A Day in Key West

Tourists in the US typically gravitate towards rugged landscapes like grand canyons, or crowded cities such as New York. Massive cliffs and towering skyscrapers are breathtaking but there’s more to see here! Key West, the southernmost part of the continental United States, is a tropical gem of the country. This island city offers a vibrant culture, history, and art in a lush setting. While eastward, paddle through salt pond tours, and in the west watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. On its southernmost point, you’ll reach the edge of the country where Cuba is just 90 miles away. But don’t let the mojitos fool you, you’re still in North America!

If you’re interested in the island’s touristic side, stick to the west end. Popular locations such as Duval Street, Mallory Square, and South Beach feature most attractions. I had the privilege of revisiting this area of Keywest for just a day. Read on to get some ideas on how to enjoy this charming yet lively island city.

Fisher’s Museum

Key West may be a tiny island city but a lot went down here! If you’re a history buff or just curious, Fisher’s Museum offers breathtaking exhibits of Key West’s maritime history. I begin my day here as a captivating start to my trip. We maneuver through rows of treasure and other artifacts found in shipwreck sites. Each exhibit exposes hidden layers of history in Florida from indigenous history to pirates and slavery. The information panels are as compelling as they detail history with striking imagery. If viewing treasure isn’t enough and you want to purchase a piece, head down to Mel Fisher’s Treasures just a few blocks from the museum.

Old Town Mexican Cafe

Carlos and I break our history lesson with lunch at the Old Town Mexican Cafe. It’s a restaurant we dine in each visit in Key West because its large menu, endless, drinks, and daily specials never disappoint. They serve Mexican and southwestern dishes that are properly seasoned and large enough to fill you up! The ambiance is lively with excited tourists bustling down Duval Street. There’s vibrant papel picado decor strung above and roosters may walk past your feet pecking at crumbs. I devour my pulled pork chimichangas and sweet sangria and Carlos chows down his fish tacos.

We leave happily stuffed and explore Duval street

Side note: If you walk into one of the many THC shops, an employee may greet you with a “Hi, how high can I get ya?” Ah, the charm of Key West.

Mallory Square

We end up in Mallory Square, a section of the island we haven’t previously visited. You’ll reach this waterfront plaza past the north end of Duval Street. Before the Mallory Square sunset celebration, the square is calm as tourists stroll by seaside restaurants and shops. Carlos and I cool down with some lemonade by a lemonade stand and notice various more stands along the waterfront. This is a perfect spot for souvenir shopping as you’ll find tarot readers, crafters, and artists selling their work.

Street Performers

Apart from the artistry, it was obvious that some sort of show would soon commence. Several men are setting up stands carrying odd accessories such as whips, knives, and barrels…It turns out Mallory Square becomes street performers’ domain at sunset.

The first performer happened to be my favorite. He begins in a modest jeans and flannel outfit performing acrobatic stunts on a thick black pole. He’s witty and engages the crowd every chance he gets. He’s dripping sweat and pulls off his flannel and slides his jeans down to his ankles (don’t worry he has an interesting outfit underneath). Next thing you know, he eyes my boyfriend and deems him the lucky man who’ll help him pull his jeans off. The acrobat inches toward Carlos, legs up and the crowd breaks into laughter. He squirms on the ground as Carlos struggles to get the jeans off over his sneakers so they both fumble about until it’s off. The acrobat a French Canadian man, dons a tight American flag singlet and is ready for the later half of his act.

He pulls assistants out of the audience to help him do his acrobatic tricks. The next helper is a young boy, he wraps a superhero cape around his neck for a boost of confidence and assures his father “Don’t worry if anything goes wrong you can sue me, we’re in America.”

The daring acts continue one after the other until the last act by the waterfront is over just in time for Key West’s iconic sunset

Sunset

The sunset here is a show of its own. The waterfront quickly fills with viewers buzzing with anticipation for the sun and moon to switch places. As the sun dips below the horizon it’s cradled by distant palm trees on a private island. Black sweeps over the golden horizon to claim its place for the night revealing a crescent moon above the evening star. The ambiance awakens under the moonlight as chatter loudens over the guitarist strumming classic Bob Marley songs. It’s the perfect setting to snuggle along the concrete edge with your beau or have a few drinks with your friends.

Dancing

Before you leave the square you won’t miss the live salsa music trumpeting from El Meson de Pepe. This Cuban restaurant offers salsa night every night for sunset enthusiasts. Their stage is set in an alley between the restaurant and a row of palm trees offering a cozy dancing nook. It beckons partygoers through its blue and purple spotlights as dancers spin and chacha under a kaleidoscope glow. If you’re not ready for the night to end join the fun!

Hemingway once said about Key West “It’s the best place I’ve ever been any time, anywhere,” Well, it’s hard to disagree. Key West is a haven set to satisfy an eclectic variety of visitors; artisans, history buffs, foodies, drag queens! I deem it my near Caribbean getaway. A charming escape off the mainland without the need for a passport.