1. 1. Treading on Americas Conch Republic Visiting Key West
2. 2. US Navy helicopters in formation above Key West Key West is one of the most popular destinations in Florida, despite being quite far off the coast. It is the southernmost city in continental United States.
3. 3. Fun Facts Key West is 132 miles away from Miami, Florida. and106 miles away from Havana, Cuba. It is a strategic location for the US military in the Carribbean. It was once owned by the Spanish. It was first called Thompsons Island by Commander Matthew Perry, who claimed it for the USA in 1822. Key West was once the wealthiest and largest city in Florida. President Truman stayed and governed the country for 175 days in Key West. Numerous presidents have visited Key West, like JFK and Jimmy Carter.
4. 4. Key West: A Premiere Tourist Destination The city is known for its Caribbean vibe, historical significance and its numerous must-visit places.
5. 5. Traveling to the Conch Republic Since it can take numerous hours to travel from the mainland to Key West via the Overseas Highway, it is recommended to take seaplane charter flight to get there.
6. 6. Key Wests Tourist Destinations (aside from the beaches)
7. 7. Harry S. Truman Little White House Originally built as officers quarters, the house became a temporary home for Harry S. Truman for 175 days. Nowadays, it is both a museum and a place for former and current presidents to reside and relax in.
8. 8. South Street and Whitehead Street Buoy One of the main attractions of the city is a replica of a buoy a monument marking the southernmost tip of the United States. Its not exactly accurate as there are other more southern places. Regardless, it is one of the citys most visited attractions. Photo credit: Stefan Kokemller
9. 9. Old Town Key West More prominently called as the Key West Historic District, this area contains structures dated from the late 19th century to the early 20th. It encompasses key areas like the Mallory Square, Duval Street, Key West Museum of Art and History and Fort Zachary Taylor. Photo by Matt Wade.
10. 10. Audubon House and Tropical Gardens Located at Whitehead street, this antique house contains the works of renowned ornithologist John James Audubon, who sighted 18 new species of birds in the area. People believe that most of his drawings and paintings were drawn in the lush gardens surrounding the area. It contains antique furniture and numerous orchids and herbs.
11. 11. Ernest Hemingway House Designated as a US Historic Landmark, this house once served as the residence of renowned Nobel-prize author Ernest Hemingway from 1931-39. He wrote some of his best short stories in the house, including The Snows of Kilimajaro and The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber. The place features his writing desk and the descendants of his polydactyl cat, Snowball.
12. 12. Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory Located at Duval Street, the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory hosts 50-60 different butterfly species in a controlled environment. If you want to get close and personal with these beautiful insects, this is the best place to be in. Photo by Joe Parks