| Key West, Florida OFF THE BEATEN PATH Author: Barbara Hayo www.TrustedTours.com |
To get a better feel for the real flavor of the island, visit treasures in tucked away places.
Some include:
Nancy’s Secret Garden- A garden oasis of exotic trees, plants and flowers in the middle of Old Town is hidden down Schoolhouse Lane, off Simonton Street.
Lemonade Stand Studio- One of many art galleries in Key West, this one is off the main streets, on the corner of Petronia and Thomas in Bahama Village, just across from Blue Heaven, and features the work by
remarkable local artists.
Besame Mucho- In Bahama Village, just down Petronia Street, in a delightfully restored Key West cottage, everything in the small store is pretty and smells good.
Flamingo Crossing- Take a break during a walk along upper Duval to stop at the small shotgun house on the corner of Virginia Street, once the home of famous local artist, Mario Sanchez, and enjoy the tasty treat of homemade ice-cream. Indulge in coconut, banana, mango, guanabana and other exotic flavors.
El Siboney- Try real Cuban home cooking in this unassuming restaurant, popular with locals, on the corner of Catherine and Margaret Streets, just off United Street.
Henrietta’s Bakery- Stop in and try Henrietta’s signature coconut sticks. On Petronia Street in Bahama Village, the expanded bakery also serves breakfast and lunch.
Hurricane Joe’s Restaurant- Just over the Cow Key Channel Bridge on Stock Island is a growing hub of activity, whose ambience includes a waterfront bar and restaurant serving local seafood.
Haitian Art Gallery- On the corner of Southard and Frances Streets, in a residential neighborhood just beyond the Key West Cemetery, a 19th century Key West house showcases the distinctive and colorful art from Haiti.
Five Brothers- Start the morning off just like a local, with a café con leche at one of the few remaining neighborhood Cuban grocery stores, located on Southard Street just beyond the Haitian Art Gallery.
Mary O’Shea’s Glass Garden- Wonderful glass pieces, many depicting undersea life, hang in this gallery just off the corner of Simonton and Greene Streets.
Saluté- On the other side of the island from Old Town, one would only pass this Atlantic side restaurant purely by chance. Fresh, flavorful lunch and dinner are served beachside or inside.
Tropic Cinema- A jewel of a theater, where wine is available along with popcorn, shows foreign and independent films.
Seven Fish- A tiny, off-beat bistro on Olivia Street, offers selections ranging from mahi-mahi to meatloaf.
Casa Antigua- Courtyard Garden Visit a Key West courtyard garden, usually hidden behind the privacy of a fence or wall. Enter through the Pelican Poop store on Simonton Street between Eaton and Caroline Streets.
Theater- During season, treat yourself to exceptional productions staged in intimate, historic Old Town venues: the
Waterfront Playhouse at Mallory Square and the Red Barn Theatre behind the Key West Woman’s Club on Duval Street.
Trust us, we've been there!
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