Warm sunshine, cool breezes, crystal waters, historic architecture, colorful culture . . . what foreign, tropical island is this?  Surprise – it’s not foreign at all (at least not in the conventional sense).

It’s Key West, America’s drive-to (or fly-to) Caribbean island, long known for its welcoming, come-as-you-are attitude and superlative temperate weather.  In winter, Key West is often the warmest spot in the Continental U.S.

Come summer, tropical breezes moderate the sun’s heat, giving the Keys a year-round climate that is unparalleled.

From diving to para-sailing, the Keys have something to offer everyone.  We are world-renowned for our fishing, dolphin-watching and snorkeling with North America’s only coral reef just six miles off-shore.

On land, we have a Rees Jones-designed golf course, tennis courts, bocce courts, basketball courts and more for the sports-minded.  A wide paved pathway wraps much of the island, creating an ideal surface for runners, cyclists and roller-bladers.

There are tropical gardens, museums, historic homes and forts to explore.  And the entire island, just two by four miles, is easily accessible by foot or bike.

There’s plenty of culture, too.  As the former home of Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Elizabeth Bishop and many other writers, Key West’s literary history is rich.

Countless galleries and an annual outdoor sculpture exhibit satisfy the visual arts lover – you can hardly go a day without seeing a budding artist capturing on canvas one of Key West’s historic homes.  (Key West has the largest historic wood-frame building district in the country.)

With two professional theatres, a symphony orchestra, a performing arts center, a dance troupe and a classic “big band,” performances abound.  On any given night, you can hear first-rate jazz, folk, country, or rock in one of many bars and lounges.  If you prefer, sing yourself at a piano or karaoke bar.  Catch a world-class female impersonator or drag queen, or see the latest indy flick while sipping wine at the downtown cinema.  Whatever your taste, you can taste it here.

The best thing about Key West is the people.  Settled by Bahamians, grown by Cubans, supported by the Navy, discovered by snowbirds, embraced by gays and lesbians, the island is a friendly mix of cultures where the official motto is “One Human Family.”  America’s first openly gay mayor was elected here in 1974, and the LGBT community is well integrated into social and commercial life in Key West.

There are few places where same-sex couples can feel comfortable walking down the main street holding hands, but this is one of them.  Combined with idyllic weather, rich culture and great variety of outdoor activities, Key West makes the perfect destination for the LGBT traveler.

Key West is known for its unique and historic bed and breakfast inns, as well as for several first-class resorts.  For lesbians and gay-friendly women, the place to stay is Pearl’s Rainbow.  Just off Duval (the main drag) and two blocks from the southernmost point in the continental United States, Pearl’s provides guesthouse ambience and resort amenities in a collection of historic, renovated buildings set amid tropical landscaping.  Combining the best of historic Key West with the amenities travelers expect today in the tropical surroundings of the American Caribbean, the award-winning Pearl’s Rainbow is the largest resort for women in the world.

Pearl’s has two swimming pools, two hot tubs, on-site massage, concierge service, free wireless Internet, a poolside bar, comfortable lounging areas, and plenty of sunny and shady decks – and clothing is optional poolside.  The Strand at Pearl’s serves up fabulous free full breakfasts every day.  Pearl’s Patio is Key West’s only bar just for women and the site of frequent special events. And Pearl’s Girls will go out of their way to make sure your stay is complete. Find your place in paradise.  Come to Pearl’s Rainbow.

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