3 comments about A Key West Companion.

1. Key West is such a beautiful place, it deserves to have a book like this written about it. Lovingly crafted by its adoring author, this series of essays doesn't comprise the ordinary "where to shop, eat and stay", advertisement-frenzied travel book. Instead, it's a languid stroll through past and present Key West, accompanied by Cox who whispers many strange and wonderful secrets of "Cayo Hueso" as you float through this weathered paradise.

   Cox spent four months in the "Conch Republic", so there's nothing slick or salesman-like about his observations of this Bohemian enclave. His respect for Key West history and its influence in shaping the present community is obvious. Cox is especially admiring and engaging in his portrayal of real-life "Freshwater and Saltwater Conchs" (as the natives...and not-so-natives...call themselves), all who readily share their interesting stories with him, whether over a frenzied breakfast at a local cafe, or a quiet drink in the shade of a sheltered verandah. Fascinating tales abound in this book, the funniest of which recounts the night the Navy burned confiscated drugs in the City dump on Key West Bight: prevailing winds made this event especially memorable for the natives. Cox goes on to say, "Since then, the government has burned its dope somewhere else."

   Even though the book was published in the 1980's, this first-time 2001 traveler to Key West found it to be a fascinating read about a fascinating place. Its many wonderful treasures, from the carefully restored homes, broken-down military establishments, lazy beaches, historical landmarks and museums, haunting cemeteries, homey bars and saloons, and flourishing retail markets - not to mention the colorful "Conchs" who call the place home - don't seem to occupy a static place in time. Instead, Key West meanders through the years like a lush, tropical, untended garden, changing here and there occasionally, but always maintaining a character that makes it the most intriguing and unexpected pleasure to be savored. Cox's "companion" to this unexpected pleasure is indeed just that - a warm tribute to an old friend. An unexpected pleasure in and of itself, "A Key West Companion" will transport you to that beautiful island for a vacation of the mind, with Cox as your own personal tour guide...and will probably spur you to plan a trip of your own to this weird and wonderful place, even if you've already been there before.




2. In "A Key West Companion", Christopher took me on a tour of the real Key West. He shows that Key West goes deeper than a haven for vacationers. He reveals Key West's golden treasure: The People.



3. almost more of a story than a travel book; well written; useful; gives more of a sense of Key West's flavor

1 comments about Fodor's Florida 2007 (Fodor's Gold Guides).

1. Over time I have used a lot of different Travel Guides, but no matter where the trip has taken me Fodor's is always the best.

No comments about Over Key West and the Florida Keys.

1 comments about National Geographic Traveler: Florida (National Geographic Traveler).

1. Having recently moved to Florida from New York, I wanted to take the time to explore a little but didn't know where to start. This book does a good job of describing the many different areas to see and things to do all over the state. Good maps and brght pictures are all through the book. Now I have plenty of places I want to go see if I could only find the time........

1 comments about Sharing the Sun: A Kid's Guide to South Florida.

1. Everything that's worth doing in South Florida with children is in this book. Sharing the Sun is well written, organized and easy to use. Our family uses this book often to avoid boring weekends. There's more to South Florida than South Beach!

5 comments about Along Interstate-75: "local Knowledge" For Those Driving The Popular Interstate Between Detroit And The Florida Border (Along Interstate 75).

1. If I could give this book 10 stars I would. The amount of detail and information it has is just amazing. Dave Hunter and his wife, Kathy, have made the trip to Florida much more fun and interesting. You can plan ahead for side trips, rest areas, even what gas stations and restaurants are miles down the road. I had an earlier version, but it is a good idea to update every other year as things change so often along I75. Get this great little book and you will learn things, even if you have driven this route all your life, as I have. If you are planning a trip down to Florida via I75, this should be your first purchase



2. A few years ago, when we purchased a vacation home in Florida, friends gave us the I-75 Guide as a gift. How helpful it has been for all this time, as we traveled back and forth twice a year ! It came time to pack it for this spring's trip and it was nowhere to be found. When we reached Florida and it still had not revealed itself, we promptly ordered another one, updated for this year. We have found it extremely useful in passing through large cities (such as Atlanta) with minimal frustration and in locating facilites along the way. Knowing where gas stations, restaurants and motels are - exit by exit- makes it so much easier to plan your stops during the day. It has also been quite accurate in notations about natural phenomena along the way (kudzu vines, weeping rocks, deer sightings, etc.) Sightseeing information is also of interest and value. We have maps and guidebooks from other sources, but still like to have this one in addition. Keep up the good work !



3. This is a great book, it made our return trip from Florida to Michigan just fly by with all of the interesting facts we found along the way. I would definitely recommend this book if you are driving I-75 to Florida.



4. This guide is the best for anyone traveling along I-70. For all of the families traveling with children, it helps you find great stops. Espesially for anyone heading to Disney, it helps make a more relaxing trip when you know ahead where to stop along the way.



5. We are leaving for Florida in a week and we have been reading this book in preparation for the trip. Wow, what great information! I was so impressed I bought one for my father who goes to Florida for the winter.

No comments about Wakulla Springs...its History, Legend, Birds and Wildlife.

No comments about Fun with the Family Florida, 5th (Fun with the Family Series).

1 comments about You Know You're in Florida When...: 101 Quintessential Places, People, Events, Customs, Lingo, and Eats of the Sunshine State (You Know You're In Series).

1. You can actually read this book in one sitting but, it is an interesting read. There are some facts about florida in it that I didn't
   know. It is worth your time if you like to read books on florida.

1 comments about Longstreet Highroad Guide to the Florida Keys & Everglades (Longstreet Highroad Coastal Series).

1. This book gives detailed and specific information useful to someone who wants to thoroughly explore these areas. Subjects such as the best places and times to view different types of wildlife in the Everglades, and where you can feed huge tarpon off of a dock are covered in useful detail. If you're looking for the best beach resort, or best nightclub, you will probably be disappointed, but those more interested in nature, history, and the people of the area will be satisfied.