by Tom Wuckovich

Just outside of Key West, in a small nondescript roadside park, there is a sign nailed to a slender palm tree. It reads: "Miami, 125 miles. WHO CARES!"

Kayaking at Hawk's Cay, Key West

Perhaps not all residents of Key West, or the other Keys, feel this way, but it does give an indication of the unique free spirit that pervades these islands. After all, didn’t these bold souls at one point establish their own quasi government? Dissatisfied with what they perceived as "government interference" in their everyday lives, they established the "Conch Republic" as a symbol of their independent spirit.

Key Westers have always marched to a different beat, and that’s what sets them apart from the rest of their Florida counterparts. This "outside the lines" thinking has prompted many a visitor to come here, establishing the Keys and Key West as one of the most desirable destinations in the entire state. Writers, pirates, painters and even presidents have contributed greatly to Key West’s wonky reputation, and locals relish the label.

Their attitude shows in their festivals, attractions, music and colorful cast of characters who call Key West home.

Case in point: Mallory Square. Here crowds gather every night to celebrate—of all things—the sunset! Hundreds show up for this nightly homage—from ordinary folk dressed in T-shirts and shorts, to the more flamboyant artists, musicians, street performers and merrymakers—some bedecked in costumes of every imaginable style. Not quite up to the standards—or lack thereof—of the costumes during Halloween’s Fantasy Fest—but definitely worth being an observer of this nightly occurrence. The sunset celebration reportedly began in the 1960s, and it's a tradition that Key West has wholeheartedly embraced.

Mallory Square isn't the only spot to watch a sunset. Some boats in the Historic Seaport offer sunset cruises, which might also include dinner or snacks and champagne. Other Keys promote the end of day with their own special celebrations. On Big Pine Key at Bahia Honda State Park, you can catch the orb slinking below the horizon at one of America's most scenic beaches. Marathon built a small park at the entrance to what’s known as the Old Seven Mile Bridge. Small crowds gather here nightly for an unobstructed view of sundown. Since that point faces both the Atlantic and the Florida Straits, visitors and residents get to experience the sun sinking in all seasons. While there seems to be an emphasis on sunsets in the Keys and Key West, there is more than enough to keep visitors occupied during the day and after dark.

Key West Sunset on the Pier

Key West is a treasure trove of history, and not only because of the multitude of shipwreck artifacts and memorabilia. Its Old Town section is rich in antique sites and architecture. Many of the venerable houses and other buildings serve as inns, restaurants and museums. Duval Street, affectionately called the longest main street in the world because it goes from coast to coast—from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico—bisects Old Town. One block away is equally historic Whitehead Street, home to the Hemingway and Audubon houses and the Key West Lighthouse, along with many other attractions.

Key West is a walking town, but getting around to the attractions also can be accomplished by taking the trolley tour or conch train tour. Don’t miss visiting the home and gardens where Hemingway penned most of his greatest novels and short stories. The descendents of the six-toed cats he gave room and board to, still roam the estate. Treasure hunter Mel Fisher’s Maritime Museum on Greene Street will astound you with its displays of sunken treasures from Spain’s Golden Galleons. More seafaring exhibits are at the Pirate Soul Museum, which features authentic pirate plunder, weapons, and the world's only authenticated pirate treasure chest.

Former president Harry S. Truman’s "Little White House" is a museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is Florida's only presidential museum, and there are guided tours daily. The Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum contains a collection of lighthouse artifacts and examples of the maritime history of the Keys. You can climb to the top of the lighthouse for an unparalleled view of the town and surrounding landscape.

Harry S. Truman's Little White House

After sunset, there's still plenty to do in Key West. Dining here is incredibly diverse, from the famous seafood at a dockside table, to dining in an upscale restaurant featuring tropical specials. And you'll never run out of places to hear great music. The island music style of Jimmy Buffett and Key West are forever linked, but there are piano bars, jazz, rock n' roll and even reggae to help you cap the perfect evening.

If the raucous reputation of Key West gives you angst, you don't have to stay in town. Just up the road in Duck Key is a four-diamond rated resort where you can lay your head in relative peace and visit Key West on day trips. At Hawk's Cay Resort, you’ll find a wealth of vacation activities. You can choose from 160 guestrooms, 16 suites, 295 two-bedroom waterfront villas or 26 two-bedroom Guest House villas from which to enjoy these festivities. The resort’s menu of fun includes diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, tennis and water skiing. After a day of adventure, relax and enjoy a spa treatment. And speaking of menus, bring your appetite and sample a wide variety of cuisine from five restaurants and bars.

Hawk's Cay is as diverse as Key West -- and worthy of a visit.