The Cu tive Appeal of Florida’s Key West By Charlene Peter
Sunset at Parrot Key Resort © Charlene Peters
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s a native Bostonian, I’ve come to realize few things in life are more restorative than a mid-winter trip to the Florida Keys.
Adventure is everywhere within this ribbon-like archipelago of about 1,700 islands, islets, and keys. The weather is the main draw, however, and this climate boasts an average of 330 days of sunshine per year. With my bestie Kathy and my fur baby Freddie in tow, I packed my car and drove us to the subtropical climate of Key West, the southernmost city in the continental United States (and its warmest).
Highway/Route 1. This highway wends its way for 100 miles and over 42 connecting bridges in the turquoise waters of the Straits of Florida that function as a buffer between the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. What makes that water turquoise? Limestone, which is a rock made of calcite, whose bright whiteness illuminates the ocean water above. Interesting to note is that it took more than 200 million years for Mother Nature to create The Keys, when coral reefs began to form on top of the limestone
Arrival at Parrot Key
This stretch of Florida is better known for stellar snorkeling and scuba diving among its coral reefs, and for its catch of local saltwater sh. Key West, in particular (often referred to as Cayo Hueso by its longtime residents), is notorious for its tropical vibe, nightlife, and history. And, since Cuba lies just 90 miles away, Key West’s culture and its food have a notably Cuban accent
We arrived at Key West, a destination known for its well-documented sunsets that are best viewed at one of numerous hidden seaside pockets that rim the downtown area ( nd famed Mallory Square out at the Naval Air Station). We took a spot on the end of a dock built for sunset watching at The Parrot Key Hotel & Villas, located on its own islet in the Gulf of Mexico.
Our automobile odyssey began in Fort Myers, with a short stop for al fresco brunch at LT Steak & Seafood at The Betsy before we headed toward the Overseas
With its appealing façade, gardens, spa, and pool, this resort is best appreciated in its oceanfront backyard: a white picket fence divides the property’s
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