Key West Florida

You can't go further south than the Florida Keys in America without dropping into the sea. Key West Florida is a favorite destination for tourists, people who want to winter in the sun and fishing enthusiasts. The mild climate is very appealing and it has some interesting cultural connections too. The port is very busy with the coming and going of cruise ships. There is a wet season, which occurs from May until October, and thunderstorms are common during that period. Hurricanes are also a frequent visitor, the most severe one being Hurricane Wilma in 2005, which caught the attention of the world's news media.

There is plenty to do here and most visitors like to explore the Old Town, either on bicycle or on foot. Guided tours are available with information given on the history and architecture of Key West Florida. There are also boat excursions and charters for deep-sea fishing.

Creative people have made homes in this area over the years, the two most notable being the writers Tennessee Williams and Earnest Hemingway. Williams wrote some of his works here and his name is given to the local performing arts theatre. Hemingway also wrote here, in addition to drinking at Sloppy Joe's Bar and indulging in his favorite hobby of fishing. His former home is now a museum dedicated to his life, work and time spent in Key West Florida.

The natural world and local species are celebrated at the Key West Botanical Forest and Garden. These botanical gardens display a range of palms, shrubs and trees. The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory has a glass domed building that houses tropical butterflies in their typical environment. The area conjures up romantic images of smuggling and storms on the high seas and the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum has exhibits of treasure salvaged from shipwrecks, including pieces of gold and silver. The local lighthouse was constructed in 1847 and its history is told at the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum.

There are a number of annual events on the island's calendar including the International Boat Regatta held in January. Competitors from all over the world come to race at this event in the different sailing classes. In October, the very colorful Fantasy Fest takes place. This ten-day extravaganza is a celebration by the gay community of Key West Florida and there are parades, drag queen contests and balls. There is a serious side to the frivolity as a lot of money is raised for AIDS charities.