 |
 |
|
Stroll through quaint Key West and find the town’s first claim to fame: the southernmost point in the United States.
|
|
|
| | |
|
| |
| |
|
|
| | |
HOME > SOVO SCENE > TRAVEL
By: TROY PETENBRINK
COMMENTS |
| 
Despite the recent hurricane season filled with near misses and growing rumors of the city becoming less gay-friendly, Key West remains a top destination for gay travelers.
Located at the southernmost point of the United States in South Florida, Key West mixes respectability and decadence as easily as lime juice mixes with tequila, a popular pastime for locals and visitors.
Over the centuries, a variety of characters including pirates, artists, presidents and a large number of gay travelers have made the journey to this island paradise in search of a life less ordinary — if only for a few days.
 |
Enjoying the sun over the Gulf of Mexico is just one way to wile away the days in Key West.
|
One of Key West’s major draws is its weather, with daytime winter temperatures that rarely drop below 70 degrees. Spanning only two miles by four miles, it has a decidedly small-town feel. But there are plenty of activities to keep visitors busy, restaurants to explore and places to stay.
A signature Key West must-do is watching the sunset. About two hours before the sun goes down, hordes of locals and tourists alike gather downtown at Mallory Square to experience a nightly festival, complete with artisans, food vendors and performers, and to watch the sun sink into the Gulf of Mexico.
Other relaxing activities include the variety of available water excursions like snorkeling among the stunning reefs or a trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, an area known for its bird and marine life, as well as its legends of pirates and sunken treasure.
Fort Jefferson, one of the largest coastal forts ever built, is a central feature. And no trip to Key West would be complete without exploring the island’s abundant 19th century architecture, which includes the Hemingway House at 907 Whitehead St., where the Pulitzer Prize-winning author penned such great works as “A Farewell to Arms” and “Death in the Afternoon.”
A ride on the Gay Trolley is a fun way to learn about Key West’s rich gay and lesbian history. The campy 70-minute tour is held on Saturdays and costs just $25.
Drinking and dancing are Key West’s unofficial sports. The main playing field for gay and straight travelers is the island’s main drag along Duval Street. The gay establishments are on the southern half of Duval, including Bourbon Street Pub, Aqua, Kwest and La Te Da. The area is also home to many gay-friendly art galleries and shops.
Foodies can find plenty of places in Key West to satisfy their gastronomic desires. Blue Heaven, housed in a historic building that once served as a bordello, is one of Key West’s most popular restaurants. With indoor and outdoor casual dining areas (don’t be surprised if you see a few chickens strolling about), it is particularly well known for its hearty breakfast menu.
 |
Key West’s Mallory Square is the place where locals and tourists gather for a nightly festival to watch the sun sink into the Gulf.
|
Another noteworthy option is Mangoes and Alice’s.
Both establishments are a little pricey, with dinner entrees ranging from $15 to $30, but the food is outstanding and the atmosphere is very relaxed.
As far as places to stay, choices range from gay-specific resorts like the all-male Equator Resort, Oasis Guesthouse and Island House to private rental properties.
Two cozy high-end options include Alexander’s Guesthouse, a beautifully restored 1900 Conch house with 15 rooms, and Big Ruby’s, offering 17 rooms and complimentary full breakfast for guests.
Both of these co-ed properties are members of the World’s Foremost Gay & Lesbian Hotels.
Pearl’s Rainbow, also a WFGLH member, is a 38 room women-only guesthouse that likes amenities that come in twos: two pools, two hot tubs and just two blocks from the from the island’s edge.
If kicking back and relaxing in a welcoming atmosphere are on your travel agenda, it’s hard to beat Key West.
| 
