Clintons Arrive in Key West

Former President Bill Clinton and his wife Senator Hillary Clinton arrived in Key West tonight amid suprised local islanders. Travelling in a motorcade of black sedans and SUVs, the Clintons were seen as they waved to revelers at Key West's famous Green Parrot Bar. The blues music thundering from the local hotspot brought a grin to the face of the former president, known for his love of soul music.

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Audubon Prints

John James Audubon created one of the worlds greatest collection of scientific illustrations in his 19th century book Birds of America. These bird images are some of the most recognizable of any artist. Here is a good site to help you identify authentic Audubon prints.

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Author Annie Dillard Pens Poem on Key West Development

Local Key West resident and Pulitzer prize winning author Annie Dillard has witnessed first hand the rapid and drastic changes underway on the tiny island. In today's Solares Hill, a Key West newspaper printed once weekly, a poem by the writer comments on the state of her community.

Annie Dillard's Doggerel

From down Duval you see

A strand of open shore.

If a motel grows three stories

This grandeur we'll see no more.

Everywhere big buildings rise-

This fact fills me with awe-

Some few must have influence:

It's all within the law.

The scene gets poorer, while the rich

Find legal loops to use.

Richer yet, they still die bare-

Having wrecked, for all, the views.

The developer wants, the developer wants

The developer wants some more.

We can't say no! The city says:

Take wetlands, woods and shore.

HARC. HARC. The lark.

Contents itself with knickknacks.

HARC and TDC and Planning-

Could they be taking kickbacks?

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Key West Pirate Museum

Pat Croce's private collection of pirate artifacts has been put on display at his Key West pirate museum called Pirate Soul.
Inside is a really well done, interactive exhibit. Think Disney. Animatronic storytellers, ornate sets, and of course, an exit that leads to the back of the gift shop.
The local press put up a headline saying "The Cruise Shippers are going to love this". True, true. This one is right up their alley. And if nothing else, this should signal the official Disney-ification of Key West. Croce has supposedly put over $10 million in the project, a number previously unknown to Key West attraction creators.

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Key West Hotels

So often I am asked where to stay in Key West. You can choose from Key West Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, Motels, and Resorts: they are aplenty on our little island. Beachfront full-service hotels are available and usually pricey. They include the Reach Resort, the Casa Marina Resort, and the Pier House (harborfront). I wouldn't stay at the Hilton because the cruise ships dock there and usually block your view of the water. Key West B&B's are a really nice option, nestled amongst the historic homes of Old Town. My favorites include The Mermaid & The Aligator, The Island City House, and La Habitacion. One thing you really want to avoid is staying in New Town (the east half of Key West) if you want to spend most of your time in Old Town/Duval Street/Mallory Square. But you can get a cheaper room in New Town.
The Merlin Guesthouse on Simonton offer inexpensive and clean rooms with a bit of Key West charm. Plus it's right in the middle of the historic area.
I'm off to go do some of that famous Key West fishing.
Gone Fishin'

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