Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Key Lime Inn
HOTEL$$$
( 800-549-4430;
www.historickeywestinns.com
; 725 Truman Ave; r $99-229; )
These
cozy cottages are scattered around a tropical hardwood backdrop. Inside, the blissfully
cool rooms are greener than a jade mine, with wicker furniture and tiny flat-screens to
keep you from ever leaving.
Mermaid & the Alligator
GUESTHOUSE$$$
$$$
( 305-294-1894;
www.kwmermaid.com
; 729 Truman Ave; r summer $168-228, winter $258-328,
)
Book way ahead: with only nine rooms, this place's charm exceeds its ca-
pacity. It's chock-a-block with treasures collected from the owners' travels, giving it a
worldly flair that's simultaneously European and Zen.
Curry Mansion Inn
HOTEL$$$
$$$
( 305-294-5349;
www.currymansion.com
;
511 Caroline St; r summer $195-285, winter $240-365;
)
In a city full of stately 19th-century homes, the Curry Mansion is especially
handsome. It's a pleasing mix of aristocratic American elements, but especially the bright
Floridian rooms with canopied beds. Enjoy bougainvillea and breezes on the verandah.
Big Ruby's Guesthouse
HOTEL$$$
$$$
( 305-296-2323;
www.bigrubys.com
; 409 Appelrouth Lane; r $179-499; )
Catering
exclusively to a gay clientele, the hotel's exterior is all refined Conch mansion, while in-
side, the rooms are sleekly contemporary. The capper is the clothing-optional lagoon
pool. Breakfast is included.
Eating
You aren't technically allowed to leave the island without sampling the conch fritters -
like hushpuppies, but made with conch - or the key lime pie, made with key limes,
sweetened condensed milk, eggs and sugar on a Graham-cracker crust.
Help Yourself Organic Foods
VEGETARIAN$
( 315-296-7766;
www.helpyourselfcafe.com
; 829 Fleming St; dishes $5-12; 8am-6pm)
Veget-
arian, vegan and gluten-free options abound in this cute, colorful cafe that serves wraps,
salads, smoothies and other hippified offerings - a nice break from fried fish and key
lime pie.
Camille's
FUSION$$$