Sure, New Year's Eve is a time to let go of the old and ring in the new, to reflect, and to make resolutions. But, let's be honest: it's also a time to party. And, here in America, we like to party by watching things drop on New Year's Eve. While New Yorkers bundle up and flock to Time's Square to watch the ball drop at midnight, Georgians head to Atlanta's Underground to celebrate by watching a giant peach drop. Following tradition, Key West vacationers cut loose in bathing suits and flip-flops and choose from some of the country's most unique New Year's "drops."
The Country's Best Party: A staple of Key West's New Year's celebration is the famous conch shell drop at Sloppy Joe's bar. Although Sloppy Joe's has been a New Year's tradition for sixteen years, it's not the only option in Key West. For a spicy celebration, Sushi, Key West's drag queen celebrity, is lowered from the Bourbon Street Pub balcony atop a giant, red, high-heel. And, as a pirate-inspired countdown, Key West's Historic Seaport drops a Pirate Wench from the mast of a schooner. Or course, all these options are best complimented by a dazzling fireworks display mirrored off of the Atlantic Ocean at the end of White Street Pier.
The Country's Best Vacation Town: Celebrating New Year's Eve in shorts and a t-shirt should be enough reason to travel to Key West this year. However, if the warm weather and laid-back vibe isn't enough to convince you, perhaps a look into the town's amenities will speak louder. Aside from its reputation as one of America's best party towns, Key West is also famous for its sunsets. Lined with bars, shops, and restaurants, Duval Street leads right into a huge pier on the Atlantic Ocean, creating the perfect spot to watch stellar sunsets. While the visual display is breathtaking, the accompanying activity of street buskers who dazzle the crowd with acrobats, contortions, magic, and music always provide good "background" entertainment as well. Of course, getting away from the crowd can sometimes be in order. Take a walk down Key West's famous Old Town lanes, where your senses will be overcome with the smell of jasmine. And, don't forget that Key West is a beach town. If you're a fish lover, rent a boat in Key West cast your hand at deep sea fishing in the Atlantic or fly fishing in the back country. Or, express your love for fish simply by sitting down to a fabulous dinner at one of Key West's famous seafood restaurants. Take a chartered trip to find dolphins, or dive and snorkel in beautiful coral reefs. Rent a kayak to cruise through the backcountry's water, or hop on a catamaran for exciting sailing. Whether you come to Key West for the party, the beauty, or the activity, you certainly won't be disappointed.
The Country's Easiest Vacation: Sure, New Orleans is known as the "Big Easy," but the term can certainly be true of Key West as well. You'll find yourself taking life a bit easier as soon as you get to town. And, to compliment this attitude, you can make your trip to Key West even easier just by taking advantage of the many rental options available. Not only can you rent boating and fishing gear, but you can find just about any beach item you'll need for rent, including Key West scooter rentals, roller blades, and even sandcastle-making supplies. But, perhaps the best rental option comes with your accommodation choices. Whether you're looking for a condo right on Duval Street or a quaint beach home, you'll find exactly what you're looking for in Key West. New Year's Eve is the world's best night to party. This year, don't just come to the right place to countdown the seconds until midnight, but also come to the best place to spend the first few days of the New Year. In all likelihood, your resolution will be to get back to Key West soon.
Author,
Maureen Dattilo
No comments:
Post a Comment