Fascinating Florida Part 3

Here comes the last part of my trip. Before heading back to Miami, I discovered a huge national park and the ultimate Cuban atmosphere American style.

Everglades National Park - where nature has a soul

It’s the third largest national park after Yellowstone and Death Valley, it’s a network of wetlands, river flowing and forests. The place is an international treasure and it’s home to many rare species.

I arrived to the safari park in the morning. The 30-minute airboat ride was so much fun, the guide describes you the wonders of this unique ecosystem and the exotic wildlife. Very mysterious place indeed. We’ve seen three alligators, they looked really peaceful, nobody got hurt. Wearing ear plugs is a good idea; they'll give you a free pair. Beautiful, wild nature is surrounding you! Definitely once-in-a-lifetime experience! After the ride, you can enjoy a short alligator show and you can pet a small animal as well. Having an Everglades experience is a must in Florida! The orange county will surely show you its different face.

Key West - The tropical oasis

Arriving to Key West was a great adventure already, you are hopping many little islands on the way combined with an amazing view. If you are a bike lover, rent a Harley in Miami and make a bike tour to the Keys! It's about a 4 hour drive with short stops.

Paradise

The most important sights

Southernmost Point

It's actually an anchored concrete buoy, marking the southernmost point in the continental United States. The large painted buoy was established as a tourist attraction in 1983 by the city, today it’s a tourist trap, but an iconic landmark as well.  Cuba is about 90 miles away from here.

Mallory Square sunset celebration

The best part of my stay was visiting the historic old town,  where the Key West Sunset Celebration invites everyone to watch the glowing pink and orange sun sink into the Gulf of Mexico horizon. It was a special moment to me, I enjoyed the atmosphere, the people, music on the street.  Check out my photos and feel the energy!

Hemingway house

Calling Key West home, Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote here for more than ten years. The French Colonial style house is built from limestone and it survived many hurricanes in the past. You can visit his home, the rooms, the garden, very inspirational place. Make a short stop here, it's close to the Southernmost Point.

Ernest Hemingway at his Florida home
Source: The Irish Times

Truman's little white house

Did you know that Key West has its own White House? This special place was the winter residence for President Harry S Truman, it's located in the old town. The house was originally built on the waterfront, but the properties getting built later on blocked the view. Truman felt exhausted and his doctor advised him a tropical vacation. That was the place where he could relax and slow down. The house is operating as a public museum since the late '80-s. The place has a special vibe, it's full of personal stuff like Truman's briefcase, his desk and his telephone.

Cuban style

The cuisine of Cuba quickly became part of Key West’s food heritage when Cuban families began to settle on the island in the 1860’s. The special aroma is part of the ultimate Key West experience. The smell of the fragrant tobacco of fresh Cuban cigars pervades the air, it's paired with Cuban architecture, colorful streets and lovely people everywhere.

I only had one day and one night in the Florida Keys, that's the place where I would definitely go back and spend a longer time, making a short stop in Cuba as well, it's not far in the end. I'm saying good-bye for now with these last photos! Browse the FASHION edit for Key West inspired, colorful, trendy outfits and accessories! If you want to pop up your home bar, read the INTERIOR DESIGN page, where I collected trendy and chic bar accessories for you!