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Category Archives: Florida

The Nightlife in Key West

27 October 201919 September 2024

Key West was a stop on our cruise ship itinerary while working for the cruise lines.  With a day off, we would stroll through Duval Street ending with our last few moments watching the sunset over Mallory Square. Unfortunately, the ship would leave before the nightlife began and I had always wondered if it was as fun as I had always imagined.

For a long weekend, I packed my bags with a couple of my favorite bar-hopping friends to check out the night scene, starting at the infamous Irish Kevin’s.   With the motto, “I came, I drank, I don’t remember”, the southernmost Irish bar is a favorite among visitors to the Conch Republic.

Music was a big part of Kevin’s life as his father was an American Folk musician.  His only dream was to entertain and today he is living his dream.  Offering live music all day, there is a schedule of entertainers that perform, each with their unique talent.  The place is packed by nightfall and well into the time the place closes each night.  With fun singalongs and funny jokes, Irish Kevin’s keep Key West tourists entertained.

A visit to Key West wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Sloppy Joe’s and it is one of my favorite places, made famous by Ernest Hemingway.  My go-to drink is the Sloppy Rita made of Tequila, Triple Sec, Orange Juice, Sour Mix, Soda and as squeeze of lime.

Sitting at the bar, I struck up a conversation with the bar tender and learned that the current location is not the original Sloppy Joe’s, so I headed over to Captain Tony’s for a drink and a little history lesson.

Captain Tony’s Saloon is one of the most historic bars in Key West as the first and original Sloppy Joe’s bar in the early 1930s.  I pulled up Sean Connery’s chair at the bar and took a seat.  Inside are license plates hanging from the ceiling and dollar bills pinned up throughout the walls.  Interesting characters and celebrities have passed through these doors, not to mention the fascinating owner of this long-standing dive bar, Tony Tarracino.

First constructed in 1852, this location was once an ice house, a morgue, a cigar factory, a bordello and speakeasy before becoming the original Sloppy Joe’s, first opened by Josie Russell.  In 1968, Captain Tony purchased the bar and by the early 1970’s, Jimmy Buffett would make his debut, writing and singing his popular island tunes.

The Hog’s Breath Saloon was a short walk to try their Key Lime Shooter.  The bar was easy to find as we followed t-shirts with the famous slogan, “Hog’s Breath is Better than No Breath at All”. While the Original Hog’s Breath was first opened in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, owner Jerry Dorminy was looking for a sunnier location and headed to Key West as far south as one could go.

If I wasn’t paying attention, I would have easily passed by “The Smallest Bar in the US.” Measuring the size of a small jail cell, it is one of the busiest bars in Key West.  We each ordered another Key Lime shot and decided to start our walk back to the hotel for the night.   Walking southeast along Duval Street, I recognized the Bull and Whistle and since it was on our way, we wanted a view of Duval from the second story balcony.

The lower level bar is The Bull, the second floor is The Whistle, while the top floor is the Garden of Eden, an adults-only bar.  From the second story, I could see that the night was slowing down and I wanted to take a photo of the Bull on Caroline Street (see the original bull from my second blog post, Key West, Florida – Looking Back on My First Visit in 1989, dated, January 19, 2014).

We had finally reached the Huron House and realized that we were more tired than we had thought.  With a couple of days of vacation ahead, we agreed to more rest so that we could explore the next day.

Have you visited the bars on Key West on Duval Street?  Do you have a favorite?  I would love to hear about your visit to Key West if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Many thanks for reading about my full day in Key West and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Irish Kevin’s 
211 Duval Street
Key West, FL 22040
Telephone:  305 292 1262

Sloppy Joe’s
201 Duval Street
Key West, FL  22040
Telephone:  305 294 5717

Captain Tony’s Saloon
428 Greene Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone:  305 294 1838

Hog’s Breath Saloon
400 Front Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone:  305 296 4222

The Smallest Bar Inn
124 Duval Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone: 305 240 0860

The Bull and Whistle
224 Duval Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone:  305 296 4545

Where to Stay:

Heron House
512 Simonton Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone:  305 294 9227

Where to Eat:

Sunset Tiki Bar – Located on the Marina
The Galleon Resort
617 Front Street
Key West, FL  33040
Phone: 305 295 0207

What to Eat:

  • Ceviche
  • Conch Fritters
  • Crab Cakes
  • Grouper
  • Lobster
  • Mahi Mahi
  • Shrimp

What to Read:

  • To Have and Have Not, by Ernest Hemingway
  • Key West, Tequila, a Pinch of Salt and a Quirky Slice of America, by Jon Breakfield
  • Gumbo Limbo, by Tom Corcoran
  • Florida Keys Volume 1: A History of the Pioneers, by John Viele

Photo Guide to Key West:

  • Casa Marina Key West
  • Charming Houses and Front Porches
  • Ernest Hemingway Museum
  • Fort Zachary Taylor
  • Hens and Roosters
  • Higgs Beach
  • The Kapok Tree
  • Key West Lighthouse
  • Key West Mural
  • La Concha Hotel
  • Marilyn Monroe at Tropic Cinema
  • Mile Marker 0
  • Mural at Waterfront Brewery
  • The Old Pier Behind Casa Marina
  • Rainbow Walkways at 801 Bourbon Bar
  • San Carlos Institute
  • Smathers Beach
  • Southernmost Beach Cafe
  • Southernmost House
  • Southernmost Point Bouy
  • The Strand

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The Hemingway House in Key West

20 October 201919 September 2024

Acclaimed writer Ernest Hemingway’s travels took him all over the world, yet he made his home in the tropical climate of Key West, Florida.  Today, visitors can explore the Nobel Prize winning author’s home where he spent nearly ten years and which inspired some of his latest writings.

Hemingway first arrived in Key West in the late-1920s with his second wife, Pauline Pfeiffer.  They eventually purchased their home in 1931, renovating an old carriage house into a writing studio where he wrote To Have and Have Not.  His favorite haunt was Sloppy Joe’s when he was home between his writing trips to Europe.

On one of these trips, Hemingway’s wife wanted to surprise him with a swimming pool.  Unfortunately, he was not pleased with the cost of the pool and threw a penny into it claiming she would have spent his last cent.  Today, that penny can be seen embedded in the concrete of the pool as a reminder of Hemingway’s disdain for the purchase.

Over the years, Hemingway would take up deep sea fishing and with fellow sailors, created a family bond.  He owned a large fishing boat, called the Pilar, a nickname for Pauline.

For a gift, two of the fishermen gave Ernest a polydactyl cat, which were known for catching mice and considered good luck.  He named his new pet,  Snowball and today there are over fifty of these beautiful felines living on the property.

Just over a decade, Ernest’s second marriage would be in trouble and he would leave Key West for Cuba with third wife, Martha Gellhorn.  Pauline would remain in Key West until her death in 1951 taking care of the estate and the cats.  Hemingway’s sons sold the Key West home, which would eventually become The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.

Have you visited The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West?  What was your favorite part of your visit?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Many thanks for reading about my visit to Hemingway’s Home and Museum and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
907 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone:  305 294 1575

Where to Stay:

Heron House
512 Simonton Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone:  305 294 9227

Where to Eat:

Sunset Tiki Bar – Located on the Marina
The Galleon Resort
617 Front Street
Key West, FL  33040
Phone: 305 295 0207

What to Eat:

  • Ceviche
  • Conch Fritters
  • Crab Cakes
  • Grouper
  • Lobster
  • Mahi Mahi
  • Shrimp

What to Read:

  • To Have and Have Not, by Ernest Hemingway
  • Key West, Tequila, a Pinch of Salt and a Quirky Slice of America, by Jon Breakfield
  • Gumbo Limbo, by Tom Corcoran
  • Florida Keys Volume 1: A History of the Pioneers, by John Viele

Photo Guide to Key West:

  • Casa Marina Key West
  • Charming Houses and Front Porches
  • Ernest Hemingway Museum
  • Fort Zachary Taylor
  • Hens and Roosters
  • Higgs Beach
  • The Kapok Tree
  • Key West Lighthouse
  • Key West Mural
  • La Concha Hotel
  • Marilyn Monroe at Tropic Cinema
  • Mile Marker 0
  • Mural at Waterfront Brewery
  • The Old Pier Behind Casa Marina
  • Rainbow Walkways at 801 Bourbon Bar
  • San Carlos Institute
  • Smathers Beach
  • Southernmost Beach Cafe
  • Southernmost House
  • Southernmost Point Bouy
  • Sunset at Mallory Square
  • The Strand
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Strolling the Island of Key West

13 October 201919 September 2024

The road trip to Key West had finally come to a close as we crossed the bridge into the southernmost part of the United States.  After checking into the Huron House, we finally found a parking spot a few blocks away and started our mid-morning exploration of Key West.

Several members of our group wanted to start bar hopping while a few of us wanted to wait at least until the afternoon before a pitstop at Sloppy Joe’s.  Splitting up in two groups, the explorers entered the Mel Fisher’s Treasures Store on Duval Street.    It was exciting to see first-hand some of the treasures that Mel found from the Atocha.  Original coins start at $2465.

We explored t-shirt and souvenir shops set in two-story Victorians and tropical-themed Key West boutiques.  We bought Key Lime pies and sampled rum cakes from the West Indies.

Bahama Village is a colorful, revitalized neighborhood that includes a market as well as upscale shopping and lodging.  This section of Key West was named for the Bahamians that made The Keys their home and now displays colorful murals and island restaurants.

Located on Duval Street is The Strand.  Once a theater that had opened in the 1920s, today, it houses a Walgreens Pharmacy.  This location was also a Ripley’s Believe it or Not attraction before 2002 and each business had kept the facade which is a lovely attraction.

We held out until late afternoon to have lunch and agreed on the authentic Sunset Tiki Bar with its Tahitian-inspired decor.  I ordered the grouper strips with a dill dip that was absolutely delicious and ordered a Mai Tai served in an Easter Island-esque plastic cup.

After a great meal and our first drink, it was time to meet up with our party half of the group, unsure of what we would be getting ourselves into, but we were ready to find out.

Have you visited Key West? What were your favorite shops, activities, restaurants and bars?  I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to The Keys and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Mel Fisher’s Treasures
613 Duval Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone:  305 295 9555

Open 10AM to 4PM daily.

Don’t forget to stop by the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum located at 200 Greene Street!

Montage Key West Collection – shop has closed

Bahama Village – 16-block neighborhood, a short walk from Old Town.

The Strand (now Walgreens Pharmacy)
527 Duval Street
Key West, FL  33040

Sunset Tiki Bar – Located on the Marina
The Galleon Resort
617 Front Street
Key West, FL  33040
Phone: 305 295 0207

Where to Stay:

Heron House
512 Simonton Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone:  305 294 9227

Where to Eat:

Sunset Tiki Bar – Located on the Marina
The Galleon Resort
617 Front Street
Key West, FL  33040
Phone: 305 295 0207

What to Eat:

  • Ceviche
  • Conch Fritters
  • Crab Cakes
  • Grouper
  • Lobster
  • Mahi Mahi
  • Shrimp

What to Read:

  • To Have and Have Not, by Ernest Hemingway
  • Key West, Tequila, a Pinch of Salt and a Quirky Slice of America, by Jon Breakfield
  • Gumbo Limbo, by Tom Corcoran
  • Florida Keys Volume 1: A History of the Pioneers, by John Viele

Photo Guide to Key West:

  • Casa Marina Key West
  • Charming Houses and Front Porches
  • Ernest Hemingway Museum
  • Fort Zachary Taylor
  • Hens and Roosters
  • Higgs Beach
  • The Kapok Tree
  • Key West Lighthouse
  • Key West Mural
  • La Concha Hotel
  • Marilyn Monroe at Tropic Cinema
  • Mile Marker 0
  • Mural at Waterfront Brewery
  • The Old Pier Behind Casa Marina
  • Rainbow Walkways at 801 Bourbon Bar
  • San Carlos Institute
  • Smathers Beach
  • Southernmost Beach Cafe
  • Southernmost House
  • Southernmost Point Bouy
  • The Strand
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Don Arturo Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, NOW LAS CALEñITAS RESTAURANT

6 October 201916 March 2025

Spending my twenties in Tampa, I fell in love with Cuban food, especially Cuban sandwiches served with black beans and saffron rice.  I had been living in Cincinnati for nearly six months when I decided to fly down to Fort Lauderdale to visit my best friend, Melissa.  She had been transferred to South Florida with United Airlines and had already scoped out the best Cuban restaurants, so I was so excited to hop off the plane and have a much-needed lunch.

Don Arturo Restaurant is minutes from the airport, so when I met her at the gate, we immediately set out for lunch.  There was not much of a crowd so we ordered our drinks and food straightaway. Within minutes our meals were brought out to our table.   My Cuban sandwich was perfectly prepared with nearly two inches of shredded pork on a perfectly pressed bun.

The Cuban Sandwich, or Cubano in Spanish is said to have originated in either Tampa or South Florida where Cuban immigrants migrated and set up communities.  The sandwich is made with ham, roasted pork (mojo), Swiss cheese, pickle, and mustard placed on Cuban bread and then pressed on a plancha, similar to a panini press but without the grooved surface.  When or where the sandwich was invented is difficult to confirm as many believe it became a lunch item for cigar makers who worked in communities such as Key West or Ybor City, outside of Tampa.

My black beans and yellow rice were topped with onion, which is exactly how I like them, My meal also came with an order of plantains, which was absolutely perfect.

It was great to catch up with Melissa and learn that she was looking for a home in Fort Lauderdale to set up as an Airbnb.  Currently she has an apartment on South Beach and would like to make some additional income.  I was excited that we would be hanging out on South Beach the next couple of days and I would be able to see her new place and catch up on life.   For now, I am catching up on some amazing food at Don Arturo’s.

Do you have a favorite meal or a restaurant that you love to visit?  I would love to hear about your favorite place and/or food if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Where to Eat: 

Don Arturo Restaurant
1198 SW 27th Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL  33312
Telephone: 954 584 7966

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A Collection of Blog Posts from 2014

29 December 201421 July 2024

What a great year for travel!  Here are some of my adventure blog posts for 2014:

ASIA:

Philippines

Arriving to the Mission by Tuk-Tuk

Pre-School and Pampering at Naomi’s Heart

Haircuts for the Amazing Women at the Mission

CARIBBEAN AND PORTS OF CALL: 

Antigua

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The Bahamas

Freeport, Grand Bahama

Barbados

Malibu Beach, Barbados

Belize, Honduras and Mexico:  Altun Ha

Altun Ha Mayan Ruins

Costa Rica:  A Photographic Review

Gorgeous Beaches in Costa Rica

Jamaica:  Dunn’s River Falls

Climbing Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Mexico: Cozumel

Downtown Cozumel, Mexico

Hurricane Gilbert

The Massive Destruction of Hurricane Gilbert to the Yucatan Peninsula in 1988

EUROPE:  

Italy:  Venice

1 D2 Watching the Sunrise at St. Mark's Square

A Morning Stroll Through Venice

Monaco

0928 Castle of Eze

Views from the Perfume Factory

UNITED STATES:

United States, Arizona:  Jerome Historic State Park

Hotel at Jerome State Park

Meteor Crater

Meteor Crater, Arizona

Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Wood

United States, Arizona:  Sedona

Sedona Colors, 1999

The gorgeous rocks of Sedona

United States, California:  San Francisco

Alcatraz Island

+020903 Approaching Alcatraz Island

Approaching Alcatraz Island

United States, Florida:  Cypress Gardens

Enjoying the Beautiful Grounds

United States, Florida:  Key West

Beautiful Sunset from Mallory Square, Key West

United States, Florida:  Walt Disney World

The Magic Kingdom

United States, Hawaii:  Diamond Head

The Hike is Worth the View

United States, Hawaii:  Pearl Harbor

USS Arizona Memorial

United States, Hawaii:  Hanauma Bay

Amazing View of Hanauma Bay

United States, Hawaii:  Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Exploring Hawaii’s Volcanoe National Park

Hawaiian Luau

Enjoying the Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center

The Epic Kauai Experience

The Gorgeous Landscape of Kauai

United States, Illinois:  Chicago

Chicago Fountain, Illinois

United States, Louisiana: New Orleans

Jackson Square, New Orleans

United States, Michigan:  Hale

Arriving in Michigan – The Start of our Vacation

United States, Michigan, Hale: 1st Day of Vacation

The View from Our Vacation Rental

United States:  Michigan

Mackinac Island

4 110721 Macinaw city harbor from ferry

Shepler’s Ferry

5 Approaching Mackinac Island

A View of the Grand Hotel from the Ferry

6 48 Mackinac Island Harbor

Mackinac Island Harbor

8 110721 Joy and Bikes at Mackinac Island

Bike Rentals on Mackinac Island

10 110721 Amazing Flowers at Mackinac

Beautiful Flowers in the Shopping District of Mackinac Island

13 54 Horse Carriage of Grand Hotel

Transportation to the Grand Hotel

United States, North Carolina:  Bodie Island

Bodie Island Lighthouse, Outer Banks

Bodie Island Lighthouse

United States, North Carolina:  Carolina Beach

Choosing our Campsite

Currituck Heritage Park, Corolla

Currituck Heritage Lighthouse

United States, Ohio:  Conkle’s Hollow Gorge Trail

Exploring the Gorge

United States, Ohio: Eagle Sighting at Highbanks

DSC_1117

Spending the Afternoon Searching for Eaglets

United States, Ohio: Marietta

Road Trip to Marietta

United States, Ohio:  Living Word Outdoor Drama

11 DSC_0233

The Resurrection of Jesus

United States, Ohio:  Renaissance Festival 

100-img_4612

Strolling the Medieval Town During the Festival

United States, Ohio:  Battelle Darby Creek

DSC_1082

A Lovely Winter Hike

United States, Ohio:  Living Word Outdoor Drama

Living Word Outdoor Drama

United States Ohio Christmas:

Columbus: Alum Creek Lights

Drive Thru Christmas Lights

United States: Rhode Island:  Cliff Walk

Chanler Entrance 1

The Chanler in Newport

United States:  Sioux Falls, South Dakota

My First Buffalo Sighting

United States, South Dakota: Needles Drive

The Needle

United States, South Dakota: Sylvan Lake

DSC_0287

Beautiful Reflections off of Sylvan Lake

United States, South Dakota:  Custer Park

Custer Park’s Wildlife Drive

United States, South Dakota:  Yellowstone

Where the Buffalo Roam

United States, South Dakota:  Yellowstone

A First Impression of Yellowstone

6-dsc_0508

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

United States, Texas:  Galveston

Todd Shipyards, Galveston

United States, Wyoming: Yellowstone

The Grand Lodge at Yellowstone

 

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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Family Vacation Photos to Walt Disney World, circa 1991

3 April 201431 August 2024

Disney Castle 1991

Visiting Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World!

What child hasn’t begged their parents for a visit to Walt Disney World? From the time they are born, kids are inundated with all things Disney, so for them to see it all in person is a child’s dream come true.  Whether it is to see Mickey and Minnie Mouse, the Disney Princesses or another spectacular character, this splendid them park is truly magical…even for adults.  One of my favorite memories was visiting the iconic Cinderella Castle.

Inside Cinderella's Castle

Inside Cinderella’s Castle!

Inside of Cinderella’s castle, her fairy tale story is told through a series of murals.  Each are handcrafted with over one million pieces of glass in 500 different shades of color.  Silver and gold accentuate these exquisite masterpieces and bring her legendary story to life.

20,000 leagues

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

The 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was an attraction at the Magic Kingdom from 1971 until 1994 located in the Fantasyland area of the park.  Passengers could board the submarine to enjoy the sea life surrounded by lobsters, crabs, moray eels, sea bass, clams and turtles.  Floating through the water, the sub passed by underwater attractions such as the Graveyard of Ships, mermaids and a large sea serpent in the ruins of Atlantis.  This attraction no longer exists and has been replaced by Pooh’s Playful Spot and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

Enjoying Disney World

Fort Sam Clemens

Fort Sam Clements was located in Fort Wilderness of the Disney Park located in the Frontierland region of the park.  Originally opened in 1973, the fort has since been renamed to Fort Langhorn at Tom Sawyer Island.  Visitors can reach the island by floating on a log raft to explore caves, cross a suspension bridge and check out the frontier fort.

Entrance to Disney 1991

Walt Disney World Railroad Main Street Station & Mickey Mouse

Next, we boarded the train at the Main Street Station for a ride throughout the park. The tram took us through each region Walt Disney World with the exception of  Adventureland.  The Main Street Station is located at the entrance to Disney where we found a great photo opportunity with Mickey Mouse, made from colorful flowers.

Walt Disney at Night

Disney at Night!

Disney comes to life at night with an evening parade and fireworks show, It was totally worth the wait and is one of the most attended events at the Walt Disney World Park.

There was so much to see, rides to ride and attractions to experience.   Walt Disney World first opened its doors in 1971 and hosts over 52 million visitors annually.   It is open 365 days per year and continues to expand through added attractions and Disney-related resorts.  The attractions mentioned here do not even compare to the number at all of the parks but were a great way to reminisce about my family vacation.  Whether you are 9 or 99 years of age, Walt Disney World is a place to escape the reality of our everyday lives and to make our dreams come true.

Have you visited Walt Disney World in Orlando?  What are some of your favorite attractions or cherished moments?  I would love to hear from you, so leave a description of your experience in the comments below!  Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Walt Disney World Resort
Lake Buena Vista, Florida  32830
Telephone:  407 939 7679

Walt Disney World Resort encompasses several theme parks to include Magic Kingdom® Park, Epcot®, Disney’s Hollywood Studios® and Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, plus Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water parks.

Where to Stay:

Walt Disney World Resort
Lake Buena Vista, Florida  32830
Telephone:  407 939 7679

Walt Disney World Resort hotels include  encompasses several theme parks to include Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Lodge, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser (opening in 2021) and Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel.

Where to Eat:

Walt Disney World Resort
Lake Buena Vista, Florida  32830
Telephone:  407 939 7679

All Restaurants are located at Disney’s Magic Kingdom:  Be Our Guest, Jungle Navigation Company, LTD Skipper Canteen, Rainforest Cafe, Casey’s Corner, The Plaza Restaurant, Main Street Bakery, The Crystal Palace, Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, Gaston’s Tavern, Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, The Diamond Horseshoe, Columbia Harbour House, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe, Pinocchio Village Haus, The Friar’s Nook, Sunshine Tree Terrace, The Lunching Pad, Tortuga Tavern, Cool Ship, Golden Oak Outpost, Liberty Tree Tavern, Sleepy Hollow, Liberty Square Market, Aloha Isle, Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, Contempo Cafe

Photo Guide to Walt Disney World: The park maps designate picture spots which are listed below.

  • The Magic Kingdom
    • Big Thunder Mountain picture spot
    • Sword in the Stone picture spot
    • Tiki Statues picture spot
    • Splash Mountain picture spot
  • Epcot
    • Germany
    • Japan
    • Morocco
    • Epcot Main Entrance
    • United Kingdom
    • China
    • Canada
    • France
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios
    • Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
    • Hollywood Studios Arch
  • Animal Kingdom Park
    • Main Entrance

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Florida’s Cypress Gardens Theme Park

29 January 201431 August 2024

Cypress Gardens closed in 2009 but the gardens have been preserved in today’s LegoLand.

My parents were coming to Florida to board the SS Veracruz where I was working as the crew purser.  The ship went out of Tampa, so my boss, Chief Purser Sylvia, let me have the weekend off so I could spend time with my Mom and Dad.  We would all be coming back to the ship to set sail for Mexico on Monday.

It was a beautiful Florida afternoon for visiting Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven.  Their first time visiting the Sunshine State, we headed east on I-4 to explore this beautiful theme park, considered the first theme park in Florida.

Created by Dick and Julie Pope in 1936, the couple set out to update the canals and lakes in central Florida, opening Cypress Gardens Theme Park.  The hanging gardens of Lake Eloise were the main attraction of the estate’s prized blossoms and blooms.

From duck topiaries to Southern Belles, the park represented 90 countries by showcasing over 8,000 types of flowers.  The tropical weather was perfect for displaying thousands of exotic blooms.  With gorgeous warm temperatures all year around, this was the perfect location.

In addition to the spectacular gardens, the Popes would draw visitors with their water shows where skiers would entertain the guests with their dangerous stunts.  From slalom jumps to barefoot skiing, onlookers were entertained with such athletic feats of skill.

One of the attractions that we enjoyed was the boat ride along the canals.  Passing colorful floral arrangements and large cypress trees with their hanging moss, we spotted a few heron and storks along the way.

Cypress Gardens grew in popularity between the 1940’s and 60’s and would eventually be sold to a large publisher.  The park struggled to keep up with the technology of other attractions but resurrected once more when purchased by Merlin Entertainment Group combining Cypress Gardens, a local botanical garden and splash park, reopening in the fall of 2009.

The property is now a part of Legoland Florida Resort and the owners continue the traditional ski shows on Lake Silver that were once a part of the success of the Cypress Gardens Theme Park.  The gardens have also remained with displays of exotic plants from all over the world and the original Banyan Tree, planted in 1939 is one of the main attractions.

Did you visit the Cypress Gardens Theme Park before it became Legoland?  What did you think of the gardens and attractions provided by the park?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for exploring Florida’s Cypress Gardens Theme Park through my post and I wish you many happy travels!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do:

Legoland Florida Resort, formerly Cypress Gardens Theme Park
One LEGOLAND Way
Winter Haven, FL  33884
Telephone:   888 690 5346
Website:  www.legoland,com

  • Admission Fee:  $99.99 per day for one day; 72.50 per day for two day entrance to the park and waterpark; $60 per day for a two day entrance into the park only.
  • Hours:  Refer to the website’s calendar as the hours of operation change based on season.
  • Amenities:  waterpark, restaurants, group rates, handicap accessible, annual passes, discounts and promotions, attractions, live shows, rides, lego minilands, movies, gardens,
  • Length of Visit:  all day
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Be prepared to stand in long lines in peak season.  Wear plenty of sunscreen and stay hydrated. Wear comfortable shoes.

Where to Stay:

Legoland Florida Resort, formerly Cypress Gardens Theme Park
One LEGOLAND Way
Winter Haven, FL  33884
Telephone:   888 690 5346
Website:  www.legoland,com

Where to Eat:

Legoland Florida Resort, formerly Cypress Gardens Theme Park
One LEGOLAND Way
Winter Haven, FL  33884
Telephone:   888 690 5346
Website:  www.legoland,com

Dragon’s Den, Panini Grill and Funnel Cake Factory

What to Eat: 

  • Granny’s Apple Fries
  • Pizza and Pasta
  • Tacos
  • Panini’s
  • Funnel Cake
  • Chicken
  • Ice Cream Cones

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Key West, Florida – Looking Back on My First Visit in 1989

15 January 201431 August 2024

What is the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions Key West? The gorgeous sunsets at Mallory Square?  The tenacious pub crawlers along Duval Street or the eclectic festivities that give the island its signature flair?

I didn’t know what to expect on my first visit to Key West.  I was only 19 years old working on a cruise ship and it was the first stop on our itinerary before traveling to Cozumel.   My fellow pursers guaranteed that I would love Key West, but I could not have imagined how many memories I would make here.  This magical place seemed more like a Caribbean island than a Florida port of call.

There was so much to learn about Key West that summer.  I booked a lobster dive, visited the Treasures of the Atocha museum and watched Jimmy Buffett perform at a local bar.  Rich with history and a unique culture unto its own, it is no doubt,  Key West is unlike any other place I have ever visited in the US.

Originally given the Spanish name Cayo Hueso (Bone Cay), Key West was once a settlement of the Calusa people, an Indian tribe known for their fierce, war-like disposition.   The English, mispronouncing the name, would later call it “Key West”.

The island was also a popular hideout for pirates who attacked Spanish treasure ships sailing from the Caribbean to Spain.

By 1912, the coral islands of the Keys would become accessible by rail with the completion of Henry Flagler’s railroad. Damaged by hurricane winds in 1935, the rail line was abandoned and replaced by the 123-mile Overseas Highway.
000 Key West - Most Southern PointTouring the island by trolley was my favorite way to explore the island.  The open-air tram made its way through town, stopping at several historical landmarks.

I remember how excited I was to reach one of Key West’s most popular sites, the Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.   Standing at the corner of South and Whitehead Streets, I was surprised to learn I was closer to Cuba than Miami.  This cute little bouy-like structure attracted visitors from all over the world and the line for a photo was worth the wait.

At the top of the monument, there is a reference to Key West as “The Conch Republic.” The trolley guide explained that on April 23rd, 1982, the island seceded from the mainland with the desire to establish itself as its own country.  The events leading to this decision began when US border patrol set up a checkpoint at the entrance to Key West.  This border stop infuriated residents when a 17-mile traffic jam occurred and began to interrupt Key West’s tourism industry.  When the government refused to listen, Mayor Wardlow decided to declare war on the United States.  Within one minute, he quickly surrendered and applied for foreign aid in the amount of one billion dollars.   This publicity stunt resulted in the US government agreeing to remove the inspection station and life in Key West went back to normal.

For the conchs of Key West, the 1982 Conch Republic secession is celebrated each year with a ten-day festival taking place around April 23rd. Among the festivities are a Pirate’s Ball, the Conch Crawl and a Musical that reenacts the events of the secession.

Hemingway House, Key West

I caught the next trolley from the Southernmost Point and disembarked at the Ernest Hemingway Home.   The beautifully restored two-story home is located at 907 Whitehead, across from the Key West Lighthouse.  Hemingway wrote many of his great novels here from 1931 to 1939 including “The Snows of Kilimanjaro”, “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber”, “Green Hills of Africa” and “To Have and Have Not”.

I enjoyed a tour of Hemingway’s home, the property and his inspirational studio overlooking the pool.  Following the guided tour, I opted to take a second stroll of the home to explore the gardens of hibiscus, jasmine and gardenias.

One of the highlights of my visit was watching the Hemingway’s cats lounging among the lush tropical plants outside.  Descendants of Hemingway’s beloved polydactyl (many toes) cat Snowball, the nearly fifty felines have taken up residence in this luxurious estate.

The Bull - Key West

My final ride on the trolley returned me to Duval Street.  A popular hub of restaurants, bars, shops and museums, cruise ship passengers could participate in the “Duval Pub Crawl” with a stop at the Bull and Whistle.  Known as the “oldest Open Air Bar in Old Town Key West”, it is located on the corner of Duval and Caroline Street.  The Bull, located on the ground level, showcases a beautifully hand-painted mural, paying homage to a number of the island’s influencers.   Yankee Jack has been entertaining patrons of the Bull with his performance of “On the Walls of the Bull”.

The Whistle is the bar upstairs providing great views of Duval Street and the opportunity to shoot a few games of pool.  The Garden of Eden is the bar located on the third floor for visitors interested in a clothes optional environment.

Joe at The Bull in Key West

Before leaving the Bull and Whistle, I begged one of my colleagues to pose next to “The Bull” on Caroline Street.

000 Duval Walk, Key West

Duval Street is just over a mile long running north and south of the island.  The most well-known bars of Key West include Sloppy Joe’s, Rick’s Bar Key West, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Cafe, Irish Kevin’s,  Captain Tony’s and Hog’s Breath Saloon.

Each year, Sloppy Joe’s pays homage to famous author Ernest Hemingway by staging its annual Ernest Hemingway look-alike contest.

000, Beautiful Sunset in Key West

My day in Key West had come to a close but I had one more attraction to experience.  I had arrived at Mallory Square with plenty of time to enjoy the live entertainment and secure a pier-side seat to watch the spectacular sunset.  The plaza was bustling with arts and crafts stands, food carts and street performers.  I waited in anticipation as sailboats glided by and catamarans drifted off into the horizon.  I took several photos of this unforgettable moment and looked forward to experiencing it again on my return.

What is one of the most memorable sunsets that you have seen in your travels?   I would love to hear about it!   Tell me about your experience or recommendations for places to visit in the comments section below!   Many thanks for reading my post about Key West and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Southernmost Point
At the corner of South and Whitehead Streets
Key West, FL 33040

  • Admission Fee:  Free
  • Hours: Open 24/7
  • Tips for Your Visit: The trolleys drive by The Southernmost Point and a drop off location for the shuttle is nearby. There may be a line to wait to take your photo at the buoy.

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
907 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL  33040
Phone:  305 294 1136

  • Admission Fee:  Adults, $13 and Children, $6,  group rates may apply (12 or more)
  • Guided Tour:  Admission includes a 30-minute guided tour
  • Hours:  9AM to 5PM, 365 days per year, including ALL holidays
  • Tips for Your Visit:  The museum is home to many cats and may affect those with cat allergies.

Mallory Square
Address:
400 Wall Street
Key West, FL  33040

  • Cost:  Free
  • Hours:  Open 24/7;  best time to visit is during sunset
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Arrive early because the square fills up with spectators who are visiting to watch the sunset.  Festivities begin 2 hours before sunset.

Where to Stay:

Heron House
512 Simonton Street
Key West, Florida 33040
Toll Free Number:  800 294 1644

I absolutely loved this property with the accommodations surrounding the pool.  The plants and foliage are thick and provided much appreciated privacy during our visit!  The rooms were spacious and there was a complimentary breakfast provided each morning!

Where to Eat:

There are so many colorful restaurants with a variety of cuisine in Key West that selecting one place is incredibly difficult.  Because I have a love for Cuban Sandwiches and Oysters, here are my two recommendations:

Half Shell Raw Bar
Waterfront dining
231 Margaret Street – 305 294 7496

Oysters, oysters and more oysters!  Food & Wine Magazine voted the restaurant “Best Local Oysters.”  I ordered a half dozen lightly steamed oysters with hot sauce and crackers along with an order of the conch fritters appetizer which included six fritters served with cocktail sauce.

What to Eat:

  • Key West pink shrimp – said to be sweeter than other shrimp
  • Conch – a tough, hardy mollusk usually cooked as fritters
  • Seafood  – snapper, grouper and lobster
  • Key Lime Pie – a tangy, creamy dessert made from key limes

Where to Drink:

The Bull and Whistle
On the corner of Duval and Caroline Streets
Key West, FL  33040
Phone:  305.296.4545

  • Hours:  10AM to 4PM, daily
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Note that the rooftop bar, the Garden of Eden is clothing optional.  Check out the website for coupons before you visit.

Cuban Coffee Queen (two locations)
284 Margaret Street – 305 292 4747
5 Key Lime Square – 305 294 7787

I started with a Cafe con Leche, the strong Bucci coffee with steamed milk.  I loved the Cuban Mix sandwich because it was the closest to an authentic Cuban sandwich with a side of black beans.  Save room for Key West’s famous Key Lime pie!

What to Read:  

  • Ernest Hemingway books
  • Jimmy Buffet:  The Key West Years, by Tom Corcoran
  • Hemingway’s Girl, by Erica Robuck
  • The Best Key West Trivia Book Ever! by David L. Sloan

Photo Guide for Key West: 

  • 801 Bourbon Bar (cabaret and karaoke) for interesting characters
  • Duval Street for the drinking crowds and colorful shops
  • Higgs Beach Pier, for amazing sunrises
  • Mallory Square, especially at sunset
  • San Carlos Institute for Cuban history
  • Smather’s Beach for long exposures during the day
  • The Strand, after dark for the neon lights
  • The Tropic Cinema, at night for the neon lights

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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