So you want an island get-a-way but don’t feel up for a trans-oceanic flight? Tropical paradise can be yours right in the United States, provided you know the ins and outs of this infamous little island that once declared itself “The Conch Republic.” The following list offers you a local’s top ten look at exploring Key West—all while avoiding the tourist traps found there.

1. Why do we ride bikes

There’s a reason you see locals cruising by on bicycles. Not only is public parking few and far between, the year-round tropical air is perfect for taking in the scenery while traveling to and from this tiny two-by-four island. Walking is certainly a healthy alternative to driving, but the most enjoyable mode of transportation is pedal-powered two-wheeling (or three, if that’s what your needs call for), allowing you to maneuver down the narrow Poinciana-canopied streets with ease and plenty of places to lock up between stops. If your lodging doesn’t provide bicycles, look to one of the local shops to rent, like the one-stop-shop Eaton Bikes, with its complimentary drop-off and pickup service, baskets, locks and lights for all of your free-wheeling needs. With your very own bike handy for the duration of your stay, the island you came to explore is more prominently yours. And as the rest of this list reveals, there is so much to experience!

2. Delicious Key West

Don’t be fooled by those all-you-can-eat buffets or the barkers on the street waving their coupons at you. The good eats in this town don’t need to be advertised. Seven Fish, tucked away on a sleepy neighborhood corner, is almost always bustling with locals and out-of-towners in the know. Thai-style yellowtail snapper is one of three fresh seafood specials that’ll make your mouth water, and the Banana chicken is a quirky but tasty tropic treat. The (Mostly) Veggie Café, just off the heart of Duval, serves healthy fare so fine you’ll forget it’s good for you. Caramelized onions, spinach and figs on a pizza? Delicious! For those who prefer a light nibble, Nine One Five and Santiago’s Bodega will serve you an assortment of tapas for the tasting. Try the Devils on Horseback and the Tuna dome while sipping on a Bellini at Nine One Five, or the spicy shrimp bisque or tender beef tenderloin baked with crumbled blue cheese at Santiago’s. With the freshest of ingredients, professional, friendly service and clean, comfortable atmospheres, these places have earned the respect of local and international epicureans alike. And of course, there’s always Ricky’s Blue Heaven, the icon of all restaurants south of Miami, complete with clucking roosters & six-toed cats lounging around the outdoor dining area.

3. The Waterfront Market of Key West

And where do these restaurants get their ingredients? The Waterfront Market, of course. Located on the Historic Seaport, this market boasts a juice and smoothie bar (complete with internet access), the best deli on the island, and just about any organic food item you can find. Be forewarned, a stop in for a bottle of water might result in a sixty-dollar purchase of gourmet cheeses, olives and the best in organic fruits and vegetables. It’s hard to say “no” to the good things all around you! The Sugar Apple is also a favorite among locals, who frequent this health food and supply store on Simonton Street for everything from vitamin supplements to shampoo. They’ve got a juice bar and deli, too, complete with vegetarian soups, sandwiches and other healthfully delectable items. Who knew tofu could taste so good?

4. National Marine Sanctuary

Put on your seas knees and make way for the water. With both the Atlantic and Gulf surrounding this island, there are a slew of salt-water activities to take advantage of. The Florida Keys do boast the third largest reef system in the world, but why not investigate the “back country,” just west of Key West? Skip out on the overloaded catamaran and book a charter on a “six pack” to take you kayaking in the mangroves of the National Marine Sanctuary, where birds like ibis, herons, and bald eagles nest and roost. Snorkel in the shallows with turtles, stingrays and squid, or watch one of 150 local bottlenose dolphin splash around your boat. The variety, textures and serenity found west will be a much more pleasurable and ecological experience than what you’ll get with eighty other people snorkeling around you at the struggling-to-survive reef. Try Danger, Echo, or Lazy Dog Charters for starters.

5. America’s most inaccessible National Park

Seventy miles from the island lye the Dry Tortugas and historic Fort Jefferson, America’s most inaccessible National Park covering some 16 acres and offering some of the best snorkeling around. Book your seats early on either the Fast Cat with Sunny Days Catamarans or Yankee Freedom, as this trip tends to sell out fast. Or perhaps you’d rather an ariel view? Seaplanes of Key West will get you there in 35 minutes while offering you stunning displays of the shallow Gulf coast and all of its creatures. And for those who like to live in the clouds, Island Aeroplane Tours offers biplane and aerobatic tours with former Blue Angel’s pilot and Key West character Freddy Cabanas. Now this is about as much fun as you can have with your clothes on.

6. Unique memory of Key West

Avoid the typical tee-shirt shops and bring home a gift that shows some Local Color. Lilian and Jack Andersen sailed here from France over twenty years ago, and their jewelry booth at Sunset Celebration has since blossomed into four great stores. With their wide assortment of locally-made linens for both men and women and hand-crafted jewelry with local and Caribbean gemstones, there’s no way you’ll disappoint those back home. Someone you know would love Lavender linen spray or authentically French stationary with an ivory-handles letter opener? Try Besame Mucho for original gifts for those who have everything. A walk through Meredith’s shop will have you lusting for things you didn’t even know you needed.

7. Check out famous bar-lined street

Leave the “Duval Crawl” to spring breakers and enjoy libations beyond smoky bars and Bud Lite. Head south on the famous bar-lined street to find Mangoes, where you can enjoy people watching under cooling mists while drinking whatever it is your heart desires. Further on, you’ll find the best chocolate-espresso martinis complete with the ultimate in drag shows at La Te Da’s. The Afterdeck at Louie’s Backyard offers upscale (if there is such a thing on this island) but unassuming atmosphere in a location that gives way to Atlantic-blue views and the only shore-lapping waves on the island. Mojito-lovers will find their home on a bar stool next to boat-minded individuals at The Conch Republic Seafood company, a sail-making warehouse turned airy bar and restaurant located on the Historic Seaport. And if beer and smoke are still the things for you, go for a Guinness at Finnegan’s Wake, an Irish pub that’ll cook you up corned beef and cabbage to cure those midnight munchies while you sing along to all the old ballads.

8. Key West loves Music
There’s a whole lot of shaking going on in this town when the sun dips behind the horizon line, and there’s no need to follow the pied piper to get your fix of music. Try traveling off the beaten path of Duval Street to local favorites like The Green Parrot or Virgilio’s for a good share of original blues, Latin-infused jazz or funk. El Mason de Pepe, located a stone’s throw from the renowned “Sunset Celebration,” is a great place to swing those hips to the beats of live Cuban music. For those with less kick in their step, look to the Key West Pops, Paradise Big Band, or Key West Symphony Orchestra seasonal performances, a spectacular grouping of world-wide musicians featuring visiting acclaimed performers from around the globe.

9. Center of arts

You hear the muses singing? That’s because artists world-wide flock to Key West for the great weather and creative pulse found there. Go beyond pretty but mass-produced paintings of waves and sculptures of whales and check out the local talent at galleries like Gallery on Greene, Kent Gallery, Harrison Gallery, Lucky Street Gallery or Gingerbread Square. Or visit the southernmost creative community at The Studios of Key West, an organization in the historic Armory that supports artists, creative development and cultural experiences through workshops, lectures, exhibits and workspace for studio artists. Enjoy productions of musicals, dramas and contemporary classics at The Red Barn Theatre, The Waterfront Playhouse, or The Tennessee Williams Fine Arts Center. A list of most any creative event can be found in Paradise, the Thursday entertainment edition of the town’s local paper, The Key West Citizen, or check the Monroe County Council of the Arts calendar of events at www.keysarts.com. And if you simply don’t have time to take in the creative flair of Key West, take home a copy of the secret of salt: an indigenous journal, a Keys-wide literary arts journal that offers a wide array of the best artists and writers the islands have to offer.

10. Planning vacation

With all the activity, all you need now is a place to rest your weary head. Key West is laden with stellar B & B’s, guesthouses, and small resorts–far too many to list here, though The Alligator and the Mermaid, The Gardens Hotel, and Heron House are a few that run consistent with service, cleanliness, convenience, and luxurious comfort. Your best bet? Consult the recent publications like Fodor’s, The Hotel Travel Index, The Lonely Planet Guide, or Harper’s, or call an accommodation center like Island Concierge or AA Accommodations and let them know of your budget and requirements. Be forewarned, seasonal rates (usually October through May) will run you quite higher than off-seasonal rates. If you can stand the heat, the humidity and the possibility of hurricanes, July, August and September are actually the months to come; not only is everything less expensive, the water is warmer, calmer and clearer, and the locals are happier to go just a little bit slower, stopping their bikes from time to time to take in the scent of the blooming jasmine and frangipani, marveling at the island they call home.

Tags: Key West Paradise

This entry was posted on Friday, April 3rd, 2009 at 12:10 pm and is filed under Key West Attractions. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.