7 minute read
Long weekend in
Florida’s Key West
Be Inspired Long weekened in... / 45
Located at the Florida Keys’ southern tip, Key West offers a rich history and access to stunning eco-systems. Inspire clients to complete their Florida Keys journey with a long weekend in the island city
Day 1-2: Island city adventures
Day 1: Start the weekend by taking a tour of the island city to get your bearings. Catch a ride on an Old Town Trolley Tour, narrated by local guides with unlimited hop-on and hop-off opportunities, to explore at your own pace. Or use pedal power to discover Key West with Key Lime Bike Tours, with a complimentary slice of the eponymous pie at the end of the tour.
Make sure to explore the colourful architecture of Old Town and Bahama Village and stop by the Southernmost Point of the continental USA to snap a selfie, then head to Mallory Square for sundown street performers, local artisan stands and street food at the nightly Sunset Celebration. Day 2: Now that you’ve scratched the surface, it’s time to brush up on local history and culture, of which there is plenty. For literature buffs, the Hemingway Home & Museum, former home of author Ernest Hemingway, is a must. Keep an eye out for the resident six-toed cats, some of which are descendants of Hemingway’s own pet Snow White. Artisan shops abound at the Historic Seaport, perfect for a pre-dinner browse. At night, drama performances, musicals and comedies keep audiences entertained, while sidewalk cafes and bars offer great live music. Embrace the nightlife on Duval Street and drop into Sloppy Joe’s Bar to channel your inner Hemingway.
heMinGway hoMe & MuseuM
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Mark the stay with a selfie
Get close to Marine life on an eco tour
Book it with... Abercrombie & Kent Their eight-night Carry On Down The Keys itinerary includes four days in Key West exploring historic highlights and marine life. The Miami round-trip is priced from £1,635pp.
fla-keys.co.uk
historic fort Jefferson
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Day 3-4: Get on the water
Day 3: Live life the Key West way by taking to the stunning waters around the island city. Head out fishing with a Blue Star charter boat captain, all of whom are committed to sustainable fishing and resource protection in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Tuna, grouper and yellowtail snapper are among the plentiful local species. Dive the Florida Reef or one of the many shipwreck sites around Key West with the help of professional charter services. Or combine sailing, kayaking, snorkelling and dolphin watching on a full day tour focusing on conservation, the eco-system and ethical wildlife viewing. Day 4: Take a day trip to the secluded Dry Tortugas National Park on the charmingly-named Yankee Freedom ferry. Encompassing seven small islands 70 miles west of Key West, the park is one of the world’s most unique eco-attractions, offering some of the best snorkelling in North America. Sandy beaches, shoals and ocean waters span 100 square miles, with the depths providing sanctuary for coral and seagrass, as well as shipwrecks. More than 16 million bricks were used to build the park’s crowning jewel, Fort Jefferson – a giant 19th century military fort once used as a Civil War prison that stands alone surrounded by the ocean. •
Be Inspired 46 / Introducing...
Historic highlights in Oklahoma
America’s energetic growth created the heart of Oklahoma, past and present. This is the year to slow down and experience more of the historic gems of the USA
East MEEts WEst, RoutE 66 Midpoint in tulsa
REba McEntiRE, aMERican countRy Music singER
best place for... Native americaN history: First Americans Museum, Oklahoma City cowboy culture: Stockyard City rodeo route 66: Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, Clinton music: Bob Dylan Center, Tulsa
sMokin JoEs Rib Ranch in davis
buck atoM spacE coWboy in tulsa As America grew it seemed every restless settler, cowboy, oil tycoon and budding entrepreneur paused or settled in what is now Oklahoma.
Most notable are the 39 Native American tribes now headquartered in the ‘Sooner State’ as a result of having been resettled – willingly or forcibly – in the 1800s. Oklahoma is a richly-storied state: diverse, beautiful, welcoming and ready; willing and able to share these significant historic events with visitors.
It’s at America’s crossroads, where ranchers raised cattle (and still do) and cowboys hit the famous Chisholm Trail, used in the post-Civil War era to drive cattle overland from ranches.
Where Native American nations have rebuilt communities and prospered, and now proudly share their stories at tribal cultural centes such as the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City and the Choctaw Cultural Center near Durant.
And where, in 1926, Tulsa businessman Cyrus Avery envisioned a highway connecting east and west and the iconic Route 66 was born.
Oklahomans come from many backgrounds and many nations.
This diversity is perfectly reflected in cuisine across this state. Traditionally it’s about hearty Western fare – BBQ ribs and steak; fried chicken; biscuits and gravy; Indian tacos; pie and ice cream. Today, local ‘farm-to-fork’ sourcing is a big deal, and ‘Okies’ with roots all over the world – from Ireland to Italy and Sweden to Southeast Asia – offer an eclectic culinary experience in flourishing restaurant, craftbrewery, and winery scenes.
Music to the ears: Oklahoma’s music pedigree is strong and vibrant, a rich mix of country and blues; folk and bluegrass, and more recently R&R and Oklahoma’s
Be Inspired Introducing... / 47
coWboy at thE oklahoMa national stockyaRds
national RoutE 66 MusEuM, Elk city FiRst nation poWWoW in ponca city
own ‘red-dirt’ fusion - a mixture of Rock, Blues and Country.
Live music is everywhere, from huge arenas to ‘front-room’ bars.
Home-grown artists such as Vince Gill, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood and Blake Shelton (to name a few) have become mega-stars. Meanwhile, 2022 will see the addition of exciting new music attractions in Oklahoma, not least the Bob Dylan ‘living archive’ at its own purposebuilt Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa.
Cattle ranching is a way of life in rural Oklahoma. County fairs and rodeos are held May through October. Stockyard City, a district of Oklahoma City, hosts the U.S.’s biggest livestock auction every week – and spectators are welcome! Main Street is home to the famous Cattlemen’s restaurant. Known for its aged steaks, Cattlemen’s is believed to be the oldest restaurant in Oklahoma.
First American Stories
Oklahoma is home to 39 tribal headquarters. Each having a unique history, from following the Great American bison across endless prairies to being force-marched along the Trail of Tears into ‘Oklahoma Territory’.
These First American Nations have prospered and today their tribal Cultural Centers are fascinating and inspirational places to visit and to learn about their traditions and culture.
The Mother Road
There’s no richer section of Route 66 than the 400-plus drivable miles that travel through Oklahoma. Passing through Oklahoma City and Tulsa, the famous highway brings together a memorable patchwork of historic, quirky and fun attractions. Set aside five to seven days for exploring the ‘must do’ attractions, such as Oklahoma Route 66 Museum.
Gorgeous State Parks
Thirty-five state parks adorn Oklahoma in 12 eco-regions, ranging from desert to cypress swamp, salt flats to Tallgrass prairies, and hardwood forests to pinecovered mountains. All are graced with breathtaking beauty and countless watersports and land-based outdoor activities. Accommodation includes log cabins, lodges, campgrounds for full service RV and primitive camping. •
