KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Despite being located on Florida's subtropical southernmost island, inns in Key West are decorated for the holidays as enthusiastically as if they were Santa's own hostelries. Visitors can discover the holiday spirit — and Key West's unique architecture and heritage — during lighted inn tours beginning at 6 p.m. on two consecutive Fridays, Dec. 7 and 14.
Presented by the Key West Innkeepers Association, the tours are now in their 10th year and feature four beautifully decorated island inns each evening.
Inns to be showcased include The Mermaid & The Alligator, 729 Truman Ave.; Avalon Bed & Breakfast, 1317 Duval St.; Westwinds, 914 Eaton St.; Rose Lane Villas, 522-524 Rose Lane; Simonton Court, 320 Simonton St.; Villas Key West, 512 Angela St.; Tropical Inn, 812 Duval St., and Wicker Guesthouse, 913 Duval St.
In addition, participants on the Dec. 7 tour can visit the Key West Art Center, which showcases the work of local artists in a historic building at 301 Front St.
Trolley transportation is to be provided between the featured properties, and innkeepers will be on hand at each stop to offer insights into the location and its history.
Some properties display local artistry, providing tour participants additional glimpses of unique Key West creativity alongside examples of island architecture, decor and style.
Other attractions include libations and light appetizers prepared by chefs from leading Key West restaurants.
Tickets are $30 per person per tour including trolley transportation. They can be purchased through keywestinns.com or during the tour at participating inns.
Event information: keywestinns.comor 305-295-1334
Key West visitor information:
fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY
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