First of September. Labor Day weekend coming up, dog days behind us. Kids back in school. Summer’s over.

So, how was your staycation?

Staycation? Puh-lease! While we support everyone’s trying to make the best of our current sagging economy, we’re betting that playing tourist at your local strip mall this summer has not likely fulfilled your wanderlust.

You need a little adult R&R … and you need it NOW … a PLAY-cation!

Now, obviously, economic realities can’t be ignored. It’s probably not the right time to drop a bundle on an African photo safari. Let’s be realistic. But that doesn’t mean you have to completely deprive yourself.

If you have access to a little accumulated vacation time and cash, you may want to invest some of it in a fall getaway to Key West, while crowds are thin and you can experience the place like a local. That’s right, invest it. The return, in terms of sanity and relationship maintenance, is priceless. This is about you, and sustaining your increasingly illusive positive attitude. Can you really afford to neglect these things?

Seems everybody dreams of visiting Key West. But in recent years, prices on everything have continued to climb. Not now. Key West attractions, accommodations, and even restaurants have adjusted their prices to reflect the times. Like those of our visitors, local businesses here have been impacted by the prevailing economic climate this summer. So everyone here is doing everything they can to deliver exceptional value and make your escape to Key West an experience that you’ll want to repeat. Prices are now on your side. You can cover the basics or the indulgences at some serious savings.

People are still traveling; they’re just doing it a little more frugally – or should we say, creatively. That might mean reserving one of the less-fancy rooms at that great little B&B you have marked as a favorite on your computer. Driving scenic US1 down the Keys, instead of flying (although there are some great airline deals out there right now). Traveling mid-week, when demand is lower, crowds are thinner – and generous savings are to be found. Grabbing lunch from a beach vendor (hey, you’re there anyway, right?) or a cozy picnic dinner in the garden of your guesthouse instead of pulling out all the stops at a fancy restaurant. Cost-cutting ideas are endless.

However you choose to stretch your vacation dollar, one thing is for sure: the formerly inaccessible is now within reach. Your Key West travel dream is closer to reality now than it has been in years. Consider the opportunity. Such great values may not be seen again soon!

So come satisfy that “don’t worry, be happy” craving in your soul. The legendary laid-back attitude that “is” Key West waits for you here, at the End of the Road. What more perfect time than now to get some sand in your shoes?