Adventure Key West: Laid-Back, Luscious, and Lovely

Florida has not been my number one travel destination—it’s muggy, buggy, and my family's primary vacation spot every year of my life since I was four. When we recently had the opportunity to tour Key West, images of Jimmy Buffet and spring breaking college students stumbling, screaming drunk, spilling their beer in tow flooded my thoughts (drinking on the street, after all, is legal in Key West). The five-hour drive from Miami to the Keys is not what I would call scenic, either—it's desolate, swampy, and, quite frankly, a little depressing. Do I have you dying to go yet? With all that being said, the state does hold many unexpected treasures and Key West is one of those most-precious gems.

Recently, we took a week-long vacation to Florida, beginning in South Beach (another love of mine) and ending up in Key West—I was more than pleasantly surprised about how much I ended up liking this remote vacation destination. Somewhere in between Jimmy Buffet’s drink machine, jalapeño popper Margaritaville, the 90 miles to Cuba monument, and the congested cruise ship dock at Mallory Square are historical landmarks, artistic haunts, and culinary delights. The people who live and work there are some of the most hospitable, laid-back, and friendly folks you will ever meet. The views are spectacular and the food (especially the fresh Atlantic Ocean seafood options) is really wonderful. (I also have to admit that I even drank a couple beers while walking down the street.)

EAT

Louie’s Backyard: Culinary delights abound at this ocean-side eatery. Everything was phenomenal—fresh shrimp and mango appetizer, perfectly cooked scallops and chilled limoncello for dessert. The entire outdoor seating area extends over the ocean. The restaurant is geared towards adults but they were incredibly kind and accommodating to my two-year old. So much so that they brought him a pillow for his chair and made him a special entrée for his finicky palette. Details: www.louiesbackyard.com.

Blue Heaven: Nestled on a quiet street in an area called Bahama Village is the best southern breakfast I have ever had. Blue Heaven is an outdoor destination where you sit amongst roosters crowing while listening to a guitarist singing Tom Waits and Bob Dylan. Sounds dreamy? Wait ‘til you taste the food. Traditional French southern cuisine including shrimp and grits and five different Benedict's served in hearty portions. The homemade breakfast sandwiches are mouth watering, too. Details: www.blueheavenkw.com.

SHOP

Besame Mucho: This store is an apothecary, clothing, and jewelry boutique all rolled into one small, wonderful package. It is located in an old Key West cottage house next door to Blue Heaven. Filled with simple, breezy linen shirts, one-of-a kind- jewelry pieces, small leather goods, and terrific perfumes and creams. Their philosophy, "old-world, tried and true, pure and simple," is all of those things and just about as close to perfect as a stop can get. Details: www.besamemucho.net.

Voltaire Books: This intimate, independent book store located in the heart of downtown Key West is a great destination for your vacation reading needs. They specialize in the authors who resided in the area over the years like Hemingway and Tennessee Williams. But they also have thousands of other titles that range from cooking to politics to teen literature (Judy Blume was scheduled for a book signing the day after we left). The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and incredibly helpful. Details: www.voltairebooks.com.

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Adventure Chicago: Roscoe Village

I am really lucky to live in Chicago and have, on any given day, hundreds of boutiques in arm's reach. With this being said, one of my favorite neighborhoods to frequent is Roscoe Village. The main drag lies between Damen and Western Avenues on the once sleepy Roscoe Street (a mere ten years ago, there wasn't much there). Today, Roscoe Village is home to many boutiques, restaurants, bars, and a bustling pedestrian thoroughfare. I thought I would pay homage to several of my favorites that should be added to any shopper's travel list.

Glam to Go: Owner, Jenny Flynn, is what makes this place more than just another woman’s boutique—her sublime attitude and eclectic sense entice patrons to stop in over and over again. Her store carries Weston Wear, Topin, 525 America, Rebecca Beeson, and Tano. But, what makes this store really unique, are all the cool accessories she carries—one-of-a-kind necklaces, hand-blown glass rings, silky headbands, and patent clutch bags. The best part is that most of her accessories are priced under $50. This low-key, funky boutique is a destination not to miss. Details: www.glamtogo.com.

Sacred Art: Sarah Chazin quit the restaurant biz to open this affordable, neighborhood art store. The place is intimate and chock-full of hundreds of original pieces, most by local Chicago artists and priced at $150 or less. She carries photography, assorted paintings, glass wall hangings, pottery, jewelry, and many other interesting finds. Recently, she has started offering custom framing and tries to give the best price in town. Her tag line is “art is not a luxury”—at these prices, it really isn’t. Details: www.sacredartstore.com.

Roscoe Blooms: This small flower shop is so serene, you may want to grab a coffee and spend the afternoon here. Step inside this cozy storefront and feel as if you have left the bustling city. Beautiful Jade, Orchids, and Asian Lanterns adorn this stop. There are small plants of all varieties, unique cards, and beautiful fresh cut flowers. Bouquets are wrapped in chocolate brown paper with lavender tissue. Rumor has it that Leslie, the owner, may be opening a home store. If it is anything like Roscoe Blooms, I will be banging the door down when it opens. Details: www.roscoeblooms.net.

Hard Boiled: This seemingly conventional record shop is anything but. The store carries an abundance of Indy rock and vinyl. If you are a music lover, adventurer, or just in need of some nostalgia, stop by this gem. You could spend hours flipping though the vinyl collection or ask the owner, Mark, for a recommendation and he will play you a CD or two. I have never left the store disappointed. Guaranteed you will leave with a smile and some great new music for your collection. Details: www.hardboiledrecords.com.

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