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<\/p>\nUnlocking Key West: The Must-See Spots for 5 Kinds of Gay Travelers<\/b><\/p>\n
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These days, it feels like we all need a little getaway. Sure, you could use your precious PTO to jetset to a foreign city or embark on an international adventure, but there\u2019s one destination all LGBT travelers should consider before stressing out about renewing their passports.<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re looking to treat your tastebuds or immerse yourself in a little extra queer culture, consider setting up your travel alerts for Key West, Florida<\/a>. With the motto \u201cOne Human Family,\u201d Key West is a haven for queer travelers of all types, no matter what sort\u00a0of vacation you\u2019re after.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re thinking of booking a trip to The Conch Republic<\/a>, here are a few suggestions to start your planning based on whatever you\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Local Pride Seekers<\/strong> Foodies<\/strong> Art Lovers<\/strong> History Buffs<\/strong> \u00a0<\/p>\n Family-Friendly<\/strong> The post Unlocking Key West: The Must-See Spots for 5 Kinds of Gay Travelers<\/a> appeared first on Towleroad<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nLike Fire Island and Provincetown<\/a>, Key West is a popular enclave for the LGBT community. Gay male<\/a> travelers shouldn\u2019t pass up a stay at Island House<\/a>, an all-male<\/a>, clothing-optional resort that boasts a daily happy hour featuring free top-shelf liquor for guests. You could find pools and hot tubs at any guesthouse, but Island House also has TVs with free adult films and a video<\/a> room to boot. Don\u2019t go expecting sleaze, though. Glowing reviews praise the laid-back vibe, cleanliness and 24\/7 food service. Make sure you leave room in your itinerary for La Te Da\u2019s weekly tea dance<\/a>, Sundays at 4 p.m. Visitors can mix and mingle with out-of-towners and locals alike at this poolside party. For something a bit more educational, dive into Key West\u2019s long, gay<\/a> history at the free Tennessee Williams Key West Exhibit<\/a>. This collection of memorabilia celebrates the playwright\u2019s\u00a0life and work.<\/p>\n
\nAlthough Key West might not be regarded as a culinary capital in the same way one might label New York or San Francisco, the unique cuisine is a reflection of the Caribbean culture. On the higher end, there\u2019s Caf\u00e9 Sol\u00e9<\/a>, where the French expertise of Chef John Correa is put to work on local seafood and flavors. If you\u2019re looking to keep it light, try The Caf\u00e9<\/strong><\/a>, a mostly vegetarian and vegan spot that helps you feel a bit less bloated when your lounging poolside in your speedo (or less). Just be sure you make at least one stop at the artisanal Glazed Donuts<\/a> before you depart, even if it\u2019s en route to the airport home after\u00a0the swimsuit has been safely tucked away.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nFind the perfect piece to adorn your walls among any of Key Wests 30+ art galleries. If your taste in visual art leans more contemporary, try Lucky Street Gallery<\/a> or Harrison Gallery<\/a>. If bad weather threatens to rain on your vacation\u2019s parade, see what\u2019s going up at the esteemed Waterfront Playhouse<\/a>. Upcoming productions include Avenue Q<\/em>, Good People<\/em> and Forever Plaid<\/em>. Or, you can grab a popcorn and catch a flick at the gorgeous Tropic Cinema<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nThe rich history of Key West is obvious strolling down any street. Visitors can step right into Ernest Hemingway\u2019s home<\/a> and try to find the penny he pressed into the wet concrete as he allegedly protested construction costs, yelling \u201cHere, take the last penny I\u2019ve got!\u201d You can get to know other prominent Key Westers at the Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden<\/a> where bronze busts portray influential men<\/a> and women<\/a> from the island\u2019s history. Take another look at history at Key West Cemetery<\/a>, which is\u00a0not as dark as it sounds. Many of the gravestones are known for their quirky inscriptions, including \u201cI told you I was sick,\u201d \u201cI\u2019ll always remember my so-called friends\u201d and \u201cDevoted Fan of Singer Julio Iglesias.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nFor those traveling with their modern family in tow, there are plenty of (fully-clothed, wholesome) activities to be enjoyed by all ages. The Key West Aquarium<\/a> \u2014 which was the first open-air aquarium when it was completed in 1935 but added a roof in the \u201860s to cut down on algae \u2014 is home to sharks, stingrays, turtles, fish and more. When you\u2019ve had your fill of aquatic animals, swing by Nancy Forrester\u2019s Secret Garden<\/a>, an educational sanctuary for parrots. Families can also get a good grip on Old Town Key West on the Conch Tour Train<\/a>, a 90-minute tour including stops in Station Depot, Truval Village and Flagler Station. Plus, kids ride free.<\/p>\n