Talk about a scenic road trip! All connected by the Overseas Highway about 15 miles south of Miami and 90 north of Cuba, this string of islands is like the Cuba of the states. With such a rich culture blossoming from the many Cubans that fled to south Florida and settled there after the Cuban Revolution. The Keys still attract Cubanos leaving their home country, and stories of "rafters" coming ashore are everywhere to be heard. The place has become a foodies dream with the plethora of Cuban inspired offerings. This April, my family and I went on a vacation here road tripping down the keys and here is my list of "must sees" island by island.
At the southernmost tippity-tip of the Keys lies Key West, where there is no lack of things to do even at just over 4 square miles of land mass.
1.) Duval Street- Bring your walking shoes (and whatever you do, don't straighten your hair! The humidity is no joke.) and take a stroll down the famous downtown sidewalks starting at the Atlantic on one end and ending at the Gulf of Mexico on the other! Wander with the chickens and check out restaurants and bars such as Sloppy Joe’s, Fogarty’s, Margaritaville, see a cabaret show, or just stroll and shop. Day or night, these sidewalks don't sleep. Too exhausted from all your activities? Hop on a pedicab and be chauffeured back to your residence in peddling style.
2.) Mallory Square- 2 hours before sunset everyday, the laid back sunny lifestyle continues as the day comes to a close with a celebration that includes arts and crafts exhibitors, street performers, and food carts. For me the ocean-side celebration was reminiscent of Venice Beach near my hometown. If this is one of the stops on your cruise, you'll be dropped off here...Be a super tourist and try a savory capressi or sweet guava and cheese crepe on a stick (pictured below) or stop into the shell warehouse to buy souvenirs.
3.) Cuban Coffee Queen- Don't bother going anywhere else for your coffee needs...This place is to die for offering cafe cubano (super strong espresso sweetened as it is brewed with demerara sugar) or cortaditos (just as strong, but with milk). Also, pan cubano...there are no words to adequately describe this buttery goodness.
4.) "Better than Sex-" The menu here is incredible with items such as peanut butter perversion, cookie nookie pie, twist and stout, or kinky key west cream pie. With only about 15 small tables and a dark ambiance, you can sip on a rich alcoholic beverage served in a sweet dipped glass or savor a decadent dessert.
5.) The southernmost point- You'll need some pretty great photo editing skills to crop out all the other tourists gathering here, but how many opportunities will you have to be at the southernmost point of the continental US?!
6.) Key West African Cemetery/ Martello Tower-Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on Higgs beach, a memorial has been set up to remember and honor refugees. It has been recorded that more than 1,400 African men, women and children were transported to Key West after being rescued from the slave vessels and found refuge on the islands. Adjacent is another tranquil spot, the Key West garden club, where beautiful plants are maintained by volunteers and grow around an old Navy tower.
7.) Ernest Hemingway's house/Key West Lighthouse- Unless you're allergic to cats, taking a tour through the authors 1930s residence is both educational and scenic as you learn about his many wives, hobbies, and inspirations. Then, cross the street and visit the keeper's quarters at the historic Key West lighthouse for $10.
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8.) Sunset Pier- This restaurant situated on a pier was so good, we ate their twice on our limited stay...Basic American and seafood options done right with the most colorful wooden tables, benches and chairs that match the spirit of the nearby Mallory Square. They have live entertainment too!
9.) Key West first legal rum distillery- What could be better than free? At this old coca-cola bottling facility, I got to take a free tour of the distillery and taste their varieties of chef distilled rum selections with infusions of Coconut, Vanilla Creme Bruleeand Real Key Lime made without preservatives.
