Since the mid-1800s, the island of Key West has been renowned for its refined sense of taste. Wrecking captains salvaged fine cargoes — silks and laces, wines, silver and gold, exotic trinkets and jewelry — from ships grounded on the Florida Keys reefs. Valuable goods from exotic ports were sold at auction to eager buyers.
In Touch is one of the most popular emporiums on Key West’s Duval Street — and rightfully so!
Today, you can discover Key West’s tasteful sophistication in a vast array of boutiques and shops — some easy to find and some found only by wandering narrow byways off the main track.
Naturally, many shops and venues proudly fly the rainbow flag. And while some cater specifically to an LGBT clientele, you’ll find treasures at most of the island’s welcoming emporiums.
Duval Street, Key West’s main shopping thoroughfare, has 14 blocks of fine art galleries, clothing and gift stores and boutiques. The famed street is nearly 1.25 miles long and stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.
One of Key West’s best known shopping stops is the emporium of skin care manufacturer Key West Aloe. Born on the island, Key West Aloe formulates hundreds of skin and body products: sun-care creams, exclusive fragrances, hair and bath goods, and a variety of aromatic gifts such as salt scrubs. You can check out both women’s and men’s lines of products scented with mango, Key lime, frangipani, coconut and lemon eucalyptus.
Also popular is Graffitti, celebrating 30 years on Duval Street and selling casual men’s clothing, accessories, beach towels and water-related gear. The nearby In Touch store offers enticements including kitschy souvenirs, brightly colored wigs and feather boas.
If you’re an art lover, explore the Gingerbread Square Gallery — located on Upper Duval Street in a Victorian structure overlooking a courtyard. Gingerbread Square is Key West’s oldest private art gallery, opened in the early 1970s by the nation’s first openly gay mayor, Richard Heyman. It has showcased works of playwright Tennessee Williams and today houses a collection of vibrant paintings, art glass, sculpture and other offerings.
The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory features natural wonders from butterflies to flamingos, plus a fabulous gallery and gifts.
While you’re on Upper Duval, don’t miss the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. This unique attraction features a gorgeous gallery, gift shop and learning center. But its undisputed highlight is a spectacular glass-enclosed, climate-controlled greenhouse with walkways through a lush environment — much like a beautiful rainforest — that’s home to hundreds of exotic butterflies, birds and plants from around the world. You’ll even have a chance to meet Rhett and Scarlett, the resident pink flamingos.
Looking for a comfy pair of sandals during your wandering? Off the beaten path, Kino Sandals hand cuts, assembles and glues its traditional leather, natural rubber-soled sandals at its Kino Plaza factory that’s tucked off the corner of Greene and Fitzpatrick streets. The factory was established in 1966 and the sturdy sandals, available in 17 colors, can be seen on the feet of many longtime locals.
A few blocks away, you’ll find take-home libations at the Key West First Legal Rum Distillery on Simonton Street. There you can enjoy tastings and a tour showing how rum is batched, and discover a wide array of rums (including one infused with Key limes). The nearby Key West Winery offers tastings of specialty tropical wines flavored with fruits such as Key lime and mango.
Salt Island Provisions, nestled on Fleming Street, is one of Key West’s most colorful shops — a purveyor of handcrafted, locally sourced treats such as savory salts and sweet wild honey.
Also not to be missed is Mallory Square, home of the nightly Sunset Celebration featuring street performers and talented artisans. Here you can pick up handcrafted gifts, Keys collectibles and one-of-a-kind jewelry while watching the sun go down over the water.
Want to know more about Key West’s subtropical temptations? Then start planning your escape to the appealing island so you can discover them for yourself.
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