Things to Do in Key West

by Phyllis
(Florida USA)

Key West is Paradise

Editor note: Phyllis is a Florida native and very knowledgeable of local Key West. She was kind enough to share some things you may not know about otherwise...

Here are some great things to do that are newer so might be something different for people who have been here before:

** NOAA Eco-Discovery Center

This center has only been open a couple of years and it is delightful. The exhibits are fun and interactive and there is a state of the art 17 minute film that shows every half hour that is beautiful. It is a class place and, did I mention...parking and admission are FREE!
http://www.eco-discovery.com/

** Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

This is about 4-5 years old and is one of the nicest tourist (and local) places. The actual conservatory is full of butterflies and birds in a beautiful setting. The shop is a great place to finish the tour and pick up gifts for people of all ages.

** Casa Antigua

Many people who have lived in Key West forever have never been to Casa Antigua at 314 Simonton Street. People are familiar with Pelican Poop, the gift shop that is actually on Simonton Street.

The Orchid Lady Tours come to the gardens on one of their stops and the self-guided tour that includes 3 historic homes/gardens includes Casa Antigua. The cost is $2/person but if you buy $10 in Pelican Poop, there is no charge. It is NOT a tour of the house but the garden/pool area is beautiful.

People first sit beside the pool and fountain while they listen to a 7-minute CD which tells the history of the very interesting building. (Ernest Hemingway lived upstairs for a while and wrote ""A Farewell to Arms" while he was there.) Casa Antigua is a hidden treasure that is off the beaten path but definitely worth the effort.

** No one leaves as my guest without having breakfast at Blue Heaven. The atmosphere is like no where else you would eat at home. They serve other meals there but my favorite is breakfast.

* Another breakfast must is Pepe's on Caroline Street.

** Key Lime Pie on a Stick is a must try treat. There are many imitations but my favorite is at Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe at the corner of Greene and Elizabeth. I"ve often said that if I was going to the electric chair and they asked what I wanted for my last meal, it would have to include KLPOAS.

** The best Conch Fritters are at the little stand outside the Aquarium

** Watch out for t-shirt shops. More complaints come from visitors to the Chamber of Commerce because of the tactics used by SOME t-shirt shop owners.