Key West, Florida: attractions. Key West after the hurricane
Ki-West (Florida) is both acity, and island. The territory belongs to the United States. You can reach it by numerous bridges - directly from Homestead or Miami. The island is located in one of the southernmost points of the USA, on a large archipelago called Florida Keys. Among the travelers this resort is known for its warm climate, chic beaches and high class hotels.
From the history
Until the XVI century, there lived tribes of Indians kaalus. In 1521 the first person from Europe visited the place. The island was given the name, meaning "covered with bones", which was associated with the Indian battles. The modern name appeared due to an error. Spanish words were eventually replaced by similar in sounding English. And now the name of the city of Key West can literally be translated as a "western key". Over time, the island began to be inhabited by new residents arriving from other territories. They engaged in fishing, from time to time had to save from the death of passengers sinking ships. Here, salt production was also developed. In the XIX century, the island became part of the United States. Over the years, the place has become popular with tourists and holidaymakers.
Consequences of the elements
Strong winds and tornadoes in Florida - not so mucha rare event. Hundreds of people died after the hurricane, which happened in 1935. But this was not the only such episode in the life of the island of Key West. More recently, in September 2017, the city of Ki-West was severely damaged after the hurricane Irma. Houses and buildings were destroyed, trees were torn from the roots. The wind speed almost did not exceed 210 km / h. The violence of the elements led to a great flood. As a result, many residents were left without a roof over their heads, the same people were previously evacuated. The city is gradually recovering, many objects are being rebuilt.
Beach holidays
What is so attractive for tourists Key West, Florida? First, a special climate. In these parts, the temperature regime does not fall below zero degrees. The weather usually is clear, sunny. From morning till night you can spend time on the beach, acquiring pleasant shades of tan, bathing in the purest sea water.
The coastal zone is strewn with sand. The most popular among tourists enjoys the equipped beach Smater, where there are parking spaces, shops and cafes, a recreation area with the possibility to rent tables and chairs. Many come here for diving or fishing. You can buy a catamaran or a boat for a while. There are wild beaches on the island. For example, one of these is located in the territory of Fort Zachary Taylor Park. A quieter and quiet place, which is visited by a significantly smaller number of tourists.
Entertainment
The already named park is one of the places,which is definitely worth a visit in Key West (Florida). Until the 1940s there was an active fort. At the moment it is a historical park in which you can take a walk (on foot or by bike), rent a kayak or sit in a cafe. Visit the park in advance.
The main street of the city is Duval Street. On both sides of it you can see numerous cafes and restaurants. For example, Sloppy Joe's is a bar that Hemingway himself visited! Fans of the writer's art always come here to take photos of the interiors and skip a couple of cocktails, where concerts with live music often take place. if you come in the evening or at night - you can get to the colorful show and become a participant in the carnival.
Key West Attractions
You can move around the city not only on your ownfeet. There are also excursions offered on a special tourist bus. And you can rent a motor scooter or a bicycle to explore the surroundings on your own. There are many palm trees around. Coconuts from them are sold in trade shops. Inside stretch a tube to drink coconut milk was more convenient.
In the most southerly place Key West, Florida is locateda local landmark is a large colored buoy. Sometimes a long queue of tourists lined up to take a picture next to him. The buoy symbolizes the southern point of the USA (although in fact it is not quite so). It also indicates the mark "90 miles to Cuba."
In the city original souvenirs are sold: it is reasonable to acquire something in memory of the visit to Key West (Florida). It can be magnets, small crafts or Cuban cigars, sold in some stores. They are made on the island, as local sellers say. By the way, real Cuban cigars are prohibited in the US.
Museums
There are many interesting museums in Ki-West. In the first place, it is worth mentioning the Hemingway Museum, located in the house where the writer lived. The building has a long history, and it was built already in 1851. In the museum you can see antique furniture and things of the famous author. Some of the trophies Hemingway brought with him from expeditions to distant countries. In the museum there are amazing animals - six-fingered cats. These are the descendants of the writer's domestic cat.
It is unlikely that even in a certain city there is a MuseumShipwrecks. Here is the most interesting exposition from the things that fell to the inhabitants of Ki-West from the sinking ships. In addition to household items, you can see real gold bars, as well as watch video on rescue operations. Another museum complex, where you can get acquainted with the sea treasures and treasures, is the Maritime Museum of Fisher. And you can look at the inhabitants of the ocean by visiting the aquarium of Key West. Entrance there, as well as to museums, is paid, but tickets can be booked in advance.
How to get there?
You can get to the island on a large cruiseliner. That's how tourists from China and other distant countries come to Florida Keys. Another option is to fly by plane. In Ki-West there is a small international airport. But it is worth considering that the weight of the baggage is very limited. Most travelers prefer to drive to the island by car. The bridge offers a stunning view of the sea, coral reefs and passing ships. On the way, you can also see what's left of the destroyed railway.
In the city there are almost no buildings above twofloors. And in some ancient buildings, according to legend, ghosts live. An example of this is the Marrero's Guest Mansion, a Victorian mansion, near which the silhouette of a dead girl - the beloved of the former owner of the house - has been seen several times, and the walls of some other buildings are still remembered by the times of piracy bloodshed.
You can stay in Key West (Florida) in a good hotel or in a private house. Some residents rent out a guest room or whole villas.
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