A convenient, quaint and historic spot to visit while staying in Key West is the Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. Located just south of Duval Street off Truman Avenue, an entire day can be spent at the best beach in Key West.

Construction of the fort, named after the 12^th President of the United States, Zachary Taylor, dates back to just after the War of 1812. Only one of three forts in Florida that remained in Union hands during the Civil War, the fort served as headquarters for a blockade squadron that intercepted Confederate supply ships sailing from ports in the Gulf of Mexico.

Over the years, the fort was adapted to the times and was useful in the Spanish-American War. Serving as a strategic defense post for the United States, the fort continued to see a military role through World War II. By the time the fort was decommissioned in 1947, radar and other more sophisticated weapons took the place of artillery.

Guided tours of the fort are available daily at 12 and 2 pm.

Aside from the rich history, the Fort Zachary Taylor Historic Park offers many of the other leisure activities Key West is known for. You can experience the rich marine life snorkeling off the beach. Or, fishing is allowed on the west side of the park along the shipping channel.

Also, dine at the Cayo Hueso Café. Open daily from 10-5 at the park, they serve up great Key West beach cuisine.

So while you are staying in Key West, plan a visit to the Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.

Whew! Record gas prices across the United States are causing people to cut back and do the best they can to deal with the continuous increase in the cost to get from point A to point B. Finding the best price for fuel is a big priority for all of us trying to save where we can.

Gas prices around Key West are around 25 cents higher than the closest mainland city, Homestead, Florida.

According to Gasbuddy.com , a member-driven site designed to inform people of prices across the U.S., lists regular self-serve unleaded gas for $4.05/gallon in Key West while stations in Homestead, just across on the Florida mainland, are more around the national average of $3.79/gallon

Filling up for 26 cents less per gallon provides a $6.50 savings for a 25-gallon purchase. That may not seem like much but every little bit helps. And once you’re in Key West, it’s really easy to get around without a car.

The Tropical Inn, Key West Bed & Breakfast’s convenient location on Duval Street allows you to enjoy many of Key West’s attractions without having to fire-up the car engine. Frugality in your car trips during your stay makes it possible for you to fill-up in Homestead while en-route to Key West and not have to buy anymore until your return to the mainland.

Another way to conserve and see Key West is to rent a scooter. Most have small tanks and can get you around all day on only a few bucks. Gas is usually included in the rental price of the scooter anyhow.

So go ahead and fill-up in Homestead on mainland Florida before starting the drive through the keys, and treat yourself with the money you saved or save it to buy more gas when you need it!

When enroute to Key West and the Tropical Inn: cozy bed and breakfast in Key West, you will cross-over the Seven Mile Bridge on U.S. 1. Originally built in 1912, the Seven Mile Bridge was considered the “Eighth Wonder of the World” when it was completed. It connects Knight’s Key, or the city of Marathon in the middle Keys, to Little Duck Key in the lower Keys.

The bridge was initially constructed by Henry Flagler as a railroad line linking Key West to the mainland. Henry Flagler pioneered the first railroads to Florida and is considered to be the father of Miami. When Flagler announced the development of 128 mile Key West extension in 1905, he was particularly interested in opening trade with Latin America and the western U.S. with the construction of the Panama Canal.

The overseas railroad was completed in 1912, one year before Flagler’s death. The bridge was badly damaged in the Labor Day hurricane of 1935. Flagler’s company, the Florida East Coast Railway, sold the bridge to the state of Florida where it was converted into a highway bridge.

After converting to car traffic, the bridge continued to see damage from hurricanes, especially from Hurricane Donna in 1960. The current span was constructed from 1979 to 1982 and is a more modern, sturdy structure. Most of the old bridge still exists and is used by many as a fishing pier.

The bridge is featured in several movies of recent years, most notably True Lies in the early 1990’s starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis. An explosion by missile strikes on the old bridge was simulated. Additionally, a scene in 2 Fast 2 Furious was filmed in 2003 along with scenes from License to Kill and Up Close & Personal .

During your stay, the Seven-mile bridge is a beautiful sight for sunsets and a historical treasure. A small, 5-acre island situated between the old and new bridge known as Pigeon Key is currently being restored as a history museum. The island has barracks that housed as many as 400 workers that built the original span. Guided tours are available.

There is a pleasant 2-mile walk from Marathon to Pigeon Key along the original bridge. Each April, the main highway is closed for several hours to host the fun run commemorating the new bridge’s construction, which attracts over 1500 runners.

The Seven-Mile bridge is an indelible part of anyone’s trip to the Keys, unless they arrive by plane or boat! You certainly will not forget it.