KEY WEST, A THUMBNAIL VIEW

If you have never been to the Florida Keys, this article may give you an idea of what to expect. Key West is the end of the chain of keys (islands) reaching out from the southern most point of Florida. The word 'key' was derived from the old world word 'Cay', which is still used in the Bahamas and other places. The shops and night life are extreme. Sundown will find crowds at Mallory Square to watch the sundown. Magicians, jugglers, food vendors, art vendors and many other strange and beautiful people gather.

On Duval Street, the main drag, there are famous places like Sloppy Joe's, Hog's Breath Saloon and hundreds of shops are found. Live music, great seafood and drink are served all night long. After hours there is always a bar open to serve the other bar employees from bars that have closed. There are many hotels and tucked away condos for tourists to stay. However, it wasn't always this way.

Discovered by Ponce De Leon in 1513, it was only inhabited by Indians and Pirates for over 300 years. Originally named the 'Isle of Bones', it was the first Western settlement and subsequently named Key West. Once bought by a man from Mobile Alabama for $2,000 dollars, it grew into a town of 2700. During this time, Key West become one of the richest cities due to the sometimes bogus salvage business from wrecked ships.

Cuban born Vincente Martinez Ybor, once began a thriving cigar business in Key West which grew to 167 factories as cigars became the rage. However, to improve distribution, the cigar industry then moved to Tampa, where it is still in existence today in Ybor City, a part of Tampa Florida.

The sponge industry sprang up in Key West with local 'Conch' and Greek sponge divers. Due to availability of sponges, the industry moved to Tarpon Springs and thrived for years. Today it still is in existence, but to a much lessor degree.

Flagler opened the overseas railway to Key West in 1912, which was washed away by the hurricane of 1935. The railway was rebuilt as the Overseas Highway, which to this day is one of the two ways to get to Key West. The other way is to fly in.

Ride a bike to Key West and your favorite bar.

According to Video dot com, via Google, the annual Bubba Baron Bike trip from key largo to Key West is planned. it takes place from November 7 through November 14. The 200 mile scenic tour will take in all the sights and sounds along the way and you could end up in your favorite Key West bars and other bars in the Florida Keys. Some meals are provided, but seafood at local restaurants may be in order.

This Bike run was created by retired police Sargent Bubba Baron. Registration is from approximately 2 to 4 P.M. on Saturday November 7, followed by a fantastic beach party. On Sunday, the peddlers will pedal on down to Marathon for another round of parties, enjoying some of the best scenic sites in the country.

On Tuesday, the group of up to 125 (max) cyclists will pedal to the Key West destination for a couple days of parties and libations. They will start back on Friday. Arival time in Key Largo is scheduled for Saturday, November 14.

The trip includes the parties, 6 nights of tent lodging at beach side campgrounds, 7 breakfasts and 5 dinners, and also includes a support baggage truck; all for $595 per person. For more information go to: http://www.bubbafestbiketours.com/ and http://www.fla-keys.com/ and for bike rental, go to http://www.sunshinekeywest.com/ . Be sure to wear your best shades and cycling gear.

WOODY'S NIGHT CLUB

Woody's is the wildest and best supper club you will find with stand up comedians that may turn your face red or make you wish you were under your table. Woody's is home of Big Dick and the Extenders, playing music from the 60's and 70's; a Southern rock band. Woody's also has the Sassy but Classy adult tastefully nude dancers.

You can't be shy or thinned skinned at Woody's, or you may be noticed by the act in progress. If you get up during the show, you will be singled out, no doubt. Go early for dinner then sit back and relax for an evening of great adult entertainment.

Fun, good food and drinks are the hallmarks of Woody's. From great sandwiches, pizza to steaks, the menu is varied and vast. Woody's is worth traveling to no matter where you are staying in the Keys. Open from Tuesday through Saturday, 6 P.M. to 4 A.M. Located on Upper Matecumbe Key in the third block past Madeira Road.

HOGFISH BAR & GRILL is OLD KEY WEST

You can walk down Duval Street in Key West, have a great time, but never discover the atmosphere of old Key West. You could get lucky and hear a rumor about Stock Island's Hog Fish Bar & Grill, or not. A seafood legend in its own time, but now that you know it exists, the rest is easy. Live music tops off all the food and atmosphere you have to look forward to.

Just head out of Key west on U.S. 1, cross Cow Channel and you are on Stock Island. Turn right at the third stoplight on McDonald for about a mile then right on 4 th, then left on Front Street and let the fun begin.

Find your spot, lean back, listen to great live music, and enjoy the varied menu and drinks. All of this and it's on the water too. It is especially nice at sundown with the boats in the foreground. This is the Hog Fish Bar & Grill. It's truly off the beaten track, but if you want the casual, old Key West, this is it. Enjoy the view, drinks, fish tacos, pink shrimp, calamari, wings, beer batter onion rings and best all, a grilled hog Fish among other delectable delights. An added attraction is you can feed the fish your scraps off the dock. Sweet!

Hogs Breath continued

Festivities at the Hogs Breath Key West Bar just get better. During the 2009 Fantasy Fest on October 28 th, the Hogs Breath hoses the 22 nd annual 'Home Made Bikini" contest and Beach Party. (If you've never been to Fantasy Fest, you ain't seen nothin yet.) Most of the bar, but especially the Hogs Breath offers many Seafood Legends, Like Shrimp, lobster, crab, fish and conch dishes to tempt your appetite.

The Bikini contest has a $1500 prize for first place, $400 for second place and $100 for third place. There is a cover charge for the contest of @$20 and well worth it. The Bikini contest is sponsored by the Hogs Breath, Bacardi Rum and Budweiser. The top drink special will be a 'Havana Hog Punch' that is 'Party down, stompin hog good'. For more on the Bikini contest, including film clips and entry forms, go to: Bikini

IN addition to various wearable Hogs Breath Items, Hogs Breath has a really great array of hot sauces. I know people that buy the Hogs Breath Green hot sauce by the case. I do, so I never run out. They have 2 other sauces that are good, but the green sauce is terrific. Go to: Hog Shop to order

HOGS BREATH SALOON

While fun is the primary ingredient at Key West Bars, food, drinks and music go a long way to providing fun. Once in Key West, you will no doubt stroll down Duval Street. Walking West, you'll pass several good bars, some street level, while others are upstairs. Music chimes in and out as you move through the people. A live band gains your attention away from the shops along the street. The music is coming from the left about 100 feet off the street. It's the famous Hogs Breath Saloon.

Here you have found one of the two most famous bars on the strip. The other being Sloppy Joe's Bar. Now you start to feel the music as well as the excitement of live music. At Hogs Breath, you can sit, eat a plate of shrimp or one of the many menu offerings of crab, fish, lobster in season, or perhaps a lighter snack. You can sip a really good drink and listen to the music into the wee hours. This is part of the reason you go to Key West. Remember, "Hogs breath is better than no breath at all". (Saloon motto)
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