Florida Keys, USA
Airing Date: Dec 13th, 2004
Just south of Miami is Florida Keys, a chain of islands stretching over 200 kilometres towards Cuba. The area is divided into five main regions; Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key and Key West.
The islands from Key Largo to Key West are connected by the overseas Highway 43 bridges, one of which is seven miles long. The whole journey takes around three hours and incorporates the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Florida Keys is so far removed from the rest of the US that everything is just that little bit different and quirky. Key Largo's main attraction is not on land but rather in the water, in America's only coral reef.
While the reef itself may not be the most spectacular you've ever seen, resting on the sea bed is 'Christ in the Deep' - a four metre statue and underwater shrine to Jesus Christ, donated by an Italian businessman.
A distinct Keys phenomenon is the popularity of the RV or Recreational Vehicle. When it starts to get a bit chilly up north, the Americans like to hop in their RVs and head to the Keys. If you happen to be around at 5pm you can join in with the party bus happy hour, when everyone stops what they're doing to sit down and have a drink together.
Keys is also the boating capital of America, so if travelling by RV isn't for you, call Captain Joe and go for a ride in his limo ... on water. The idea came to the captain one day as he drove his limo along the coast. For around $50, you too can travel in style in the 'Nautilimo'.
Key West is the southernmost city of America, and was once home to famous writers including Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams. In fact, the town's biggest event is an annual look-alike competition held in memory of Hemingway.
These days half the bars in Key West claim to be former Hemingway hangouts, as he was notorious for the amount he drank.
For $13, you can get a glimpse of Hemingway's old home, which is now a museum. Many people are also drawn to the house to see the cats living there. Descended from Hemingway's own cat which had six toes on each paw, many of the cats still have one toe too many.
The location of Key West means you can watch the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean and later watch it set on the Gulf of Mexico. These spectacular views are best enjoyed with a slice of the traditional Key Lime Pie, or if you're feeling adventurous, a slice of frozen Key Lime Pie dipped in chocolate and served on a stick. These local delicacies can be found in every restaurant in town.
The facts
United Airlines will fly you to Florida from $3561 ex east coast and $4462 ex west coast. Includes taxes. Subject to exchange rate. Conditions apply.
United Airlines
Tel: 131 777
Hire a car with World Cars from $42 a day.
World Cars
Tel: 1300 65 66 01
Stay at the Hilton Key West Resort and Marina from $199 low season and $263 high season. Choose from a Courtyard or Poolview room.
Florida Keys Tourism Council
Suggested reading material: Lonely Planet
Prices correct at 13/12/04
