I’m Lauren of Lauren’s World Tour. I’m a flight attendant for a major airline meaning I get to travel the world every day as my career. My job allows me to spend time in cities all over the world and I’m here to bring you one of my most recent adventures: Key West, Florida.
Where to Eat
The food in Key West completely surpassed my expectations. I am a major seafood lover and being from the Midwest I don’t get my lobster fix often enough. For breakfast I highly recommend Blue Heaven. This restaurant is exactly that, a little slice of Heaven. Blue Heaven has a cool outdoor vibe where roosters roam free and there’s live music to accompany your entree. Don’t forget to try their famous Bloody Goose (Bloody Mary)! Several breakfast options have lobster in them and that is hands down what you need to try!
I’ve got two dinner recommendations for you depending on what you’re in the mood for. Aside from being very big into their fresh seafood, Key West is heavily influenced by their neighbor, Cuba. Cuban food is everywhere, but I ventured down some side streets to a local hot spot: El Siboney. You cannot go wrong with any item on the menu here. Don’t forget to try some fried plantains as your dessert! My second recommendation for dinner is Conch Republic. This restaurant is located on the docks across from several boating activities. Once again, I must talk about the fresh seafood. The lobster tail was absolutely divine and the lobster and crab bisque is not to be overlooked.
Drinks
If you’re into live music then Key West bars are for you my friend. Take a walk down Duval Street and I guarantee any bar you walk into will have a great live band playing an array of music from Jimmy Buffett (the local hero) to Bob Marley. Picture Broadway Street in Nashville or Bourbon Street in New Orleans… same good time feeling. Key West has no shortage of fun drinks to choose from. My go-to was a Miami Vice (50% pina colada, 50% strawberry daiquiri and 100% deliciousness) or a Yuengling (a favorite of mine that is not available in the Midwest so it has been dubbed my “vacation beer”). To get a local vibe for your after dinner drinks, go to the Schooner Wharf Bar located on the docks.
Where to Shop
Being in the coastal mood, the only place I shopped at was Lilly Pulitzer known for their resort wear. If this store doesn’t make you want to charter a yacht and drink some champs I don’t know what will.
What to Do
You have to get out on the water and do some boating activities when you’re in the Keys. I recommend taking a sunset sail on the Jolly II Rover located directly across from Conch Republic. The sunset sail was BYOB and FAB! Granted the crew thought they were pirates by shooting canons at passing ships, it was a great time. If you don’t catch sunset on the water, check out Mallory Square where there is a sunset celebration every single night. Don’t forget to take a photo in front of the “Southern Most Point in the Continental US, 90 Miles to Cuba” marker.
Where to Stay
My hotel was nothing short of fabulous. Located at the end of Duval Street right on the ocean is Pier House. If you plan on staying at Pier House I suggest you request a room in the newly renovated portion of the hotel.
Overall, Key West is an excellent place to visit. With more than a handful of activities to keep you busy or a drink to keep you relaxed on the beach, this destination is ideal for any age and any range of interests.
