Key West

My mom didn't want to spend Christmas Eve on our sailboat so she arranged for us to stay the night in Key West. I'll admit that I knew next to nothing about the island of Key West and had no idea what to expect, but I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by our whole experience there. We had some amazing food, did a little shopping and scooter riding, but my favorite part was just driving around and looking at all of the adorable plantation style houses. Most of the houses have been preserved and renovated, or at least kept up really well. Many of the houses have been turned into shops or bed and breakfasts, but many of them are still residences. Visually speaking, it was one of the cutest towns I have ever been to.

We stayed at the Parrot Key Resort, which was out of all the hubbub going on down town, which was kind of nice. The little bungalow style rooms and architecture, along with the pool and garden area were so beautiful. We had a really pleasant stay and a really fun Christmas morning (made complete with our dollar store tinsel tree and dart guns and candy brought by Santa).

Parrot Key Resort exterior

Our rooms

They were out of Christmas pastries, but I thought this bakery was so adorable.

There are some really cool vintage and antique shops in Key West that sell really unique items, many of them with a nautical flair (washed up bottles, ship wheels, shells, etc.) This was one that I particularly liked called The Garden Cottage.

There were so many places to eat in Key West that sometimes it was difficult to decide where to go. On Duval street, where all of the action is in Key West, is lined with unique eateries found only in Key West. One of my favorites was Flamingo's Cafe. Order their crab cake sandwich and you won't be sorry. I have posted a photo of the cafe's decor below. It was Golden Girl's rosy pink and oh so Florida, I loved it.