Looking to take a well deserved vacation and catch some fun and sun? If you plan to fly, check-out the Key West International Airport, a 255-acre facility located on the southeast corner of the island – just a short distance from the quaint Key West bed & breakfast the Tropical Inn.

Key West International Airport’s (EYW) origins date back to 1913 when Augustin Parla flew a bi-wing plane to Muriel, Cuba. Commercial service began in the 1920’s…but due to the shortness of the runway, weight restrictions are enforced on aircraft and passengers.

Four major airlines serve the Key West International Airport (EYW) with service to major hubs like Atlanta, Charlotte and Miami. You can fly to Key West from anywhere in the world through Delta, Continental, American and US Airways.

There are also charter flights available to the Dry Tortugas National Monument and a company called Yellow Taxi provides daily charter flights to Naples and Key West.

If you have a family or are looking for a less expensive option, Miami International Airport is the closest major airport – nearly all airlines serve this major air travel facility in south Florida, about 160 miles from Key West.

However you choose to get to the Tropical Inn, be careful so you can fully enjoy your visit to America’s Carribbean.

Hurricane season is in full swing, with the main threat from a storm striking the Keys going from August until at least the end of September.  This should not dissuade you from planning your trip, however. Accommodations such as the Tropical Inn Bed & Breakfast stay constantly updated through the assistance of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, keeping visitors informed of any advisories and evacuation orders. Chances are, your trip will not be interrupted by a hurricane, but the possibility remains. With modern technology though, tracking and predicting these storms has improved to the point to ensure losses to lives and property are kept to minimum.  

In 2004 and 2005, Emergency Management officials in the Keys and across Florida were put to the test. Several tourist evacuation notices were issued along with an advisory to others to postpone their trips until the storm threat passed. While the Keys were affected by the active 2004/05 seasons a direct landfall never occurred.

 The convenient and quaint Tropical Inn Bed & Breakfast has a refund policy in the event of an evacuation order, issuing a voucher for the unused portion of your stay for a future one. If you are unable to even get to the Keys, a voucher is provided in the amount of the required deposit. While the Inn does the best they can, travel insurance is suggested.  Late August and September are some of the best times to visit the Keys though. Room rates are generally a little less since kids are back in school. Many events are also scheduled during that time of year. But, the possibility of tropical weather remains. Proper information and preparation ensures you can make a safe exit from the Keys if necessary.

Each night starting about 2 hours before sunset, the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square is where visitors and local residents gather to see what was rated in 2006 as the best place to watch a sunset in Florida by Florida Monthly magazine. Located only 5 blocks down Duval Street from the Tropical Inn Bed & Breakfast, Mallory Square is an eclectic venue where artists, musicians, and performers display their talents with the sun disappearing into the Gulf of Mexico. In a way, the Sunset Celebration can be termed a mini circus. Plenty of entertainment can be found including jugglers, comedians, magicians, and more. Currently at Mallory Square in the evenings, world renowned animal trainer Dominique the Catman performs a magnificent act with his trained house cats.
Mallory Square and the deepwater port it borders have seen much history since the inception of Key West and before. Pirates once used the area as an anchorage point and the square also served as an assembly point for American troops for four wars. Many ships and submarines have wrecked just offshore.  Plenty of other attractions from museums to shopping abound at Mallory Square. The Sunset Celebration however is something that must be on your list of things to do.