Travels: Nibblin' on spongecake in Key West (Part 1: a great escape)
Friday, October 29, 2010 at 8:00AM | Wrenda My perfect "have to get out of town for a break NOW" getaway is to head for Key West. And that is exactly what I did. It is a complete escape (from reality). And I love it.
It begins with the journey to get there which is always on the Key West Express from Fort Myers Beach. Why would anyone make the hours-long trip by car when you can hope onboard this sleek, modern vessel and let someone else do the driving? It is a beautiful ride and pure confort and best of all, it gives me more time in Key West. The only way to go!
From the dock it is an easy walk with my very light bag (how much can
tee shirts, shorts and a spare pair of flip flops weigh?) to the wonderful WeatherStation Inn in the Truman Annex. This historic property (1911) is perfectly located...close enough to Duval Street for all of the fun but in a gated community where you can get a peaceful night's sleep and a healthy breakfast. And Barbara, along with her caring and professional staff see to all of your needs and recommend the best of everything happening in Key West.
After I check in, the fun begins. Since any trip for me is all about the houses and decor, I like to rent bikes and do a quick "welcome back to Key West" ride. This includes jaunts through Old Town (all of those yummy Key West homes), the Hemingway House, beautiful Fort Zachery Taylor State Park, a stop at my favorite bookstore, Voltaire Books on Simonton Street, the southernmost point in the U.S. By now it is usually time
for a cold drink in the place where you can feel closest to Ernest Hemingway: Sloppy Joe's.
My first meal is always at my current favorite Key West restaurant, Kelly's. Located in the historic, original Pan Am Airlines building on the corner of Whitehead and Caroline, this outdoor garden is a perfect setting for