Key West

Pretty much all of my friends who ever visited us in Fort Myers wanted to see Key West. So we went down there with them too. Even though that 6 hours drive is long and exhausting, it is always very nice to see beautiful Caribbean waters again. And from the moment you get on the Keys – you can feel and see the different world. Caribbean world. World of pirates and fishermen, sailors and treasure hunters.

Key West Custom House

Only once we made a mistake and did it as a one day trip. I say mistake because it really takes 6 hours each way. If there is no traffic. And if you don't stop for gas or food. So we never actually made it in 6 hours. Even though we left our Ft. Myers home at 6 AM we arrived on Duval Street around 2 PM. Exhausted I have to say. Then we walked it through and had a meal in restaurant and didn't really feel like we have seen it all. And then we left at 8 PM and just before midnight we gladly checked in Holiday Inn on Key Largo. Because no one wanted to drive anymore. We didn't even care for price.

Every next time since, we go for at least 2 days. Better 3 days if we want to go to Dry Tortugas And believe me - that trip is worth every penny.

Another ways to get down there is by high speed ferry from Fort Myers Beach (about 4 hours) or regular flight on Cape Air from RSW – Fort Myers International Airport (about 30 minutes).

"Authentic" Cuban Cigars

We also found another story of the islands – Conch Republic story. It began in 1982 when US Board Patrol set up a roadblock on the way out of Keys and stopped every vehicle to check if they don't carry any illegal aliens on the board. Traffic jam formed for miles and tourists started to cancel their vacations on Keys.

As a response to this unnecessary and desperate step of US Board Patrol Key West mayor and other officials declared independent Conch Republic. Go here for more on this issue It is a great and funny reading, you can also get a Conch Republic Passport.

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