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Travel Report
Key West Highlights From Hemingway’s House to Sunset Sails ©Debbra Dunning Brouillette
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Mallory Square
he furthest South Florida key on the map is actually closer to Cuba than Miami, and has lots to offer visitors of every age. It oscillates between uber highend luxury to cute, quaint and charming little arty enclaves, and the neighborhoods are works of art unto themselves – all beautifully kept, shining white homes draped in lush cascades of bougainvillea in many stunning colors. A great way to get the lay of the downtown grid is to take a Conch Train Tour. Attractions include Hemingway’s House, a Butterfly Farm and the national park around Fort Zachary is where you'll find the best beach. Most stops include a visit to Kermit’s for the best key lime pie on the planet and over 550 key lime related products, and Turtle Kraals top deck for killer fare and the best sunset view over the marina. Mangoes’ outside courtyard in the heart of downtown is another must dine at emporium, and the nightly Key West Sunset Celebration with music is also a treat. You must also take a sail upon the waves.
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I highly recommend Danger Charters for their lovely little yacht and small groups – only 25 people per trip. Their Wine and Wind Sunset Sail with tapas was glorious. (And we just happened to be sailing alongside Ron Perlman’s yacht when we went, who just happens to be our featured profile this issue!) Also a fun side trip is to the deserted little island of Dry Tortugas. We took the ferry, which I did find a little long – should I do it again I would opt for the seaplane that only takes 45 minutes – but the journey was worth it anyway. Prepare to be impressed by the massive, abandoned, yet still very much intact, Fort Jefferson there and also be prepared to snorkel! They supply equipment, and you can explore the pristine reefs around the fort walls and lounge on stellar white sand beaches. A very unique combo trip! The fort is also famous for being the prison where Dr. Samuel Mudd was incarcerated for his role in aiding Lincoln’s assassinator, John Wilkes Booth. Visit: www.fla-keys.com SUSAN CAMPBELL @suectravel