by Rebecca R. H. Spriggs

Created on: November 13, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Are you ready to escape the cold, bitter winds of winter and head to a place where you can swim in emerald green water, bask in the warm rays of sunshine, taste mouthwatering entrees, and enjoy a nightlife that never ends without breaking your budget and traveling out of the country? Look no further and plan a trip to Key West, Florida- the ultimate vacation destination!

Lodging:

If you want to be downtown and "in the action," search for accommodations with descriptions detailing their proximity to Duval Street (the life of Key West). If you want to have a more family friendly atmosphere without the noise of the late night festivities, search for accommodations that have proximity to the airport or mention shuttle services to Duval Street such as the Fairfield Inn and Suites.

Food and Activities:

To get a feel for the layout of Key West, you can always ride the Conch Train, or if you are feeling a bit more adventurous, simply rent a scooter or bicycle and navigate your way around the town using free Key West maps from local hotels.

Be sure to check out the Southernmost Point for some great photo opportunities and don't forget that Mile Marker 0 is also located here. If you want some "real" Cuban food, try a Cuban steak sandwich from the local cafe across the street where you can actually drink from a fresh coconut! While in the area, head over to Ernest Hemingway's Home. Across the street you will find local vendors with Key West art and souvenirs. If you are hungry, be sure to check out Blue Heaven- a place that has amazing food and an atmosphere that you'll never forget as chickens roam around your feet!

As you work your way through the town, keep an eye on the clock. You want to make sure that you are able to make it to Mallory Square before sunset. Every night there are numerous entertainers and vendors to create a magical nighttime experience. If you have multiple nights to watch the sunset in Key West, be sure to check out sunsets from both the rooftop of the La Concha Hotel and the upper deck of Turtle Crawls Bar (located in the Historic Land's End Marina): a unique dive where they actually have live box turtle races twice a week!

Other "must see and eat" restaurants include Jimmy Buffet's Original Margaritaville, Hog's Breath Saloon, and Sloppy Joe's (Hemingway's favorite hangout). For an amazing dessert, don't forget to grab a famous key lime pie on a stick from the Blond Giraffe, a giant cookie from Cafe de Paris, or have a giant brownie sundae from

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