Margaritaville: Key West, FL

Welcome back Blog friends! Sorry I have been gone for a week but I am back and excited to share with you the amazing island of Key West, Florida. I just spent a week here during my last spring break as a college student and fell absolutely in love with it!

Key West is known as the southernmost city in the Continental United States. It is 129 miles southwest of Miami, Florida and is famously known for being the southern terminus of US Highway 1. I highly suggest you fly into Miami International Airport, rent a car and drive down the Florida turn-pipe to Key West. Although it is a one-lane highway the whole way, it is a breath-taking drive along the Florida coast and is a little under 4 hours long. It makes for a beautiful road trip!

Once you are there I suggest you stay at SunSet Key Guest Cottages, which is a Westin Resort located on its' own private island right off of Key West. These 1-4 bedroom cottages, are each designed in traditional Key West architecture and offering magnificent ocean views. Recently winning Travel + Leisure Magazine's Top 500 World's Best Hotels, Sunset Key is a fabulous vacation spot for a romantic get-away for two!

Sunset Key Island View

Sunset Key Cottage View

Located just 500 years from the historic old town of Key West, Sunset Key is accessible only by 24-hour daily launch service from The Westin Key West Resort & Marina. To learn more about this one & only resort check out their e-brochure here.

Key West is home to a number of famous names, beginning with Nobel Peace Prize winner and author, Ernest Hemingway. Legend has it that he wrote A Farewell to Arms while living above the showroom of a Key West Ford dealership in 1928. His home is now open to the public as a museum for tours. In addition, a number of songs have been written about this quaint little town and the song most associated with Key West is Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville.  

Once settled in, I highly suggest you take the launch service over to Key West and moeze around Mallory Square. Being the center of Key West's historic waterfront, Mallory Square stages the famous Key West sunset celebrations and is a must see attraction. Nothing is better and more quick than a Key West sunset. Check out these pictures from my trip:

Aside from the breath-taking sunsets, there are tons of attractions to visit while in Key West. Many visitors rent bicycles and explore the history and architecture of Old Town Key West. Boat excursions are also a great way to view Key West from the water. I suggest taking a sunset sail from Fury Water Adventures. Their Commotion on the Ocean sunset sail is tons of fun and offers a live band while you enjoy all you can eat and drink!

After exploring the island during the day adventure over to Duval Street, the bar and restaurant district, which includes many different night time entertainment options, all within walking distance of each other. Key West offers a great nightlife for all ages - be sure to check out the complete list of bars and restaurants here.

If you would like more information of Key West do not hesitate to ask by leaving a comment. This is a fantastic vacation spot and hands-down one of my favorite places in the entire world!

Until next time, waste away your time in Margaritaville!

The Big Easy: New Orleans, LA

Happy almost Fat Tuesday blog friends! It is finally Mardi Gras season and with that I would like to introduce you to the great city of New Orleans, a.k.a The Big Easy. Each year there are dozens of parades in New Orleans leading up to the big day of Fat Tuesday falling on March 8 this year. Beginning February 20, days are packed with several parades booked back to back where all ages can enjoy whether your on St. Charles Avenue with the family, catching beads from a Central Business District balcony or enjoying the floats on Canal before a night in the French Quarter.

If you are planning on heading over to the city of NoLa for a great escape be sure to check out the 2011 Parade Schedule here. Aside from being notably known for being home to the annual celebrations of Mardi Gras, New Orleans is also famous for its cuisine and birthplace of jazz music. The largest of the city's many music festivals is the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, commonly known as Jazz Fest. This seven day music festival is one of the largest music festivals in the nations, and I suggest if you can't make it out to New Orleans for Mardi Gras you must visit this city for Jazz Fest April 29-May 8, 2011.

While you are in New Orleans, be sure to venture over to the French Quarter and experience the vibrant architecture and unique feel of their intimate culture. The French Quarter, also known as Vieuz Carre - or the "Quarter" to locals, sits on a crescent in the Mississippi River and is New Orleans' oldest neighborhood. Full of architectural distinctions, delicious restaurants, and historical sites, the French Quarter is a must do. Check out some of my favorites within the Quarter:

1. Brennans Restaurant (best restaurant in town)
2. Bourbon Street (great nightlife)
3. French Market (fantastic flea market)
4. The Shops at Canal Place (designer boutiques galore)
5. Cooking Lessons at New Orleans School of Cooking

Aside from these hip spots, New Orleans is world-famous for its beignets which are square-shaped fried pastries that could also be called "french doughnuts." The best of the best are sold by street vendors or local cafe/coffee shops. You also have got to try po' boys, etouffee, red beans and rice, jambalaya, and/or gumbo while you are in NoLa.

After a long day of eating, drinking, and of course shopping,  my suggestion for the best place to stay is Hotel Monteleone located in the French Quarter. This hotel is a historic landmark and a member of Historic Hotels of America. It is said that the French Quarter begins in the lobby of the Hotel Monteleone. Quaint restaurants and specialty shops line the cobblestone streets around this hotel that lead to Jackson Square, the Old French Market and the River Walk. It is promised that each guest will discover New Orleans history around every corner.

New Orleans is a vibrant city for all ages - full of culture, history, and adventure! Take a walk on the wild side and venture over to the Big Easy.

Until next time, happy Fat Tuesday!