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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…
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A Quick Dip in Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda State Park is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll locate this sanctuary on Big Pine Key just an hour north of Key West. The park offers many ways to explore Florida’s natural beauty by offering endless activities and amenities. You don’t just have to enjoy the water activities, there’s birding, camping, and stargazing too. Upon driving in there’ll be three beaches to choose from. Loggerhead features shallow calm water, Calusa presents scenic picnic pavilions along its bay, and Sandspur offers the biggest beach on the island. If you’re just interested in a calm swim like I was Loggerhead is your best choice. Stepping onto Loggerhead’s shore is serene.…
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Mel Fisher Maritime Museum: Exploring the Maritime History of Florida and the Caribbean
Key West’s present day is decorated with bars, restaurants, street performers, and tourists worldwide. But it wasn’t always this paradise that snowbirds flock to. It was once plagued with slavery, and colonizers during the Colonial period. Being closer to the Caribbean Islands, it endured piracy that plagued nearby islands such as The Bahamas and Jamaica. Throughout this historical time slavery, plantation economy, and piracy were interconnected through attacks on treasure ships and ports. Centuries later Florida maintains a connection to the Caribbean as natives seek refuge from political instability and poverty. A visit to the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum presents these tumultuous times through exhibits of treasure, ships, slavery, and…
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Kayaking in Sombrero Beach
Florida is the only state to border the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. This sunshine state is almost completely surrounded by water so there’s no surprise to the abundance of kayak shops around. The shops in Marathon, Florida will most likely suggest Sombrero Beach. You’ll just have to state the number of hours you plan on kayaking, sign your waivers, and they’ll drop off and pick up the kayaks for you. Pulling into Sombrero Beach set the perfect scene for a laid-back beach day. It’s not a crowded spring break haven nor is it desolate. The beach is complete with a park and picnic area sparse with a…
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Discovering Dolphins: A Hidden Oasis in the Florida Keys.
Driving down the Florida Keys can be a bit monotone. You drive for miles seeing nothing but blue ripples of water sway along the long connecting bridges. The modern construction of Miami is long gone as the scenery shifts to quaint motels and old shopping centers. Nevertheless, a random quirky shop with giant motifs or romantic gazebos along turquoise waters beckons curious tourists to scope its picture-friendly display. This year on our drive down the keys Carlos and I couldn’t miss The Dolphin Research Center. A giant dolphin figure stood tall amongst the houses and palm trees that lined up along the road. It inevitably persuaded us to experience sensational…
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Indulge In Style: Lunch In The Versace Mansion
It’s no surprise that Miami is the ideal city to flaunt one’s beauty and style. With the thriving art scene, glamorous nightlife, and warm weather you just want to look as enticing as the city does. Well, Gianni’s Restaurant captures that desire flawlessly and attracts fashion enthusiasts from around the world, and for good reason. The restaurant is in the former Versace mansion, once home to the late fashion designer Gianni Versace. The mansion is hard to miss because it’s out of place in the best way. Casual beachgoers in boardwalk attire pass by a Mediterranean-style villa as designer-drenched visitors strut into its arch entrance. As you walk in, you’re…
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Elsa’s Arrival
My Independence Day trip in 2021 was exactly what I needed. After an extra session of school for the summer, I couldn’t wait to make the most of my shortened summer break. As the days of my upcoming trip got closer, I couldn’t stop daydreaming of the clear blue ocean I would reunite with. My tired legs from sitting in my mediocre office chair every day needed to move around, a lot. I could picture my boyfriend and I salsa dancing, swimming, museum hopping, and the like. Anything to get us moving and exploring was my goal. What I had not pictured though, was waiting roughly three hours to receive…
