Only a Weekend In Key West? Here Are Your Must-Do's!

What To Do In Key West In Only a Weekend...

Now, this little island we call Key West, is more than just a party! This 126-mile drive from Miami that skips across an archipelago of 1,700-plus keys, islets and islands; vistas of breathtaking blue water, crossing from more than 40 bridge and osprey’s-eye view of coral reefs and tidal flats. Toss in kayaks, conch fritters, quirky diners, secret hot spots, unique characters and opulent hotels, and we can only be in one place—the Key West, Florida! With only one weekend and so much to do...

For many Florida Keys road-trippers, there are quite a few questions that arise; Where's the beach? Who has the best Rum Runner or Key Lime Pie? Where do the locals hang out? Well, here is a weekend plan that will make your trip to Key West fulfilling and leave you for wanting so much more!

BEACHES: Key West

Key West, itself, isn't known so much for our beaches as some of the places

in the Upper Keys, but we do have a few nice ones. Such as Smather's Beach, South Beach or Higg's Beach. Some are serene outposts of solitude, shaded by coconut palms. Some are thronged with snorkelers and windsurfers. A few are long enough for a serious stroll, while others are pocket-sized slivers of sand just begging for your beach towel. Just three blocks from the “Duval Crawl,” respite comes in the form of Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. Its beach is fronted by a rock breakwater that calms the ocean enough for even the smallest swimmers. For a bit more excitement, check out Smathers Beach, where you can rent a sailboard, parasail, kite board, a small sailboat or snorkel gear and work off the amazing Key West cuisine that will be awaiting you at the end of your day.

Back to beaches...(and a little side note), if you're looking for an amazing beach, that's relatively close to Key West, head back up the Keys, toward Miami, and just as you cross the Seven Mile Bridge from Marathon to Big Pine Key, you will have arrived at your beach haven! Here, U.S. 1 hops, skips and jumps along the most undeveloped portions of the Keys, anchored by the famous beaches of Bahia Honda State Park.

PARTY CENTRAL: Key West
After spending a few days hunting for hidden beaches, it’s time to let your hair down and embrace the outrageousness of the Conch Republic’s capital, Key West, FL. For most, Key West means Old Town’s Duval Street, crowded with shopping and big-name bars like Sloppy Joe’s, Hog's Breath, the Bull & Whistle and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. Can you try to hit all of these famous bars in the photo? If you do, it's called the Duval Crawl!

SUNSET: Key West

One show you don’t want to miss is the nightly sunset celebration on the Key West waterfront. As the sun dips low over the Gulf of Mexico, crowds fill Mallory Square, once the anchorage of Keys’ pirates. Today the wharf is a scuttle of vendors, jugglers, escape artists, gymnasts, psychics and magicians, each holding their own spellbound audiences – all for the price of an applause (or tip). 

Here, you’re really at the end of the road. But for Florida Keys road-trippers, that’s not a bad place to be. After all, you get to experience it all over again on the way back.

PLAY: Key West Things To Do

DAY-TRIP THE DRY TORTUGAS: Really get away from it all on these seven islands, 70 miles west of Key West. Snorkel the coral reefs and check out an historic fort. Day trips from Key West. 

SNORKELING & DIVING KEY WEST: Want to hit the warm, tropical waters of Key West? See Dolphins? Catch one of our amazing sunsets? Rent a boat? Booze Cruise? Snorkel? Dive? Parasail? Whatever your heart's desire, Key West has everything you could possibly want to do on the water! 
Visit: Sunset Watersports Key West for more information!  

KEY WEST SUNSET SAIL

Going to Key West without seeing its legendary sunsets is like missing the Eiffel Tower on a trip to Paris. Sure, you can get plenty of pictures and time to ooh and aah at the Mallory Square sunset celebration, but why not get up close and personal with a sunset sail? Watching the Key West sun slide gently below the horizon is a beautiful experience, especially with your friends, family or sweetie by your side. Visit: Sunset Watersports Key West for more information. 

*****

WHERE TO EAT: Key West Restaurants

Cafe Marquesa
For a memorable Key West dining experience, Café Marquesa’s "Contemporary American Cuisine” does not disappoint. Specialties include grilled meats and fresh, local seafood, complemented by inventive appetizers and salads as well as fresh baked breads and desserts made daily. Call (305)292-1244 for reservations.

Blue Heaven
An artist, a writer and a renowned chef team up in a house where Hemingway once refereed boxing fights. 729 Thomas St., Key West; Call 305-296-8666 for reservations.

Conch Republic Seafood Co.
Huge bar for adults, huge fish tank for kids, huge views of the harbor. 631 Greene St., Key West; 305-294-4403 No reservations needed.

*****

WHERE TO STAY: HOTELS IN KEY WEST

There are so many Hotels, Motels, Guesthouses, and Bed and Breakfast's in Key West to choose from. How do you choose, you as? First decide what you're looking for; price, elegance, or location and then go from there. We suggest:

Marquesa Hotel

The Marquesa guest rooms will enchant you. This high-rating hotel has amazing rooms that are immaculate, light and airy, equipped with all amenities to make you feel at home...only more pampered. The finest small Key West hotel and restaurant near famed Duval Street, is set in the center of the historic district in Old Town Key West, is surrounded by a lush interior garden and two swimming pools. For the best of Key West, the Marquesa Hotel and Café Marquesa offer a quiet retreat for those wanting luxury, privacy, great food and excellent service. http://Marquesa.com Call for Reservations (305)292-1919

Truman Hotel

The Truman Hotel is Key West's newest boutique hotel. The room decor is SouthBeach hip with Key West flair. Secluded garden setting with pool and large hot tub. Fine dining, steakhouse, deli just a few steps from property. Blocks from it all! http://TrumanHotel.com Call (305)296-6700 for reservations.

Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel

The Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel is one of the highest rated Key West hotels in the Florida Keys. With it's own private beach, pool, and restaurant, it's a romantic stay away from the Duval St. hussle. Stay with us and enjoy all inclusive Key West vacation packages and special deals. http://www.Marriott.com/EYWMC Call for Reservations at 800.546.0885

Blue Marlin Motel

Blue Marlin Motel is One Block from Duval, the Atlantic Ocean, and the beach. In the 'Heart' of 'Old Key West', a short walk to most attractions. The Blue Marlin Motel is one short block from the Atlantic Ocean and centrally located to the island's beaches and various watersports. BlueMarlinMotel.com Call (305)294-2585 for reservations.

Best Western Hibiscus Motel

Their charming motel, close to South Beach, is only one block away from Duval Street! All rooms non-smoking. Tropical setting with heated pool and jacuzzi. Complimentary continental breakfast. http://www.bestwestern.com/plushibiscusmotel Call (305)294-3763 for reservations.

*****

KEY LIME PIE
Did you think we would forget to tell you where to get the best Key Lime Pie in Key West? Never fear! Your trip would not be complete without tasting a piece of Kermit's Key Lime Pie!  Visit the store at 200 Elizabeth Street or call (800)376-0806.

 Article by Key West Author, Marjorie Spoto

                           
• 
  

KEY WEST NEWS & INFORMATION UPDATE BROUGHT TO YOU BY PARTYINKEYWEST.COM 

Twitter: http://twitter.com/partyinkeywest

FB: http://facebook.com/partyinkeywest

Find Key West Hotels Click Here 

TOP 10 Things to Do In Key West

TOP 10 Things to Do In Key West

The "must-do" list when in Key West

KEY WEST, FL. Even if your Key West vacation lasted an entire month, you’d still have a list of unexplored places to see, adventures awaiting you, and loads of things to do (and eat and drink!). If you are feeling daunted by planning your itinerary, have no fear! We’ve done the work for you, so read on for our Top 10 Things to Do in Key West:

1 Stroll along Duval Street

Duval Street is to Key West what Bourbon Street is to New Orleans. In other words, it’s the center of all the action! This street stretches the width of the Island – from Gulf to ocean – and along it you will find a slew of bars, restaurants, shops and cafes. This is the ultimate Key West party experience, and as you stroll, you can stop every few feet to cool off at an outdoor bar with an ice cold frozen libation under refreshing water misters.

2 Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum

Walk the halls of the home of perhaps the most famous Key West resident in the island’s history, Ernest Hemingway. The stormy and mysterious writer penned some of his most famous works in this house, including “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” and “To Have and Have Not.” Hemingway’s extravagant home was the first ever to have a swimming pool (which cost a whopping $20,000 in 1928!), one of the first to have indoor plumbing, and boasts many fun and interesting architectural details (including a urinal Hemingway scored from his favorite watering hole “Sloppy Joe’s”, which he turned into a fountain in the front yard for his many 6-toed cats!). Travel back in time and get a feel for how Ernest Hemingway lived in Key West.

http://partyinkeywest.com/pages/keywestattractions.html

3 Conch Train

This classic sightseeing train has been around long enough to give Key West legend Ernest Hemingway a ride! It’s actually a motorized trolley on wheels rather than a train, and it will take you around to every major sight on the Island with an entertaining guided tour. It’s a great way to get a feel for the town, and to enjoy the sights without having to exert yourself. The staff is super friendly, and the company prides itself on an enjoyable ride – so much so, they offer a no-questions-asked, money back guarantee. You can also purchase a photo of you and your traveling companions on the train as a souvenir.

http://partyinkeywest.com/members/key_west_information_center.html

4 Key West Bight and Boardwalk

Key West comes up with its own names for things, and a “bight” is actually a harbor. This harbor is a beautiful place to walk (and it’s a pretty short walk, so no worries about overexertion!), and it’s a fantastic place to catch live music, and a hopping restaurant and bar scene. Enjoy the stunning vista of blue sky, crystal waters, boats and birds, as you enjoy some of the finest seafood in the country, or cool off with a cold beer. http://partyinkeywest.com/pages/keywestattractions.html

5 Key West Sunset - La Concha Hotel TOP IS CLOSED

It doesn’t get any more romantic or magical than watching the sunset in Key West. The sky is ever changing, and every night the sky promises a different show. Hands down, the best place to witness this marvel is the rooftop deck of The La Concha Hotel. The hotel is notably the tallest building on the island (a whopping 5 whole stories!), and the roof deck has a bar, seating, and is free and open to all, even if you aren’t staying at the hotel. Come sit with your honey, and enjoy the end to a perfect day in the most perfect place on earth.

http://www.laconchakeywest.com/

6 Key West Lighthouse

The southern tip of the Island is home to the famous Key West Lighthouse, built in 1848. This beautiful white structure stands strikingly against the brilliant blue Key West sky. If you are feeling ambitious, climb the 88 stairs of the lighthouse, and reward yourself with an absolutely stunning panoramic view of the island and surrounding waters. You won’t regret it. Besides, there is always a cold drink waiting for you somewhere on the island to cool off with!

http://www.kwahs.org/

7 Audubon House

This gorgeous place has a fantastic guided tour for kids and adults both. You can view the works of famous artist and naturalist, John James Audubon, which are displayed throughout the house. The building was home to a famous 19^th-Century Key West captain, Captain John H. Geiger, and you can experience what life was like back then as you walk through rooms filled with exquisite antique furnishings and architecture. The home also boasts lush and flamboyant tropical gardens, including a spectacular Koi fishpond and 1850's medicinal/herbal garden.

http://partyinkeywest.com/members/key_west_tropical_forest_and_botanical_garden_.html 

8 Key West Aquarium

This charming little aquarium was built during the Great Depression way back in 1935, and was the first of its kind. A great tour for kids, this aquarium hosts a 30-minute, interactive walking tour, where visitors can feed stingrays, and even touch a shark on the tail!

http://partyinkeywest.com/members/key_west_sea_aquarium__$14.html

9 Shipwreck Museum

“Wreck Ashore!” These are the words called out in the 1800s when a shipwreck touched shore. Back in the “Golden Age of Sailing,” Key West was home to some of the bravest sailors in treacherous waters – which means it was one of the capitols of shipwrecks. Visitors can see artifacts from actual shipwrecks, hear lore, and exciting tales from guides that look like the pioneers of old Key West!

http://partyinkeywest.com/pages/keywestattractions.html

10 Custom House

This is a history buff’s dream. For only 9 bucks, you can tour this 1891, four-story national landmark building, which used to be home to the island’s district courts, post office and custom’s office. Today, it serves as a museum, where you can experience two floors of exhibitions that weave together two centuries of history, art, people, and events.

http://partyinkeywest.com/pages/keywestattractions.html

Book your Key West hotel and adventures today http://www.partyinkeywest.com/ to secure the best rates!

By Dianne Spoto Ackerman

For Key West Weddings: http://www.partyinkeywest.com/key_west_weddings.html

For Website information: info@partyinkeywest.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/partyinkeywest/

FB: http://facebook.com/partyinkeywest

Book your Key West hotel and adventures today http://www.partyinkeywest.com/) to secure the best rates!

to add your business to our directory email:info@partyinkeywest.com

10 Reasons Sun Is Good For You

10 Reasons Sun Is Good For You

Key West Sunshine is good for your health! 

Key West Beach

Everyone loves the sun! Even back in the Stone Age people knew of the Sun's strength, even worshiping the strength and power they got from it. Sun can heal or hinder a life, depending on your use. Using sunscreen, you can enjoy all of the strength and power from the sun to your advantage. Here are the 10 reasons why the sun is good for you:

1. Sunlight helps in cases of chronic or acute depression. 

2. Sunlight improves your mood and moral Sunlight helps stimulate the synthesis of endorphins (good-feeling hormones). That's why we get depressed in the cold and dark days of the winter and are happy in the summertime.

3. The sun is good against insomnia. Daytime exposure to sunlight increases the melatonin production during the night. This hormone helps regulate the sleep. 

5. As vitamin D and some related compounds impede the development of some cancer cells, we can say the sun fights off this disease. Regular and controlled exposure to the sun has a preventive effect against cancer of colon, breast, leukemia and lymphomas. Under the action of the sunlight, the skin synthesizes vitamin D, which makes possible  calcium absorption in the intestine, helping the organism grow strong bones. This way the sun prevents Rachitism (Rickets) in both children and adults and osteoporosis in elders. 

Key West Sunset

6. Exposure to the sun strengthens the cardiovascular system. Blood circulation is improved , the pulse, arterial pressure, moderately high glycemia and cholesterol levels can be normalized.  Many skin diseases (dermatitis) can be controlled and even cured through controlled exposure to the sun. he sun rays are proven to strengthen the immune system . 

7. Sun rays improve liver functioning, being effective in treating jaundice.

8. They help  the kidneys with a part of their job, as the sun waves favor the elimination of waste products through the skin, when we sweat.

9. The sun also helps losing weight by increasing the metabolic rate through the stimulation of the thyroid. It also eases symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. 

10. The sun rays also ease the healing of the swollen joints during peaks of inflammation in cases of arthritis.

Heading to Key West, Florida and want to book your Sunshine Activity or what thing to do in Key West? Go to http://PartyInKeyWest.com to book your Hotel, Motel, Guesthouse or B&B as well as anything and everything to do in Key West, FL. 

Don't forget to book your Key West things to do or your Key West hotel  to secure the best rates! 

 Article by Key West Author, Marjorie Spoto

                     
• 
  

KEY WEST NEWS & INFORMATION UPDATE BROUGHT TO YOU BY PARTYINKEYWEST.COM 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/partyinkeywest

FB: https://facebook.com/partyinkeywest

Find Key West Hotels Click Here 

To book an activity reservation on the Key West Party directory

Bring Sexy Back! Top 7 Ways to Bring Sexy Back…in Key West!

Top 7 Ways to Bring Sexy Back … in Key West!

 Key West Florida

So much has been said about the wild party vibe in Key West, but there are just as many ways to spend
tender time with your honey here. Our enchanted little island is the perfect place to propose, get married, renew your wedding vows, or just to escape the grind for a romantic getaway.

Perhaps you’re looking for a trip to renew the romance in your relationship? If you’d like to “bring the sexy back” that once drew you together, or if you are excited to explore a brand new relationship in a new place – Key West is the key to romance.

Here is our Top 7 list of romantic ways to get your sexy on in Key West:

1 His and Hers Massages

Waking up in Key West is waking up in paradise. Enjoy your morning with some breakfast in bed, and then take the pampering a step further with his and hers massages!  Prana Spa is an intimate little day spa located in Old Town, where licensed massage therapists will bring you to the deepest level of serenity. Enjoying a massage together is an especially sensual and romantic date that you will remember for years to come. 

http://www.pranaspakeywest.com/

2 Rent a Scooter

Hop on a scooter with your sweetie at your back, and cruise around the island tandem style! There is nothing more romantic than heading to the southern-most tip of the island, enjoying the crystal blue vista (and possibly spotting Cuba in the distance!) and making out with your sweetheart under the brilliant blue sky. http://partyinkeywest.com/pages/keywestmopedrentals.html 

3 Champagne Picnic on the Beach

There are a ton of fantastic restaurants to check out in Key West, but we think one of the most romantic venues involves planting your toes in the sand and sharing a picnic lunch with your babe. Pick up a bottle of bubbly, some sandwiches, and a slice of key lime pie, and head on over to the Simonton Street Beach. Feed each other as you watch the sailboats, pelicans, and sparkling sea, and you will have shared an intimate and memorable lunch of a  lifetime.

4 Better than Sex

If it’s possible there is anything better than sex, this place could be it. This cheeky little dessert bar flaunts pure decadence. Indulge yourselves in this low-lit, elegant eatery – a positively sexy date alternative to cocktails at a bar (though you can have your cocktail AND your dessert here!). Your night is no doubt headed in an amorous direction if you’re sharing menu items like “Tongue Bath Truffle,” or “Between My Red Velvet Sheets” Cheesecake! http://www.betterthansexkeywest.com/

5 Sunset sail

It’s a cinematic and spectacular scene: you step aboard a gorgeous schooner, share a glass of champagne, and watch the golden sun sink into the pink horizon. The stars emerge in the night sky, and you both contemplate the amazing day you shared in magical Key West. Could there possibly be anything more romantic than that? http://partyinkeywest.com/pages/keywestsightseeing.html

6 Night Club and Drag Show

Sometimes romance is simply stepping out of the mundane and into the flamboyant! At Aqua night club, you get 2 for 1: First, enjoy the raucous and hilarious  (and possibly interactive!) show by the Aquanettes, the club’s amazing drag queen performers. Next, step onto the dance floor and enjoy your own performance as you and your sweetie dance the night away! http://www.aquakeywest.com/

7 Louie’s Backyard

It may sound like a ribs and beer joint, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. This 25-year-old Key West institution is located in a romantic, oceanside National Historic Landmark building. Make reservations at the upper deck, where you can enjoy wine tasting and fine dining, as well as a breathtaking panoramic view of the ocean. Chef Doug Shook considers the table his canvas, and the locally grown fruits, vegetables and seafood, and grass-fed meats his palette. If you can’t get enough of the experience, head down to the hip Afterdeck Bar for a martini and some celebrity watching.

http://www.louiesbackyard.com/

By Dianne Spoto Ackerman