Key West may be known for its outrageous tropical vibe, but once you visit, you’ll notice the deep history this small island holds.
Look for cheap airline tickets and come visit the historic side of Key West. Here are some of the top historic places to visit:
1. Mallory Square
If you’ve visited Key West you’ve likely been to Mallory Square. This waterfront area comes alive as the sun goes down for the daily sunset celebration, with artists selling their goods and street performers showing off their talents.
Mallory Square is also very historic and has served seamen for centuries as a place to dock their boats and visit their favorite watering holes. You too can watch as the sun departs the horizon much as the pirates did many years ago. Visitors from all over come to Mallory Square on cruise ship, by car, or by finding one of the many cheap flights to the area.
2. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
The famous American writer, Ernest Hemingway owned a home in Key West where he spent more than 10 years writing and enjoying the tropical lifestyle. Today his home is open to tours and visitors can learn more about the life of this interesting man.
The grounds are home to about 60 cats (which if you’ve visited Key West, you know roam freely just about everywhere). Many of these are polydactyl, meaning they have extra toes. It is said that Hemingway was given a six-toed cat as a gift from a ship’s captain. These cats are believed to be direct descendents from the cats that Hemingway cared for.
3. Key West Garden Club at West Martello Tower
West Martello Tower makes for an interesting visit where the past meets the present. This Civil War fort today is a National Historic Site where you’ll find the Key West Garden Club. Cheap flights bring visitors from all over the world to see the natural beauty of the garden mesh with the history of war.
The club is one of the last remaining free attractions on the island. When you visit, you’ll find hundreds of exotic plants, flowers and trees. You’ll also walk through centuries-old brick structures with vaulted ceilings and gun mounts. You might even catch a wedding, or at least a couple lizards enjoying the tropical weather.
4. Key West Shipwreck Museum
In 1856, the Isaac Allerton ship sank on the treacherous reefs off the Florida Keys. A visit to the Key West Shipwreck Museum will transport you back in time, combining actors, film and actual artifacts to make history come to life!
The entire family will enjoy taking a glimpse into 19th century life in the shipping industry, which made many families rich, and also has taken many men’s lives. At the end of the day, climb up the 60-foot lookout tower the museum has created for a Key West view that will take your breath away.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
