Three Things to Try in Key West

Posted on July 5, 2013 by diaryofadesertfox

There are 3 things Key West is known for.

One is tasty, one is sweet, and one is spectacular.

Served as an appetizer or finger food, these morsels are made of medium to large-sized sea snails known as “conch”. These chunks of chewy meat held together by a batter mixed with peppers or spices are deep fried into crunchiness.

The crown jewels of the Keys is this yellow citrus fruit, the main ingredient of the place’s most famous dessert. Key lime is smaller and seedier, and has a greater acidity than most standard limes. Key limes also have a more tart and bitter flavor.

Made of key lime juice, egg yolks, and condensed milk, it was a lovely, tart-y, fluffy end to our meal.

Photo credit: Historictours.com

Photo Credit: coolkeywest.com

Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square
Photo Credit: coolkeywest.com

There’s no escaping the famous Key West sunset. You can catch it at Mallory Square gazing over local artists and vendors, outside your hotel balcony, or on the boat at the end of your Key West water adventure. Some swear the sunset at Key West is the best they’ve even seen!

Photo credit: Expert Vagabond

As warm as the sun is the camaraderie felt throughout the Keys whether it’s the waitress genially suggesting their Cuban food specialties, dancers inviting you to sway your hips to salsa, or artists sharing stories behind their masterpieces. In Key West, living is easy, everybody is friendly, and the weather is fantastic. Staying there for a couple of days felt similar to seeing an old friend after a long time. Even though it’s a new environment you can’t help but feel at home.

Key West Water Adventure

Posted on June 29, 2013 by diaryofadesertfox

Overflowing with energy the day after a fab Key West wedding, our group was ready for more fun.

After considering several different water adventure companies, we decided on Sebago.

We paid about $160/each for an all-day all-inclusive water fun that included jetskiing, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and parasailing. The crew had a great dynamic among themselves. They were fun to have around and were extremely helpful. I heard other companies can be stingy with meals but here we had a wide spread! If you are burning calories in the middle of the sea, food is definitely a primary concern. We were absolutely taken cared of–the staff would even hand over a beer (only after you’re done with jetskiing) before you ask for it.

Everybody had boundless splashes of fun! I particularly enjoyed being harnessed to a parasail, suspended in the air, gliding over the ocean, and seeing different colors underwater from up above. My friend’s 4-year old daughter couldn’t have felt safer and was all smiles throughout the experience.

You see Sebago even tailored the speed of banana boats or water dipping when parasailing to the fearlessness/fearfulness of the riders. The little girl did not get wet at all. My friend and I were dipped over and over again! It was fun!

Worth every dollar.

Up Next: 3 Things to Try in Key West

Keys to My Heart

Que Vola from Key West

Que Vola from Florida

Posted on June 27, 2013 by diaryofadesertfox

Que Vola! (means “What’s Up” in Cuban)

A hundred miles from Cuba, Key West is an island at the southernmost tip of Florida Keys.

An anchored concrete buoy in Key West, Florida marking one of the extreme points of the United States.

Given its location, 90 miles from Cuba, the island was a natural port of call for Spanish-speaking fishermen, beginning in the early 1800s. Though English still dominates throughout the Keys, our friend and Irish’s new hubby Juan, who is part Puerto Rican was very at home speaking espanol with some of the locals.

Going around in a scooter is the best way to see Keys. I specifically enjoyed the sea view and soft breeze along South Roosevelt, which was the way back to our hotel. Most hotels can hook you up with rental companies.

My friend being taught how to drive a scooter. A first for her in 10 years.

Going out for a ride

Driving around a car is also uncomplicated. Maps are everywhere and locals are more than friendly to help you with directions.

Key West is a come-as-you-are, let-your-hair-down, laid-back town of picket fences, eclectic shops, and warm personalities. Overall, it gave such a charming vibe that managed to make even an adult club look wholesome.