With everything going on lately (stay tuned!) I’ve barely had time to share my mini vacation to Key West. Logan and I had an incredible time and I would be lying if I said I wish I wasn’t still there soaking up the sunshine by beach or exploring Duval Street. It was a great time to relax, kick back and appreciate the natural beauty of the Florida Keys.
The Casa Marina Resort was too beautiful for words – there were at least four weddings during our stay! I wouldn’t do to be reading on beach or sipping a Key Lime Pie daiquiri by the pool instead of braving the snow today.
I loved exploring downtown Key West. In addition to the charming art galleries, shops and cafés, we stopped at Ernest Hemingway’s house for a tour and to play with his legendary litter of six-toed cats. As a devoted Hemingway fan (I often frequented his Parisian haunts during my time in France), my heart skipped a beat just seeing the type writer he used for most of his life.
I’ll be the first person to admit I’m not the biggest fan of insects, but the Key West Butterfly House and Conservatory was so cool! I ended up befriending the two flamingos they had in the Butterfly House, Scarlet and Rhett, just to watch their vibrant personalities. Birds of a feather…
One warm afternoon we spent a few hours kayaking. The wildlife and mangroves were exceptionally gorgeous. I definitely started to question my decision to move out of Florida after our few hours exploring the sea.
Logan and I on our last night was spent watching the sunset at Mallory Square. Spectacular. All of it.
x
Key West
What To See: Duval Street. Mallory Square (at sunset). The Key West Butterfly House and Conservatory. Ernest Hemingway’s House. Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville (great live music).
What To Do: Kayak, bike, snorkel and parasailing. I personally just loved walking around the art galleries (like the Alan S. Matz gallery – the official wildlife photographer for the state of Florida) or near the ocean with a pair of sandals in my hand.
Where To Eat: Banana Café. Better Than Sex (dessert food and drinks). Pepe’s Café (oldest restaurant in the Keys and the best Bloody Mary’s). Martin’s.
The Best Key Lime Pie: Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe.
I cannot even tell you how hard it was to head to the airport the next morning. Even though most of our trip was chilly our first few days, the beauty and culture of Key West made the trip worth every penny for me, Logan and his family. It’s officially on my favorite destinations list and you can bet I’ll be back.
What are your favorite spots to visit in Key West? When it’s cold? Let me know!
xo,
Kaitlyn
