Ponderings
 by Paula Bragg

Key West. Great place to visit, long, tedious drive to get there. Enter the Key West Express, a boat service from Ft Myers to Key West, with the option to stay as many days as you want in Key West, or return the same day. Has to be more exciting than the drive, right? Well, not really. It's a toss up if the boat or by car is the better way to go. I took the boat once, drove once, went by cruise ship another time. Cruise ship is better (except financially).

I recommend taking the Old Town Trolley around town. Same price as Conch Train, but Old Town is all day and unlimited on and off, Conch is hour and a half and two stops. Those of you who were spoiled by the trolley service in St. Augustine, most stops in Key West are a block or more from destination. Was hoping for closer as was over 90 degrees and walking was exhausting. But worth it.

A must do is Mallory Square for the sunset. Entertainment, food, gifts, and a celebration of sunset! But, 2^nd night found a hotel on Duval Street that has a bar and tables on the rooftop and the sunset is just as pretty. It's a personal choice. Also saw the Key West White House, established in Truman's administration. Very interesting historically and great guides. Went on to see Hemingway's House. Again, the guided tour is informative, grounds beautiful, and cats abound. The Mel Fisher Maritime museum tells the story of the finding of the Spanish shipwreck that yielded millions in gold, jewels, silver and artifacts. Learn the story of the reef formed by silver bars that were used as ship's ballast. I can't get over how anyone recognizes wrecks after so many years underwater. I would have passed up the silver bar reef and thought I found a treasure in a beautiful seashell. Why I'm not an explorer!

Men wore their wealth in chains, breaking off a link
when needed money.

Key West is another one of Florida's wonders that people come from all over the world to see, and we Floridians tend to take it for granted. If you've never been there, it is unique. Party folk may only see places like Sloppy Joe's, Hog's Breath Saloon, or Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. But alternatives abound for history buffs and foodies. I suggest checking if any festivals are going on at the time of your visit. Some festivals are “clothing optional!!”

A cheeseburger restaurant doggie bar.
 

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