Duval is synonymous with Key West. When most people think of Duval Street they think of bars, drunks and freaks. You will in fact see a lot of those but there is so much more to see on the street. Duval Street cuts across the heart of Old Town Key West, connecting the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. This is the street where you’ll find some of the island’s main attractions – the galleries, the museums, the cigar shops, and of course, the bars. If the Conch Republic would ever designate a capital, Duval would have to be it. It’s the center of Key West. And although it’s inevitable that you’ll fall into a few tourist traps as you peruse this popular street, there are some spots that are quite worth it. Allow us to recommend a few of our favorites nearby.
Depending on how you want to start your walk down Duval, there’s Sloppy Joe's Bar at the corner of Greene Street and Duval, the bar that Hemingway made famous as one of his frequent stomping grounds during his years as a Conch. There’s also The Flying Monkey at Fogarty's just a block away, which happens to be one of my favorites for frozens. Open air, good people watching and not too touristy. If you can’t find a frozen beverage you like here, you won’t find one at all – they have 20 different varieties on a daily basis.
However, if you’re not looking for that type of trip, there are plenty of sights to see on Duval and the surrounding side streets. For the history buffs, there’s Key West’s Oldest House. Built in 1829, Key West’s Oldest House offers insight into the Old Key West, as well as a glimpse at this iconic island town’s past.
On the next block you’ll find our photographer of choice, Jorge de la Torriente, at DE LA Gallery. A few steps away from the DE LA Gallery is one of the most unique buildings in Key West – the San Carlos Institute. A museum dedicated to the shared history of Key West and Cuba, the San Carlos Institute is as interesting inside as it is on the outside, showing a side to the island that has slowly been forgotten.
Just off Duval, in Key Lime Square, you’ll have the opportunity to try the best coffee in all Key West. Cuban Coffee Queen’s downtown location is not even a block from Duval. If you’re hungry, grab the Cuban Mix sandwich. If you can wait, take your coffee to go and hold out for a few blocks until you reach the newest location of Kermit's Key Lime Shop. Named the best key lime pie by Paula Deen, a slice of Kermit’s famous pie is must when you’re in the Keys. Kermit himself is one of the nicest men I've ever met and is well known for generously giving to the local charities of Key West.
Continuing your trip down Duval, you’ll encounter a nice respite from the usual debauchery at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Converted from a former Key West home, this peaceful butterfly sanctuary houses over 50 species of butterflies. Just a block over, on Whitehead Street, you’ll find the Southernmost Point beckoning for a photo. While you may have been able to resist the bars and cigar shops, this is one tourist activity on Duval you’ll have to give in to. After all, if you don’t take the photo how will anyone know you went?
For dinner, stop at La Trattoria on your way back up Duval. Not only is it the best Italian in Key West, it also has a “hidden” martini bar in the back called Virgilio's which serves up excellent martinis and late-night live music. Eat, drink, dance and repeat. Virgilio's is famous for "Martini Monday" when they have specials on martinis all night. And do the same on your walk back up Duval. We’ll leave you to it.
A walk up Duval Street, shopping, sightseeing, eating and drinking is a great way to celebrate that great home in Key West you buy from me. We have many for sale. Your Dream Home is out there. Let me find it for you.
Gary
