Key West

Today we drove south to Key West to spend the day. This was the first time for all of us making it all the way to Key West. We stopped for lunch at Mangrove Mamas in Sugar loaf Key at MM20 (our hotel is on MM82). This place is a keys landmark/favorite spot. Very low key, bright colors, and fresh natural food. I had breaded hogfish served over salad greens with some kind of fruity mango-ish dressing, it was delicious and one of the best fishes I have ever had in a restaurant (the other best were at Budakkan in Phila. and the Pelican beach resort hotel restaurant in Fort Lauderdale)

First we went to the Mel Fisher museum, an icon who lived the dream we are now seeking. He was a diver and famous treasure hunter who finally found the mother lode of the spanish Atocha ship in 1985, worth millions. I enjoyed reading and looking at the family photos and stories* behind the finds, and the resemblance to our family (outdoor, nature and water enthusiasts, beach, diving, boating, treasure hunting, etc.) we picked up 2 books telling the stories about the atocha-sinking-search etc.- a childrens version and adult version. also a cool "treasure map" of florida to hang in skyler's nautical/ocean/pirate themed room, and 2 treasure coin replicas (fingers crossed they don't get lost within the house).

*My favorite was when they found the mother lode/main part of the ship. Mel Fisher was not on the boat, and everyone was looking for him all over Key West. It turned out that when they found it he had been in a dive shop shopping for fins. They put out a "mel fisher where are you" alert, on the radio, people all over, etc. Finally, he heard the news when a person congratulated him on the street. Then as they were bringing up the treasure, Jimmy Buffet joined them on the boat to celebrate (besides hemingway about the greatest KW icon).

website:

http://www.melfisher.org/

Next we went to the Pirate Soul Museum, a few blocks away. This is a more interactive realistic Disney like museum owned by none other than Pat Croce from Philadelphia (they even have Eagles Pirate Soul T-shirts for sale in the gift shop). It features some authentic items like a treasure chest, pirate flag, and Blackbeards decapitated head hanging (naw-thats not real...). There was one point where you walk over a bridge, then its as if you are on a pirate ship, and then going into the cargo hold. skyler kept saying "red eyes scary." we were waiting for manny who was going slower and skyler had a direct view of these spooky red eyes coming out of a dark box in the room ahead.

http://www.piratesoul.com

We walked on Duval Street for a little while. here is the famous Sloppy Joe's Bar. I don't have too many outdoor shots as it was too hot so we did not walk around for too long..we will get back for that in one of the cooler months, maybe when there is a festival or event.

Go here to read the history about Sloppy Joe's. The owner, Joe Russell, was a pal of Hemingway's and Hemingway hung out there, they also fished together for many years. On the last day of our trip, I picked up the book "Hemingway's Key West" so we can read all about all the history and true stories behind Key West- at one time the biggest city in Florida and richest city in the US.

http://sloppyjoes.com/history.htm

No trip to Key West is complete without the obligatory visit to the southernmost point in the continental US!!

We had a delicious harbor view dinner at the A&B Lobster House ending just in time for the fabulous sunset celebration on Mallory Square. Shayna will gladly eat vegetables if she can have lobster tail with them! Mallory Square is filled with carnival like performers, like the sword swallower and the French cat show guy. It also has some great artsy vendors. We found this AMAZING artist where we picked up a gorgeous napkin holder and drink coaster, by Yurien, who does the ceramic art and sells next to her husband, Antonio, a well known professional artist.

see www.antoniosart.com

Key West is a cool mix of salty dogs, laid back partiers, artists, and gays...like Greenwich Village by the Sea.