Key West, Florida – More of the Quirky Part 2

In my last update, we debarked from the cruise and headed south on US-1 to the quirky little island known as Key West, Florida. For a few years, before retirement, this was our go-to vacation place. It has not changed much at all in the three years since we have been here. So, here is some more of the quirky, part 2…

Key West Facts

• KEY WEST IS CLOSER TO CUBA THAN MIAMI
• FORTY-TWO BRIDGES CONNECT KEY WEST TO THE MAINLAND
• THE OVERSEAS RAILROAD CAME FIRST – from 1912 to 1935 the new railroad made the island accessible, then in 1935 a major hurricane destroyed the tracks
• THE SUNSET IS CELEBRATED EVERY NIGHT IN MALLORY SQUARE
• FORTY-ONE DEGREES IS THE RECORD LOW TEMPERATURE IN KEY WEST
• KEY WEST WAS HOME TO ERNEST HEMINGWAY AND MANY OTHER FAMOUS WRITERS
• KEY WEST IS HOME TO THE THIRD LARGEST BARRIER CORAL REEF IN THE WORLD
• KEY WEST TRIED TO SECEDE FROM THE US IN 1982
• KEY WEST HAS A LARGE POPULATION OF FREE RANGE CHICKENS RUNNING LOOSE EVERYWHERE

Dining

There are some great restaurants on this little island. In our three days, we were only able to sample five of our favorites. One (Blue Heaven) had too long of a wait, so we passed on it. So, here are a couple, from what I remember:

• Pepe’s – Oyster medley app and fish sandwiches for us both
• Alonzo’s Oyster Bar – I had the seared tuna and Pat had coconut grouper. Both were excellent while seated outside in perfect weather!

Sunset Cruise

A nice evening with some brisk winds. Was a little worried about swells, but the protected gulf area was not bad. We were on a schooner with three sails and plenty of drinks and snacks. On direction changes it became really fun as the boat would tilt over and the boom would swing across. We’ve done this Appledore II maybe four times now. A well done, classy sunset cruise.

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Photos

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Wrap Up

Thanks for following along! I may get one more post from our three day visit. We are currently in Clermont Florida for the month of February. Take care and God Bless.