Did you know that Key West has inspired more writers per capita than any other city in the U.S.? Two of our most famous writers are Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams. Both of these authors owned houses in Key West, and their legacy lives on in many buildings and stories around the island. Other writers who lived or visited Key West to write include Robert Frost, John Hersey, Elizabeth Bishop, and Anne Dillard. I must not leave out our own favorite song writer, Jimmy Buffet. A quote from the Literary Traveler website states, "If you're a writer or avid reader, I'd be willing to bet you can't visit Key West without writing something."
The coldest temperature ever recorded for Key West was 41ºF in 1886 and 1981, and this is the only city in the continental United States to never experience a frost. The annual average high temperature is 83ºF with beautiful sea breezes. The mild tropical climate only varies by 14 degrees all year - - did I mention this is paradise!
Yes, Key West is closer to Cuba than Miami. When you stand at Southernmost Point on our island, you are 94 statute miles from Cuba. The monument standing there says "90 miles from Cuba", but it's off by 4 miles. Technically, Ballast Key, which is one of the outlying islands, is closer to Cuba, but it is a private island and no unauthorized visitors are allowed.
Key West measures 2 x 4 miles and sits at the dividing line between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Needless to say, we are surrounded by incredibly beautiful water. The highest point in Key West is Solares Hill, which is 18 feet above sea level. The third largest coral reef in the world is off the coast of Key West and measures 160 miles long.
There is a crazy rumor that we don't have cell phones in Key West. I've found Key West "facts" on the Internet that state there is no cell phone service on the island. WRONG! Along with perfect weather, perfect scenery, and perfect lifestyle, we have cell phones!
But I'd love Key West even if we didn't have cell phones! I have some perfect homes to show you on this perfect island. Give me a call and we'll get started. Jimmy Lane: 305-766-0585.
Check out 365 Things To Do In Key West and share the link with your friends!