| Key West as an outdoor interest? That might surprise you, given the southernmost city’s rather eclectic reputation. And without question, it’s a cool place to hang out a few days when it comes to recharging the soulful batteries. I recently stayed in Key West with fiance Kelly Braden and we quite pleasantly enjoyed a number of attractions that appeal to all those who enjoy nature’s variety.
Start with where we stayed. With three nights at our disposal, we spent the first two at the Cypress House B&B on Caroline Street. Built in 1888, this lovely place is awash in trees, bushes, flowers and delightful cats (Chris with the stub tail quickly became our favorite). The last night put us closer to the hub-bub of shopping and nightlife at the Westin. Undergoing restoration yet still very elegant, the Westin offered a nice contrast to the more laid-back Cypress House.
Guests at the Westin may take the launch to Sunset Key, accessible only by boat. Besides rubbing elbows as the restaurant with occasional visiting celebrities and VIPs, the shoreline views of Key West on one side and deep into the Gulf of Mexico on the other mixes with the invigorating salt air.
I’m usually not much for talking butterflies and such, but if truth be known it’s truly amazing how nature designed the colorful, shapely wings of these elegant creatures. If you feel as I do, then you most certainly must visit the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory on Duval Street. I promise you won’t leave disappointed.
As commercial as this may sound, people-watchers must not ignore the famed Conch Train Tour. Yeah, it costs 30 bucks each, but the narrated 90-minute, snaking ride through Key West on their open trolleys really fascinate those into architecture and plant-life. The mansions nee B&Bs, museums and attractions keep each block of this city quite special. And did you know that there are no squirrels in Key West? Neither did we, but the variety of birds kept our heads searching the skies.
One might not consider fish to be part of nature’s animal circus, but the old Key West Aquarium at the northern end of Whitehead Street convinces otherwise. Small yet intriguing, we especially loved the lagoon filled with tarpon, redfish, snapper, barracuda and other saltwater stars.
Key West – don’t just go there to let down your hair or retrace the steps of Hemingway or Truman. Keep in mind all the outdoorsy things to see and do to make your next visit really fulfilled.
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