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How To Get Around Key West

How To Get Around Key West

One of the most idolized vacation spots in North America, Key West offers some stunning views and exciting activities. But, it’s an island, and if you’re not familiar with the transit here, it can be a little intimidating to figure out how you’ll get around, however you arrive.

There are lots of easy ways to get around Key West, though. I’ve spent weeks there and love every aspect of this place. The good news about the transit situation: Getting around was never a challenge when I planned ahead.

How To Get To And From the Airport

A lot of folks come to Key West via airline. Flying directly into Key West can be a little pricey, but it is the easiest option. But if you’re flying in to another airport nearby, we’ve got tips for those routes, too.

Shuttle Service From The Key West Airport

Most hotels on Key West offer shuttle service to and from the Key West airport. You’ll need to plan ahead for this, letting your hotel know your arrival times, et cetera, as you usually would. They probably won’t offer shuttle service from the Miami airport, however, since the most populous city in Florida is about 165 miles away from the island.

Shuttle Service From The Miami And Fort Lauderdale Airports

There are two quality shuttle services that go from the Miami airport to Key West.

Keys Shuttle

This shuttle service offers direct, door-to-door service from the Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports to any location on Key West. Keys Shuttle company also provides custom options for groups and service to Key Largo and Islamorada if you feel like expanding your Florida Keys experience a bit. Book in advance for the best service possible.

Airport Super Express

Another option is the Airport Super Express. They offer more shuttle services to more locations. Call ahead and book them for your needs within Miami or to and from Key West or other Florida Keys locations.

A sign post on a Key West beach.

FloridaStock / Shutterstock

By Bus From The Key West Airport

Key West has a public transit bus stop located at the Key West Airport. We’ll flesh out more on this below, but you can certainly grab the local bus to any stop on the island.

By Bus From Miami Airport

If you groaned at the idea of riding a bus for several hours, you should know that the drive from Miami to Key West is one of the most beautiful in the country. You’ll cross multiple bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge, which offers stunning views of the ocean and Keys along the way.

If you’re coming from Miami, you can save a bundle by taking a southbound bus run by one of a couple different reasonably priced companies.

Greyhound

Greyhound currently offers service from the Miami airport to Key West twice daily, and seats range from $30 to $50 one way. Greyhound drops you off right by the Key West airport where you can have your hotel’s shuttle pick you up.

Miami To Key West Shuttle

While the company calls it a shuttle service, the double-decker can only qualify as a bus. But what a stunning way to enjoy the ride! If you’re going by bus, I’d strongly recommend the double-decker option through this fantastic company for great views and door-to-door service and tours.

Taxi And Rideshare Services From The Key West Airport

Obviously, a wide range of taxi companies will happily snag you from the airport and drive you anywhere you’d like to go on the island. The price will be reasonable as the island is only 7.24 square miles.

According to adventurers on Yelp and TripAdvisor, the best taxi services on the island include:

You may also want to consider using the common rideshare services in Key West, such as Lyft and Uber. I recommend downloading the apps ahead of time, though, if you don’t already have them, to save yourself waiting on the free but potentially slow Wi-Fi service at the airport.

A beach in Key West.

ventdusud / Shutterstock

Should You Rent A Car in Key West?

You don’t really need a car in Key West unless you’re planning to do a lot of shopping or are heading out to multiple far-fetched points in the Keys. The island is only four miles long and about one mile wide, so almost everything is located within walking distance.

Benefits Of Renting A Car In Key West

If you’re planning to do some Key hopping, have accessibility issues or are traveling with someone who does, or just don’t like walking or biking, then a rental car is a decent option. Otherwise, save the money for more interesting things and get in some exercise instead.

If you do want to rent a car, you could try any of the standard companies, like Budget or Enterprise. Or if you prefer to rent locally owned, try Tropical Rent a Car. They also offer electric cars, bicycles, and scooters.

Drawbacks To Renting A Car In Key West

There are ways of “beating” the issue, but free and easily accessible parking is limited on the island. Hotels, of course, have parking available, but their lots aren’t terribly convenient for doing anything around the island.

Some restaurants have free parking, and marinas and other activity-based locations — including state parks — also offer parking, but, again, if you’re planning to drive around and park elsewhere, you’ll likely pay a chunk of money. This is one of the main reasons I always pass on renting a car when I hit the Keys.

How Walkable Is Key West?

If you look at a map of Key West, you’ll notice that nearly all of the attractions — from Hemingway’s House to Red Barn Theatre — are located within easy walking distance of each other on the western end of the island. And with 259 average days of sunshine a year, you’re pretty much gauranteed walking weather year-round.

Key West is the Southernmost Point of the US.

Mia2you / Shutterstock

Can You Get Around By Bicycle In Key West?

My favorite way to experience Key West is by bicycle. I tend to bring my own, but you can rent one from any of the dozen or more bike shops located around the island. There are bike stands among the attractions for easy access. Just make sure you use the lock that will be provided with your rental by most bike shops.

You can rent your bikes ahead of time or pick them up the day of. Depending on the tourist population at the time, you may or may not find bikes available on the day of, though. I’ve tried renting a couple of times to discover that none were available due to a festival or other major tourist event, so planning and booking ahead is wise.

Some of the best bike rental shops on Key West include:

Insider’s tip: Make sure you have the rental company adjust the bike seat for your height.

What To Know About Key West’s Public Transportation

For those keen on experiencing the island from a more local perspective, Key West does have a modest public transit service. The buses have stops located around the island at convenient spots near major attractions and shopping zones. Key West’s transit department offers single ride tickets, plus one-day, seven-day, and 31-day passes for your convenience. You can see the schedule and rates on this PDF, which also shows stops on a map of the Keys.

What To Know If You’re Arriving From The Cruise Port

When you get off a cruise in Key West, you’re landing at one of the most coveted spots on the island. The ships dock right where the best views of the sun sinking into the ocean can be seen. If you’re on the island for the day, you’ll have easy access to cabs, buses, and bike rentals right there. Plus, you’re landing in the heart of Key West’s tourist zone, so you’re already in the middle of all the major attractions on the Key.

Weekend Getaway In Asheville, North Carolina: 8 Things To Do

Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina, is a hip, thriving mountain city that’s a near-perfect blend of natural beauty, quirky culture, and delicious local cuisine. It’s a city of superlatives, boasting the largest home in America and the most breweries per capita in the country; GQ even dubbed it “the Coolest City You’ve Never Been To.” Offering everything from hikes through the Blue Ridge Mountains and tours of the legendary Biltmore estate to a stunning botanical garden, great art and music, and unique food and beverages, Asheville is the perfect place to spend a weekend getaway. Here are some of the best things to do in town.

The Biltmore estate in North Carolina.

ZakZeinert / Shutterstock

1. Visit The Largest Home In America

When George Vanderbilt commissioned Biltmore in 1889, he was thinking big — as in palatially, monumentally big. He hired the designer of Central Park, Frederick Law Olmsted, to create the 8,000 acres of formal gardens, verdant forests, and rolling lawns surrounding the 250-room house. The result? The largest private home in America, although home doesn’t quite do justice to this castle-like structure. No matter where you look, you’ll see something dazzling in this now-public attraction, from the massive triple fireplace in the dining room to the bi-level library to the first private indoor bowling alley and indoor pool in the country.

Be sure to take an entire day to explore the house and grounds (especially if you want to get your money’s worth — admission costs $70 per person). Self-guided tours of the home take about 2 hours (spring for the $13 audio tour, which provides fascinating details and background information). Wander the formal Italian gardens and greenhouse that border the house, and then explore the rest of the wooded estate, grab a bite at one of the restaurants in the Antler Hill Village section of the property, take a ride at the equestrian center, or enjoy live music in the library lounge.

Inside the wine shop at Biltmore.

Biltmore

2. Sip And Swirl

Here’s a fun trivia question: Where do you think the most visited winery in the country is? If you guessed Napa or Sonoma, you’re way off! It’s actually the Biltmore Winery in Antler Hill Village, part of the Biltmore estate. Wine tasting in the cavernous and modern wine room is included with admission to the estate. After you discover which of the North Carolina-produced vintages you prefer (the blanc de blancs bubbly is particularly noteworthy), you can buy some to take home at the attached shop. Or sit and savor a glass at the sleek wine bar across from the shop, where you can also order small bites or decadent truffles.

If you want to try some non-local grapes, stop by Cúrate; the all-Spanish wine list helped the stylish tapas bar win a spot on Wine Enthusiast’s “America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants of 2018.” Or visit Biltmore Village (located across from the entrance to the estate — no admission fee required) and drop by Margaret & Maxwell: A Wine Salon, a charming boutique that offers both bottles to buy and a small bar in the back where you can sip a glass on a velvet settee.

3. Enjoy Farm-To-Fork Cuisine

Asheville was the first city in America to be named a green dining destination by the Green Restaurant Association, and it lives up to its farm-to-table reputation with an abundance of restaurants that offer delectable international fare prepared with local ingredients. Try Chestnut in downtown Asheville, which serves new American dishes like decadent crispy pork belly with jalapeño-and-peach barbecue sauce and rich and creamy shrimp and grits, all handcrafted with ingredients from local growers, ranchers, cheesemakers, and dairy farms.

The chefs from Chestnut also run Corner Kitchen in Biltmore Village, which in addition to dinner and lunch offers breakfast and brunch; it sports a charming outdoor patio for dining al fresco. Also in Biltmore Village is the romantic Red Stag Grill in the Grand Bohemian Hotel. With its hunting-lodge aura and gorgeous autumn palette, it’s the perfect place to settle in and savor the locavore menu, which offers everything from grilled elk strip loin to mountain trout with Anson Mills grits. Red Stag offers a bargain lunch during the week for just $10 for three courses, allowing you to enjoy the plush room while still having enough left over to splurge on a bottle of wine from the restaurant’s impressive cellar.

Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.

Dave Allen Photography / Shutterstock

4. Immerse Yourself In Nature

The Blue Ridge Mountains and the scenic road — known as the Blue Ridge Parkway — that runs along its rolling ridges are renowned for their panoramic views and stunning scenery. To enjoy all the spectacular vistas, take a slow drive along the twisting, climbing road and stop at the multiple overlooks, each offering a perfect photo opportunity. But be sure to pack some sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes, because to truly experience the beauty of the area, you need to get out and explore the greenery. Many people like to hike the Great Craggy Mountains, and in particular the 1-mile Craggy Pinnacle Trail, which offers 360-degree views of the mountains.

For something a little more adventurous, consider heading to Pisgah National Forest and Sliding Rock, a natural 60-foot waterslide that plunges into an 8-foot-deep pool that’s a favorite of locals. Celebrate your exhilarating dip at Dolly’s Dairy Bar, where the homemade scoops draw crowds from miles around.

5. Tap Into Asheville’s Beer Scene

If you like suds, you’re going to want to leave plenty of time to raise a few cold ones in Asheville, which has more breweries per capita than any other city in the United States. With nearly 100 microbreweries in the city and just beyond its borders, there is something for you, whether you like hoppy IPAs, dark stouts, fruity sours, or crisp lagers. A few breweries to try include Hi-Wire Brewing, which has multiple locations in the city with expansive tasting rooms, plenty of citrusy IPAs, and easy-drinking lagers; Green Man Brewery, the second-oldest brewery in Asheville, known for its ales and its cool three-story indoor/outdoor taproom and brewery; and Wicked Weed Brewing, which specializes in West Coast-style hoppy ales, barrel-aged sours, and fermented Belgian beers. You can sample the Wicked Weed beers and get some great pub grub at both the Funkatorium and the Pub locations.

6. Listen To Music Outdoors

Stroll through downtown Asheville to discover the toe-tapping melodies that run through the Appalachian Mountains. Outdoor performers pick banjos, strum guitars, and sing all evening on the weekends. On Friday night, head down to the square for a different side of Asheville: a drum circle that draws hundreds of percussionists, dancers, and people-watchers.

Don’t worry if the weather doesn’t cooperate on your weekend visit; there are plenty of indoor music venues in town, too, including The Orange Peel, which hosts well-known acts like Lord Huron and the Alabama Shakes, and the Alley Cat Social Club, with its laid-back atmosphere and up-and-coming local acts.

River Arts District, Asheville, North Carolina.
aceshot1 / Shutterstock.com

7. Shop For One-Of-A-Kind Works Of Art

Don’t forget to spend a day in Asheville’s River Arts District (RAD), where more than 200 local artists have studios and galleries in 23 different historic buildings along a mile-long stretch of the French Broad River. Some artists operate from museum-like spaces that are open every day, while some share multiroom spaces that are only open for a few hours or days a week. However, no matter when you arrive, there will always be something to see, whether paintings, pottery, glass, or polished minerals and gemstones — and it’s all free to explore (although if you decide to purchase something, that’s a different story). You’ll also find spots to eat and drink throughout the RAD.

Feeling inspired to create something of your own? The North Carolina Glass Center offers glassblowing workshops where you can create your very own work of art, such as a blown-glass ornament or paperweight. The shortest classes take just 30 minutes, and fees start at $60 per person.

On the second Saturday of each month, you can ride a free trolley to each building, watch demonstrations, meet the artists, and even enjoy refreshments.

North Carolina Arboretum Garden in Asheville.
Jill Lang / Shutterstock.com

8. Stop To Smell The Flowers

Every season brings a new reason to visit the 434-acre North Carolina Arboretum. In the spring, a riot of azaleas bloom. Other blossoms delight in the summer, and in the fall, the leaves of the towering trees along the Bent Creek Road thoroughfare turn to brilliant hues of crimson and gold. Forest Meadow, which was designed with a special emphasis on fall color, is also glorious in autumn, and in winter, there’s a special holly garden in bloom. There are miles of hiking and biking trails, and special events are held in the outdoor amphitheater. Note that parking costs $14 per car, but there’s no other entrance fee.

If you’re ready to book your own Asheville getaway, check out these rental homes:

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12 Excellent Hidden Gems In Portland, Maine

Mention Portland, Maine, and a number of images are sure to come to mind. For most, that will no doubt involve a view of the spectacular Portland Head Light, coupled with cravings for Maine’s succulent fresh-caught lobster served up in the rustic Old Port.

And certainly, those iconic attractions are must-dos on any trip to Portland.

But the city along the Atlantic Ocean’s Casco Bay is much more than that. Portland offers scenic, historic, and sometimes quirky experiences that go far beyond the postcard-perfect Portland Head Light.

From a Civil War-era island fort that was never actually used in wartime, to an opportunity to watch whoopie pies in the making, to a biking and hiking trail that follows an old railroad line through pine forests and a saltwater marsh, the Portland scene is fun and richly layered.

Walk the cobblestone streets of this delightful Maine city, and hidden gems and little-known treasures will appear around every corner. Here are 12 of Portland’s best.

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse in Portland.

Stuart Monk / Shutterstock

1. Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse

When it comes to lighthouses, the Portland area has almost an embarrassment of riches. While the cliffside Portland Head Light gets much of the attention, a few others shine as well.

Take the lovely Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse in South Portland. Unique for its boulders that form a 900-foot breakwater, Spring Point seems to float above the sea. Visitors can walk along the breakwater to the lighthouse, where volunteers conduct tours on select dates (posted on the organization’s Facebook page). Other lesser-known area lighthouses include the Bug Light and the Two Lights Lighthouse.

The Wadsworth-Longfellow House in Portland.

Wikimedia Commons (CC0 1.0)

2. Wadsworth-Longfellow House

Anyone who grew up hearing famous lines like “One if by land, and two if by sea” and “The day is cold, and dark, and dreary” will surely appreciate the fact that the home in which beloved poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow spent his youth now serves as a memorial to Portland’s most famous native son.

The essence of the poet who penned the classics “Paul Revere’s Ride,” “The Song of Hiawatha,” and “The Rainy Day” is palpable in the 1780s-era family home. In 1901 — two decades after Longfellow’s death — his younger sister Anne Longfellow Pierce deeded the house to the Maine Historical Society as a monument to her brother. Today, visitors can wander through the brick home and adjoining garden. The Wadsworth-Longfellow House is open from May to October. Tours are available for $15.

3. Eastern Trail

The route that once carried train passengers between Boston and Portland now attracts bicyclists and hikers in search of recreation and exercise.

Since the early 1990s, an effort has been underway to convert sections of Maine’s long-abandoned old Eastern Railroad line into the Eastern Trail. Along the route, trail users might come upon scenes such as snowy-white egrets wading in the saltwater pools of the Scarborough Marsh, the ebb and flow of the tides in the Portland Harbor, and the pine forests of Kennebunk. The trail begins in the north at the Bug Light in South Portland and goes south to Kittery; it’s more than 50 miles long. While long stretches are separated from roads, trail maps direct users to streetside lanes in other sections.

Fort Gorges in Portland.

Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5)

4. Fort Gorges

For the adventurous, Fort Gorges looms as an irresistible destination in Portland’s Casco Bay. Located less than 2 miles from Portland, the island fort is visible from all over the city but is accessible only by small boat. Along with its hidden-in-full-sight status, the fort is fascinating for its wartime history. Built during the Civil War era, Fort Gorges became obsolete even before it was completely constructed, and no troops were ever stationed there, nor battles fought there.

Today, the 1864 fort is open for exploration at your own risk, and can be accessed through sea-kayaking tours.

5. Gourmet Whoopie Pies

By official decree, the whoopie pie is the state treat of Maine, and varieties of the marshmallow-creme-filled cookie dessert can be found all over the state. The designation is fraught with some controversy, though, because at least five states — Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Maine — claim to be the birthplace of the famous sweet. Maine made it official in 2011, when a bill in the state legislature named the whoopie pie the state treat.

For a gourmet version, head to Cape Whoopies, a bakery/café in South Portland where a glassed-walled viewing area lets you watch a rainbow of flavors — red velvet, peanut butter and chocolate, and dark chocolate and strawberry — being packed into soft-mounded cookies.

6. Portland Farmers’ Market

From cheddar cheese to wild mushrooms to rhubarb pastries, the Portland Farmers’ Market at the pretty Deering Oaks Park serves up a bold taste of Maine. The open-air market features more than 40 Maine farmers and food producers every week, from spring through Thanksgiving.

Add in whimsical buskers playing classical violin, Jamaican drums, or reading tarot cards, and you have the makings of a memorable Saturday morning.

Old Orchard Beach near Portland, Maine.

Jon Bilous / Shutterstock

7. Old Orchard Beach

Seven miles of wide sandy beach, a quaint wooden pier, a Ferris wheel, and fried bread — all in one spot? Yes, Old Orchard Beach delivers the quintessential summertime beach experience just a half hour or so from downtown Portland. For more than 170 years, Mainers have made Old Orchard Beach their go-to summer spot, but the beach is not as well known among visitors from other locales.

Along with the variety of eateries and shops on the pier, the adjacent Palace Playland amusement park offers carnival rides and arcade games. Old Orchard Beach also features lively dining and nightlife options and a host of oceanside accommodations.

8. Sea Bags

Nothing says sea breezes quite like a sailboat, and Portland’s Sea Bags offers a vestige of that salty air, all wrapped up in a fashion statement. Tucked away in the quaint Old Port area, the wood-sided shop sells a wide range of totes, picnic baskets, wine bags, and pillows — all made from sails recycled from working sailboats.

The company says the brightly colored sails “soak up sun, salt, smiles, and adventure,” and that aura is transferred to the nautically inspired bags. “It’s this previous life that makes each bag unique,” says the Sea Bags website. Along with its rows and racks of pretty bags, Portland’s Sea Bags store gives shoppers a glimpse into the production side with its sewing room, where seamstresses create the bags on-site.

The Holy Donut in Portland, Maine.
  SakuraLovesNY / Shutterstock.com

9. The Holy Donut

Mashed potatoes and donuts may not be your typical pairing, but in Portland, they’re a natural. The Holy Donut, a local phenomenon, got its start in 2011 when the company founder began experimenting with as many local ingredients as possible to find the perfect donut recipe. The winning ingredient turned out to be Maine potatoes — mashed, to give the donuts a moist texture.

Today, the company has three locations in the Portland area. The Old Port location is most convenient for visitors, but for a local atmosphere, head to the original spot on Park Avenue. The Holy Donut now produces two million donuts a year, including creative flavors such as pomegranate, chocolate sea salt, and maple bacon.

The Eastern Promenade in Portland.

PortlandMaine.gov

10. Eastern Promenade

For Casco Bay views that never quit, locals head to Portland’s Eastern Promenade, a 78-acre city park that boasts a design by noted 19th-century landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.

The park, which hosts the city’s annual July 4 fireworks display, features the Eastern Promenade Multi-Use Trail, Will’s Playground, a public boat ramp, a hand-launch boat ramp, East End Beach, a community garden, and world-class sledding in the winter months.

It also offers some of the city’s best views of the Portland Harbor.

The Liberty Ship Memorial in Portland.

Jay Yuan / Shutterstock

11. Liberty Ship Memorial

The spot is relatively serene these days, but 75 years ago, the Bug Light Park area was humming with World War II shipbuilding activity. An estimated 30,000 people — many of them women who came to be known as “Wendy the Welders” — worked at the site from 1941 to 1945, building liberty ships for the New England Shipbuilding Corporation and the South Portland Shipbuilding Corporation. In all, 236 liberty ships and 30 British ocean-class vessels were produced at the spot.

The Liberty Ship Memorial — a steel sculpture in the shape of a ship — commemorates their work.

12. Inkwell

Located in the lobby of the luxurious, newspaper-themed Press Hotel, the Inkwell café occupies the space that once served as the Portland Press Herald city room. The charming coffee bar and lounge recreate the energy of that busy spot.

Offering coffee and pastries early in the day, Inkwell transitions to small-plate appetizers, cocktails, and local craft beers later in the day and evening. Along with the creative food and drink offerings, another major benefit of Inkwell is that hotel guests and non-guests alike can soak up the fascinating news-focused décor in the hotel lobby, complete with tables topped with historic headlines, and vintage typewriters on the walls.

The Incredible Man-Made (Accidentally) Geyser In The Middle Of Nevada

In the middle of the Black Rock Desert, 20 miles north of the tiny town of Gerlach, Nevada, sits a wonder ripped straight out of the pages of Dr. Suess. Fly Geyser truly needs to be seen to be believed, and fortunately, this man-made marvel is now open to the public.

Fly Geyser is the rainbow-hued result of a test well gone wrong. In 1964, an energy company tapped into the hot water underneath Fly Geyser but found it totally unsuitable for their needs. They sealed the test well shut, but the lid was compromised and Fly Geyser continued gushing out scalding water. This created the perfect environment for thermophilic algae to flourish on its sides. The algae sprouted up in every shade of the rainbow and is what gives Fly Geyser its otherworldly appeal today.

Fly Geyser is part of the 3,800-acre Fly Ranch property, which was purchased by the Burning Man Project in 2016. In 2018, Burning Man opened tours of Fly Ranch and Fly Geyser to the public, and since then people have been streaming in to check out the incredible colorations of this accidental man-made wonder.

Fly Geyser at sunset.

Rylandwest / Shutterstock

Exploring Fly Geyser

If you want to get up close and personal with the most unique geyser in the world, you must purchase tickets for a guided tour. There is a strict no-tolerance policy when it comes to trespassing, so make sure that you book your tickets well in advance.

Additionally, Fly Ranch is a device-free zone, so leave your smartphones tucked away. It’s the best way to immerse yourself in the spectacular natural beauty while you’re there.

The guided tours are conducted by the Friends of Black Rock-High Rock and run roughly three hours long. Wear comfortable close-toed shoes and put on ample sunscreen and insect repellent. The pace is leisurely and the vast majority of the walk is flat, but it can still be challenging in the heat of the Nevada sun. It’s also important to hydrate more than you think you need to when you’re doing outdoor activities in the desert.

Fly Geyser in Nevada.

Lukas Bischoff Photograph / Shutterstock

Getting To Fly Ranch

It’s an understatement to say that Fly Ranch is off the beaten path. There are no major airports that serve Gerlach, with the notable exception of Burning Man’s airport, which is not easily accessible or comfortable for the average traveler.

It’s far better to fly into Reno-Tahoe International Airport and drive to Fly Ranch. The road trip takes about an hour and a half, and is an easy journey down a well-marked stretch of highway. If you opt to drive from Reno, you can easily visit Fly Geyser in a single day.

Technicolor Fly Geyser is still not on the tourist radar, and their device-free policy means that you won’t be jostling with tons of other travelers trying to get the perfect Instagram picture. If you want to check out a harmonious and beautiful blend of man-made mistake and biodiversity, Fly Geyser needs to be on your travel to-do list.

All about natural wonders? Don’t miss these eight incredible places that don’t look like they’re on this planet, or stunning places you won’t believe are in the U.S.

Exploring Billings, Montana: The Best Things To See And Do

Billings, the largest city in Montana, is often overshadowed by its famous neighbor, Yellowstone National Park. But Billings is a phenomenal destination with a fantastic mix of history, culture, art, and nature. Whether you’re in town for a day or a week, these are the attractions, restaurants, and shops that should be at the top of your list.

Experience The Wild West

If you’ve always longed to take a trip back in time to the Wild West, a visit to the Western Heritage Center is a must. This world-class museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, brings the history of Billings, the surrounding area, and the Yellowstone River Valley to life through interactive exhibits and a variety of artifacts. The basement gallery has been renovated to look like the lobby of a 1930s dude ranch lodge!

When you visit, take a few extra moments to fawn over the building itself. Originally the Parmly Billings Memorial Library, it’s one of the oldest buildings in Billings and is on the National Register of Historic Places. (And not to spread rumors, but just about everyone in Billings will tell you that there are some serious ghost stories about this place.)

Visit The Place Where Cattle And Classical Music Meet

At Tippet Rise, cattle and classical music go hand in hand. This 10,000-acre working sheep and cattle ranch, located 150 miles from Yellowstone National Park and 70 miles from Billings, is also a world-class art and performance venue. With its massive open-air sculpture garden, wooden concert hall, and hiking and cycling trails, it’s an amazing blend of art and nature, with the modern sculptures seeming perfectly at home in the foothills of the Beartooth Mountains. With their energy-efficient lighting, geothermal heating, and solar power, the performance venues have a near net-zero energy consumption level. If this sounds like a fantastically cool place to visit, that’s because it absolutely is. Time named it one of the 100 greatest places to visit in 2018.

Travel Back In Time

On the surface, the Yellowstone County Museum looks like a small pioneer log cabin, but 15,000 artifacts related to local history are displayed on the lower level. Some of the prized pieces in the collection are chuck wagons, Native American art and artifacts, and authentic cowboy tools.

The Yellowstone County Museum is free to visit and conveniently located on the grounds of Billings Logan International Airport. The area is known as “the Rims” because it’s part of the Rimrocks geological formation. It’s well worth arriving early for your flight just to check out the museum. A trip to the museum is an easy way to squeeze in some history and culture, and the breadth of the collection blows visitors away. It’s a 2-minute walk from the airport entrance to the museum’s doors. Note that the museum is closed Sundays, Mondays, holidays, and the entire month of January.

Pompeys Pillar in Montana.

Traveller70 / Shutterstock

See Some Of The Country’s Most Famous Graffiti

It’s hard to convey just how important Pompeys Pillar is, but suffice it to say that it’s home to the most precious graffiti in the United States. This sandstone rock outcrop, a national monument located about 30 miles east of Billings, reads like a who’s who of Western frontier history. It features etchings of animals and other symbols carved by the people who used the area as a meeting point and campground thousands of years ago. And it famously bears the signature of one Captain William Clark, who carved his name there in 1806.

Clark’s signature is the only visible evidence of the Lewis and Clark expedition that is accessible to the public in this part of the world, and the etching is as crisp as if it were just made. And the “Pompey” of Pompeys Pillar? He was Sacagawea’s 18-month-old son and accompanied his mother and Lewis and Clark on their expedition. If only these rocks could talk!

Pictograph Caves State Park, Billings, Montana.
Pictograph Caves State Park
Photo credit: Jacob Boomsma / Shutterstock.com

Go Spelunking

Billings’s art, food, and culture scene might be thriving downtown, but travel just 5 minutes away and you’ll be transported to another world, untouched by the nearby urban life. Pictograph Caves State Park consists of three main caves — Pictograph, Middle, and Ghost Caves — each containing pictographs, or rock art, dating back some 2,000 years. There is evidence that humans have inhabited the area for more than 3,000 years, and you can see some of the 30,000 artifacts that have been excavated in the visitor center, including stone tools and weapons. The area also offers fantastic bird-watching.

A biker at Swords Rimrock Park.

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Get Ready To Rock And Roll

Swords Rimrock Park and Black Otter Trail is the place to go to shake off the stress of travel and enjoy nature. This rock formation near the airport offers scenic drives, walking trails, and jogging trails for outdoorsy travelers. For those who want a bit more exercise, gorgeous bike paths run along the Rimrocks Bluff (at an elevation of about 600 feet — talk about amazing views!). It’s a great way to check out the Yellowstone Kelly Interpretive Site.

If you’re really adventurous (in other words, the opposite of me), you can go rock climbing or rappel down the face of the rocks. Thrill-seekers will love it!

Enjoy Some Of The Country’s Best Brew Pubs

Great craft beer seems practically mandatory for all small cities these days, and Billings is no exception. The city has a brewery walking trail, the only one in Montana. It’s home to six breweries, two distilleries, and a cider house, all located on a 1.5-mile trail. If that’s not enough, Billings offers plenty of other opportunities to taste great beer. There are about 40 bars in the city, so no matter your preferred brew or cocktail, there’s something for you.

Eating And Drinking In Billings, Montana

City Brew Coffee

This regional chain has eight different locations across Billings. Don’t miss its creamy summer coffee drinks in a wide variety of flavors, perfect for cooling down in the heat. The stores also sell whole beans in a variety of roasts and styles.

Rock Creek Coffee Roasters

Rock Creek Coffee Roasters roasts its own coffee in small batches for the freshest possible flavor. The company is really involved in the community, hosting meetings, sponsoring events, and supporting other businesses.

Ebon Coffee Collective

A hipster hangout, Ebon Coffee Collective is the only place in town where you can get avocado toast and a cortado. If the rose vanilla bean shortbread is on the menu, be sure to grab it!

The Burger Dive

The Burger Dive is home to lots of creative burgers, a few classics, and even some veggie options. Try the Date with Jim Beam and Coke burger. This World Food Championships champion burger comes with bourbon date and Coke barbecue sauce, roasted garlic, arugula, smoked gouda, and garlic basil mayo. Yum!

Bin 119

Bin 119, an American bistro and wine bar, is perfect for a romantic dinner. The restaurant specializes in steak and seafood, as well as pasta and paninis. And, as you can imagine, the wine selection is amazing!

The Field House

Everything at The Field House, a restaurant specializing in local, sustainable food, is homemade — even the ketchup! Keep an eye out for the spicy noodle bowls, meatloaf sandwich with huckleberry barbecue sauce, and elaborate cheese and meat platters.

Shopping In Billings, Montana

This House Of Books

This House of Books isn’t just a bookshop — it’s a community-owned cooperative with a mission to turn the bookshop into a cultural and literary hub for the city. There’s also an on-site tea shop offering more than 100 different kinds of tea and tea blends.

Hippy Cowgirl

This super cute boutique has a huge selection of funky clothing (as well as cowboy boots and belts!).

Yarn Bar

Crafters, be warned: You are going to fall in love with the Yarn Bar! The yarn is gorgeous, and the selection of accessories is second to none. The store sponsors movie nights at the local Art House Cinema, where knitters are encouraged to work on their craft while enjoying a movie, treats, and socializing.

Other Cool Places To Check Out

Art House Cinema

So much more than a movie theater, Art House Cinema is a nonprofit independent theater that features a mix of popular releases and foreign films. And beer is on tap for just $4!

The Reef Indoor Water Park

Kids and grandkids are sure to love Montana’s largest water park — and it’s a ton of fun for adults, too. The Reef Indoor Water Park is home to amazing waterslides, a wave pool, a water basketball court, relaxing hot tubs, and much more.

DanWalt Gardens

This beautiful public garden offers three acres of perennials, specializes in hibiscus, and bills itself as “Billings’s best-kept secret.” It might just be right! Note that visitation between November and April is by appointment only.

Must-Visit Places In Key West You Probably Haven’t Heard Of

Travelers hear the name Key West and think sparkling white sand beaches, sinking sunsets, and Key lime pie. Cruise ships sail in, visitors bike their way around the island, and the southernmost point in the Continental United States receives millions of visitors each year.

Key West rooster.
Joe Dube / Shutterstock.com

But did you know that the Key West roosters are more photographed than any other residents and Key West beaches are made of imported sand?

The island is home to intriguing histories and fascinating folks who present visitors with astonishingly delicious conch fritters and walking tours out of the Key West Cemetery.

And while visiting Hemingway’s House and the numerous six-toed cats who reside there is pretty awesome, there’s so much more to Key West than just its ultra-touristy spots.

Shop

Wanderlust Key West

310 Petronia Street

A small boutique clothing store tucked away on Petronia Street, Wanderlust offers fun, quirky gifts, accessories, and clothing, much of which is created by local artisans.

Wanderlust Key West is owned and operated by Casey, a trained architect who got an itch to travel and get away from a desk and drawing pad. She traveled. She visited Key West. She stayed.

Casey puts her love of color, texture, and design into the style of the shop and her choices in the product lines she sells. Enjoy artwork, handcrafted jewelry, and more as you shop between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m Monday to Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

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Dine

First Flight Island Restaurant And Brewery

301 Whitehead Street

If you’ve got a thing for good food, great drinks, and interesting history, then drop into First Flight for happy hour. You’ll not only enjoy some great cocktails and locally themed brews, you’ll also get to explore the history of the world-famous Pan American World Airways, birthed in the building in 1927.

The first tickets for Pan Am flights were sold out of this building, and the airline was originally a mail and passenger courier service between Key West and Cuba. And while the company may have fizzled out back in 1991, it was a true innovator in the world of jet craft, aviation, and computerized reservation systems, contributing to what we now consider “the basics” when it comes to commercial airline services.

The restaurant and brewery are open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. They also have shows and a fantastic event venue.

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Seven Fish Restaurant

921 Truman Avenue

If you’re looking for really great seafood, this lesser-known restaurant is a great place to start. Serving snapper, crab, banana chicken, and sometimes even the invasive lionfish, you’ll want to peruse the catch of the day, drink some chardonnay, and try the banana flambe for dessert.

The restaurant has been around for over 20 years and has become an island classic with unique architecture and a modern bistro feel. They’re known for their 7 Fish Meatloaf — a local favorite — and the Thai curry snapper.

Seven Fish is open Wednesday through Monday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., making it the perfect spot for dinner.

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Hogfish Bar And Grill

6810 Front Street, Stock Island

Technically, Hogfish is just north of Key West, but if you’re trying to avoid the crowds on Duval Street, you’ll want to check in here. It’s out of the way and less obvious thanks to its location in the fishing fleet docks, and that means you know the seafood is super fresh and locals are the dominant crowd.

This joint takes you back to the way the Keys used to be with its low-key atmosphere, great views, and incredibly fresh seafood. Hogfish has live music on the weekends and outdoor dining. Try the Hogfish Filet with Key lime vinaigrette, the Key West Mixed Seafood Ceviche, the amazing Killer Tuna Nachos, and the Southern fried green tomatoes for the ultimate Keys feast.

Hogfish is open 11 a.m. to midnight every day but Sunday, when they open at 9 a.m.

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Ana’s Cafe Cubanos

531 Greene Street

Key West is only 90-miles from Cuba, and that means you should try some great Cuban food while you’re in town. Ana’s Cafe Cubano is close to the southernmost point of the United States (and that famous buoy!) as well as the Key West Shipwreck Museum and Mallory Square, so it’s super convenient to many of your tourist must-sees already.

You can try spicy Cuban food like hot Fiery Cuban or Spicy Cuban sandwiches, chicken or beef empanadas, or a refreshing papaya smoothie to go. You won’t regret the barbecue pork sandwich or cafe con leche, either.

Ana’s is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Carry-out hours are 7 a.m. to 7:40 p.m.

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Explore

The Key West AIDS Memorial

White Street Pier

The Key West AIDS Memorial.

Key West AIDS Memorial

In 1988, Key West had the highest per capita AIDS rates in the United States. The residents of the island battled this epidemic and became a refuge for hundreds of others who were diagnosed with AIDS and living elsewhere. Many of these folks moved to Key West to flee from the stigma and ostracization by a world that didn’t understand the syndrome.

The Key West Annual World AIDS Day ceremony has been going on since December 1, 1998, and the AIDS memorial was placed on the island as a solid tribute that can be experienced year-round by visitors, honoring the memory of many who have lived, worked, and visited Key West and suffered with and died from AIDS.

You can see the names of those who have died of AIDS throughout the memorial as you walk the pathway approaching White Street Pier. The Key West AIDS Memorial is the only official municipal AIDS memorial in the world.

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The Key West African Memorial

Higgs Beach

At quiet Higgs Beach in early morning, you’ll find an unusual memorial of pillars and artwork spread across the platform space at a site now designated as a remembrance of the slave ships that were intercepted there in 1860.

That year, three slave ships were brought to Key West rather than being allowed to continue on to Cuba. The ships carried men, women, and children from Liberia, Benin, and the Congo Basin. The passengers were ill-treated, malnourished, and ill, many dying before they reached the refuge in Key West. Of the Africans aboard the ships, 295 died in the less than three months on the island, then the rest were “returned” to Liberia where they were given apprenticeships.

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum.
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In 1990, Florida Keys historian Gail Swanson found evidence of a burial site in Key West. The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum organized an archeological survey of Higgs Beach, where Swanson believed the site was. Monroe County staff and volunteers discovered the graves of the slaves who’d died through use of ground-penetrating radar that showed graves lined in rows along the beach. The site was not excavated out of respect for the sanctity of the graves.

Instead, the unique memorial an an informational plaque were erected in their vicinity. Now king Adegbolu Adefunmi of the Yoruba tribe in America performed a consecration ceremony over the site to honor the dead in 2002.

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Little-Known Trails On Key West

AllTrails app.
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The AllTrails app offers some great insight into the lovely trails and paths around Key West, whether you want to walk from Duval Street down to the Fort or ride the perimeter of the island. But the best way to experience a true taste of the natural beauty of Key West is by finding the little gaps and tiny trails leading out to the water from the sidewalks at the “edge” of the island.

As you make your way around the outer edge of the island — where you can see the Florida mangrove trees — you’ll notice some signs that read, “Walk at your own risk. Obstacles on trail.” These little signs — and other obscure postings — actually demark splendid trails that may last only 50 yards or half a mile. They can take you out to swampy areas, tiny beaches, and other public spaces that reveal the natural foliage of the island in secluded spots most tourists never see.

The trails may be dirt paths, boardwalks, or paved asphalt. Any and all lead to treasures of island beauty tucked away in pockets you wouldn’t have realized exist on the island.