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 Discover a city where real estate titles date back to the Kings of
Spain. Stroll the palm-lined streets and admire gingerbread mansions,
tin-roofed conch houses, the John Audubon House and Ernest Hemingway's
home. Walk in the footsteps of Thomas Edison, Lou Gehrig, Harry
Truman, and Tennessee Williams. Gaze at the fabled treasure of the
galleon Atocha. Discover tomorrow's fine art treasures by Key West's
well-known and unknown artists.
Only in Key West would the sun shine brightest when it sets. Everyone
gathers for the never planned, always varied Sunset
 Celebration
in
Mallory Square. Once the sun is safely tucked away by jugglers, mimes, musicians and street artists, the city moves to a different beat. A
night beat. The streets come alive, filled with sidewalk cafes,
open-air bars, legendary pubs and world-class restaurants. Gourmets
and gourmands alike treat their palates to island specialties. Drama,
musicals and comedy flourish on the city's many stages. As you enjoy these sights, you'll
discover that modern Key West is a warm-hearted place where all are
welcome.
 Old town Key West is one of America's true architectural and botanical
treasures. On even the tiniest lanes, the locals have faithfully
restored old wooden homes and adorned them with lush tropical trees
and flowers. New restaurants and stores are popping up in historic
Bahama Village, which was settled in the 19th Century by
Bahamian immigrants. Hemingway loved coming here to mix with the
hard-working locals at boxing matches and arm-wrestling contests at
the famous Sloppy Joe's Bar on Duval Street. He
wrote several of his most well-known books while living in Key West
with his wife.
The island's seafaring tradition lives on at the renovated Historic
Seaport district, known locally as the Key West Bight. Dozens of
shrimp boats once
 called this harbor home. These days, the Bight is
a popular place to spend a day on the water, whether you are a diver, snorkeler, fisherman or naturalist. Or just to stroll along the harbor
walk or dine at one of the many fine restaurants.
In this city of fascinating contrasts, you will soon find yourself
wanting to let go of mainland hassles for good and enjoy the
stress-free pleasure of life in the Conch Republic. The southernmost
point in the United States and just 90 miles from Cuba, Key West is
like no place else!
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