Lower Keys Restaurants
                          About Key West



Key West is the southernmost city in the continental United States. The Spanish name for this island is Cayo Hueso, meaning "island of bones". This name was given to the island by Spanish explorers when they found the skeletal remains of many Indians. Key West is only 90 miles from Cuba, and served as a stop over for travelers going to Cuba before Fidel Castro came into power.

Key West itself is an island two miles by three miles. This is the last island you can drive to, in the chain of islands off the southern tip of Florida, refereed to as the Florida Keys. it is also the largest of the Keys, with a permanent population of approximately 25,000. At the tip of the island, the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic. One of the largest coral reefs is seven miles off shore of Key West, where some of the best diving in the world can be done.

The history of Key West begins with the arrival of Ponce de Leon in 1513. In 1815, the Spanish Governor gave the island to an Army officer, who in turn sold it to John Simonton in 1822. Key West incorporated Jan 8, 1822, and thrived as a wrecking and salvage center. Other prosperous industries included cigars, sponging, and fishing. In 1890, the city was ranked as one of the most prosperous cities in the state of Florida.

Many ships have sunk off the shores of the keys. Wrecking made Key West the wealthiest city per capita in the United States in the 1830's. Today treasure hunters are still finding sunken Spanish galleons. Key West has been a boom and bust town all though its history. The reputation of all of their citizens though has not always been stellar. Many a pirate and smuggler has called Key West home.

The weather on the island is certainly tropical. The temperatures vary only 10 degrees, in either direction, from the annual average of 77 degrees. Key West is the only frost free city in the continental United States. The climate and local atmosphere is what has drawn so many artists and writers to Key West, including: Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, and Robert Frost.

People who come to Key West are coming to enjoy the unique flavor Key West has to offer. There is always something to do. Like the other islands, Key West offers great fishing and diving. Enjoy the sunny days and wild tropical nights in paradise. Duval Street is a favorite of visitors and is the location of such well-known establishments as Sloppy Joe's and Hog's Breath. The original Sloppy Joe's, now called Captain Tony's, is just off Duval Street. As you progress south on Duval Street, you will see the islands growing art district. There are a number of galleries featuring both local talents and nationally recognized artists

 

Key West offers many interesting festivals and celebrations. Two more famous celebrations are Hemingway Days, held in July, and Fantasy Fest, held the end of October.

After a day of sightseeing and shopping, be sure and attend the Sunset Celebration Sat Mallory Square (north end of Duval). Every evening locals and visitors gather to experience glorious Key West sunsets while being entertained by musicians and Key West street performers. The Sunset Celebration is the perfect way to end your day.

Famous Key West people:
  • Ernest Hemingway wrote some of his novels there. "Old Man and the Sea"
  • Jimmy Buffet lives there occasionally
  • Kelly McGillis has her restaurant, Kelly's Caribbean Bar & Grill, there
  • Calvin Klein had a Key West home
  • Madonna had a Key West home


Interesting Key West facts:
  • The "Lobsters" in the Key West waters are saltwater Crawfish.
  • There are more Bars per capita in Key West than in the entire USA.
  • There are more CHURCHES, in which to repent the morning after, per capita.
  • Original name was Cayo Hueso 'island of bones'..
  • Dr. Samuel Mudd, who set John Wilkes Booth's broken leg was imprisoned on a small island off of Key West.
  • US Route 1, Mile Marker 0, is in Key West.. the other end of the road is in Maine.
  • Tattoo Parlors were banned from Key West for years to prevent servicemen from getting tattoos.
  • The Island is over run with Polydactyl cats. (many toes)
  • The 350 year old treasures of the Atocha Galleon is in Key West.
Parking

Parking is generally a problem. Many accommodations don't have enough parking places for their guests. If you find a great place to park your car, leave there and don't use it during your visit. Parking regulations are strictly enforced in Key West. There are several lots that charge $10 a day for parking. Metered parking is expensive. Many areas are designated "resident parking only". Non-residents that park in these areas will be towed. The best place to park in the Duval Street area is the City Parking Lots.

Scooters and bicycles

Should you rent a scooter or bicycle remember, the traffic rules are the the same as if you were driving a car. You cannot drive the wrong way up a one way street, or run stop signs. You can also be arrested for driving under the influence on a bicycle or scooter. In addition, scooter horns are to be used like horns on a automobile. If you are driving down the road beeping the horn for amusement, you will receive a ticket.

 

Shopping

If you have the energy, talking a walk up Duval Street in search of the perfect buy, can yield a variety of prices. The same item can be found, at a lower price, simply by shopping around. As always, be on the lookout for fast buck artists. Know what you are buying. Ask for the full and final cost of the article. Some T-shirt shops charge extra for the design, some include it. Ask before you buy. They will bargain with you. Sometimes its worth it.