Go Shop View archives

• Little Switzerland

  This exclusive jewelry chain can usually only be found on Caribbean islands, so Key West is lucky to have it. With spectacular gold, silver, diamonds and other precious stone jewelry this shop is hard to resist. (9/2011)

  423 Front St
  305-292-2345
  littleswitzerland.com
  

• Key West Aloe

  Your skin will love you for paying a visit to this shop, founded by two enterprising— and sunburned—New Yorkers on vacation here. Besides skincare products, it sells hair care products and body splashes, all made from nature’s soothing plant, aloe vera. (9/2011)

  419 Duval St
  305-293-1885
  keywestaloe.com
  

• Toko Indo

  This shop specializes in clothing, jewelry and other accessories created in Bali. Intricate necklaces, earrings and bracelets handmade of wood, beads and shells are for sale, along with belts, jewelry boxes and purses. (9/2011)

  513 Duval St
  305-735-4592
  shoptokoindo.com
  

 

Go See View archives

• Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Tour

  It’s only fitting that an ecoconscious island like Key West would have an attraction like this one. The “Living Reef,” a 2,500-gallon reef tank with live corals and tropical fish as well as a mock-up of Aquarius, the world’s only underwater ocean lab are must-sees. Visitors come away with a similar understanding of what they'd see snorkeling, scuba diving or riding a glassbottom boat. (9/2011)

  At the Truman Annex 35 E Quay Rd
  305-809-4750
  floridakeys.noaa.gov
  

• Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden

  This off-the-beaten-path spot is like a mini rainforest in the middle of rocky Key West. It’s home to swaying palm trees in every shade of green, colorful bouganvilleas, spice trees and delicate orchids. (9/2011)

  1 Free School Ln
  305-294-0015
  nsfgarden.com
  

• Old Town Trolley

  This is the best way to see the island, with stops at all the major attractions, including the aquarium and the Southernmost Point. Entertaining, fast-talking tour guides give the run-down between strategically placed trolley stops, where riders can get off, explore and then re-embark. (9/2011)

  Mallory Square
  888-910-8687
  trolleytours.com/key-west
  

 

Go Eat View archives

• Hogfish Bar and Grill

  Of the many types of fish served by Key West restaurants, hogfish is not at the top of the list. Except here. The hogfish, a tender, delicate piece of fish, is served many different ways at this specialized eatery, but is best as a sandwich. Also fantastic are the Baja fish tacos and famous Key West pink shrimp, stuffed with crab cake. $$ (9/2011)

  6810 Front St, Stock Island
  305-293- 4041
  hogfishbar.com
  

• Pisces

  You can’t miss this lemon yellow eatery, famous for its signature lobster “tango mango”: lobster flambéed in cognac with shrimp in saffron butter, mango and basil. Filet mignon, prawns and the freshest fish possible round out the menu. $$$ (9/2011)

  1007 Simonton St
  305-294-7100
  pisceskeywest.com
  

• Help Yourself

  Health nuts, rejoice! This organic emporium is calling, with mixed greens, quinoa, homemade granola and fresh smoothies. The lasagna, Asian zucchini noodles and wild salmon wrap are just some of the to-go meal winners. $$ (9/2011)

  829 Fleming St
  305-296-7766
  helpyourselffoods.com
  

 

Go Party View archives

• Two Friends Patio

  This legendary restaurant doubles as a great nightlife spot, as American Idol wannabes and karaoke lovers abound. Sing the night away while enjoying a great Key West joint. A word of warning; performers might be caught on the karaoke cam, so know your lyrics and don’t be shy. (9/2011)

  512 Front St
  305-296-3124
  twofriendskeywest.com
  

• d’vine Wine Gallery

  If the Duval Crawl is not your scene, this wine gallery might be the perfect alternative. Sit in the lovely garden and help yourself to a taste, half-glass or glass of any of 36 vintages, using a high-tech Enomatic dispensing system. It's open Wednesday through Sunday, 5pm to 10pm. (9/2011)

  At The Gardens Hotel 526 Angela St
  305-294-2661
  gardenshotel.com
  

• Virgilio’s Martini Bar

  This decade-old gem serves classic and original martinis. (Sip them for $5 on Mondays.) The patio garden is the ideal spot to sip a drink, listen to live jazz and do some latenight dancing. (9/2011)

  524 Duval St
  305-296-8118
  virgilioskeywest.com