Oh Key West - Changes in Latitude

For anyone wishing to visit the tropics but wishing to stay in the lower 48 should visit Key West as soon as the opportunity pops up. This city is pure awesome! Key West itself has a lot of history and in 1860 was America's richest city thanks to the misfortune of ships crashing into coral just offshore.

Key West was relatively isolated until 1912, when it was connected to the Florida mainland via the Overseas Railway extension. In 1938 the railroad was converted into a drivable highway that then President Roosevelt toured one year later.

Since that road opened up Key West has played host to many famous guests including: Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Harry Truman (175 spent there on 11 trips) AS President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy (a month after the resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis was signed) and of course everyone's favorite Jimmy Buffett who resided there for a time.

To take in YOUR Key West I'd suggest you book a room in "Old Town" Key West at one of the many B&B's (Bed and Breakfast's) this area provides. Most B&B's are in very large historical homes built in the late 1800's by ship builders who employed their craftsmanship that still works today. These skillful gentleman used old Dade County pine, Coral and tongue and groove techniques to adapt the homes to the tropical environment.

One such B&B that get's rave reviews is Marrero's Guest Mansion.

This Restored 1889 Victorian mansion has less that 30 rooms all equipped with in-room refrigerators, air conditioners, cable TV and WiFi internet. Start off each day with an expanded continental breakfast. Care to take a dip in the pool al natural? Then Marrero's won't stop you. A modern pool attracts guests that don't care for tan lines. And each day at Marrero's there is a Happy Hour which is a great touch. No pets, no smoking in the rooms and you must be 21+ to enjoy this historic party place.

Prices run from $100 to $220 depending on what room you choose and when you travel.

One word of warning:   Some have claimed Marrero's Guest Mansion is haunted by a woman named Enriquetta who was the wife of Francisco Marrero who built the house to entice her to move in with him - it worked. The husband died and she was forced to leave when ANOTHER one of Francisco's wife's (player) won the rights to the house. She claimed she'd haunt the house after death and according to some guests that stay, she's keeping her promise.

Once in Key West there's plenty to do other than sitting around naked poolside yacking it up with ghost and guests. Including...

* Famous Duval Street with it's many shops, restaurants and bars.
* Taking sailing trips, dolphin cruises and snorkeling will keep you on the water.
* The city has several museums for history buffs.
* And of course the nightly celebration of the legendary sunsets at the pier.

So go get your Key West on and remember the great works of Jimmy Buffett, "Changes in attitudes changes in latitude".

I'm not a travel agent so call your favorite agent or call Marrero's direct at 305.294.6977 and/or www.marreros.com