Key West, Funky Town

Key West is a great escape for those who want toWest has lovely historic homes in Old Town, and
experience that island "ting", but with the modernlovely pastel colored homes throughout the New
American conveniences. Key West is known forTown area. Because of the limited availability of land
international tourism, to include the snowbirds fromand year-round sunny weather, real estate prices in
the Northern US & Canada, Europeans, Asians, andKey West are some of the highest in the country.
even Northern Floridians who want to leave theTourism is the primary business interest here.
hustle of city life behind.Downtown, Duval Street is world famous. Many
Although Key West is in the United States, it is oftentourists will experience the "Duval Crawl" by visiting
referred to as the "Conch Republic", and the laid backthe numerous souvenir shops, restaurants and bars
attitude here makes you feel like you are in anotherlocated on this street.
country. Many Key Westers are known to beKey West has more to offer than just bars. Take a
"quirky" and "friendly", which makes up the charm oftour on the famous "Conch Train. This tour is a
the city. Many artisans make their home here, and"MUST DO" if you want an overall view of the island,
you'll see delightfully painted bicycles, cars, and otherand to get tips on famous spots. The conductors are
island crafts around you. Key West is a pet-friendlygreat at explaining the history of Key West.
town, too, and you'll see chickens freely roam theOther attractions include the Ernest Hemingway
streets.House (where many live 6-toed cats reside);the Key
Key West is the Southernmost city in the UnitedWest Aquarium, the Custom Art House, Mel Fisher's
States, and actually is closer to Cuba (90 miles), thanMaritime Museum, the Shipwreck Historeum, the
it is to the Florida mainland. Key West is an islandLighthouse, The Harry Truman Little White House,
approximately 4 x 2 miles wide and is the last of thethe Southernmost House, Pirate Soul Museum,
100-mile-long chain of islands that connect all of theRipley's Believe it or Not, the Key West Butterfly &
Florida Keys by bridges. There is only one road toNature Conservatory, Ghost Tours, Glass Bottom
and from Key West, (Highway US-1). This roadboat tours, and more. You can also book a boat or
travels from Key West up all the Florida Keys to theseaplane for a day-trip to the Dry Tortugas National
mainland to the city of Homestead, Florida.Park which takes you to a natural beautiful island
The population of Key West is around 26,000 people,about 70 miles west of Key West.
but the city average's about 18,000 visitors daily. Key