Frozen Key West (on a stick)

We are so proud to have been in Key West on a record setting weather day - for being cold, that is. It was positively frigid! We got off the dock to sunny, clear and incredibly cold skies. The boat is docked right up to town - a short walk off the ship and we found ourselves in the midst of Key West.

The first and most important order of the day was finding some warm clothes. Mom and I lucked out with some unique Tye-died sweatshirts that we promptly donned for extra layered warmth. Mary eventually found a Fresh Produce store, where she nabbed a complete warm and cozy outfit.

We spent about 30 minutes walking and then decided to hop aboard the Trolley. Mary had been to Key West before so she knew about the Trolley ride. After paying the $29 for the all-day on-off access, we hopped aboard the enclosed and warm old-fashioned Trolley ride for a tour of Key West.

Here are some of the interesting facts we learned on the 90 minute tour:

• The island of Key West is 2 miles x 4 miles (thus it's nickname the 2x4)


• The coral on which Key West resides is like concrete - very difficult to dig into. Half of the island (the more commercial end) was dredged and filled but that is no longer legal to do


• The Southernmost point in the US is in Key West and there are several hotels competing for the Southernmost title


• Key Lime pie is a local delicacy and was everywhere


• Duvall street is the main drag, running approximately 4 miles down the island. There are something in the range of 70+ bars on Duvall street, coining the phrase "the Duvall crawl." We saw several not-so-classy T-shirts that read, "I got Duvall-faced on shit street"


• Famous people who call(ed) Key West home include Earnest Hemingway and his 6-toed cats, Jimmy Buffet, Harry Truman, Audubon and Flaggler.

I really enjoyed the town of Key West and would love to return someday. While we were not there for any of the nighttime action (missing the alternative lifestyle that we heard exists on the island), the atmosphere reminded me of a cross between Martha's Vineyard and South Beach. There are several attractions on the island, most of which would have been more enjoyable in warmer weather. But I can easily see bringing Steve and the kids down here for a visit.

One of my favorite things about the day was enjoying the local delicacy at the Blond Giraffe. Mary and I each ordered frozen Key Lime Pie on a stick, dipped in dark chocolate. Holy heaven, bat man! This stuff was amazing, addictive and incredibly sinful. Yum! Mom settled for a piece of regular Key Lime pie, which was good as well.