These days it's a challenge to find something to do with with the younger ones on family getaways. Do you seem to spend most of the day standing in lines waiting for the next roller coaster or to meet and greet their favorite (for today) animated movie character? Well, not so when you visit southwest Florida, where you will have a totally new and exciting way to discover one of the state's most memorable gems... KEY WEST
World renowned oceanographer and son of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, Fabien, recently came to the beautiful reefs, off the Florida Keys. His family's legacy of oceanic conservationism, exploration, education and technological advancement came with him.
Being able to hop in our own car and head off on a moments notice, is one of those facets of life that we all take for granted. We're all a bit apprehensive about leaving "old Betsy" behind and relying on others to get us where we want to go and when.
Key West, Florida.... There is so much to see and do on this island oasis, the Southernmost Point of the United States. What to choose? How to decide? S.O.S! We're here to give you a hand with just a few of the best things to make the most out of your 2 day vacation.
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.
