Home & Away with Robert Walshe
www.robertwalshe.com
Holiday Hotspot – Key West Florida
The 150-mile drive from Miami to Key West is one of the great American road trips, whisking you off the mainland and through the fabled Florida Keys to an island city that has been a refuge to writers and presidents. Key West offers plenty of ways to enjoy its coastal seat, including sailing, snorkeling and kayaking tours and several clean beaches. But beyond its outdoor pursuits, Key West also lays claim to some interesting artifacts. Museums are scattered throughout, but the most ac-
Hyatt Key West Florida.
tivity is concentrated on the island’s western half. Literary icon and journalist Ernest Hemingway is one of Key West’s best-known and well-loved “freshwater conchs” (a resident who was not born on the island). His former home — which he lived in for less than 10 years but owned until his death in 1961 — is located in old town and is now a U.S. national historic landmark. Literature buffs take note: Hemingway penned parts of some of his most famous works, including “A Farewell to Arms” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” in this very residence. The grand house itself
is interesting, as it was one of the first in Key West to have indoor plumbing and a pool. Inside, the rooms contain memorabilia about Hemingway’s life and work. Hemingway was given a white, six-toed cat by a ship’s captain. Many of the cats that currently live on the museum grounds (about 50) are believed to be descendants of his cat “Snow White” The house is open every day of the year (even holidays). www.hemingwayhome.com A visit to Audubon House and Tropical Gardens is a step back in time to the world of a maritime pilot and master wrecker in mid-19th century Key West. This grand home was built by Captain John Huling Geiger in the 1840s as a residence for his family. The home’s large scale restoration was the first of its kind in Key West and sparked a local restoration movement. www.audubonhouse.com If you don’t mind heights, the
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climb up the 88 steps to the top of the Key West Lighthouse is also worth it alone for the views. For another great view of the Key West sunset, head to Mallory Square at the northwest tip of the island one of the best spots to catch the sun’s final moments. Less than a mile away and overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa offer chic, contemporary rooms feature flat-screen TVs, iPod docks and pilErnest Hemm ingway’s Hom low-top mattresses, e Key West Fl orida. plus minifridges, balconies and free Wi-Fi. Upgraded rooms add gulf views and/or additional able in downtown Miami or several cities in the sitting areas. Amenities in- at the airport. When you United States on the award clude a heated outdoor pool join “Avis Preferred”, you re- winning Aer Lingus. www. and an exercise room, plus ceive fast track service at the aerlingus.com an ocean-view seafood eatery rental counter to beat the and a stylish lounge. www. queues. The more you rent, Robert Walshe is a travel hyatt.com Nearby enjoy the the higher you can climb broadcaster with Q Radio freshest seafood on the is- through membership tier lev- Network and Travel Editor land at AB Lobster House els – unlocking benefits such for River Media newspaper while “Sloppy Joe’s” is one as upgrades and free week- titles across the island of of the most famous bars in end rentals. www.avis.com Ireland. He is also a reguKey West. My preferred car Miami International Airport lar contributor to the Irish rental company on this trip services most major carriers, News travel section www. was Avis & pick up is avail- with flights from Dublin via robertwalshe.com