"The Key to my Heart; Key West, Florida" Key West by Dutchnatasja

Key West Travel Guide: 2,023 reviews and 3,974 photos

Ernest Hemingway, Harry Truman, and Jimmy Buffett have all been crazy about Key West. What is it about this place? For starters, the atmosphere. Wherever you walk in Key West, you'll discover unexpected beauty, individual detail, and friendly people. The pastel cottages; the waving palms; the long, sandy beaches; and the red, languid sunsets.

Remember that when clouds or a chill rain covers Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and South Beach, it is usually deliciously, even recklessly sunny in Key West!

My favourite Key West song......

When I hear this song, it reminds me of Key West. I just close my eyes, and I'm in Key West, with the perfect Margarita in my hand and singing....................

Nibblin' on sponge cake,
watchin' the sun bake;
All of those tourists covered with oil.
Strummin' my six string on my front porch swing.
Smell those shrimp--
They're beginnin' to boil.

Wasted away again in Margaritaville,
Searchin' for my lost shaker of salt.
Some people claim that there's a woman to blame,
But I know it's nobody's fault.

Don't know the reason,
Stayed here all season
With nothing to show but this brand new tattoo.
But it's a real beauty,
A Mexican cutie, how it got here
I haven't a clue.

Wasted away again in Margaritaville,
Searchin' for my lost shaker of salt.
Some people claim that there's a woman to blame,
Now I think,-- hell it could be my fault.

I blew out my flip flop,
Stepped on a pop top;
Cut my heel, had to cruise on back home.
But there's booze in the blender,
And soon it will render
That frozen concoction that helps me hang on.

Wasted away again in Margaritaville
Searchin' for my lost shaker of salt.
Some people claim that there's a woman to blame,
But I know, it's my own damn fault.
Yes, and some people claim that there's a woman to blame, And I know it's my own damn fault

Jimmy Buffett


I began to appreciate Jimmy Buffet's music until after I arrived in Key West. The laid back attitude of the colourful locals and the ocean breezes made it easy to picture Jimmy’s view on Key West and the lifestyle that the city has.

Some interesting facts and tips

Terms to Know in The Keys
1. Conch. A lifetime resident of the Keys who was also born there.
2. Freshwater Conch. Keys resident for at least a decade.
3. Bubba. Best friend or a general greeting, as in "Hey, Bubba!"
4. The Rock. The Keys to locals, as in "I gotta get off the Rock!"
5. Duval Crawl. Barhopping Key West along Duval St.

7 Items of Buffetabilia in Key West
• Margaritaville. Jimmy's memorabilia shop and café a la Buffett
• Capt. Tony's Saloon. From "Last Mango In Paradise."
• Margaritaville Trail. Twice-daily tour for serious Parrotheads.
• Shrimpboat Sound. JB's recording studio in Key West Bight.
• Chart Room, Pier House. Where JB first sang on arrival in Key West.
• 704 Waddel Street. JB's 1970s apartment.
• Blue Heaven Restaurant. Immortalized in "Blue Heaven Rendezvous."

6 Keys Delicacies to Try
• Key Lime Pie. The real stuff is pale yellow; imitators are green.
• Key West pink shrimp. Sweet.
• Stone crab claws. Relax, they grow back.
• Spiny lobster. You eat the tails.
• Cuban sandwiches. Warm meat and cheese.
• Cuban bread toast and coffee. This combo packs a real jolt!

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:Great atmosphere, nice people, a relax way of living
  • Cons:Don't like going back home!
  • In a nutshell:Boats, beaches, bars and ballads and not to forget Jimmy Buffett
  • Last visit to Key West: May 2005
  • Intro Updated Jan 24, 2007
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Reviews (35)

Comments (13)

  • 850prc's Profile Photo
    Jan 14, 2008 at 7:10 AM

    Looks like you're hooked on Key West, too, Natasja. We visited there a couple of summers ago and had a fantastic time. Maybe I need to go back... I could use some hot conch fritters. :)

  • thibeaux's Profile Photo
    Apr 20, 2007 at 9:39 AM

    What a terrific page! I am thinking of re-visiting KW and your page really brought me back - super tips, great ideas and your pictures are wonderful! I am jealous of your photography skills.

  • Fullmoonfever's Profile Photo
    Feb 2, 2007 at 4:07 PM

    I went to Key West last weekend.

  • Charlesisland's Profile Photo
    Sep 25, 2006 at 7:56 AM

    I too love Key West. I was working near New York for Sikorsky Aircraft and they offered me a job in West Palm Beach, Florida I jumped at it. Now I live a days drive away. Jon

  • Dec 16, 2005 at 4:59 AM

    We have been all along the Gulf side of south Florida from Naples to Key West, and also sense we are Parrot Heads now. We visited JB's in Orlando, the Lone Palm Airport theme was new. Look at our travelogues to Orlando. [Doreen & Rosso]

  • Sep 12, 2005 at 6:33 AM

    My husband and I are going to Key West in October so I wanted to get an opinion of how KW will be in October from someone who was there at that time. Thanks for all the good ideas and for the beautiful pictures. Now I really can't wait to get there!

  • JetlagCity's Profile Photo
    Jun 10, 2005 at 2:19 PM

    I wish I could beam myself to Key West right this minute - seeing your sunny pictures and reading the words to Margaritaville have totally got me in the mood for this place! : ) Wonderful flower pics in the travelogue!

  • Jun 6, 2005 at 6:41 AM

    Hi Natasja, Ik ben ook een Key West lover en was daar in Aug. 2000. Mooie katten heb jij trouwens, heb zelf een blauwe Rus. Enjoy life utmost, Andy

  • Siddha3th's Profile Photo
    Jun 4, 2005 at 4:56 AM

    No wonder you lost your heart to this place! Thank you for the breathtaking photographs Natasja :) So long... Siddharth

  • CandS's Profile Photo
    Mar 27, 2005 at 2:00 PM

    Wow, it looks beautiful there... :) Love that State Park photo!

Dutchnatasja

“I ain't settling for anything less than everything!”

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