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Welcome to Key West -- history and tips
What a way to start your stay in Key West... a walking tour that will cover the Old Town area from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. Understand the history and how the island grew as the seaport became prosperous and needed more space. Get an overview on today and an idea where things are to do and places to eat (sorry with so many GREAT places to dine and everybody having very different tastes I prefer to give tailored recommendations on my tour vice trip advisor top places). WELCOME
Meeting Point
Ramshead
Ramshead
The tour includes a Bloody Mary (or similar beverage). We will chat for a bit and I will have a map to help orient you to the island. We will get a better feel for your interests and focus so that the tour can adapt to those specific items. The place we meet is right in the midst of Bahama Village.
Hemingway House and Lighthouse
Asa Tift built a house on the water and about a hundred years later a famous author would live here (for a short time and I will explain why). Across the street is the 2nd lighthouse for the town as the first washed away in a storm.
Southernmost point
The most photographed spot in the Keys on the Atlantic ocean and highlighting the fact this is the Southernmost City in the contiguous US. 2 of the famous Curry Mansions are located here, the Butterfly conservatory, and a few other places of note. We can also skip this area to focus more on Old Town and the Seaport -- or extend the tour and get even more.
Mile Marker Zero
MM0 the end of the road or the beginning depending on which direction you are going. A county court house was built in 1824 and you will see the remodeled version circa 1895 along with the a glimpse of the current one in the rear of the historic buildings -- to include the first territorial jail which could be on a ghost tour or two. The Green Parrot Bar and Marrero Mansion are both near this landmark. Oh and the tallest building in Key West is also a block from the signs.
Jackson Square
The Civil War monument to both North and South is here. 4 Museums surround the square with The Little White House and Historic Aquarium just out of view but close by. Capt Tony's Bar, Sloppy Joes, and many other points of interest will be pointed out.
Mallory Square
Cargo was unloaded here starting in the early 1800's (most off ships that had run aground). Today the site of a nightly sunset celebration that can not be missed while in town. Cruise ships have pulled in here and 2 unique islands just off shore.
Historic Seaport
We will visit the marina and touch on a few points of interest and history while near a famous musicians sound studio. This area is it's own tour so I will give you the highlights and encourage to get the more in depth tour later. Numerous restaurants encircle the natural harbor that gave pirates a place to hide. Today this area hosts the holiday boat parade, a tongue in check cardboard sailboard regatta, and all sorts of other events and shenanigan's.
Duval Street
What was once below sea level and salt ponds is today the entertainment heart of the city. Numerous places to hear music, have a bite to eat, and get a beverage. Plus many shops, galleries, and other places of interest to include a few more museums this town has. We will go by the Original Curry Mansion and also 4 others nearby.
One Human Family crossing
This unique island is welcome to all and this crossroads is the epicenter of that philosophy. A few places for the open minded and free spirited are near this colorful crossing. The gates to the Bahama Village will guide us back to our starting point.
Ramshead
This is your 90 minute tour. We can finish back at the starting point if you want and the loop we make about 3 miles. Yes we can walk that in an hour or take longer. If you want to go into depth and detail we can easily spend a day. If you just want to keep moving and get a feel for things -- we do that. Ramshead has an amazing kitchen and a great place to enjoy a meal and rest after the tour while thinking about what is next.
Ending Point
Ramshead
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Inclusions & Exclusions
First round is on me at Ramshead... Bloody Mary or similar beverage. Guide fee. Can also include parking if needed and available (reach out ahead of time please)
Food, additional beverages, tips, entrance fees (no planned stops that require you to pay to enter), transportation to or from tour or while on tour -- this is a walking tour.
Tour Important Information
This is your welcome tour. It is designed for 90 minutes, but can easily extend to an all day adventure. This is a tropical climate to lose clothes, wide brimmed hat, water bottle all recommend with comfortable walking shoes. Camera and cash will come in handy.
Important message from the guide
This is a private tour. Happy to adjust start time and location. Reach out as far in advance for as much flexibility as possible. Can design a tour for you and yours. Happy to give recommendations.
I can also potentially meet you in another city or location, but associated costs need to be discussed.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
