Key West, Florida by foot
There are some places that just cannot be fully experienced or
appreciated from the window of your car or tour bus. Key West,
Florida is one of those places. Here culture, history and
architecture combine to form one of the most memorizing and
unique vacation destinations to be found anywhere in Florida.
>From the pastel cottages to the waving palms to the long, sandy
beaches and breathtaking sunsets, Key West is a place that is
only truly experienced by really getting intimate with the
island and breathing in all that is Key West.
One of the best ways to explore Key West is by foot. Only while
walking through this amazing island can one fully appreciate the
culture that is unique to the Key West locals and truly memorize
the attractions to be found in all of their exquisite and vivid
detail. That is why a leisurely vacation in Key West that
includes exploring the island by foot makes a perfect vacation
getaway for one, two or the whole family.
The local culture of Key West and its locals are unique. Here
the people live a harmonious life where they are free to express
themselves any way they wish. From clothing to hairstyles to
lifestyles and body piercing, the Key West locals dance to the
rhythm of their own drum. This way of looking at life creates a
laid back and friendly atmosphere, which usually means that it
does not take long for one to be attracted to the Key West
lifestyle.
The Key West lifestyle is very subdued, simple and laid back.
Although there are a few grand homes to be found, many locals
live in small homes or cottages, which feature steep-pitched tin
roofs, louvered wooden shutters, and inviting front porches. One
of the favorite pastimes of the Key West natives is lounging on
these picture-perfect porches while reading, playing games or
just simple enjoying the temperate weather.
Rich and ornate architecture and landscaping is another way that
the Key West locals fully express themselves. Key West is full
of inspirational and exquisite architecture. In fact, one of the
most enjoyed activities of tourists to Key West is touring the
National Historic District in Old town, which includes almost
3,000 structures, public homes and museums. This is where the
best architecture of Key West is to be found.
Here are just a few of the main architectural and tourist
attractions to be found in the National Historic District, Key
West:
The San Carlos Institute, located on Duval Street, is a
monument to Cuban patriotic activity. This Spanish styled
building was originally built in 1924 and was later restored and
opened as a museum, library, school, theater and conference
center in 1992. Featuring high ceilings and ornate mosaic tile,
the San Carlos Institute is a must see for anyone visiting Key
West. Both guided tours and films, which highlight the history
of this imposing structure, are offered year round in Spanish
and English.
Just a few steps away on Whitehead Street, is the John James
Audubon House. This Bahamian-style white clapboard house is one
of the oldest homes in Key West. The home was built in 1830s by
ship carpenters using mahogany, cypress and heart pine. A museum
is on site highlighting many of Audubon's original engravings of
bird species of Key West. There is also a tropical garden that
features rare fruit trees and white orchids.
Also on Whitehead Street is the home where Ernest Hemingway
lived during the years of 1931 to 1940. It was in this home that
Hemingway penned some of his greatest works including To Have
and Have Not, Death in the Afternoon, and The Snows of
Kilimanjaro. The Spanish Colonial stone mansion features many of
Hemingway's earliest manuscripts, a second floor studio used by
Hemingway, and some of Hemingway's original furnishings.
So, if you are looking for a vacation experience like no other,
perhaps you should consider touring Key West by foot. After a
few days of taking one of the many walking tours mapped
throughout the city and mingling with the natives, you may never
want to come home.