Many would argue that living on the tiny island of Key West is like being on a permanent vacation, and well it is just that-minus a few mainlander details that are not always so easily overlooked. On an island that is only 4 miles long and 1 mile wide, space is a little less than ample which means mainlander franchises such as Chik-fi-la, Target, Best Buy, or even Walmart for that matter are non-existent. In fact, the nearest big city that contains all of these popular franchises is over four hours away, and I’ll be the first to tell you that the 125 mile stretch getting in and out of the Keys feels like a drive to Disney World. It is absurdly easy for tourists who have a had a taste of mainlander life to take all of Key West’s tiny mom and pop shops or local eateries for granted which in turn makes it difficult for them to understand it’s true and corky culture. As a conch myself, I am going to inform you of all of the wonderfully unique and often overlooked things about the tiny island I have the privilege of calling home.

For starters, Key West is an island, which means we are surrounded by a mesmerizing body of water, commonly known as the ocean! There are endless opportunities to pursue water activities such as Parasailing, Jet-skiing, snorkeling, and so much more. The weather is damn near close to perfect so there is never a valid excuse for hiding out in any air conditioned facilities, which translates to- go out and explore! Don’t enjoy water sports? No problem, Key West is home to several famous landmarks such as the Southern Most Point which marks the furthest point in the Continental USA. Key West is also home to several famous writers and other artists, such as Ernest Hemingway, Judy Blume, and the never forgotten Jimmy Buffet and his infamous restaurant-the original Margaritaville which is home to the iconic “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” Key West is a tiny place embedded with the greatest of adventures, and allows for everyone to have a unique and wonderful experience.

Now lets get down to everyone's favorite topic, food. Key West is home to some of the world's most renowned restaurants. The Historic Seaport, located in Key West's oldest harbor, delivers the freshest catches of the day caught same day by a variety of local fishing charters. This makes for the freshest seafood in Key West and is featured in popular restaurants such as Hog Fish Bar and Grill, Caroline's Cafe, and so many more local eateries. However, our seafood isn't the only food to rave about in Key West, because after all whats dinner if there isn't dessert? Kermit's Key Lime Pie Shoppe is the highest reviewed Key Lime Pie factory in all of South Florida. Located right across from the Historic Seaport itself and the notorious Schooner Wharf, you can enjoy the best Key Lime Pie in southern Florida while gazing at one spectacular view. Key West while commonly known for it's drinking escapades along the oh so famous Duval Street is endowed with some of the greatest cuisines in the Florida Keys.

What is most often overlooked about the tiny rock I call home, is the diverse community and the insistent welcoming arms of all who reside there. In Key West, no one is different, all are welcome and all are treated with the same bubbly courtesy. Whether you belong to the left side of Duval Street or to the right, whether you’re a freshwater conch, or a fighting conch, when you stay in Key West, we are all one in the same. Friends. Being a military dependent, I have moved around my entire life, and never have I seen nor felt so at home in one place. It’s the little things we often take for granted, and having moved away now to start a whole new chapter of my life I now know how important Key West is to me and that all the little things are what made it so wonderful. I am eager to become a Florida Gulf Coast Eagle but I will forever and foremost be a Conch at heart.