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Guide to Key West, USA - Florida
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Click to go to Flight Prices for Key West
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Key WestCelebrated by Ernest Hemingway as a testament to the term 'paradise', Key West is an island that, decades later, has been thoroughly overrun by tourists and vacationers from the US mainland. Even more surprising is how it has retained its easygoing folk-like charm. Sure, you're more likely to walk into a souvenir store than a general store or bar of the past, but Key West's intrinsic nature lives on in minor anecdotes that refuse to give up their places. Visitors to the island are treated to the typical resort vacation, but if you take the reins yourself, you can breeze past the ordinary attractions for a deeper connection with Key West in the areas that have grown increasingly ignored over the years. What would normally be a rather eerie experience in the Key West Cemetery is actually one that will bring a few chuckles out of you after reading headstones with witty declarations. Visit the historic parts of town, take a seat on a barstool and go for a Hemingway Hammer if you so dare. Almost every night Mallory Square is celebrating one occasion or another, and if you happen to stroll through when things are quiet, it's the perfect place to watch over the harbor with that special someone after a trip through a few traditional Key West dishes. Bring the family; take your other half; treat yourself to a wonderful experience. Come to Key West. Book your flight today!
When to go:
Key West's summertime weather is balmy, but beautiful. Daily temperatures can reach the 90's but humidity stays at a surprisingly low level (unless, of course, hurricanes are in the forecast). Between October and June the island sees its biggest numbers in terms of visitorship, and yes, this does constitute much of the year, but the when the thermometer reads 70F for weeks, even months at a time, you know you're in for a great time. If you feel like braving the rains or are deemed lucky by the local weathermen, you can enjoy Key West in its reasonably quiet form and get perfect weather to boot. Otherwise, stick to the crowded streets of autumn through spring and be guaranteed sunny skies.
Getting there and around:
The island's international airport always surprises travelers with the ease of which arrangements can be made. Flights from Africa, Mexico, and/or Europe are not out of the ordinary, but it is far more common for a stop-over-in-Florida scenario to occur for overseas visitors, even for those from places inside the US. The terminal has been revamped to keep with the times, nothing goes so far as to offer too many choices and thus create confusion. Public transportation is probably the easiest method of getting around Key West, but after time you may despise having to keep to a schedule, therefore many car rental agencies are thrown into the picture. Take our advise and travel to/from your hotel and the airport via public transit, but as soon as you're settled and unpacked, give a few establishments a call to get a roundup of the rates and choose accordingly.
Attractions:
The most visited of Key West's sites, the residence of Ernest Hemingway is the epitome of classic Key West architecture, and inside you'll find everything placed almost exactly the way it was left by the late author. Much of his best work was inspired by the area, which the displays throughout the house point out in great clarity to visitors. The Key West Aquarium is a 1932 establishment that is proud of its age and has a wonderful, friendly staff to boot. Many of the Aquarium's exhibits are hands on and you can even take part in the 'Pet the Shark' program, which allows interaction (albeit supervised) with these fearsome creatures. Tropical fish also abound inside the numerous tanks held here.
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