Key West is one of the best parts of Florida. The southernmost most part of the United States, Key West has been the home of several famous residents. It was where Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote his unique style of fiction, finding himself involved with bar fights, drinking, and fishing across the Gulf of Mexico. It is also the land of Jimmy Buffet, whose blend of island inspired music took root in this tropical city. 
Key West is not large, less then 25 miles in length. But this small island is the home of a large naval base, established initially to combat pirates as they plundered their way across the Caribbean. Today, Key West is known to have some of the best night life and hosts millions of visitors every year. Whether they come by airplane, car, or cruise ship, Key West is one of the most perfect places in the state and probably the world. 
Known for its fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving, Key West offers a laid back atmosphere that can help anyone relieve stress and simply relax. I always love to visit the keys. Especially Key West. Only 4 hours south of Miami, the Florida Keys operates at a much slower pace of life. I remember the first time I visited Key West. Surrounded by water and palm trees, the mere sense of tropical perfection can be felt everywhere. It is the one place where a tank top, flip flops and a bathing suite can be considered overdressed.
One of the best things I have done there is take a jet ski tour around the island. I recall leaving with the tour, gunning along the calm water of the Gulf of Mexico. I looked ahead and saw flat water as far as I could see. I remember the smell of the warm salt water as it surged across my lap. As I circled the island I could feel the transition as I entered the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Somewhat colder and deeper, and more rough, I’ll never forget riding across the bright blue waters, looking back at the island lined by palm trees. 
Key West has some of the most perfect snorkeling and diving sites anywhere in the world. Sunken ships, coral reefs, and billions of fish swim around the island. It’s so easy to appreciate the beauty of nature when you spend time below the surface. I remember snorkeling along some of the coral reefs and felt the current propel me through schools of fish. I remember feeling their slippery bodies as they swam away from me. 
Key West has some of the most beautiful sunsets also.I always love to go by Mallory Square in the evening and watch the street performers and musicians as they celebrate the sunset every evening. I remember sitting on a concrete dock and staring out into the gulf, feeling the breeze blow across my face, inhaling the sweet smell of the salt water and the seaweed that was pushed into the dock by the current.It truly is a magical place to be in the evening. 
Duval Street is one of the best experiences at night. Bar and bar of fun and a lively atmosphere, Key West is a lot of fun at night. I always loved to drink a Pina Colada, a mix of coconut, sugar, and liquor. One of the most famous bars is Sloppy Joe’s, which was where Ernest Hemingway was often seeing writing his stories while he lived on the island. And the Key Lime Pie is legendary. There are so many reasons why I love Key West so much. I may live in Dallas, thousands of miles away from the ocean but I’ll always have a small part of the Keys in my heart and I can’t wait to return.
mike87blog 