Things You Should Do
All the things you should do, explore and consume in Key West.
Snorkeling the Western Dry Rocks
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- Last Updated on Sunday, 03 February 2013 15:50
- Written by Patti Lavell
- Hits: 555

If you make a visit to Key West without snorkeling, you’re a complete moron. It’s one of the best places on earth to experience the underwater world, so grab your sunblock and find a boat to take you out
West Martello Tower
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- Last Updated on Wednesday, 19 December 2012 10:51
- Written by Patti Lavell
- Hits: 352
I really don’t understand people who call for the demolition of old structures, especially forts. I’m not really into the history of wars but I truly love old forts. To me, they feel alive and aware and I’m convinced
USCGC INGHAM Maritime Museum
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- Last Updated on Tuesday, 18 December 2012 13:49
- Written by Patti Lavell
- Hits: 353
As a former U.S. Coast Guard civilian and the wife of a retired Coastie, I’m partial to one particular Key West museum. The Coast Guard Cutter Ingham has over fifty years of history serving our nation and her experiences
Kiteboarding is the Shiznits!
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- Last Updated on Monday, 17 December 2012 14:59
- Written by Patti Lavell
- Hits: 3081
To avoid the dreaded “horse tax” the government imposed on those owning work horses in the 1800s, a brilliant man by the name of George Pocock used a series of kites to harness wind power to propel carts on
Hog's Breath Saloon
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- Last Updated on Tuesday, 04 December 2012 12:14
- Written by Patti Lavell
- Hits: 490
I’ve spent so much of my hard-earned cash at the Hog’s Breath Saloon, they should send me a monthly royalties check or, at the very least, put my name in lights. I don’t think it’s too much to ask.
Key West Aquarium
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- Last Updated on Monday, 03 December 2012 12:05
- Written by Patti Lavell
- Hits: 388
How many public aquariums are you aware of that allow patrons to enter with their dog’s leash in one hand and a cocktail in the other? I’m aware of only one and it’s located at Mallory Square in Key
Nude Adventures in Key West
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- Last Updated on Saturday, 01 December 2012 11:15
- Written by Patti Lavell
- Hits: 2568

Years of living on an island have chipped away at my self-consciousness and fear of public nudity. The warmth of the sun convinced me it’s okay to go topless on our boat as we glide over the turquoise water
Red Barn Theatre
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- Last Updated on Wednesday, 28 November 2012 08:59
- Written by Patti Lavell
- Hits: 310
There are two kinds of people in this world; those who love going to the theater and those who’d rather get a root canal. I fall somewhere in between, which obviously blows my theory about there being only two
The Studios of Key West
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- Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 November 2012 12:34
- Written by Patti Lavell
- Hits: 412
I’ve found that my level of creativity or perhaps the quality of what I create is greatly influenced by my surroundings. Living on an island, surrounded by beauty has helped me produce more creative pieces than while working in
New Year's Eve in Key West
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- Last Updated on Thursday, 15 November 2012 14:31
- Written by Patti Lavell
- Hits: 487
Most of America tunes into Times Square to watch the ball drop on New Year’s Eve, while the frozen crowd of New Yorkers huddle together to share body heat. Those of us in Key West have a different, and
B & B: Boat and Breakfast
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- Last Updated on Tuesday, 13 November 2012 09:59
- Written by Patti Lavell
- Hits: 568

Most of us are familiar with the relaxed and pampered feeling of staying in a historic bed and breakfast. Ornate crown molding, homey antiques, four poster beds decked in high quality linens and a freshly prepared gourmet breakfast are
Christmas in Key West
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- Last Updated on Saturday, 10 November 2012 13:36
- Written by Patti Lavell
- Hits: 454
Did you know that Santa Claus is not only capable of flying a sleigh pulled by horned reindeer, he’s an accomplished mariner as well? It’s true. Ole Kris Kringle can handle vessels of all sizes and his docking skills
Pizza; The Perfect Key West Food
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- Last Updated on Saturday, 03 November 2012 14:16
- Written by Patti Lavell
- Hits: 426
I realize that while visiting a tropical island paradise, your culinary interests lean toward the fresh catch of the day, local shrimp and crabs, and maybe some other types of shellfish. However, there will be times, perhaps after a
Thanksgiving in Paradise
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- Last Updated on Wednesday, 28 November 2012 09:01
- Written by Patti Lavell
- Hits: 697

Rather than performing the traditional Thanksgiving dance, which most likely involves stuffing yourself with turkey and the vast array of fattening sides, experience the day Key West style. A cold weather Thanksgiving is nice, but at least once in
Key West Powerboat Races
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- Last Updated on Wednesday, 27 March 2013 09:19
- Written by Patti Lavell
- Hits: 496
The 2013 offshore racing season has been an exciting one so far for Super Boat International and our island will host the most unforgettable race of the year, the 33nd Annual Key West World Championships.
Founded by John
Key West Specialty Stores
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- Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 October 2012 21:09
- Written by Patti Lavell
- Hits: 534

You’ve heard about Key West’s world-renowned sunsets, legendary watering holes and intoxicated throngs of half-naked Fantasy Fest revelers celebrating all through the night. The island’s laid back and accepting vibe blankets the entire island, extending to the surrounding, turquoise
Royal Coronation Ball
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- Last Updated on Saturday, 13 October 2012 10:47
- Written by Patti Lavell
- Hits: 450
Think Mardi Gras on steroids and Carnival pumped up a few notches and you have Key West’s Fantasy Fest. Started more than two decades ago as a means to boost the economy during an otherwise slow season, the festival
Annual Headdress Ball
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- Last Updated on Thursday, 11 October 2012 10:42
- Written by Patti Lavell
- Hits: 726
Over three decades ago, a savvy group of bell-bottom-wearing business people formed the Key West Business Guild, commonly referred to as the Guild. The nation’s first gay-oriented Chamber of Commerce, the Guild’s initial goals were to encourage summer tourism
Bahama Village Goombay Festival
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- Last Updated on Sunday, 21 October 2012 13:44
- Written by Patti Lavell
- Hits: 899

Goombay, Key West’s annual Caribbean street festival, is the official kick-off for Fantasy Fest. Thousands descend upon Bahama Village to hear live Caribbean music and delight in authentic cuisine from a variety of countries and cultures. The celebratory throng
Spas in Key West
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- Last Updated on Tuesday, 02 October 2012 10:34
- Written by Patti Lavell
- Hits: 563
You’ve come to Key West, Florida to wrap yourself in our laid back atmosphere and calming island vibe but the everyday stresses that accompany you may get in the way of tuning in and toning down your corporate mind.
Pink Shrimps
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- Last Updated on Friday, 28 September 2012 14:41
- Written by Patti Lavell
- Hits: 854
Fifty years ago in Key West, Florida you could walk to the dock and see fishermen paying local kids fifty cents for every bucket of shrimp they deheaded. The docks were packed with shrimp boats unloading their glorious catch
Snuba and Other Adventures
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- Last Updated on Wednesday, 03 October 2012 17:45
- Written by Patti Lavell
- Hits: 612
Key West, Florida is famous for its sunsets, pub crawls and devil-may-care attitude but it should be equally famous for its seemingly endless selection of unique adventures. Surrounded by tranquil turquoise waters, it makes sense that the island’s playground
Fishing in the Florida Keys
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- Last Updated on Monday, 17 September 2012 12:44
- Written by Patti Lavell
- Hits: 756
The Florida Keys and fishing go together like peanut butter and jelly. They’re both great on their own but they just naturally belong together. If you visit the Florida Keys without taking advantage of the world class fishing at
Marrero Guest Mansion
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- Last Updated on Monday, 17 September 2012 12:45
- Written by Patti Lavell
- Hits: 1091
At Key West’s Marrero’s Guest Mansion, you’re likely to be greeted by both the living and the dead.
Francisco Marrero fell in love with Enriquetta, the woman of his dreams. A prominent and wealthy cigar maker, Francisco built her
Cruises to Key West
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- Last Updated on Saturday, 15 September 2012 11:18
- Written by Patti Lavell
- Hits: 1142
Key West is the southernmost city in the continental United States and is the largest of a chain of small islands called the Florida Keys. These islands are the equivalent of America’s Caribbean and they are scattered like loose
More Articles...
- West of Key West
- Old Town Trolley
- Key West’s Haunted Cemetery
- Gay Key West
- Our Lady of Lourdes
- The Hemingway House
- Being Naked in Key West
- One Vacation Strategy: Speed
- The Duval Crawl
- Bird Watching in Key West
- Scuba Diving Key West
- The Non-Drinker’s, Non-Swimmer’s Guide to Key West
- Key West Drag Queens
- Which Way to the Beach?
- Sunset at Mallory Square
- Only One Day in Paradise?







