Curious Parents Places to Go

Brought to you by CuriousParents.com

sponsored by

Escape January’s Freeze… Visit the Keys!

By Carol Reed

Escape from frozen noses and toes. Instead, imagine noses warmed pink from the sun and toes in the sand. Think palm trees, beaches and fish in pastel colors. Imagine Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and a party with every sunset. Be a pirate and touch real treasure! The place to make these sun-filled dreams come true is Key West, Florida.

Key West is a quirky and peculiar piece of America that literally broke off from the Florida mainland (probably trying to swim away) millions of years ago. It is located at the end of a string of semi-tropical islands called the Keys. Key West is the southernmost point of the continental U.S. and a mere ninety miles away from Cuba. You can be photographed at a red-striped “southernmost” marker to prove that fact.

In its storied past, the island has been a haven for pirates, Indians, artists, writers, treasure hunters, eccentrics and Cuban cigar magnates. At one time, Key Westers (called “Conchs”) even tried to succeed from the state of Florida.

Take a three-hour flight from Philadelphia, and your family can connect with the myths, legends and reality of this slice of colorful paradise.
A rental car can help you get around and about, beginning on Duval Street, which is the heart of the town, although much can be seen on foot. On Duval you will find shops, food, and pubs to fit any taste. It gets busy with casually and colorfully dressed folks at about 9am, and the festivities can go until dawn.

There are many ways to see the town without a car. Have fun while you tour the most famous (and infamous) sights riding on the island's “Conch Train.” This amusing vehicle provides educational, historical and hysterical narration. The Conch (pronounced konk) Train is one of the best ways to learn about the island, including its history and architecture. Explore lush, tropical landscapes while you get to know characters like John James Audubon, Ernest Hemingway and Harry S Truman. The tour lasts 1.5 hours and covers over 100 points of interest.

Another choice is to sit back and take an “Old Town Trolley Tour” where guides turn back the pages of history to the days of Indians, pirates, wreckers and the Civil War. Learn about Key West’s lucrative ship wrecking industry. Hear the stories of success and disaster of Henry Flagler’s railroad... the railroad that went to sea. Listen to the legends of the fierce Calusa Indians that were said to leave the remains of their enemies on the beaches of Key West, thus creating Key West’s first name, Cayo Hueso... Island of Bones. www.vacationkeywest.net/trolleytickets.htm

Or, take to the seas on a choice of water and dolphin tours Sail aboard the 42- foot trimaran “FANTA SEA” and try snorkeling on a “Coral Reef Adventure.” Visit the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge on a backcountry nature tour and kayak through mangroves and winding creeks. Experience blazing sunsets and witness osprey, herons and pelicans in their natural habitat. All tours are with small groups and are designed for outdoor lovers and families.

Enjoy a “Wild Dolphin Adventure,” a wild dolphin ecology tour in Key West’s beautiful shallow water & Gulf of Mexico. See the resident pod of wild Atlantic Bottle-nosed Dolphins in their natural home aboard the CORAL REEFER, a fast twin-engine 28’ custom-built boat guided by Capt. Dave Lewis. (http://search-keywest.com/watertours.php)

Perhaps you’ve dreamed of buried treasure. Get an eyeful, and even purchase a piece at Mel Fisher’s “Atocha Museum.” Mel is the man who discovered the main cargo hold of the Nuestra Senora de Atocha in 1985. The treasure is valued at $400 million dollars and Mel Fisher has become known as “the world's greatest treasure hunter.” It is believed that about 69 pounds of emeralds were aboard the Atocha, but only a small portion has been recovered. Many fabulous pieces of jewelry, such as rings and necklaces containing emeralds are displayed in the Key West museum.

The Museum offers children’s programs on the topics of science, marine life, and of course, underwater archeology. The Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society Museum is located at 200 Greene Street, Key West. There is an admission charge. The museum shop has unique gifts and jewelry reproductions. (305-294-2633)

Also, be sure to visit the home of Ernest Hemingway, the author whose stories of courage and honor remain an inspiration. Tour the mansion and gardens where Hemingway penned most of his novels and short stories. His typewriter still sits open on his desk. Hemingway owned the Spanish colonial style home from 1931 until 1961. It was built from native rock and boasts the first pool built in Key West. There are also many 6-toed cats wandering the grounds, direct descendants of Ernest’s own. (http://www.keywestinfo.com/attractions 1-888-222-5148)

And finally, there is Mallory Square, at the waterfront. This is a center of activity in Key West, where “See You at Sunset” has a special significance. It’s an invitation to join a spontaneous celebration as jugglers, tourists, clowns, fishermen, psychics, island musicians; artists, food vendors, and friends gather each night to celebrate the close of another day in Paradise. The “Sunset Celebration” is an internationally known, yet free, attraction, which supports many visual and performing artists.

Where else but in Key West can the sunset can be credited with attracting and inspiring talent known throughout the world? Where else, but in Key West can you come for a winter’s escape that your family will long remember?

Carol Reed is a middle school teacher and freelance journalist who specializes in travel writing. Carol’s journeys have taken her as close to home as the New Jersey Pines and as far as the islands in the Caribbean, NewZealand and Australia.