Thinking about a visit to Key West? Here are some of the latest and greatest unique things to do in Key West , Part 1. And even if a visit to Key West isn’t in your immediate plans, you’ll enjoy reading the American history that happened here, especially with former President Harry S.Truman. Stay tuned for more in Part 2 along with eating recommendations and a great stop on the way back to Miami. Where to stay will be Part 3.
My recent major discovery on a Key West staycation was that this southernmost point in the USA can be a very different experience than I thought. Sure there’s everything you know or have heard about — exceptional boating and fishing, fun and funky restaurants, bars and plenty of nightlife; beautiful water vistas; Hemingway House and Duval Street. Key West has played a strategic role in American and world history that comes alive in unique attractions and its homes attesting to a time in the 1800’s when it was one of the richest areas in the country. Here’s a look at some of these unique attractions as well as an update on the newest offerings to put on your list to visit:
History buffs can’t miss the ” Harry S. Truman Little White House”, a one time naval base, one of whose buildings was converted into a winter residence for President Harry S. Truman . The residence, now a historic site and museum, has been maintained just as it was at that time, complete with the bar where he would have his daily shot of bourbon and play poker along with his red white and blue bedroom. It was reported that Harry enjoyed a shot of bourbon and orange juice, calling it a “heart starter” in the morning.
Subsequent notable visitors included everyone from Thomas Edison to former Presidents John F. Kennedy who was here during the Cuban Missile Crisis, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. Even if you’re not into presidential memorabilia, you’ll enjoy the gift shop with plaques and t-shirts of Truman’s iconic sayings, tableware, books and more. Guided tours are offered. We were fortunate to get Whiskey Rick who, besides doing tours here, does a series of themed private tours including a Harry Truman Sip N Stroll filled with anecdotes and stops at favorite watering holes. Reach him at warmbold@hotmail.com.
Ever ridden in a presidential limo?
In Key West, the Harry S. Truman Little White House, Florida’s only presidential museum, has acquired one of Truman’s presidential limousines used during his 1945-53 presidency and a ride is included on the museum’s new White Glove Tour. The midcentury, mint-condition Lincoln Cosmopolitan is a limo with 32,000 odometer miles. The tour, just over two hours, is offered Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., priced from $500 plus tax for up to six people, and includes a visit to the new Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation Suite adjacent to the museum. Suite galleries feature newly unveiled artwork, photos and artifacts. Visitors can don white gloves to hold presidential memorabilia, then ride in the limo around Old Town Key West. Visit trumanlittlewhitehouse.comor call 305-294-9911.
More Unique Things to Do in Key West, FL
One of if not the world’s largest haul of treasure from a shipwreck, the 17th century Nuestra Senora de Atocha, is on view, well documented in the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum. Brimming with riches and wealthy passengers and on its way to Spain from South America, the Atocha was destroyed by a hurricane, but after a 16 year search Fisher, the legendary shipwreck salvor, found its $450 million of cargo much of which is here.
See everything from huge gold chains and emeralds to silver, copper and gold ingots along with items of everyday living used on board — as small as thimbles and sewing needles.
The Museum is also a laboratory that continues to “make old things new”, research and education center. Behind the scenes tours of the lab are available by appointment daily between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. 
Corey Malcolm, Director of Archaeology, in the lab of the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, overseeing one of the latest projects “making what’s old new”
There’s also an informative section on pirates (including female ones) and artifacts and history of African slaves that landed here in 1860 and were freed in Key West only to be deported to what is now Liberia.
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, 200 Greene St.
To get the best picture of the wealth that has been a part of Key West’s past and the lifestyle, visit Audubon House. The 12 room home has antiques, furnishings, and colored original Audubon engravings and lithographs reflecting the elegance enjoyed by the Captain John H.Geiger family in the 19th century.
. See the children’s room, dressing area for women, man’s bathing room, and living room. There’s also a separate outhouse and outdoor cookhouse with antiques of the period, cooking equipment and examples of the kinds of food eaten at the time.
The house was named for famed John James Audubon known for his study and painting of the Birds of America. A special treat is a room devoted to his work.
Created by designer Sasha Bikoff, the interactive, educational and Instagrammable Audubon Experience features floor-to-ceiling artwork that pays homage to John James Audubon, who portrayed over 22 species of birds in their true life size form in the Florida Keys. Guests can pose with the flowers hanging from the ceiling and life-like birds perched in vintage cages, or gaze at the holograms of hummingbirds, doves, terns, and herons as they appear to fly overhead.Neon-pink astro turf flooring and hand-painted wallpaper feels three-dimensional.
There’s also a gallery that has antique and hand colored original Audubon engravings and lithographs as well as modern limited editions of his masterpieces for sale and a shop with appealing gift items. It’s worth to note a special Miami connection. The Mitchell Wolfson Family Foundation saved the house from destruction and continues to help in its upkeep and operation.
For more information on all the Florida Keys, visit fla-keys.com.
