Awaiting Your Return From Shore |
You
really haven’t seen Florida until you’ve seen the Florida Keys.
This archipelago consists of a 126-mile string of 1,000 beautiful
coral islands stretching out at the south end of the state. Many
of them are connected by the Overseas Highway (Highway U.S. 1).
Key West, located 155 miles south of Miami, is the best known and
southernmost spot in the continental U.S. It is a tropical blend
of exotic foliage, beautiful waters and history-rich attractions.
Since its founding in 1822, Key West has gone through many phases;
over the years pirates, smugglers, writers and revolutionaries
have made the Conch Republic their home. Ernest Hemingway,
Tennessee Williams, Robert Frost and Thornton Wilder are among the
most noted who came here to enjoy the idyllic setting and casual,
relaxed atmosphere.
In the early 1800s, pirates found the Keys’ busy shipping lanes
quite profitable and Key West an easy escape. When piracy was
defeated, a new, legal industry emerged - wrecking. The history of
the wreckers can be learned in the Wrecker’s Museum, which
features treasures of some of the most successful salvage
operations. Other industries developed, including sponging and
fine cigar making; the latter was introduced in the 1830s by
Cubans who escaped from Spanish tyranny. In 1912, Henry Flagler’s
railroad between Key West and the mainland was completed; it was
destroyed by a hurricane a few years later. Cigar makers moved to
Tampa and the railroad and shipping trade with Havana ceased; the
resourceful islanders discovered tourism as their salvation.
Visitors to Key West find a number of attractions to enjoy -
unique architecture and charming gardens, treasures from
shipwrecks, picturesque streets to stroll around, delicious
cuisine and scores of souvenir shops and art galleries. |
Awaiting Your Return
From Shore |
Complimentary
Spirits Await |
Return to Your
Suite and Sail Away to The Next Adventure |
Entertainment
and Dancing Await You |