I have been fortunate over my lifetime to have visited Paradise South, more commonly known as Key West, Florida, many times. The last two years Cutest has accompanied me, making the adventure even better.
I think many travelers envision Key West as Sin City with a beach that only caters to naked or near nude folks that are either drunk or high, stumbling down Duval, Key West's main tourist drag. Speaking of drag, yes there are a few drag queen theaters about, and if that type of thing doesn’t upset you, you will find them very entertaining.
Now downtown Key West does have its fair share of off-the-wall festivals. However, Cutest and I have peeled off the layers and discovered much more to delight us. Art is a very big deal here, and it’s way more than those giant gleaming glass photos of sunsets, ocean waves and swaying palm trees.
Not only are drawn and painted arts found in dedicated studios, but jazz, legit theatrical performances, even ballet are celebrated at various sites. No doubt the adopted home of Jimmy Buffett has lots of flip floppy island vibes, but this town, thanks to an increasing year- round deep-pocketed population, has sort of grown up, in a good way.
The restaurant scene is much more than cheese burgers in paradise. Italian, French, Chinese, Cuban and more are here to please your palette, with a seafood entrée always somewhere on the menu.
Key Lime Pie (duh) Fish, conch fritter, fries Yes, a half-eaten (giant) pretzel
So as much as it pains me to shine a light on this little corner of heaven, with Cutest’s gentle prodding, I have let you into my special place. Enjoy.
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