The winter blahs have set in around much of the U.S., and those of you who’ve made it this far through the cold, dreary days deserve a reward. So trade the blahs for the blues — the cloudless blue skies and endless blue waters that characterize the subtropical island of Key West.
The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory features natural wonders from butterflies to flamingos, plus a fabulous gallery and gifts.
Slip away to the southernmost outpost in the continental U.S. to soak up the salt air, sweet breezes and irresistibly laid-back vibe. And while you’re in a Key West state of mind, check out the six island pleasures here.
1. Build a sand sculpture. Sure you’re a grownup, but that doesn’t mean you can’t build an oversized sandcastle on the beach. At the historic waterfront Casa Marina, a Waldorf Astoria Resort at 1500 Reynolds St., you can create a sand masterpiece guided by Marianne van den Broek from Just Sand And Water. Marianne is acclaimed for constructing massive sand sculptures to mark holidays, special events, proposals and much more. Her fun-filled workshops last 2.5 hours — and participants build their own sand sculpture from scratch during the experience.
2. Indulge your inner child at the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory at 1316 Duval St. It’s one of just three major butterfly facilities in Florida, and its highlight is a 5,000-square-foot glass-domed tropical butterfly habitat. In this magical “rainforest,” you’ll walk among hundreds of butterflies from 50 to 60 species, plus scores of tiny exotic birds — and even meet a pair of graceful pink flamingoes named Rhett and Scarlett. You’ll also learn about butterflies’ role in the natural world and be amazed by the butterfly artwork of Sam Trophia, the conservatory’s co-founder.
3. If you’re looking for a Key West locals’ hangout with great live music, don’t miss the Schooner Wharf Bar at 202 William St. It’s an inviting open-air spot where people bring their dogs, fishing buddies and girlfriends for satisfying libations and lively conversation. It also serves good food (including wonderful breakfasts; try the gulf shrimp, feta cheese, tomato and spinach omelet) overlooking the water in the colorful Key West Historic Seaport.
4. Bike or walk through Key West’s Old Town neighborhood, the largest predominantly wooden historic district in the country, just before dusk. Meander along narrow lanes to discover carefully restored Victorian homes and cottages, while enjoying the lush fragrance of flowers spilling over white picket fences. Peek into hidden gardens and small neighborhood emporiums, and share nods and smiles with people you meet.
The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum showcases priceless shipwreck artifacts and treasures. (Photo courtesy of Mel Fisher Maritime Museum)
5. Investigate the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum to view the gold, silver, emeralds, weapons, rare navigational instruments and other items recovered in the 1970s and ‘80s from the Spanish galleons Nuestra Señora de Atocha and Santa Margarita — which sank in the waters off Key West. You can also take a behind-the-scenes tour of the laboratory where the priceless artifacts are studied and conserved by experts. Located at 200 Greene St., the unforgettable museum offers a glimpse of maritime history that you won’t find anywhere else.
6. Enjoy the enticing blue water. Swim from the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, the locals’ favorite getaway spot. Take a sunset cruise on a tall ship with romantically billowing sails. Kayak the backcountry shallows with Lazy Dog Adventures. Snorkel or dive the living coral reef that parallels the Florida Keys. Or simply gaze at the seemingly endless view from sprawling Smathers Beach, stretching along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline.
Want more “banish-the-blahs” pleasures to savor in Key West? Just click here.
