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Destination: November
2002
Key West, FL:
A Warm Tropical Getaway
Located on the southern tip of Florida, Key West is a
popular destination getaway. The average year-round temperature is about
78 degrees. Whether you are headed to Florida for the winter, or just
for vacation, there are many dog-friendly places to visit in Key West.
From outdoor dining and shopping districts to historical points and
points of interest, there is much to see and do with your pooch. Dogs
are even welcome in the popular Key West aquarium.
One of the first stops to make is Duval Street. This historic
street is about one mile long and offers a variety of restaurants, bars,
tourist shops and art galleries. Many of the shops are dog-friendly.
Duval Street Shopping District |
There are also several art galleries along Duval Street that
allow well-behaved dogs, including the Guild Hall Gallery. Dogs
must be leashed, but they are allowed inside this co-op museum
with art from 30 working artists. Another dog-friendly place
is the Stephen Huneck Art Gallery. Based in Vermont, the acclaimed
artist, Huneck, offers sculptures, woodcut prints, furniture,
children's books and more. Much of the artwork has a dog theme.
Dogs are welcome to come inside and browse.
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If visiting Duval Street, do not miss the Southernmost Point Monument
which is located nearby, at Whitehead and South Streets. As the name
implies, this monument is the southermost point in the continental United
States. You and your pooch will be able to get in line and take your
own picture in front of the Monument (bring your own camera).
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Key West offers a real treat to dog lovers who want to take their
dogs with them to a unique attraction. The Key West Aquarium allows
well-behaved, leashed dogs inside. Open since 1934, the aquarium
is home to indigenous sea-creatures of Key West and the Florida
Keys. You will see moral eels, barracuda, sharks and much more.
The aquarium also offers several guided tours and shark feedings
daily. Even your dog is welcome to attend the tour, supervised
of course!
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Key West Aquarium |
Bo's Fish Wagon |
Outdoor dining is a fun activity in this
town. Not all, but many outdoor restaurants and outdoor bars allow
your well-behaved pooch. One of the restaurants on Duval Street,
Mangoes, allows well-behaved, leashed dogs at their outdoor tables.
This popular restaurant offers a large outdoor patio with umbrella
covered tables. They offer a variety of seafood. Another interesting
dog-friendly restaurant is Bo's Fish Wagon. Located on Caroline
Street, this restaurant is all outdoors, but is well-covered and
makes you feel like it is inside. As the name implies, they too
offer a variety of seafood. |
If you are looking for a place to stay, there are many dog-friendly
inns and cottages throughout town. One of the accommodations, The Frances
Street Bottle Inn, is located within walking distance to the Duval Street
Shopping District and many outdoor restaurants.
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The rooms offer individual entrances, private baths, ceiling
fans and tropical furnishings. The inn offers an expanded continental
breakfast and an evening social hour, both of which can be enjoyed
with your pooch at one of the several outdoor tables. For an interesting
bit of trivia, this inn was the set of the Meteor Newspaper office
in the short-run but acclaimed TV series "Key West"
back in 1992. Well-behaved dogs are welcome for an additional
$25 one time pet fee per stay.
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Frances Street Bottle Inn |
If you are looking for a nice, warm, relaxing vacation
with your best friend, then Key West is the place to be.
For more information:
Attractions:
Guild Hall Gallery,
614 Duval St, Key West, FL, 305-296-6076
Key West Aquarium, 1 Whitehead
St, Key West, FL, 305-296-2051
Stephen Huneck Art Gallery, 218
Whitehead St, Key West, FL, 305-295-7616
For more dog-friendly attractions in Key West, look
here.
Lodging:
Francis Street Bottle Inn, 535
Francis Street, Key West, FL, 305-294-8530
For more dog-friendly lodging in Key West, look
here.
Restaurants:
Bo's Fish Wagon, 801 Caroline St, Key West, FL, 305-294-9272
Mangoes, 700 Duval St, Key West, FL, 305-292-4606
For more dog-friendly restaurants in Key West, look
here.
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