I have slept on it and decided I liked returning to Key West so much that I’m going to return again today—This picture and the main one up top are from my decorating décor for one (of many ) of my Halloween full house Holiday make overs.   OK back to my weekend plans—Susi and I went to Sanford for the day.  One of the places I visited was Bull Maurice www.facebook.com/bullmauricellc  The lovely proprietor  Malanie’s accent totally confused me (a bit Brit, but also a tang of Germany) so asked her and seems she’s originally from South Africa.  In their shop http://thingstodoinsanfordfl.com/bull-maurice-llc/  there’s a wine bar (nice touch) and the shops deals in imported wine, craft beer, cigars, lingerie, women and men’s apparel, jewelry, purses, and accessories, novelties and gifts, furniture, art and more–now what could one want.   So that goes a long way in doing different things–meeting new people, looking through lovely offerings for sale and don’t forget the wine, beer and cigars.        

http://www.directoryupdate.co.za/com_directory_listingdetails.aspx?cid=3014&sid=2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moving on down the road is Key West’s Sky Scraper.  When it was built in 1926 a lot of people became concerned about more “high-rises” making the city sky line too big city prone…so a law was made that no new building could be this tall again…..and it’s pretty much stayed that way since.  I haven’t been there for a few years so I don’t know if this has changed or not–I’m hoping it hasn’t—I like the city in it’s comfortable island digs and don’t need to see corporate greed drown out the down and dirty by-ways of the Conch Republic.

La Concha Hotel has been owned by several large hotel conglomerates and is in it’s latest life is described on its web site as  Boutique Hotel…http://www.laconchakeywest.com/wine-o.aspx I’m not sure who is the current provider of this present mode.   It is now also a spa and the restaurant is beautiful but a bit too classy for the Key West I use to know–have they changed or do they make jokes about the silver fish on the wall….one can only hope.   One thing I can’t forgive them for is where they put the spa.  It’s on the roof–for years that was the site of one of the hotel’s bars http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g34345-i53-k7234599-La_Concha_Rooftop_Bar-Key_West_Florida_Keys_Florida.html –and the view of the island was wonderful—no more unless you’re staying in the hotel (thanks but it looks a looks a bit too BOUTIQUE for me).  Another reason I may never return to the island–It tears down to put up parking lots or in this case spas….one of my traditional sunset places gone…I shed a tear and move on.

I wander if the ghosts are still there or if they kicked them out too?  http://www.florida-keys-vacation.com/Key-West-Ghosts.html#axzz3jC0p4ZGS

 

 

 

 

When my hubby was still with us we usually turned off Duval right just before the clock (corner Duval and Southard St.)right on Southarad  on our way to the Green Parrot,  Key West’s locals bar and where we use to be welcomed as “Temporary  Locals”) http://www.greenparrot.com/  where no sniveling is allowed–as they say in their web site:

The Parrot is a jury of non-judging peers, a rugged and ragged council of friends. It is a place of hi-jinks and misadventures, of understated kindnesses, and everyday miracles. It has seen all manner of human exploits, from poetry slams to divorce celebrations, from memorial services to hurricane parties and pet birthday bashes, from tattoo contests to fundraising benefits.

Thank the gods of the drunk and lonely—it doesn’t seem like it’s changed a bunch (though the last few times I was there it had gotten bigger and added a gift shop with all manner of Parrot items which they still have, but it’s moved and in it’s place is a liquor store     http://www.greenparrot.com/key-west-liquor-store/ which works for me—But you couldn’t beat their juke box anywhere   http://www.greenparrot.com/juke-box/    Oh and there’s a web cam incase you’re really bored as the place is better experienced than viewed:  http://www.greenparrot.com/key-west-webcams/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beyond the clock is the main groupings of art galleries, http://www.keywesttravelguide.com/arts/galleries/  butterflies,  http://www.keywestbutterfly.com/ and the majority of the gay bars, resorts and guest houses along this famous thru-way.  http://gaykeywestfl.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Among the Artist’s locations and groups is THE KEY WEST GUILD   http://www.guildhallgallerykw.com/ members of which organize, provide the items to be sold and even man the counter for the sales.  That last fact makes shopping here all the more fun and I have had long and wonderful conversations with the resident artist/clerk that has kept me returning to the shop both to buy and to learn. http://www.guildhallgallerykw.com/artists.htm Here are a large selection with the majority of the items within most of our price ranges.  And a lot of what is on display is as funky as the town it’s being featured in.  Best of all it’s a gallery that you can feel comfortable in even if you don’t have a degree in Art History and that in my book is a good thing.  http://www.guildhallgallerykw.com/tshirt/index.html

 

 

 

 

While this small shop is pricey it does offer quality items that you won’t find elsewhere on Key Weird  and the towels and robes are top quality and make great re-usable items to remind you of your trip for years to come.