KEY WEST - FLORIDA

KEY WEST is a tropical island at the southernmost end of the east coast of the United States. Accessible by commercial airlines, by ferry from Naples, Florida, or by bus, it is literally the end, or the beginning of the road and is marked by mile 0 on Highway 1. You can also reach Key West in a three and a half hour drive from Miami that takes you through the Florida Keys and across significant expanses of water – most notably the seven-mile bridge. Having said that, Key West is a small flat island measuring 2 x 4 miles and once you arrive, the need for a car just evaporates against the shimmering horizon. Walking and biking provide the best opportunity to get to know Key West, and mopeds and taxis are available for those few long trips you may want to take.

GAY KEY WEST  By the early 1970s, Key West was showing its age as a quaint old seaport town. Then a few gay / lesbian entrepreneurs began buying the city's historic clapboard homes and refurbishing them into guest houses, inns and bed-and-breakfasts. Key West soon blossomed into a premier vacation getaway for gays and lesbians. The island helped spark similar rejuvenations in Provincetown, Fort Lauderdale and Miami's South Beach neighbourhood.

Today, Key West has evolved into a melting pot for all types of visitors, whether gay or lesbian or straight. In fact, the locals here are as proud of the way everyone gets along as they are of the lush tropical gardens and beautiful sunsets. On any given night, you will find all enjoying drag shows together or laughing at one of the island's many theatre productions. Yet even with Key West's famous diversity, those who want to experience life in an all-gay or lesbian world need only step through the door of one of the many guest houses, inns or resorts. Some cater to women, others to men. Some offer nude sunbathing while others focus on European luxuries. There is something here for you whether you prefer a tiny inn or a large resort.

Enjoy the beaches. Go snorkelling or diving. Play tennis, softball or football in our parks. Or do nothing at all. You'll discover you can be yourself here. You might even be tempted to stay. You wouldn't be the first!

SHOPPING You won't be short of pressies to bring home... although you could be short of a bank balance by the time you have enjoyed the vast array of art galleries and individual shopping stores here. Fashion and sportswear and present everywhere and designer labels are easily found. You just have to have a Kay West t-shirt to go home with... but there are hundreds to choose from and no doubt your favourite bar will have a special one you simply have to have. Watch out for the jars of Key Lime pie filling to take home. Health food stores and the smell of freshly ground coffee will follow you along the streets as you shop away. Stop and take a breather... you're on holiday!

RESTAURANTS If fresh fish and seafood is a love, then you have reached heaven. Key West has many places for you to settle into and be happy. The raw bar is famous for it's many versions of local oyster and shrimp. The fishing here is legendary so naturally some of the catch has to end up on plates! Grand Bar Key West will serve you oversized martini's and the juiciest steaks on the island (so they say) and Sloppy Joes will serve you everything from clam chowder to a Cuban pork sandwich. The Green Parrot bar is the first and last bar on U.S.1. Home of great drinks and bad art, pool, darts, and pinball. Be sure to stop next door and visit the new Meteor Restaurant for the greatest Barbeque in Key West. There is something for everyone and you certainly won't go hungry with large potions and value for money being the usual and expected.

ACTIVITIES, BEACHES & MORE Key West has something for everyone. Do as much or as little as you like! Rent a boat, rent a bike. Go deep sea fishing or dolphin watching. Visit historic houses, museums, art galleries and tropical gardens. The Lady of Lourdes shrine and Earnest Hemmingway's house beckon to you as do countless other attractions.. far too many to list here but be assured... you cannot get bored in Key West!

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