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Keeping up with Jones - in Key West

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Contributed by: Beverly B. Jones, BB Jones Communications, Inc. on 8/28/2008

Leaving Key West after celebrating my birthday at the incomparable LaTeDa, we drove north with Tropical Storm Fay at our back. Getting to Key West is always such a treat but I never expected to be rushed out of town by big wet Fay. I lived in Cayo Hueso for five fantastic years in the early 80's and always enjoy stumbling through the misty memories.
Yes, Key West has changed, just like we all have, but every time I visit I find a new discovery, make new friends and promise to return as soon as possible.

A bicycle is the way to get around in Key West, so David and I packed up our trusted bikes only to arrive with a few parts missing and a flat tire. The next morning we found a bike shop to patch up the flat and I fell in love with another bike. I felt like I was cheating on "Scout" my 21 speed bike. But one look at "Windy Wasabi" and I was a goner. Oh sure, I left The Bike Center "to think it over" but I knew after one look at that neon green fender, the pink, green and yellow Pucciesque swirls, the orange rimmed wide tires and the high and mighty handlebars with custom made grips and a spacious white leather seat with leather trim to match, I would be back for this beauty.

Sure enough, by cocktail time, David was driving me there and Windy was mine.
Riding a bike in Key West is not just about getting around, it is an essential part of the lifestyle and the relaxation therapy. As you bike around this charming, decaying, restoring town you sneak glimpses of "conch" life - the roosters pecking in the streets for food, the tourists gaping at the drag queens by 801 Bar, the sculpture and decorations that accompany the gingerbread porch trim. Yes, Key West is a world unto itself.

Cycling to Louie's Backyard for dinner that night, my rainbow chiffon scarf billowed in the breeze under the nearly full moon. We enjoyed a marvelous meal with the Gulf of Mexico at our feet and the stars above. Little did we know what was headed our way.

Another night we enjoyed tapas treats at Santiago's Bodega on Petronia Street and later swooned with delight at the dessert list, the red lighting, the comfy furniture and Dina the pastry chef in her red poufy chef's hat and apron at "Better than Sex" dessert lounge.

Shopping along Duval we indulged in some retail therapy at the one and only Fast Buck Freddie's and also shopped at Half Buck Freddie's all the way down on Caroline Street by the Key West Art Bar run by Barb Benton. Barb, an artist herself, recently opened a big new exciting space where she sells art, jewelry and clothing as well as
providing a venue for non-profits and art classes. Whew!

We finished up our last night at the Red Hot Tea Dance at LaTeDa and mixed it up with the candidates and their supporters. One of the reasons I left Key West was because I got tired of wearing cotton all the time but some talented folks just seem to have a knack for taking a regular old tee shirt and turning it into high fashion. Sushi turned up the heat at Tea Dance in her red Vote For Dennis Ward shirt and paired with high heels and a hairdo, it was amazing.

Beverly B. Jones of BB Jones Communications, Inc. provides public relations, marketing and advertising services for businesses and non-profits. She is also the social editor of Stuart Magazine.

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Beverly B. Jones, BB Jones Communications, Inc.

Stuart , FL

Beverly B. Jones, BB Jones Communications, Inc. has posted 104 stories and 5 comments since joining on 1/31/2006. Beverly B. Jones, BB Jones Communications, Inc. 's average story rating is 4.98.

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