2 of 22

Write now Article Tools

It is impossible to travel any further south in the continental United States than to Key West, Florida. When these friends for life returned to Ft. Lauderdale from a luxurious cruise, we had already decided to extend the trip and travel to the jumping off point of the southern United States.

From the moment you complete crossing the forty-two bridges and infiltrate the eclectic world of the Florida Keys, you know that it is not an ordinary tourist destination. Where else in 1982 would citizens form a group, have numerous meetings, and collectively decide to secede from the United States? The Conch Republic is what they designated their kingdom, and to this day, that is what they remain. There is an unexplainable way of life in the Keys, one that catches your attention and thrives forever in your memory.

Believe me; it is well worth the extended drive, a paradise-like setting where locals and visitors alike pause to celebrate the spectacular sunset, everyday. The legendary event can be captured daily in countless ways from throwaway cameras to expensive digital wonders, and the color of God's creation is spectacular.

Another offbeat circumstance is the seemingly peaceful co-existence of undomesticated felines and cultivated poultry. Yes, to the amazement of the tourist and the abhorrence of hometown folks, cats and chickens freely roam the streets and boulevards of Key West. I am not sure where the kitty-cats sleep at night but numerous chickens roost in the trees adjacent to Mallory Square, and when a pullet mistakenly crawls into the wrong nest, a noisy fight ensues, and instantly draws an audience. There are benches situated where tourist can relax and view the daily installments of fight and flight.

The favorite and most economical form of transportation is an electrical-mobile so while Melba and I observed the six-toed cats and listened to the tales at the Hemingway House, and wandered across the street to the world famous lighthouse, Otto and Charles cruised around the territory in battery-powered style. The curious looking vehicle transported us from a photo opportunity at the zero-mile highway marker, to recess at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville Cafe, and treasure seeking on Duvall Street.

We highly recommend staying in one of the quaint bed and breakfast places and exploring the numerous eating establishments made famous by legends and yarns. As you wander the streets and enjoy the offerings at the taverns, beware, that oddly dressed character sitting in the shadows might be one of the prominent poltergeists.

Learn more about this author, Brenda S Brown.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Memoirs: Vacations?
We want to hear your view. Write now!