Recent Galleries

Around and About Key West / June 4 to 7, 2008 : Key West is one of my favorite places to visit.  We parked the car at the hotel, rented scooters, and off we went.  My friend and I just laughed our way through the streets - it was such a fun time.  And now - looking at these photos, I can't wait until we go again :)

Around and About Key West / June 4 to...

Denise

Key West is one of my favorite places to visit. We parked the car at ...

Updated: Jul 06, 2008 7:17pm PST

Fort Zachary Taylor (Key West) / June 6, 2008 : Construction of <a href= "http://www.fortzacharytaylor.com/history.html" target="_blank"> <b>Fort Zachary Taylor</a></b> began in 1845, shortly after Florida became a state. In 1850, the fort was named after U.S. President Zachary Taylor, who died in office earlier that year.

Fort Zachary Taylor (Key West) / June...

Denise

Construction of Fort Zachary Taylor began in 1845, shortly after Flor ...

Updated: Jul 03, 2008 12:57pm PST

Scenes from the Dewey House and the La Mer Bed & Breakfast (Key West) / June 4 to 7, 2008 : All but once have we stayed somewhere other than the <b>La Mer Hotel</b>.  This trip, we stayed two nights at the <b>Dewey House</b> and one night the La Mer.  We've "thought" about staying elsewhere but just can't seem to make reservations any other place than here :)

The <b>Dewey House</b>, built in 1906, is the original home of philosopher and educator John Dewey and remained a private residence until approximately 10 years ago.  <b>La Mer Hotel</b>, a Victorian conch house, was built in the early years of the 20th century.  They are the only oceanfront bed and breakfasts in Key West.  Both "houses" are part of the <a href="http://southernmostresorts.com/index.html" target="_blank"> <b>Southernmost Hotel Collection</a></b>.

Scenes from the Dewey House and the L...

Denise

All but once have we stayed somewhere other than the La Mer Hotel. Th ...

Updated: Jun 29, 2008 6:16pm PST

The Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters Museum / June 5, 2008 : The <a href= "http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=366" target="_blank"> <b>Key West Lighthouse</a></b> was built in 1847 to replace the original wooden tower on Whitehead Point destroyed the previous year by a hurricane.  The present location, 14 feet above sea level, was chosen to protect the new tower from a similar fate.  The tower was originally 46 feet high and powered by 15 oil lamps with 15-inch reflectors but was extended to 86 feet in 1894 making it visible to sailors for fifteen miles. It is the 15th oldest surviving lighthouse in the country.

<b>Interesting tidbit:</b>  Barbara Mabrity took over the task of the "keeper" after her husband died in 1832. She tended the lamps for 32 years until, at age 82, she was fired for making statements against the Union, which controlled Key West and the lighthouse during the Civil War. When a hurricane destroyed the light station in 1846, Barbara Mabrity survived but six of her children were killed after the family sought shelter in the tower.

In 1886, the original keeper's quarters was torn down and replaced with the present building. The lighthouse was deactivated in 1969.

The Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Qu...

Denise

The Key West Lighthouse was built in 1847 to replace the original woo ...

Updated: Jun 28, 2008 9:39pm PST

Audubon House and Tropical Gardens (Key West) / June 5, 2008 : A visit to the <a href="http://www.audubonhouse.com/" target="_blank"> <b>Audubon House & Tropical Gardens</a></b> is an exploration into local history and folklore.  The gardens offer a lush one-acre view of tropical foliage. You will enjoy viewing the works of John James Audubon (1785-1851), world renown ornithologist. There are 28 first edition Audubon works in the house.

The 19th-century home was built by Captain John H. Geiger, a master wrecker and Key West's first harbor pilot, who lived in the house with his wife and nine children. It was the beautiful plants which drew Audubon to the home during his visit in 1832. Audubon took cuttings from the plants growing on the property and used them as backgrounds in many works, including the White Crowned Pigeon, which has the "Geiger tree" (named after Capt. John Geiger) in the background - and the tree still stands in the front yard of the house.  

While visiting the Florida Keys, Audubon produced 19 of his sketches for his "Birds of America" folio. It is believed that many of those drawings were conceived in the Audubon House garden.  This exhibit shows each of the 19 birds.  They are from the Royal Octavo Birds of Americ collection, circa 1846.

Audubon House and Tropical Gardens (K...

Denise

A visit to the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens is an exploration int ...

Updated: Jun 28, 2008 6:25pm PST

Out and About :

Out and About

Denise

Updated: Jun 27, 2008 3:16pm PST

Everglades National Park / January 1, 2005 :

Everglades National Park / January 1,...

Denise

Updated: Jun 27, 2008 2:57pm PST

Sunset Celebration (Key West) / June 4, 2008 : Each night - 365 days a year (weather permitting) - approximately two hours before sunset, throngs of people, both locals and tourists alike, flock to the water's edge at Mallory Square to experience a multicultural happening, the <a href="http://www.sunsetcelebration.org/" target="_blank"> <b>Sunset Celebration</a></b>, as they watch the sun sink into the Gulf of Mexico.

It is truly a site to behold . . . and one not to be missed when visiting Key West.

Sunset Celebration (Key West) / June ...

Denise

Each night - 365 days a year (weather permitting) - approximately two ...

Updated: Jun 26, 2008 7:05pm PST

The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory  / June 4, 2008 : <a href= "http://www.keywestbutterfly.com/" target="_blank"> <b>The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory</a></b> is a breathtaking journey where you will experience an impressive collection of flowering plants, cascading waterfalls and trees that set the stage for the “Flowers of the Sky.” Witness some 50 to 60 different species from around the world, all under a climate-controlled, glass enclosed habitat.

You will have a unique opportunity to observe butterflies and birds in a tropical setting. Their diversity of size, shape, color and patterns, and behavior make these delicate-winged creatures a delight to see.

The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conse...

Denise

The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory is a breathtaking journe ...

Updated: Jun 26, 2008 3:39pm PST

Nickelodeon Family Suites : Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn, also known as Nick Hotel is located in Orlando, Florida. See the full Resort Report in the Dec. 2007/Jan. 2008 Issue.

Nickelodeon Family Suites

Orlando Attractions Magazine

Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn, also known as Nick Hotel is ...

Updated: Jun 25, 2008 7:22am PST