Exploring America’s Caribbean Island: Key West (Part 1)
What comes to mind when you hear the word Caribbean? Inevitably you would conjure up pleasant thoughts of white-sand beaches somewhere in a tropical paradise. The thoughts of a beautiful archipelago surrounded by the sea would come to mind. Perhaps, you will never forget the taste of salt on your skin as you wade through the waters of its serene beaches. Apart from the relaxing joy that the sound from the wavy waters of its beaches bring, how can one forget the exhilarating pleasures of climbing in its green mountain peaks?
You’ll also love to hear the ‘Caribbean’ story. How its culture was built on piracy and sugar, slavery, revolt and colonial identity. You will come to appreciate and enjoy the vibrant mix of cultures that the islands support.
But did you know that somewhere in the heart of Florida Keys lies America’s ‘Caribbean’? It is Key West; a tiny, subtropical island awaiting both discovery and rediscovery. Yes, Caribbean pleasures are just one of the finer things in life that you can find in this little coral reef island. Considered as the most beautiful among the Florida Keys, it is a place so vibrant and laid back that exploring it once will make memories that would last you a lifetime.
Exploring Key West’s Art & History
A place’ culture is better understood through its art and history. When you come to be familiar with this tiny city’s art and history, you will appreciate its innate beauty and laid back simplicity. You will embrace Key West as your own, much like how its residents consider each other as one family.
How can you discover its history better than touring its museums? Yes, this little coral reef island of charm has three museums replete with the story of its past glory. Visiting these historical vanguards will certainly enrich your experience and perception of the beauty that is uniquely this Key’s own.
The Fort East Martello Museums & Gardens (Part 1)
The museum’s casemates, citadel and courtyard house a vast collection of Key West and Florida Key’s artifacts and historical records as well as military memorabilia. The view from atop the central tower grants visitors a spectacular panorama of this little city’s Atlantic coast. An 80-year old playhouse in the garden provides children with tangible experience of how kids lived and played in old Key West. Also housed in this museum are the state’s largest collections of painted wood carvings and drawings by Mario Sanchez and the scrap metal “junk” sculpture of Stanley Papio, both of whom are internationally renowned folk artists from the Keys.
