One visit to Key West and you just may feel as inspired as some of its former residents did. Few who leave ever question why presidents, inventors, athletes, writers and poets have called this remarkable city home. The city of Key West is located in the Florida Keys, a group of islands connected to Florida’s mainland by a long causeway. It is one of the most southern islands in the chain and has been home to pirates and poets alike. Enter the city and you feel swept back into a different era of America history, and Key West offers many things most of the rest of Florida can only dream about. The official tourism site, www.fla-keys.com/keywest goes into much detail about all the events and attractions the city has to offer. There is so much to offer in this grand place that I can only name a few brief things in this article.

Almost every visitor to Key West goes to one place in particular; the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. This home has been registered on the national historic landmark list and was home to the late Nobel Prize winner, Ernest Hemingway. The house in the past few years has gained notoriety for its Hemingway cats, a breed of felines who have six toes on their paws. Now, the house can be used for weddings and parties. Another literary figure, poet Robert Frost, also called Key West home. His Caribbean colonial cottage is still open to the public and offers guests a view at his rare antiques. The house still has also the poet’s original furniture. All it takes is a walk on the beach of Key West and a glimpse of a sunset and you can understand why so many writers loved to work here. Tennessee Williams was a frequent of the city, along with Lou Gehrig, inventor Thomas Edison and president Harry Truman.

Key West is also home to many splendid churches from the Spanish colonial era. One in particular, the Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine is said to protect Key West from hurricane devastation. This shrine sits in a grotto on the grounds of St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Church, according to www.fla-keys.com/keywest. One can also visit the Key West cemetery. It was moved from its original location due to hurricane and floods ruining the burial sites. Now, it resembles the eerie and magnificent New Orleans cemeteries, with its above ground tombs and statues. History buffs can take a “Walk on the Wild Side” with the city’s historical walking tour. Tour guides recount stories of pirates and treasure and delve into the Keys colorful history. Key West is also home to many people in the Gay and Lesbian community. Often visitors will find celebrations for Gay pride events and it helps to add to the city’s flavor and diversity.

Key West has many relaxing places to stay. There are several Key West accomodations for the gay community specifically. Other tourist friendly Key West accommodations include the Key West Harbor Inn, the Key West Bed and Breakfast and the Key West Hideaways. This last resort offers guests cottages or condos to rent out and all their suites have boat slip access and the hotel is completely pet friendly.

Once you come to Key West, it will be easy to see why so many people felt so inspired here. The city has many colorful and exotic elements; from sunsets to beaches and rich history to an exciting community, Key West is sure to arouse any visitor’s passion.