The Conch Connection

Definition of a "Buoy" - "an anchored FLOAT serving as a navigational mark, to indicate reefs or other hazards or for mooring".   The southernmost buoy's claim to fame is being one of the most photographed and visited attractions in the United States.  The buoy is an impressive 12' tall, 7' wide and made out of approximately 4 tons of solid concrete!

The current marker actually didn't exist until 1983 when it was commissioned and installed by the City of Key West and painted by local artist Danny Acosta.

So, you're thinking of a vacation to Florida's Southernmost Island, but you're not sure what to expect! The most striking thing about the island that you'll first encounter is that the populace is a little bit of everyone. Famous celebrities to the average Joe. Island natives who've never left the island to world travelers. And every walk of life in-between.  Sit back, relax and enjoy...it's island time.

Famed for its surrounding glistening, turquoise, crystal clear waters, Key West is an international destination for snorkeling, diving and fishing.   If you're like me, then you remember Jacques Cousteau and his fantastic underwater adventures.  Or.... If you don't know who that is (google him!!), then maybe David Attenborough and his modern day explorations into our undersea wonders, will thrill you.  

While Key West can't take the crown for the oldest settled city in Florida, it does have one of the more interesting and wide ranging historical pasts of almost any place in the state. Whether you're looking for tales of pirates, shipwrecks, US Presidents or Civil War era historical significance, Key West has a little bit of it all.

Can I go for just one day? ...and the answer is YES !   This wonderful island oasis is a perfect escape for a day or an extended stay.  You'll just need to do a bit of pre-planning, so you're not wandering the island aimlessly.... although that can be fun too!

Key West's eclectic and colorful heritage has for centuries attracted great writers, artists, poets and musicians.  If you're an art lover, then Key West will certainly be right up your alley.

Have you ever had a memory so vivid and real that you could put that visual memory, in every detail, to pencil and paper? Well, Mario Sanchez was just such an artist.

You may not have heard of him before, but you'll soon discover that Mario Sanchez was a man to remember and is a great part of Key West's historical and legendary art scene.

126.1 million people visited Florida in 2018, making it one of the premier tourist destinations in the world.

Being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, Florida offers endless vacation ideas for couples. From romantic getaways to luxury retreats, the Sunshine State has it all.

Sanibel Island, located in Southwest Florida, off Fort Myers, has been crowned by experts as the best U.S. shelling spot, as well as one of the best in the world (according to Coastal Living). Collecting Sanibel seashells is a favorite pastime for beachgoers from around the world. Because of the abundance of seashells found on Sanibel and Captiva, they have rightfully earned the reputation as the "Shell Islands".

Key West is positively a real-life Shangri La! The tiny island is approximately 4 miles long and 2 miles wide however, it can keep a “history nut” occupied for hours, days…..even weeks! Whether your interest is in the original settlers and inhabitants, politics, nature, architecture, famous residents or visitors including poets, writers, singers or pirates and treasures, marine life or quirky culture, Key West will have something to pique your interest.