Key West

Despite the crowds and traffic, Key West is as close as it gets to heaven on earth. The temperature ranges from the low 40's to the upper 90's, and averages 77 year round. It has a culture and a history all it's own. And being the southernmost point of mainland America it occupies a unique place in our collective imaginations. If you have never been there, do yourself a favor and go. And if you've already gone, when are you going back?

While in Key West we stayed at a wonderful place called "The Banyans." The main entrance, shown in the first picture, is located on the east side of Whitehead Street between Eaton and Caroline. The people are extremely gracious, the accommodations are totally first class, and the grounds are impeccable. There are two pools and a hot tub. The adults only pool is shown in the second picture. You can just see our back door in the upper right. I could jump from the threshold into the pool The third picture gives you just a glimpse of the other pool. The large hot tub was directly behind me when it took it. The remaining 3 pictures try to convey the beauty of the many banyan trees on the grounds, from which it takes its name. Our front door opened onto Eaton Street and was just half a block away from Duval and all the action.

The Mayor leaning against the clock on Duval Street

It may be Five o'clock somewhere, but it's only 10:10 as the mayor props up the clock.

The Strand Theatre on Duval Street

Tell me it ain't so!

St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Duval Street

At the corner of Duval and Eaton stands St. Paul's Episocpal Cathedral.

On the west side of Duval, between Fleming & Southard Streets is Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville. To see the inside click on the picture.

The Conch Train

This is the World Famous Conch Tour Train. The tour gives you a place to sit down in the shade and sip a cool beverage while somebody else does the driving. The dialogue tends to be a bit corny at times, but it is still a good way to learn some fun facts about the local history and the local legends.

Fausto's Food Palace in Key West

Fausto's was Key West's first refrigerated food store.

Southernmost House in the USA in Key West

The Southernmost House in the USA.

Top of the Key West Lighthouse

The famous Key West Lighthouse is open to the public.

Wyland's Whaling Wall at the waterfront in Key West

Marine artist Wyland turned this Waterfront Market Building in Key West's Historic Seaport into one of his famous whaling walls. I wonder what he would charge to paint the Fruitcakemobile?

The former Bucket o' Blood in Key West

This respectable establishment, it's doors still painted red, was formerly "The Bucket of Blood", one of the most infamous bars in Key West. Can guess how it got it's name? I knew you could.

The First Lady at the entrance to Mallory Square at the end of Duval Street in Key West

The first lady poses at the entrance to Mallory Square, home of the perfect sunset.

The Mayor at Mallory Square at the end of Duval Street in Key West as the Western Union sails past

The Mayor soaks up the sun in Mallory Square as the "Western Union" cruises towards open ocean.

Mallory Square at the end of Duval Street in Key West

Mallory Square is a dichotomy. Being on the ocean it feels open because it is open. Mostly. As you can see, it also has its intimate spots. Notice the "Western Union" at left the left edge of the second picture.

The Mayor and First Lady at the Southernmost Point in the Continental USA