No trip to the Keys can be complete without a trip south. There is a totally different vibe in Key West that just has to be experienced.

What a wonderful opportunity to be visited by two Manatees. The sea cow sighting was a bonus for our trip to Florida. 
For us, the history of a place is an important thing to learn about. The forming of Key West wouldn't be the same without its Cigar history.
And one should not overlook the influence of the Cuban population. They had continually grown since William Wall, an Englishman, started a Key West cigar factory in 1831. The Cuban Independence War of 1868 (Ten Years War) assured Key West of becoming a cigar capital.
When Eduardo Hidalgo Gato opened his new factory in Key West, he did everything he could to insure that he had the best cigar artisans working under his roof. To better the lives of his workers, he built a city of 40-cigar maker's cottages around his factory, started the first street car system, created a hospital and supported a baseball league.

A must for me, this third visit to Key West, was Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Nestled in the heart of Old Town, this unique property was home to one of America's most honored and respected authors.
The six- or seven-toed polydactyl cats descended from Hemingway's original pet 'Snowball' still live on the grounds (52 of them) and are cared for at the Hemingway House.
Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote here for more than ten years creating 70% of his works in this studio. Calling Key West home, he found solace and great physical challenge in the turquoise waters that surround this tiny island. Our tour was exceptionally informative, giving us a glimpse into this talented, interesting character.
One of the biggest attractions on the island is a concrete replica of a buoy at the corner of South and Whitehead Streets that claims to be the southernmost point in the contiguous 48 states and it a 'must' photo op.
Since 1890, history has left its mark on the Truman Little White House. Initially, it served as the naval station’s command headquarters during the Spanish-American War, World War I and World War II. In 1946 the historic building first served as the winter White House of President Harry S. Truman and a site for the Cold War response by later presidents. Today, the Truman Little White House is a public, living, Key West museum as well as a retreat and place of government business by our nation's leaders.

Mallory Square is the location of the "Sunset Celebration", which is considered one of the main tourist attractions of the city. It involves hundreds of tourists who arrive each night to view the sunset- us included. The celebration includes arts and crafts exhibitors, street performers and food carts. It begins two hours before sunset, every day of the year.

An evening stroll on Duval Street made us promise to return for a longer stay in this unique Florida town.