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Florida

Key West at a Slower Pace: Living on Island Time

Program No. 21797RJ
Find out what makes Key West such a unique city as you stroll its vibrant streets, discovering its heritage, culture, world-class museums and the true spirit of island life.
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Regional StudiesLiteratureCity Discoveries
Length
6 days
Rating (4.94)
Activity Level
Starts at
2,399
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Key West Old Town
Program Concludes
Key West Old Town
Meals
12 ( 5B, 3L, 4D )
Activity Level
Don’t let the quaint, small-town façade fool you — there’s a lot more to Key West than meets the eye. Discover all its hidden treasures at an easy pace befitting this laid-back island city. Navigate by trolley to experience its rich history and the unique pace of life on “island time.” Appreciate the blend of Victorian, Bahaman and New England architecture in its iconic “conch houses.” Hear tales of ships and shipwrecks and walk in the footsteps of larger-than-life figures like Hemingway and President Truman. Share the spirit of the island with artists, divers, gardeners, historians, musicians, oceanographers and other experts who reveal the city through the eyes of Key West natives.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Go inside the structure that gave birth to Key West’s historical restoration movement, the Audubon House, where you can see 28 first-edition works by James Audubon.
  • Navigate the Customs House Museum, a living link to Key West’s historic past and home to art and artifacts that tell the story of this island town.
  • Learn about life in Key West when Ernest Hemingway and President Harry Truman were residents during explorations of the Hemingway House and Truman's Little White House.
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General Notes
You may be interested in a more active version of this program, "Signature City Key West" (#20902).
Featured Expert
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Joanne Martin
Joanne Martin grew up in the Greater Boston area, and has lived in Key West for nearly two decades. Over the years, she has worked in sales, marketing, and the travel industry. Her love of history led her to her current job as gallery manager at the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens where she has been since 2014, starting out leading visitors there.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Bob graduated from Youngstown State University, majoring in history with a minor in business. In 1999, he became the executive director of the Harry S. Truman Little White House State Historic Site. Bob created a not-for-profit corporation that aims to expand educational outreach of the Little White House and complete its restoration. He is an accomplished writer, having co-authored or edited several books including 'Presidents in Paradise.' His work has also appeared in the Florida Artland History Magazine and the American Political Science Review.
Lynn Wanous and her family sailed into the Florida Keys on their sailboat in 1990s. Lynn has fully embraced the island culture and is now a "fresh water conch," a term for long-time non-native residents of Key West. She worked at Edward Jones Financial Services and won the prestigious Spirit of Caring Award, given annually to only one employee in the entire company. Lynn has been leading Road Scholar Key West groups since 2018.
Joanne Martin grew up in the Greater Boston area, and has lived in Key West for nearly two decades. Over the years, she has worked in sales, marketing, and the travel industry. Her love of history led her to her current job as gallery manager at the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens where she has been since 2014, starting out leading visitors there.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to one mile on even terrain.
Suggested Books and Resources
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You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

  • Peace of Mind

    We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

  • Assurance Plan

    Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

  • Want to Protect Your Investment?

    Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

  • Sustainable Travel

    We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.