What unique out of water activities can be done in key west?
tim asked:
im not talking about any festivals or anything. and im not looking for water sports cuz thats too stereotypical. i dont want anything like playing basketball or anything cuz thats too ordinary more details later.
im not talking about any festivals or anything. and im not looking for water sports cuz thats too stereotypical. i dont want anything like playing basketball or anything cuz thats too ordinary more details later.
when is the best time to go fishing in the florida keys?
Gareth asked:
im either going to go in the summer or in december
also if you have any charter captains you would recomend say them here
my target species are in order what i want to catch most – least
im either going to go in the summer or in december
also if you have any charter captains you would recomend say them here
my target species are in order what i want to catch most – least
dorado(dolphin, mahi mahi)
tarpon
wahoo
sailfish
permit
big grouper
snapper
snook
What kind of things to do in Miami, Key west, and Orlando?
Mya K asked:
If you’re a resident in Florida, please answer!!
We are first time there and would like to visit some cool places!
They can be either touristic or more specialized kind.. Just anywhere you really feel like your money was well worth..
Will really appreciate it.
If you’re a resident in Florida, please answer!!
We are first time there and would like to visit some cool places!
They can be either touristic or more specialized kind.. Just anywhere you really feel like your money was well worth..
Will really appreciate it.
How old do Do you think I look?
some dude asked:
Ok well i was in the Florida Keys this summer and this was of me night shark fishing. Don’t mind the stupid pose. I get mixed answers of how old I look.
Ok well i was in the Florida Keys this summer and this was of me night shark fishing. Don’t mind the stupid pose. I get mixed answers of how old I look.
http://i508.photobucket.com/albums/s329/boardingxpert/FLORIDASEABASE012.jpg
Yeah im 16, thanks for the input. Im only a sophmore in highschool but most people think im in college?
Fly shop in Tarpon Springs, Florida.Fishermens World.Q?
Fishingidiot asked:
2 questions about the fly shop fishermen’s World, in Tarpon Springs.. (1500 Us Highway 19 Tarpon Springs, FL)
2 questions about the fly shop fishermen’s World, in Tarpon Springs.. (1500 Us Highway 19 Tarpon Springs, FL)
1. Does this place have a website..? And if they do what is it?
2. Is it a nice place in there? Are they well stocked on flies and other fly fishing equipment (Fly tying kits, leaders, ETC.) And I am getting a lesson with one of the guy’s on Saturday. Do they give good lessons..?
I am just curious….
Thanks for your answers!
Have a great holiday and a great new year!
-Fishingidiot-
@Stop_makin_cents thank for that tip. I will have to do that. Yeah I just wanted to get my fly casting better.
-fishingidiot-
Fishing in the Florida Keys Islamorada
Fishing in the Florida Keys: Islamorada
At the southern most part of the United States, located between the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Florida Bay are the Florida Keys. Not only is this one of the most amazing places to vacation, with breathtaking scenery, sandy beaches, and crystal clear water; but there is an abundance of fish that inhabit the warm waters of the Florida Keys. Here, the enormous variety of fish species ranges from Kingfish to Permit. You can go off shore fishing for the big game such as Tuna and Marlin, but the Keys are also ideal for flat fishing on the Florida Bay for Bonefish or Tarpon. Each of the Keys is acknowledged for a special type of fish. Although the species of fish available may vary in different seasons, there is always something to catch year-round in the Keys.
Islamorada is one of the Upper Keys, and known as the sport fishing capital of the world. There have been more record-breaking fish caught here than anywhere in the world. Unlike anywhere else on the Atlantic Coast, the waters of the Gulf Stream are only a few miles offshore. These waters carry hundreds of different species of fish, as well as all warm water game fish that swims in the Northern hemisphere.
Fly fishing is becoming increasingly popular in Islamorada, catching many different types of fish. Some of the most popular fish caught on fly are Spotted Trout, Blue Marlin, Tarpon, and Bonefish.
You may choose to go offshore fishing in the breathtaking blue-green waters of Islamorada. Here you will find fish such as Sailfish, Dolphin, Marlin, Kingfish, Yellowtail, Wahoo, and Mutton Snapper.
If you fish in the beautiful backcountry bays, you will likely find Redfish, Snook, Sea Trout, Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, as well as many other fish. The waters here are calmer and shallower than that of the ocean. This allows for the use of flats and poling your boat.
Although you are likely to find most species of fish year round, there are certain seasons when specific fish are most abundant in the area.
Winter
Cobia, Grouper, Kingfish, Sailfish, Tuna, Shark
Spring
Blue Marlin, Dolphin, Snapper, Tarpon, Yellowtail, Wahoo
Summer
Tarpon, Dolphin, Yellowtail, Blue Marlin
Fall
Wahoo, Kingfish, Grouper, Bonefish, Snook
There are many fishing tournaments throughout the year in Islamorada. Some of these tournaments include; Captains take “the Cup”, Islamorada Swordfish Tournament, Islamorada Sailfish Tournament, Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge, George Bush Cheeca Lodge Bonefish Tournament, and Hog’s Breath King Mackerel Tournament.
There are hundreds of fishing charters, boat rentals, and guides located at the many marinas, to familiarize you with the best areas to fish. The different fishing charters include backcountry flats fishing, light tackle fishing, party boats, and offshore fishing. Because of the importance of local knowledge, it is best to choose fishing charter captains from locals who are familiar to fishing in the area.
By: Kristy Bateman
About the Author:
At the southern most part of the United States, located between the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Florida Bay are the Florida Keys. Not only is this one of the most amazing places to vacation, with breathtaking scenery, sandy beaches, and crystal clear water; but there is an abundance of fish that inhabit the warm waters of the Florida Keys. Here, the enormous variety of fish species ranges from Kingfish to Permit. You can go off shore fishing for the big game such as Tuna and Marlin, but the Keys are also ideal for flat fishing on the Florida Bay for Bonefish or Tarpon. Each of the Keys is acknowledged for a special type of fish. Although the species of fish available may vary in different seasons, there is always something to catch year-round in the Keys.
Islamorada is one of the Upper Keys, and known as the sport fishing capital of the world. There have been more record-breaking fish caught here than anywhere in the world. Unlike anywhere else on the Atlantic Coast, the waters of the Gulf Stream are only a few miles offshore. These waters carry hundreds of different species of fish, as well as all warm water game fish that swims in the Northern hemisphere.
Fly fishing is becoming increasingly popular in Islamorada, catching many different types of fish. Some of the most popular fish caught on fly are Spotted Trout, Blue Marlin, Tarpon, and Bonefish.
You may choose to go offshore fishing in the breathtaking blue-green waters of Islamorada. Here you will find fish such as Sailfish, Dolphin, Marlin, Kingfish, Yellowtail, Wahoo, and Mutton Snapper.
If you fish in the beautiful backcountry bays, you will likely find Redfish, Snook, Sea Trout, Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, as well as many other fish. The waters here are calmer and shallower than that of the ocean. This allows for the use of flats and poling your boat.
Although you are likely to find most species of fish year round, there are certain seasons when specific fish are most abundant in the area.
Winter
Cobia, Grouper, Kingfish, Sailfish, Tuna, Shark
Spring
Blue Marlin, Dolphin, Snapper, Tarpon, Yellowtail, Wahoo
Summer
Tarpon, Dolphin, Yellowtail, Blue Marlin
Fall
Wahoo, Kingfish, Grouper, Bonefish, Snook
There are many fishing tournaments throughout the year in Islamorada. Some of these tournaments include; Captains take “the Cup”, Islamorada Swordfish Tournament, Islamorada Sailfish Tournament, Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge, George Bush Cheeca Lodge Bonefish Tournament, and Hog’s Breath King Mackerel Tournament.
There are hundreds of fishing charters, boat rentals, and guides located at the many marinas, to familiarize you with the best areas to fish. The different fishing charters include backcountry flats fishing, light tackle fishing, party boats, and offshore fishing. Because of the importance of local knowledge, it is best to choose fishing charter captains from locals who are familiar to fishing in the area.
By: Kristy Bateman
About the Author:
Kristy Bateman is the writer for Earl’s Blog on SellUrBoat.com.. These articles are unique and helpful to anyone interested in learning about boating and or fishing. Please visit SellUrBoat.com to view a variety of unique articles from Kristy. SellUrBoat.com is The Simplest Solution to Buying and Selling ‘Ur’ Boat.
Key West Florida
Key West FL is the southernmost city in the Continental United States. Key West is a city and an island by the same name near the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys and encompasses the namesake island, the part of Stock Island north of US 1, Sigsbee Park and Sunset Key.
Many passenger cruise ships utilize Key West as a seaport. Key West International Airport also serves the area. Naval Air Station Key West offers a training site for Naval Aviation.
Key West is officially known for having the nation’s first and oldest continuous gay and lesbian chamber of commerce. Thus the city’s motto “One Human Family”
Kay West was inhabited by ancient peoples known as the Calusa People in Pre-Columbian times. Juan Ponce De Leon was the first European to visit the area and the island was known as Cayo Hueso. It was established as a fishing and salvage village with a small fort to protect the Spanish colony.
Cayo Hueso literally means “bone key” as it is said that the island is littered with the bones from an Indian battlefield or burial ground. It is thought that the name changed to Key West is an Anglicization of the word “Hueso” that could mean west in English. Many businesses on the island use the name.
Great Britain took control of Florida in the late 1700’s and relocated the Spaniards and Indians to Havana. Florida passed back to the Spanish 20 years later but they did not formally resettle. The island was used by fishermen from Cuba and joined by fishermen from the United States.
The island was deeded to Juan Pablo Salis in 1815 but when Florida was transferred to the United States Salas was eager to sell the island. First he sold it for a sloop valued at $575 and then to a US businessman named Simonton for about $2,000. The sloop trader sold it to a man named Geddes who could not secure rights to the property because Simonton had help from influential friends in Washington and gained clear title. Simonton bought the island because he had learned of the opportunities presented by the strategic location. Simonton’s friend John Whitehead, once stranded on the islands by a shipwreck had seen the deep harbor.
Lying 90 in a strategic location on the deep shipping lane Straits of Florida the harbor was considered the “Gibraltar of the West”. Matthew Perry said into the harbor in 1822 and physically planted the US flag to claim it as US property. He reported on the piracy problems and renamed it “Thompson’s Island” and named the harbor “Port Rodgers”. Neither name stuck. In 1823 Commodore David Porter took charge and tried to rule the island as a military dictator under martial law.
Simonton soon subdivided the island into plots and sold 3 undivided quarters of each plot to private individuals. Simonton spent the winter in Key West and then the summer in Washington to lobby for development of the island and for the establishment of a naval base. Among other first founders are Pardon Green who moved there permanently and became a prominent businessman. John Whitehead lived there for 8 years and partnered with Greene in the firm of “P.C. Greene and Company”. He left the island for good in 1832 returning only once during the Civil War. John Fleeming, active in the mercantile business in Alabama was a friend of Simonton. He spent only a few months in Key West before leaving to marry in Massachusetts. He returned to Key West intending to develop the slat manufacturing of the island but died soon after. The names of these founding fathers of modern Key West used as names for the main arteries of the island.
Many residents of Key West emigrated from the Bahamas. They were known as Counch. They arrived in ever increasing numbers after 1830. Sons and daughters of Loyalists fled to the nearest British soil during the American Revelation. Many of residents of Key West refer to themselves as Conchs and the term is now generally applied to all residents of Key West. The term “Fresh Water Counch” refers to a resident not “native born” but who has lived there for more than seven years. The name is derived from the tradition of placing a conch shell on a pole at the home of a new born baby.
“Bahama Village” is an area of Old town next to the Truman Annex largely inhabited by Bahaman immigrants.
Fishing, salt production and ocean salvage were major industries in the early 19th century. The salvage operations made Key West the largest and richest city in Florida and residents had a high concentration of fine furniture and fancy chandeliers which the locals used in their homes after taking them from shipwrecks on the Florida reefs.
During the Civil War Fort Zachary Taylor was established in Key West after Florida seceded and joined the confederate States of America. It was an important outpost and now contains the largest collection of Civil War cannons ever discovered in a single location.
In 1912 Key West was connected to the Florida mainland via the Overseas Railway extension. The railway created a landfill at Trumbon Point for rail yards. In 1935 the Labor Day Hurricane destroyed much of the railroad and hilled hundreds. About 400 World War I veterans living in camps there working on federal road projects and mosquito control projects in the Middle Keys were also killed. It was too expensive to restore the railroad. In 1938 The Federal Government rebuilt the rail lines as an automobile highway. Completed in 1938 it became an extension of the US Highway 1. The portion of US 1 running though the Keys is called the Overseas Highway.
Numerous artists and writers have come to the Keys but the two most associated with the island are Ernest Hemmingway and Tennessee Williams. Hemmingway reportedly wrote 2 novels “A Farewell to Arms” and “To Have and Have Not” while living in the Keys. The Ernest Hemingway House and Sloppy Joes Bar have become important tourist’s attractions. The Hemingway House is currently inhabited by six or seven toed polydactyl cats descended form Hemingway’s original pert named “Snowball”. The cats live on the grounds and are cared for by the Hemingway House even though the USDA complains about the number of them housed there. The Key West City Commission exempted the house from a law prohibiting more than four domestic animals per household.
Tennessee Williams is said to have written the first draft of “A Streetcar Named Desire” while staying at the La Concha Hotel. He bought a permanent house and listed Key West as his permanent residence. Williams’ home in the “unfashionable” New Town neighborhood is quite the contrast to the elegant Hemingway house. It is a very modest bungalow. The house is privately owned and is not open to the public. The Tenn4essee Williams Theatre is located on the campus of Florida Keys Community College on Stock Island.
Key West is much closer to Havana than to Miami. In 1890 it had a population of nearly 18,800 which made it the richest and biggest city in Florida. The population was nearly half Cuban descent and the city had a succession of Cuban mayors. Cubans were reportedly active in nearly 200 factories in town producing cigars.
The Battleship Maine was blown up after sailing from Key West to Havana which ignited the Spanish American War.
Pan American Airlines was founded in Key West to fly visitors to Havana.
John Kennedy used the phrase “90 miles to Cuba” in his speeches against Fidel Castro.
There were regular ferry and airplane services between Key West and Havana until the revelation in 1959. Refugees flooded into Key West during the Mariel Boatlift and continue to come across the dangerous stretch of waters.
In 1982 Key West and the rest of the Keys tried to declare independence and become the “Conch Republic” in a protest over US Border Patrol blockades. The blockade was set up in response to the Mariel Boatlift. This blockade created a 17 mile traffic jam when the Border Patrol stopped every car to search for illegal immigrants. The Florida Keys were virtually paralyzed as tourism nearly ground to a halt. Couch Republic flags and T shirts are still popular souvenirs for visitors. The Counch Republic Independence Celebration is celebrated each April 23.
Key West was always an important military post. At the beginning of World War II the Navy built the first water line extending the length of the Keys to serve the Naval Air Station. The main facility on Boca Chica is where the navy trains pilots. There are 3400 civilians and 16oo active duty military personnel along with family members. The area next to the old For Taylor became a submarine pen and was used for the Fleet Sonar School.
By: Kamyar Shah
About the Author:
Many passenger cruise ships utilize Key West as a seaport. Key West International Airport also serves the area. Naval Air Station Key West offers a training site for Naval Aviation.
Key West is officially known for having the nation’s first and oldest continuous gay and lesbian chamber of commerce. Thus the city’s motto “One Human Family”
Kay West was inhabited by ancient peoples known as the Calusa People in Pre-Columbian times. Juan Ponce De Leon was the first European to visit the area and the island was known as Cayo Hueso. It was established as a fishing and salvage village with a small fort to protect the Spanish colony.
Cayo Hueso literally means “bone key” as it is said that the island is littered with the bones from an Indian battlefield or burial ground. It is thought that the name changed to Key West is an Anglicization of the word “Hueso” that could mean west in English. Many businesses on the island use the name.
Great Britain took control of Florida in the late 1700’s and relocated the Spaniards and Indians to Havana. Florida passed back to the Spanish 20 years later but they did not formally resettle. The island was used by fishermen from Cuba and joined by fishermen from the United States.
The island was deeded to Juan Pablo Salis in 1815 but when Florida was transferred to the United States Salas was eager to sell the island. First he sold it for a sloop valued at $575 and then to a US businessman named Simonton for about $2,000. The sloop trader sold it to a man named Geddes who could not secure rights to the property because Simonton had help from influential friends in Washington and gained clear title. Simonton bought the island because he had learned of the opportunities presented by the strategic location. Simonton’s friend John Whitehead, once stranded on the islands by a shipwreck had seen the deep harbor.
Lying 90 in a strategic location on the deep shipping lane Straits of Florida the harbor was considered the “Gibraltar of the West”. Matthew Perry said into the harbor in 1822 and physically planted the US flag to claim it as US property. He reported on the piracy problems and renamed it “Thompson’s Island” and named the harbor “Port Rodgers”. Neither name stuck. In 1823 Commodore David Porter took charge and tried to rule the island as a military dictator under martial law.
Simonton soon subdivided the island into plots and sold 3 undivided quarters of each plot to private individuals. Simonton spent the winter in Key West and then the summer in Washington to lobby for development of the island and for the establishment of a naval base. Among other first founders are Pardon Green who moved there permanently and became a prominent businessman. John Whitehead lived there for 8 years and partnered with Greene in the firm of “P.C. Greene and Company”. He left the island for good in 1832 returning only once during the Civil War. John Fleeming, active in the mercantile business in Alabama was a friend of Simonton. He spent only a few months in Key West before leaving to marry in Massachusetts. He returned to Key West intending to develop the slat manufacturing of the island but died soon after. The names of these founding fathers of modern Key West used as names for the main arteries of the island.
Many residents of Key West emigrated from the Bahamas. They were known as Counch. They arrived in ever increasing numbers after 1830. Sons and daughters of Loyalists fled to the nearest British soil during the American Revelation. Many of residents of Key West refer to themselves as Conchs and the term is now generally applied to all residents of Key West. The term “Fresh Water Counch” refers to a resident not “native born” but who has lived there for more than seven years. The name is derived from the tradition of placing a conch shell on a pole at the home of a new born baby.
“Bahama Village” is an area of Old town next to the Truman Annex largely inhabited by Bahaman immigrants.
Fishing, salt production and ocean salvage were major industries in the early 19th century. The salvage operations made Key West the largest and richest city in Florida and residents had a high concentration of fine furniture and fancy chandeliers which the locals used in their homes after taking them from shipwrecks on the Florida reefs.
During the Civil War Fort Zachary Taylor was established in Key West after Florida seceded and joined the confederate States of America. It was an important outpost and now contains the largest collection of Civil War cannons ever discovered in a single location.
In 1912 Key West was connected to the Florida mainland via the Overseas Railway extension. The railway created a landfill at Trumbon Point for rail yards. In 1935 the Labor Day Hurricane destroyed much of the railroad and hilled hundreds. About 400 World War I veterans living in camps there working on federal road projects and mosquito control projects in the Middle Keys were also killed. It was too expensive to restore the railroad. In 1938 The Federal Government rebuilt the rail lines as an automobile highway. Completed in 1938 it became an extension of the US Highway 1. The portion of US 1 running though the Keys is called the Overseas Highway.
Numerous artists and writers have come to the Keys but the two most associated with the island are Ernest Hemmingway and Tennessee Williams. Hemmingway reportedly wrote 2 novels “A Farewell to Arms” and “To Have and Have Not” while living in the Keys. The Ernest Hemingway House and Sloppy Joes Bar have become important tourist’s attractions. The Hemingway House is currently inhabited by six or seven toed polydactyl cats descended form Hemingway’s original pert named “Snowball”. The cats live on the grounds and are cared for by the Hemingway House even though the USDA complains about the number of them housed there. The Key West City Commission exempted the house from a law prohibiting more than four domestic animals per household.
Tennessee Williams is said to have written the first draft of “A Streetcar Named Desire” while staying at the La Concha Hotel. He bought a permanent house and listed Key West as his permanent residence. Williams’ home in the “unfashionable” New Town neighborhood is quite the contrast to the elegant Hemingway house. It is a very modest bungalow. The house is privately owned and is not open to the public. The Tenn4essee Williams Theatre is located on the campus of Florida Keys Community College on Stock Island.
Key West is much closer to Havana than to Miami. In 1890 it had a population of nearly 18,800 which made it the richest and biggest city in Florida. The population was nearly half Cuban descent and the city had a succession of Cuban mayors. Cubans were reportedly active in nearly 200 factories in town producing cigars.
The Battleship Maine was blown up after sailing from Key West to Havana which ignited the Spanish American War.
Pan American Airlines was founded in Key West to fly visitors to Havana.
John Kennedy used the phrase “90 miles to Cuba” in his speeches against Fidel Castro.
There were regular ferry and airplane services between Key West and Havana until the revelation in 1959. Refugees flooded into Key West during the Mariel Boatlift and continue to come across the dangerous stretch of waters.
In 1982 Key West and the rest of the Keys tried to declare independence and become the “Conch Republic” in a protest over US Border Patrol blockades. The blockade was set up in response to the Mariel Boatlift. This blockade created a 17 mile traffic jam when the Border Patrol stopped every car to search for illegal immigrants. The Florida Keys were virtually paralyzed as tourism nearly ground to a halt. Couch Republic flags and T shirts are still popular souvenirs for visitors. The Counch Republic Independence Celebration is celebrated each April 23.
Key West was always an important military post. At the beginning of World War II the Navy built the first water line extending the length of the Keys to serve the Naval Air Station. The main facility on Boca Chica is where the navy trains pilots. There are 3400 civilians and 16oo active duty military personnel along with family members. The area next to the old For Taylor became a submarine pen and was used for the Fleet Sonar School.
By: Kamyar Shah
About the Author:
Key West Florida or visit our Self Storage Search Engine
You’ll Transform Into a Conch Republic Resident After a Florida Keys Vacation
We have our own little taste of the Caribbean here in Florida known as the Florida Keys. The Keys stretch over 110 miles from Key Largo, considered the first ‘Key’, down to Key West. The gateway to the Keys is Key Largo, it is only an hours drive from the two major airports in South Florida and is considered by the locals to be the “diving capital of the World”. While that may be a little biased, Key Largo is known as both an excellent place to dive and also to go Sport Fishing.
Islamorada is actually made up of six different islands and is also a great place to dive and go sportfishing. While you’re there be sure to check out the newly opened History of Diving Museum or the Theater of the Sea Aquarium where you can swim with dolphins and other sea creatures.
Next is Marathon, the midpoint of the Keys, it is a ten mile long city and called ” the heart of the Keys” by the locals, it’s also where you’ll find one of the only two airports in the Keys, the other is in Key West. Just a few miles offshore here is North America’s only living coral reef, so again fill up those diving tanks and have some fun.
Big Pine Key is the start of the “Lower Keys” and home of the endangered and adorable Key Deer. The Lower Keys are known for their many RV Parks, campgrounds, licensed vacation homes and smaller quaint resorts. Bahia Honda State Park and Recreation Area is here too, stop in and enjoy the wildlife or relax on their white sand beach.
A mere 90 miles from Cuba lies Key West, the Southern most point in the U.S. Lummas Beach is one of the best beaches in Florida much less the Keys. You can snorkel, sail, and fish here, and that’s only a beginning. Land lovers can shop until they drop, then watch the sunset at Mallory Square and party all night on Duval Street in Key West.
With no shortage of cafes and restaurants, Key West offers plentiful options for indoor or outdoor dining. The bars on Duval Street are as famous as Bourbon street in New Orleans there is even a term they use when you’ve partied a little to much and are stumbling into a cab it’s called the ‘Duval Crawl’. If you end up doing it you’re in good company Ernest Hemingway was a regular at Sloppy Joe’s and his picture is up on the wall there. You can also go to Captain Tony’s, yes the one referred to in Jimmy Buffet’s song. Other popular watering holes include the Hog’s Breath Saloon, Crabby Dick’s and a host of other places to wet your whistle. Key West is definitely the perfect place to play all day and party all night.
So, can you feel it? You get to Key Largo and you start to relax, Islamorada comes along and you freely trade your blackberry and briefcase for some sunglasses and flip flops. You find yourself in Marathon yearning for a leafy tropical shirt and a fruity frozen drink. Big Pine Key makes you want to pitch a tent to stay forever and by the time you cross seven mile bridge to Key West the transformation is complete. With so many places in the Florida Keys having worked their magic once again and like one of the many game fish caught offshore, now you’re hooked.
By: Kirby Collins
About the Author:
Islamorada is actually made up of six different islands and is also a great place to dive and go sportfishing. While you’re there be sure to check out the newly opened History of Diving Museum or the Theater of the Sea Aquarium where you can swim with dolphins and other sea creatures.
Next is Marathon, the midpoint of the Keys, it is a ten mile long city and called ” the heart of the Keys” by the locals, it’s also where you’ll find one of the only two airports in the Keys, the other is in Key West. Just a few miles offshore here is North America’s only living coral reef, so again fill up those diving tanks and have some fun.
Big Pine Key is the start of the “Lower Keys” and home of the endangered and adorable Key Deer. The Lower Keys are known for their many RV Parks, campgrounds, licensed vacation homes and smaller quaint resorts. Bahia Honda State Park and Recreation Area is here too, stop in and enjoy the wildlife or relax on their white sand beach.
A mere 90 miles from Cuba lies Key West, the Southern most point in the U.S. Lummas Beach is one of the best beaches in Florida much less the Keys. You can snorkel, sail, and fish here, and that’s only a beginning. Land lovers can shop until they drop, then watch the sunset at Mallory Square and party all night on Duval Street in Key West.
With no shortage of cafes and restaurants, Key West offers plentiful options for indoor or outdoor dining. The bars on Duval Street are as famous as Bourbon street in New Orleans there is even a term they use when you’ve partied a little to much and are stumbling into a cab it’s called the ‘Duval Crawl’. If you end up doing it you’re in good company Ernest Hemingway was a regular at Sloppy Joe’s and his picture is up on the wall there. You can also go to Captain Tony’s, yes the one referred to in Jimmy Buffet’s song. Other popular watering holes include the Hog’s Breath Saloon, Crabby Dick’s and a host of other places to wet your whistle. Key West is definitely the perfect place to play all day and party all night.
So, can you feel it? You get to Key Largo and you start to relax, Islamorada comes along and you freely trade your blackberry and briefcase for some sunglasses and flip flops. You find yourself in Marathon yearning for a leafy tropical shirt and a fruity frozen drink. Big Pine Key makes you want to pitch a tent to stay forever and by the time you cross seven mile bridge to Key West the transformation is complete. With so many places in the Florida Keys having worked their magic once again and like one of the many game fish caught offshore, now you’re hooked.
By: Kirby Collins
About the Author:
PlacesAroundFlorida.com features Florida Vacation Spots throughout the state. Find out about current events and get reviews of Florida’s finest destinations.
Key West Real Estate: The 411 on Buying Property in Paradise
Ok – so you have decided to buy a piece of “Paradise” but aren’t sure where on the Island to call home?Well – I’ve got three words for you – Location, Location, Location!
Everyone knows the old Real Estate Axiom….
And the beautiful part of buying in Key West is regardless of where you buy – you are in a great spot!
For all intents and Purposes – Key West real estate can be broken down into three *distinct* areas:
1. Old Town
2. New Town
3. Casa Marina
Now you have to remember that the entire island is only 4 miles long and 2 miles wide – so really – there isn’t a big difference geographically between the three…;-)
But – there is a different feel and character to each area – and it is definitely worth exploring each before buying your piece of Key West real estate.
My favorite part of the island is Old Town for many different reasons, both pratical as well as simply personal preference. Lots of my friends prefer the peace and quiet of New Town, or the more water friendly and exclusivity of Casa Marina. And while getting around the island is easy no matter where you live, I just love the feeling of being in the middle of all the action while living in the heart of Old Town.
Key West has much more of an “East-West” layout rather than a “North – South” orientation – with White Street serving as an unofficial dividing line between what is considered Old Town to the West – and New Town to the East.
(The only way in from the Mainland is down U.S. Route 1 – which enters the Island on her Northeast Corner)
“Old Town” as the Historic District is Internationally known – is not only Key West’s major tourist destination – it is also home to many historically registered structures full of charm, grace and an incredible sense of history and purpose. You will find shotgun style homes – classic Bungalows, Mini – Mansions and all kinds of interesting structures bearing the beauty of Old Florida, and more specifically the unique and eclectic style of many of the original settlers here many years ago.
Old Town Key West Homes have zoning and modification restrictions in keeping the character and charm of the neighborhood and the streets – so obviously if looking to buy in Old Town, it would be best to “inquire” before planning any major renovations to your dream house…;-)
Old Town is home to Truman Annex – President Harry Truman’s “Home Away from Home” – Internationally famous Mallory Square known for it’s fantastic and Phenomenal Sunsets and equally as interesting nightly performance artists – it is home to Fort Zachary, Duval Street (the Key West version of Bourbon street in New Orleans) and too many other interesting tourist friendly and local points of interest to mention here!
The architecture in Old Town Key West date from approximately the latter part of the 19th Century to roughly 1910. Homes are distinguished through their predominately wood frame construction and are graced with beautiful porches and balconies and often are painted in ecclectic, pastel colors – highlighting the unique and unusual style of the neighborhood.
Old Town Key West is a wonderfully interesting and captivating place to call home – probably one of the most visually engaging and lively places to live anywhere in the entire United States..:-) You are living in “Paradise” – yet – still in an urban and active community of neighbors, business owners, wonderful restaurants, fantastic nightlife and the amazing scenery that only those who have been here can attest to experiencing on a daily basis.
The downside to all of this magnificence is -It is Expensive!
Generally speaking – Buying in Old Town is the most expensive area to purchase in Key West.
All of “Paradise” is pricey – but Old Town tends to be – as you would expect – the most expensive piece to purchase!
Homes generally begin in the high six figures – with many, if not most of the prime properties running over a Million Dollars – some even much more.
Good bargains can be found though – you have to look, but if you keep your eyes peeled you can always find special properties selling for far under market value. And remember – for those who really have a taste for the real “rich” rewards life has to offer will tell you – if you aren’t living in Key West,You ain’t living at all!
By: Ian Hollander
About the Author:
Everyone knows the old Real Estate Axiom….
And the beautiful part of buying in Key West is regardless of where you buy – you are in a great spot!
For all intents and Purposes – Key West real estate can be broken down into three *distinct* areas:
1. Old Town
2. New Town
3. Casa Marina
Now you have to remember that the entire island is only 4 miles long and 2 miles wide – so really – there isn’t a big difference geographically between the three…;-)
But – there is a different feel and character to each area – and it is definitely worth exploring each before buying your piece of Key West real estate.
My favorite part of the island is Old Town for many different reasons, both pratical as well as simply personal preference. Lots of my friends prefer the peace and quiet of New Town, or the more water friendly and exclusivity of Casa Marina. And while getting around the island is easy no matter where you live, I just love the feeling of being in the middle of all the action while living in the heart of Old Town.
Key West has much more of an “East-West” layout rather than a “North – South” orientation – with White Street serving as an unofficial dividing line between what is considered Old Town to the West – and New Town to the East.
(The only way in from the Mainland is down U.S. Route 1 – which enters the Island on her Northeast Corner)
“Old Town” as the Historic District is Internationally known – is not only Key West’s major tourist destination – it is also home to many historically registered structures full of charm, grace and an incredible sense of history and purpose. You will find shotgun style homes – classic Bungalows, Mini – Mansions and all kinds of interesting structures bearing the beauty of Old Florida, and more specifically the unique and eclectic style of many of the original settlers here many years ago.
Old Town Key West Homes have zoning and modification restrictions in keeping the character and charm of the neighborhood and the streets – so obviously if looking to buy in Old Town, it would be best to “inquire” before planning any major renovations to your dream house…;-)
Old Town is home to Truman Annex – President Harry Truman’s “Home Away from Home” – Internationally famous Mallory Square known for it’s fantastic and Phenomenal Sunsets and equally as interesting nightly performance artists – it is home to Fort Zachary, Duval Street (the Key West version of Bourbon street in New Orleans) and too many other interesting tourist friendly and local points of interest to mention here!
The architecture in Old Town Key West date from approximately the latter part of the 19th Century to roughly 1910. Homes are distinguished through their predominately wood frame construction and are graced with beautiful porches and balconies and often are painted in ecclectic, pastel colors – highlighting the unique and unusual style of the neighborhood.
Old Town Key West is a wonderfully interesting and captivating place to call home – probably one of the most visually engaging and lively places to live anywhere in the entire United States..:-) You are living in “Paradise” – yet – still in an urban and active community of neighbors, business owners, wonderful restaurants, fantastic nightlife and the amazing scenery that only those who have been here can attest to experiencing on a daily basis.
The downside to all of this magnificence is -It is Expensive!
Generally speaking – Buying in Old Town is the most expensive area to purchase in Key West.
All of “Paradise” is pricey – but Old Town tends to be – as you would expect – the most expensive piece to purchase!
Homes generally begin in the high six figures – with many, if not most of the prime properties running over a Million Dollars – some even much more.
Good bargains can be found though – you have to look, but if you keep your eyes peeled you can always find special properties selling for far under market value. And remember – for those who really have a taste for the real “rich” rewards life has to offer will tell you – if you aren’t living in Key West,You ain’t living at all!
By: Ian Hollander
About the Author:
Ian Hollander is a writer, business consultant and entrepreneur. He has had a lifelong love affair with Key West, Florida and writes extensively about his many adventures in paradise. Want to learn more about Key West Florida?
Visit us online at Gotokeywest.com – Perpectives From Paradise – everything you need to know about living, loving, playing and partying in Key West, Florida in One Place!
Does anyone know the measurements of the first floor in a house in the Truman Annex in Key West, FL?
Katie asked:
I need measurements for math class. I’m about to just start guessing.
I need measurements for math class. I’m about to just start guessing.