Key West

I've always wanted to see the Florida Keys. Luigi and I spent 5 nights at the Key Lime Inn the first week of February. It is a charming "Inn" in historic / old town Key West within walking distance of many many good restaurants, the ocean and fantastic art galleries. I was pleased to discover that being in Key West (the southern most part of the continental United States) feels a lot more like being in the Caribbean than the US. We enjoyed good weather, not too hot, and swam every day in the Inn's heated pool - but not the ocean. I was anxious for Luigi to try his first ever key lime pie - I remember my grandmother making this often when I was growing up - and he was not disappointed! There are key lime pie shops everywhere so it wasn't hard to find. On our last day in the Keys we decided to try the decadent frozen pie on a stick dipped in milk chocolate - what a treat! We did a lot of exploring up and down the famous Duval Street and walked through the home and elaborate grounds once owned by Ernest Hemingway. Many of the "locals" we met in Key West seemed to be transplants who went for vacation and decided to stay. I can see why; the slow relaxed pace of life, rich culture and beautiful climate certainly made me want to stay longer.

The Key Lime Inn





Pier next to southernmost point


Closer to Cuba than Miami!


Key West Lighthouse


Electric car to tour the island


The Blond Giraffe, home of key lime pie


The worlds smallest bar on Duval St.


Hemmingway House




One of the many 6-toed cats that live at the house

Pet cemetary - they are all named after movie stars

Hemmingway's grounds

Writing studio above the garage

Most expensive pool in the US at time of construction

This is a penny that is encased in the cement by the pool. The story is that Hemmingway and his wife were fighting over the cost of the pool - she wouldn't agree to live there without one - and he threw this at here saying something like "Take my last penny!"

Southernemost House

Self portrait

Beautiful day

Water chickens

Miami airport on Valentine's Day