| There are some places that just cannot be fully | | | | West is touring the National Historic District in Old town, |
| experienced or appreciated from the window of your | | | | which includes almost 3,000 structures, public homes |
| car or tour bus. Key West, Florida is one of those | | | | and museums. This is where the best architecture of |
| places. Here culture, history and architecture combine | | | | Key West is to be found.Here are just a few of the |
| to form one of the most memorizing and unique | | | | main architectural and tourist attractions to be found in |
| vacation destinations to be found anywhere in Florida. | | | | the National Historic District, Key West:The San Carlos |
| From the pastel cottages to the waving palms to the | | | | Institute, located on Duval Street, is a monument to |
| long, sandy beaches and breathtaking sunsets, Key | | | | Cuban patriotic activity. This Spanish styled building |
| West is a place that is only truly experienced by really | | | | was originally built in 1924 and was later restored and |
| getting intimate with the island and breathing in all that is | | | | opened as a museum, library, school, theater and |
| Key West.One of the best ways to explore Key | | | | conference center in 1992. Featuring high ceilings and |
| West is by foot. Only while walking through this | | | | ornate mosaic tile, the San Carlos Institute is a must |
| amazing island can one fully appreciate the culture that | | | | see for anyone visiting Key West. Both guided tours |
| is unique to the Key West locals and truly memorize | | | | and films, which highlight the history of this imposing |
| the attractions to be found in all of their exquisite and | | | | structure, are offered year round in Spanish and |
| vivid detail. That is why a leisurely vacation in Key | | | | English.Just a few steps away on Whitehead Street, is |
| West that includes exploring the island by foot makes | | | | the John James Audubon House. This Bahamian-style |
| a perfect vacation getaway for one, two or the whole | | | | white clapboard house is one of the oldest homes in |
| family.The local culture of Key West and its locals are | | | | Key West. The home was built in 1830s by ship |
| unique. Here the people live a harmonious life where | | | | carpenters using mahogany, cypress and heart pine. A |
| they are free to express themselves any way they | | | | museum is on site highlighting many of Audubon's |
| wish. From clothing to hairstyles to lifestyles and body | | | | original engravings of bird species of Key West. There |
| piercing, the Key West locals dance to the rhythm of | | | | is also a tropical garden that features rare fruit trees |
| their own drum. This way of looking at life creates a | | | | and white orchids.Also on Whitehead Street is the |
| laid back and friendly atmosphere, which usually means | | | | home where Ernest Hemingway lived during the years |
| that it does not take long for one to be attracted to | | | | of 1931 to 1940. It was in this home that Hemingway |
| the Key West lifestyle.The Key West lifestyle is very | | | | penned some of his greatest works including To Have |
| subdued, simple and laid back. Although there are a | | | | and Have Not, Death in the Afternoon, and The |
| few grand homes to be found, many locals live in small | | | | Snows of Kilimanjaro. The Spanish Colonial stone |
| homes or cottages, which feature steep-pitched tin | | | | mansion features many of Hemingway's earliest |
| roofs, louvered wooden shutters, and inviting front | | | | manuscripts, a second floor studio used by |
| porches. One of the favorite pastimes of the Key | | | | Hemingway, and some of Hemingway's original |
| West natives is lounging on these picture-perfect | | | | furnishings.So, if you are looking for a vacation |
| porches while reading, playing games or just simple | | | | experience like no other, perhaps you should consider |
| enjoying the temperate weather.Rich and ornate | | | | touring Key West by foot. After a few days of taking |
| architecture and landscaping is another way that the | | | | one of the many walking tours mapped throughout the |
| Key West locals fully express themselves. Key West | | | | city and mingling with the natives, you may never want |
| is full of inspirational and exquisite architecture. In fact, | | | | to come home. |
| one of the most enjoyed activities of tourists to Key | | | | |