A NOTE TO OUR READERS:
"Weekend: Visit the Conch Republic" is from the September 2002 issue of Southern Living.
Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all
information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.
Key West. The name alone conjures up visions of sun-drenched days, turquoise water, Jimmy Buffett songs, Key lime pie, and laid-back living. It's true--you can find all of the above in this island paradise. Make the trip to the southernmost point of the United States for a whiff of the Caribbean, a dollop of decadence, and a taste of the good life.
Flying In on Friday
Begin by flying directly to Key West. If you land in Miami instead, you still
have a four-hour drive south through the Keys, mostly on a two-lane road. Check in to The Gardens Hotel for a luxurious and private spot to relax at the
end of the day. Only a block off busy Duval Street, the lush foliage and heated
pool make you feel quite secluded and pampered. Be sure to order a margarita
from the poolside bar. They use real limes--a key ingredient down here. Rates
start at $155 and include breakfast; (305) 294-2661, 1-800-526-2664,
or www.gardens
hotel.com.
Walk to dinner at Mangoes, which sits just a block from the hotel. Lounge
outside, watch the parade of folks on Duval Street, and enjoy chef Paul
Orchard's excellent seafood entrées. Try the yellowtail snapper ($25.50) or the pan-seared salmon ($23). End the day with a stroll
down Duval, where you'll pass shops, see restaurants, and get a feel for the
lively character of Key West. Too tired for the walk back? Hire a pedicab to
take you right to The Gardens' gate.
