I suppose I could have squeezed in the rest of Key West into the last post, but it seemed to be getting long. Thanks for taking the time to read of my adventures.
One of the most delightful places I encountered was The Oldest House on Key West. I had to borrow the photo of the front of the house from another source. Key West was just hopping and it was impossible to get a clear shot of the front.
The house was built by Richard Cussans 1829 on Whitehead Street, but was moved to Duval Street by 1836 after Duval Street was built.
One of the things I liked best about the house was the fact that it was FREE!
Given the era it was built, of course the kitchen was in a separate building. Fire was always a danger in these older homes, especially before the advent of running water.
It looks kind of small, if you ask me.
But, I guess it was big enough – and it’s a lot bigger than the kitchen in Flo!
The Oldest House in Key West was decorated inside for the season. It looked festive, and – believe it or not – it was free to tour the house! Free, I tell you!
But, that wasn’t even the best part of my visit to the Oldest House. The best part was the gingerbread house making party in the garden that was being held for the children of the city.
Everyone was so engaged and focused. It looked like a great time. I almost thought about getting involved – but then I thought about the trouble I’d have carrying it around. Hard to be a tourist with a gingerbread house in your hands!
I saw this little girl carrying her house to the wrapping station and I asked if I could take a picture of it. She was so proud to show it to me. Her little sister’s house was being carried by an adult, and she looked like she wanted to show off hers, too, so I asked if I could take her picture.
She was very happy to pose with her creation.
They thought of everything – even wrapping the houses to carry home.
I was looking at how the whole event was organized, and thinking that it would be a great fundraiser. People could buy the various building components and buy as much or as little as they liked. I looked around, but I didn’t see any money changing hands. I asked someone about it, and it turns out that it is an annual FREE event that is sponsored by a local bank. Amazing!
There is even a Santa standing out in front inviting people in. I chatted with him for a while, and it turns out that he comes from San Francisco every year at this time to volunteer for this event.
Speaking of San Francisco, this row of cottages reminded me of the Victorian era Painted Ladies on Steiner Street in San Francisco.
And, finding a Circle K with its 79 cent Polar Pops also made my thrifty heart smile.
One other thrifty thing is the sunset.
I was lucky enough to catch one at Mallory Square. And, actually, I didn’t stick around until it was all the way down. As much as I love “free” and “sunsets” – well, I just do not care for crowds. And Mallory Square was elbow to elbow with people. I don’t blame them, but I decided to declare a victory over Key West and get back to the RV Park.
The next day, I hitched up and headed back to the main land.
I spent one night at John Pennekamp State Park – the place I stopped on the way out, just to cut the trip into manageable segments.
My next stop: a Corps of Engineers campground called Ortona South.