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. 

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!