Key West
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Key
West Bargains for the Tight-Budget
Traveler
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Key
West Isn't a City, It's a State of Mind
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Key
West Walking Tour
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Key West
Bargains for the Tight-Budget
Traveler
by Deborah Straw
A visit to the Conch Republic, a.k.a. Key West, does not
require taking out a loan. Yes, prices are higher than they
were just a year ago (particularly for inns and apartment
rentals) and higher than those in many northern and central
parts of Florida, but, a few bargains are readily available
to travelers with imagination, flexible attitudes and an
abiding curiosity about people, history and nature.
To satisfy merely the curiosity, no money is required.
Studying people, nature and architecture are immensely
rewarding. I've spent countless hours a) on the front porch
of a guesthouse, b) on lower Duval Street or Mallory Square,
sitting on a bench or a pier, and c) at any of the fine
beaches, not spending a penny but watching pelicans, dogs
and men and women in minuscule bikinis. In Key West, I
generally walk five to ten miles a day, just for the sheer
pleasure. I always carry a camera and perhaps a book and a
bottle of water. Be sure to pick up an island map as some of
the streets are tiny and confusing, especially near the
cemetery.
The island's National Historic District in Old Town includes
nearly 3,000 wooden structures. With their steep-pitched tin
roofs, louvered wooden shutters and inviting front porches,
Old Town's small clapboard Conch cottages are all too
appealing. Many homes are tiny, only six or seven hundred
square feet. People sit on their porches in rattan, wicker
or plastic chairs, reading, dreaming, playing checkers. Two
of my favorite streets are Fleming and Southard, which run
perpendicular to Duval and Whitehead, and the narrow,
alluring lanes and streets that crisscross them. Have a cafe
con leche or a spicy Cuban sandwich at 5 Brothers Grocery
(930 Southard), a reasonably-pr iced locals' hang-out at the
corner of Southard and Grinnell. The May Hill Russell
Library at 700 Fleming Street is another great place to
spend a few hours, inside or outside in its lush garden with
60 palms of 30 varieties.
In Key West, because of the heat, you eat less and often at
odd hours. It's quite possible to eat economically; grazing
seems the natural mode here. The Key Lime Pie Co. makes the
best of its kind - one lasts two people up to three days
(available at its factory shop or at either of the two
Fausto's Food Palaces). Add a tabouli or black bean salad
(or sushi, new at Fausto's) and a French baguette or a loaf
of Cuban bread and you've got an inexpensive lunch or light
dinner. Cuban sandwiches (grinders) cost between $3 and $5
and satisfy the soul. Blue Heaven on Thomas Street offers
nutritious, large breakfasts. At this funky, mostly outside
restaurant, your dining experience is amongst cats, artists
and the ubiquitous roaming chickens.
Other economical, filling eateries include The Deli on
Truman Avenue, the Dennis Pharmacy on Simonton Street and
BoBo's Fish Wagon on Caroline Street. Subway offers large
sandwiches at inexpensive prices. Just look for frequent
discount coupons in local papers.
The least expensive accommodation in Key West is at the
Hostel-Key West on South Street. During the high season, the
hostel is booked far in advance so call early.
(305-296-5719). A reasonably-pr iced, attractive guesthouse
is Abaco Inn at 415 Julia Street (305-296-2212) or call the
Key West Innkeepers' Association (305-295-1334) for a list
of other accommodations. You can give them the price range
you're willing to spend. Off-season rates are reduced
substantially, and the weather's always nearly perfect in
Key West.
You don't need a car in Key West. In fact, it's almost a
waste of money, given the tight street spaces and lack of
parking. Many streets are but lanes. Bikes and scooters are
available at fairly low costs and the entire island is
walkable. From Old Town, it's about two miles to the airport
and one mile to lovely Fort Taylor State Park Beach. The
other public beaches are also relatively close to the center
of town (but more crowded and with fewer trees and picnic
tables). But the hottest action and sights are definitely in
Old Town. Even in the low season, May through October, there
are people from all over the world to watch and learn from -
free of charge.
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Choose
a Hotel by Location
Beach
Lovers
Key West is surrounded
by water, but the beaches may not be what you
expect.
Romantic
Getaway
Romance abounds in this
tropical paradise. There are numerous places to stay if
you're visiting Key West with that special
someone.
Leisure
Traveler
If your choice of lodging is a
bed and breakfast, you're in luck.
Families
Although some lodging
facilities prefer adults, many offer kid-friendly
environments.
Gay
Traveler
Key West is one of the most
gay-friendly cities in the U.S.
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