when these dedicated people made their mark on Key
West, and inspired others to do the same.
What
just about a block down the road from the Historical Museum and you'll find
the Little White House, where Truman's replica of the White House. Here
Presidential artifacts and memorabilia bring the race for the oval office to
life, and exhibits give you insight into the heavy responsibilities such a
position requires. Tours are offered daily, and the Little White House also
has beautiful, shady grounds to enjoy, and relax in after walking around town.
While
you're out walking around you can visit the Key West Historic Memorial
Sculpture Garden. Here, the figures that all have contributed to Key West's
history are memorialize in bronze. Each of the 36 bronze busts is a work of
art, with fine details, and plaques that give you insight into the
contributions and achievements of these men and women. It is a beautiful
gardens space that like the Little White House offers a break from the
bustling streets down the road. The Cuban history you'll discover throughout
the Keys is filled with lively tales about these spirit people. In Key West
you'll find Cuban cigars as well as plenty of Cuban food to sample as well!
As
you stroll back to Duval, grab a refreshing drink, and relax a few moments
before visiting the Ripley's Believe Or Not Museum. Ripley's is just as quirky
and out of the ordinary as
we imagine. Inside you'll find obscure treasures and memorabilia that
Ripley's collected on his adventurous journey's. From the history of the Keys
to kits to kill Vampires to tales about Vlad the Impaler, plus there are
objects that will fascinate and others that will leave you wondering who could
do such a thing. Ripley's is truly of Key West unusual museum's that is worth
a visit!
If
you have time, visit the Key West Cemetery. Okay, it's not something everyone
would enjoy, then again think about how many people visit the National
Cemetery in Washington DC. On a tour of the Key West Cemetery you can pay your
respects to the men and women who made Key West what it is today. You'll also
find interesting stories that are as unique as the people they are told about,
and headstones that have saying you wouldn't expect like; "I told you I was
sick!" The guided tour is the best way to enjoy the quirky history, although a
self-guided tour is available. One bit of advice; bring some water, and wear a
hat, especially if it calls for rain later in the day. Key West, like most of
Florida gets very humid just before a storm.
My
personal favorite among all the museums we visited was the Key West Shipwreck
Historeum and Museum. The actors made the museum fun, and it felt more like an
adventure we were sharing rather than a normal exhibit. Of course, with so
many choices, you're certain to have a favorite as well. With the exception of
the Key West Cemetery, all of the other attractions are within walking
distance of each other and Mallory Square, which is one place you must visit
in the evenings. This is when the Sunset Celebration takes place, and actors,
acrobatics like Will Soto, artists, and even cats in the performance by
Dominique and his Flying House Cats, come out to entertain!
We'll share more about the Sunset Celebration soon, as our journey throughout the Florida Keys continues. When you visit, take your time and enjoy the moment, the Keys are filled with many exciting attractions and adventures to enjoy. And, what makes it most enjoyable are those who call the Keys home, who have many great stories to tell!
Learn More
With so much to see and do in the Florida Keys you might wonder where to begin when planning your trip? The best place to start is by visiting www.fla-keys.com, where you can learn about lodging and dining options as well as discover many of the Characters of the Keys that make it such a memorable destination.
Photo Credits: USA Travel Magazine, Leroy Worley