Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/586302
f course, it's the weather: The southernmost point in the con- tinental U.S. is invariably one of the warmest destinations in North America. Canadians are also looking for that laid- back, relaxed "no-shoes-no-shirt" lifestyle that embodies Key West. Trouble is, there are a whole lot of other tourists looking for that as well, making Key West one of the most popular winter destinations. Here are some strategies to "do" Key West right for a fun, stress-free time in the Conch Republic. FIRST: Plan to drive as little as possible. Hire a taxi from the airport and book an idyllic resort or a historic inn in the heart of Old Town or the Historic Seaport district. From there you can walk just about any- where on this tiny island. Leave the driving to someone else on a hop on, hop off nar- rated trolley tour. It's the quickest way to learn the most about this island's fasci- nating history of wreckers, Cubans and Bahamians. SECOND: Get out on the water. Book a dive- snorkel trip to the United States' only living, coral barrier reef. Rent a kayak or jet ski or enjoy a dolphin watch cruise, fishing charter or sunset sail. For an otherworldly experience, ride the high-speed ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park, 112 kilometres out in the Gulf of Mexico. THIRD: Beat the heat. During the hottest part of the day, take a siesta by your hotel pool or under a tree by the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. Spend a few hours in an air-conditioned museum such as Truman's Little White House or the Ship- wreck Museum, or tour the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. For liquid refreshment, crawl into one of the cool, dimly-lit bars off Duval Street such as Captain Tony's or the Green Parrot. FINALLY: No visit is complete without at least one night at Mallory Square for the famous Sunset Celebration. Applaud the street performers and the sun as it sets on yet another day in paradise. DREAMSCAPES FALL/ WINTER 2015 22 UNPLUG IN PARADISE WHY DO SO MANY CANADIANS FLOCK TO FLORIDA'S KEY WEST IN THE WINTER? By Mary Burnham O DS TRAVEL PLANNER To plan your next Key West getaway, visit fla-keys.com/keywest or call 1-800-527-8539 Tour the Harry S. Truman Little White House Museum in Key West. Photo: Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau An aerial view of Smathers Beach in Key West. Photo: Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau Fort Jefferson is situated in the Dry Tortugas National Park, 112 kilometres west of Key West. Photo: Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau