Guide to Visiting Key West – A Unique and Lovely Island

Key West has always seemed mysterious to me. Firstly, this is a favorite place of my beloved writer Ernest Hemingway. Secondly, the most southern point of the USA. Therefore, I decided to find out what the island of southern America breathes.

Key West Essentials

In Key West, life flows smoothly and measuredly. Despite the warm sunny weather, even the ice in a margarita glass melts slowly. Residents always have three things at hand: a bottle of rum, a hammock, and delicious Cuban dishes. The diving on the island is incredible; a picturesque landscape makes your eyes happy. All these wonders attracted the attention of many guests, including Ernest Hemingway and US President Harry Truman.

Key West is a small but cozy place in the Atlantic Ocean 90 miles from Cuba. Those who love traveling around the United States will definitely like this place. No wonder the main slogan of Key West sounds like: «Be our guest for 2 hours and immediately leave back. Otherwise, you will stay here for the rest of your life».Indeed, travelers come here to recharge their energy and relax. I want to tell you about several attractions that give a pleasant memory of a trip to the island.

Hemingway House

Did you know that Ernest Hemingway lived in Key West for 11 years? He wrote his famous books The Snows of Kilimanjaro and For Whom the Bell Tolls during that time. The Hemingway House Museum is a beautiful 19th-century mansion with a beautiful garden and a huge swimming pool. It stores the personal belongings of the writer, furniture, and other items. And very cute polydactyl (six-toed) cats live in the house, descendants of the cat Snow White with six paws. Ernest Hemingway was a natural cat lover.

Lime Pie

Hey guys, I have good news for you. As you know, Key lime pie and cheesecake are two classic American desserts. The Key lime pie recipe was created on the island. If you have a sweet tooth, I recommend you try this delicious pie in the cafe. And they also cook incredibly delicious lime cookies, lime ice cream, and even chocolate with lime filling. I have to admit, that hit the spot!

Sunrises and Sunsets

You remember that Key West is the southernmost city in the US, right? It’s a great place to meet sunrises and sunsets. In the morning, the sun shines like nowhere else, and the best way to enjoy the views is from the central square. You can also buy a ticket for one of the yachts. At night, you can head to a club or casino, although the ubiquitous WiFi means you can enjoy games like Vegas Nights on the go. 

Interesting fact! The Rooster is the main symbol of the city. Don’t be surprised if you see a rooster on the street. For residents, this can be like having a cat or a dog.

Real White House

They have a real White House on Key West! Harry Truman often visited the island and decided to build a residence for American presidents. At one time, such famous people as Jimmy Carter, Dwight Eisenhower, and John F. Kennedy visited the island. Unlike the White House in Washington, every traveler can come inside and see the interior of the building. I also advise you to visit the Key West Shipwreck Museum. It will be interesting for everybody who loves sea adventures and fascinating stories.