Sign in with Facebook"Key West one of my favorite spots in North America" Key West by TheTravelSlut
Key West Travel Guide: 2,024 reviews and 3,979 photos
The Conch Republic as it is often called and referred to, is diffcult to explain unless you have not only visited, but experienced, what it has to offer. In 1992, it seceded (on paper only) from the U.S. and declared its independance. It remains the southernmost point of the mainland U.S.
Key West is cosmopolitan yet, at times and places, a throwback to modern times.
Here on the island that Ernest Hemingway called home, you can find 6-toed cats, key lime pie, bodypainted people roaming the bars, streets, and shops, and shipwrecks or treasures.
Key West is international, a cruiseship port, and just 90 miles from Cuba.
Key West hosts many events each year so be sure to check their calendar of events to make sure you do not have any conflicts with accomodations,e etc.
The biggest event is Fantasy Fest held the last week of each October. (Refer to my travelogues, nightlife and things to do tips for further information).
Key West opens its arms to anyone and everyone. That is one of its greatest virtues.
One family is what they call it. It works locally and globally.
Key West has North America's only living coral reef just a few miles offshore. There is a old fort accessible only by boat or seaplane offshore also.
Key West has a long history and has been home to many VIP's and it has survived several major hurricanes including Wilma in 2005.
Today, Key West is divided into Old Town and New Town, Bahama Village and Seaport Village. There is modern right alongside old and it works.
You may find professional people doing the "Duval Crawl" from bars, pubs and saloons or you may find students, families, cruiseship passengers, and foreigners doing everything from studying history to enjoying a beer at Sloppy Joes.
There are strange things in Key West that are better off discovered by oneself.
Whether it be speedboat races, lobster season, big game fishing, scuba diving, treasure hunting, snorkeling, swimming, boating & sailing, cruising, renting a motor scooter, sightseeing, walking,visiting museums, shopping, drinking or dining, you will find it all in Key West.
- Pros:A live and let live attitude coupled with a great location
- Cons:Sometimes it does get too crowded
- In a nutshell:A little of everything for a lot of different people.
Reviews (23)
Fantasy Fest 2011 events for Halloween
Things to Do
(4)
The 2011 Fantasy Fest celebration in Key West is the 32nd year of week-long fun on and around Duval Street and this year... more travel advice
Tips for 1st time attendees to Fantasy...
Nightlife
(3)
Hello all FantasyFesters! Oct. 21-Oct. 20, 2011 & the theme this year is "Aquatic Afrolic". While I've only been 11... more travel advice
Do's & Dont's during a Duval Crawl @...
Local Customs
(1)
I'm sorry I lost info on who wrote these tips of Do's & Dont's for Fantasy Fest. It makes sense, so thanks to the... more travel advice
Fantasy Fest #8 for me in 2007
Nightlife
(3)
Key West and many of its businesses, either on or off Duval Street, participate to one degree or another in either... more travel advice
Travelogues (4)
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Written Nov 3, 2007
8 photos
Key West, Fantasy Fest & Halloween 2007
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Written Nov 23, 2007
8 photos
Fantasy Fest 2007--a little more
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Written Dec 20, 2006
8 photos
On the road to Key West & Fantasy Fest 2006
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Written Jun 11, 2009
8 photos
2009 Fantasy Fest schedule and events
- 1
TheTravelSlut's Related Pages
Key West Travel Guide
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Comments (30)
I'd heard Key West was one of the most liberated parts of the US, but I'd never heard about how big the hairstyles were! Looks like great fun! I loved the Do's and Don'ts tip.
Thanks.....Key West, in the Conch Republic, is unique in the USA and actually "seceded" from the US back in the 1990's...all on paper of course. It is an island all its own. :)
Ann...what a blast this place sounds like during Fantasy Fest. The do's and don'ts were outstanding. Nothing like savoring life!
do you see jimmy buffett there or is that a myth?
I've never seen Jimmy there in Key West but always have a drink (or two or three) at Margaritaville. He does pop into key West at times, but it is rarely ever announced.
Ann, you always have a beautiful smile and always look like your enjoying life. Kudo to you for having fun! Keep it up!
Your tip on "Do's & Dont's during a Duval Crawl @ Fantasy Fest" work just as well for Mardi Gras in New Orleans!
It's been years since my last Fantasy Fest...great fun and awesome people!!!
I was last in Key West in....maybe 1987? Looks like things have changed quite a lot. Some bigger and more modern buildings, but at least some of the old Key West has been preserved.
I love Key West too. Great pages!!
What a great spectacular place to enjoy! Thanks for your valuable advice, Ann!
OMG Ann. What fun you must have had in Key West. Love the body paint...... Carole
Great fun here w/U - favorite photos? You in party mode. Grazie, Carol <(•¿•)>