Key West, Florida

Key West is the Southermost point in the continental United States. It has been home to celebrated authors (like Ernest Hemingway), musicians (the Island was the basis of Jimmy Buffett's hit song "Margaritaville"), and US President Harry Truman. Aside from the myriad of artistic types, it has also been the home to assorted Pirates, Rogues, Beach-Bums, Rum-Runners,Water-Junkies, Sun worshippers and Servicemen going back many, many years.

Key West, as seen from the International Space Sation

But rest assured -- Key West is not all fun and games ... just mostly.

It's a popular vacation spot for many looking for a warm and friendly place with a relaxing atmosphere. As such, Key West caters to the tourist trade ... in fact, tourism is the Island's #1 revenue source. There are Hotels, Bars, Shops and a Marina to service all the frenzy. There are also the neccesary Dive shops, Fishing boats, Excursion operators and Rental shops to satisfy almost any adventure desire.

The heart of Key West is Malory Square, located on the NorthWest corner of the island. This is a seaside park area just West of the Port of Key West (where the cruise ships put in). Here, there is a nightly display of street performers and local merchants selling hand-crafted items. On any given night, you may see mimes, fire breathers, jugglers and/or singers. While all of these performers compete for the tourist money, the real show is given by Mother Nature: Sunset. Every evening, just about sundown, the crowd gathers to watch the sun set upon the watery horizon. This is true Key West culture in action.

This is also where you'll find the Key West Aquarium as well as several sightseeing operations. Nearby, there are several iconic watering holes. Greene Street hosts Captain Tony's Saloon (immortalized in JB's song "The Last Mango in Paris") and a few steps away on Duval Street is Sloppy Joe's Bar, where Hemingway spent some time drinking.