Culture Shines in the Florida Keys
By Susan B. Barnes

An aerial shot of the Florida Keys shows a necklace of delicate islands seemingly dropped from above into azure blue waters. A tiny road winds 110 miles through the islands, with bridges connecting one to another. All seems quiet below.

What visitors may not realize, however, is that the Keys hold a treasure of cultural gems to be enjoyed by all. So when you've finished snorkeling, diving, fishing or lazing in the sun, discover the diverse culture and heritage that the Keys have to offer. Our treasure hunt begins to the north, in Key Largo.

The Gallery at Kona Kai is one such gem. Tucked back off of US 1 in Key Largo, visitors will discover a lush oasis with guest cottages and an art gallery that rivals those found in metropolitan cities. Proprietors Joe and Ronnie Harris, originally executives from New York City, visited Key Largo and fell in love with the area. They bought the property that is now Kona Kai, developed an exclusive adults-only resort and decided to bring the arts to the area. In doing so, the open-aired Gallery at Kona Kai proudly displays works of international artists from Michigan to France to Israel and beyond. A stay at Kona Kai will rejuvenate the mind and soul.

The Tavernier Hotel, founded in 1928, is a Key Largo institution. The hotel survived the widespread destruction that resulted from the 1935 hurricane that swept through the Keys. The American Red Cross took over the hotel to tend to those injured and left homeless by the devastating storm. Once the Red Cross moved out, the building was used as a movie theater, and then converted into the hotel as it remains today. Check in for a romantic stay, or enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in the tropical courtyard of the hotel's Copper Kettle Restaurant.

An artists' village to the south on Islamorada, The Rain Barrel should be a definite stop on everyone's trip to the Keys. More than 10 artists create their wares in this shaded haven. Wander through the studios and workshops to watch artists from throughout the country work at their crafts, and learn how they made the move to such a tropical climate. Innovative pottery, ironworks, paintings and clothing are all available to take home to remember your time in the Keys.

If you blink while driving along the Seven-Mile Bridge in Marathon, you'll pass right above Historic Pigeon Key. From 1908 to 1935, this tiny island - just five acres - was home to workers who were building the Overseas Railway to Key West and their families. In its heyday, bungalow-style homes lined the streets; eight of those homes and operations buildings still stand today, serving as a museum, dorms, classrooms, a kitchen and Pigeon Key Foundation offices. An extensive center for marine science research and education now resides on the island, and each spring the foundation hosts an eclectic art festival to raise money to maintain Pigeon Key.

Continuing south, US 1 dead-ends into Key West. More than 1.4 million people visit the southernmost point of the United States every year, and it's easy to see why. With waters teeming with marine life, sunsets that take your breath away, and locals with tall tales to tell, Key West is a marvelous vacation destination.

Step back in time and check in to the Wyndham Casa Marina Resort. Built in 1921 by railroad tycoon Henry Flagler, the original hotel building remains, surrounded by modern additions that maintain the charms of yesteryear. Boasting one of the only sandy beaches in Key West, the Casa Marina entices guests with a crisp, cool pool and massages beachside, or frozen margaritas served at the chaise lounges.

Locals and visitors alike are treated quarterly to the magical sounds of Mozart, Bellini and Verdi. The renowned Key West Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sebrina María Alfonso, extends invitations to guest musicians throughout the country to converge upon the island to perform various compositions. In addition to weekend performances, the symphony conducts classes and seminars throughout the week for the Keys' school children. International performers are invited to join the symphony, converging to give an astounding performance. I was delighted to hear soprano Junko Watanabe sing notes seemingly higher than the stars, and Jin Hi Kim's demonstration on the Korean komungo was enthralling. Afterwards, musicians greeted those in attendance at the decadent Hot Tin Roof on Duval Street.

With all of the cultural sites to see in the Florida Keys, visitors will want to plan even more time to spend in this tropical destination. Take your time to leisurely make your way south to Key West, and discover all of the gems that the Keys have waiting for you.