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Florida

Florida travel destinations include Key West top attractions in modern day travel indelibly immerses you in a 400-year historical vortex.  There’s something for everyone  in the southernmost city in the U.S.   Also, located in the Florida Straits, the Gulf Stream cultivates these islands with colorful & plentiful fish, reefs, sponges and lobsters.

Key West was once the wealthiest city per capita in the U.S.  However, during the Great Depression it plummeted to one of the poorest communities in the U.S.  However, tourism became revitalized to resurrect the island, remaining at the heart of its economy.   After visiting Key West many times as my port-of-call, plus a long weekend 20 years ago, here is my list of top 10 things to do.  Key West is a wonderful place for a walking tour as most everything is within walking or biking distance.

    Key West Florida Southernmost Point
    Florida

    Top 10 Things to Do in Historic Key West, Florida

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    written by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac

    This historic Florida key is famous for its unique vibe with swaying palm trees, turquoise waters, tropical flowers and Queen Anne architecture.   There’s something for everyone to enjoy in the southernmost city in the U.S.   Located in the Florida Straits, the Gulf Stream cultivates these islands with colorful fish and reefs. Nature and culture intertwine as the 10 top Key West attractions.

    Key West was once the wealthiest city per capita in the U.S.  However, during the Great Depression it plummeted to one of the poorest communities in the U.S.  Tourism was revitalized to resurrect the island, remaining at the heart of its economy.   Key West is a wonderful place for a walking tour as most everything is within walking or biking distance. 

    10 Key West Top Attractions

    Key West Florida Duval Street
    Duval Street
    IMG_3802
    Duvall Street

    Duval Street: This bustling street is raucous with open air restaurants, bars, music, and shops.   Sloppy Joe’s is a historic landmark, where visitors can tip their drinks to Hemingway in his favorite hangout. 

    Southernmost Point in the U.S. and 0-mile marker for HWY 1 Photo Op:  Walking south from Mallory Square to the Atlantic Ocean takes you to the Southernmost Part of the Continental U.S.  There is usually a long wait with tourists, so patience needed for the photo op.  Nearby is the famous Road sign for the 0-mile marker for Highway 1. 

    Mallory Square is like the sun from which the streets radiate like rays of light. 

    Key West View
    View from Shipwreck Museum

    Mallory Square Marketplace and Sunset Festival: Mallory Square is the heartbeat of Key West and location for the Sunset Festival, where people gather every night to watch it melt into the Gulf of Mexico.  The Market Place has a Sponge Market, as Key West is the world’s largest sponge supplier, Aquarium and Key West Shipwreck Museum. Also, there’s a lookout tower to see all of Key West at this museum.

    Related: Historic Key West Sponge Market & Health Benefits

    Audubon House and Tropical Gardens: Firstly, John Audubon did not live here.  This mansion takes you back in time, showcasing 19th century life of a maritime wrecker.  However, it displays antique, hand colored original Audubon engravings and lithographs of bird.  It is an opportunity to learn and perceive the vast contribution Audubon made from his great works studying and painting the Birds of America.

    Key West Literary Tours Relive the Bohemian Lifestyle of its Legendary Artists

    Hemingway House - Key West Florida
    Hemingway House

    Literary Tours: A highlight of Key West is the literary icon, Ernest Hemingway Home, where he lived from 1931-9 with his 50+ polydactyl cats.  Key West has since then been a thriving place for writers.  The Key West Heritage House Museum commemorates the gathering place for Tennessee Williams and Elizabeth Bishop, including the Robert Frost cottage, where he resided for 16 winters.  Also, there is a Tennessee Williams Museum at the playwright’s home for 34 years.

    Related: Hemingway’s Key West Home Tour – Literature, Lifestyle & Cats

    IMG_3781
    Harry S. Truman Little White House

    Harry S. Truman Little White House: This served as a functioning white house and presidential retreat for many U.S. Presidents: Truman, Jimmy Carter, John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton and Dwight D. Eisenhower. This is an amazing opportunity to learn about some amazing political history that happened right here in Key West.

    Key Lime Pie is the Epicurean Symbol

    Key Lime Pie: A symbol of Key West is the delicious Key Lime Pie, a tart and creamy delight!  The story goes that the wealthy ship salvager, William Curry’s cook made it for him.  There are numerous stores with many Key Lime Pie options.  My favorites are the Key Lime/Coconut Pie and the frozen key lime pie on a stick. 

    Key West Florida Lighthouse
    Key West Lighthouse

    Key West Lighthouse: This historic lighthouse opened in 1848, with a woman as its keeper, which was rare back then. Today, the lighthouse is a museum about the Key West maritime heritage. Visitors can climb the 88 stairs to the top for a view.

    Dry Tortugas National Park by Bryan Goff – unsplash.com

    Dry Tortugas National Park: West of Key West, this park consists of 7 small islands and coral reefs. It’s accessible by the Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry Yankee Freedom III.  On Garden Key is beaches and the 19th-century Fort Jefferson. Loggerhead Key has sea turtles and a lighthouse. Also, the nearby Loggerhead Reef is popular as a diving spot to see the Windjammer Wreck, the remains of an 1875 ship.

    Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservancy: This rainforest setting showcases more than 50 species of free flying butterflies. You can immerse yourself among hundreds of colorful live butterflies and a variety of tropical birds in a glass enclosed area. Also, there is a learning center for interesting knowledge about butterflies and catterpillars.

    Overall…

    IMG_3808

    My favorite thing about this unique island is the literary history and influence.  When there, my literary dreams and goals were galvanized.  I can’t help but believe that the spirit of Hemingway, Frost, Williams & Bishop live on to inspire all those who visit this creative island.

    April 13, 2025 0 comments
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  • CaribbeanFlorida

    20 Best Things to Do in Colorful Miami

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025

    What can I say, I love Miami!  You can’t help but get cheered up here with its colorful and carefree atmosphere.  From the vibrant art deco architecture near the turquoise beaches to …

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  • FloridaTravel Wellness Trips

    Historic Key West, Florida Sponge Market and Health Benefits

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac February 20, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac February 20, 2025

    Key West Sponge Market is at the heart of a historical landmark, Mallory Square.  Seeing this first caught my attention when visiting Key West this year.  This is a perfect example on …

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  • Florida

    Hemingway’s Exotic Key West Home Tour – Literature, Lifestyle & Cats

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac February 1, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac February 1, 2025

    Touring the Key West Hemingway Home is a fascinating way, to learn about the most prolific writing period of this Nobel Prize winner.  His adventurous lifestyle and personality come back to life, …

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  • Florida

    How to Plan a Day at Kennedy Space Center in Port Canaveral, Florida with Top 15 Attractions

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac February 1, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac February 1, 2025

    The Kennedy Space Center in Port Canaveral is an awesome place to learn and experience NASA’s history and future in space travel.   There is so much to do, and it can be …

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Hello, Hola, Namaste, Ni hao, Ciao and Bonjour! My name is Trudy and I have been traveling like everyday is my last, over the last 10 years. I've visited 105 countries and still counting! As an Acupuncturist and traveler, I love sharing my experiences and tips on travel and wellness. Feel free to join below my community for coupons and latest travel guides.

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On the Vracar plateau, the Church of Saint Sava is On the Vracar plateau, the Church of Saint Sava is the largest Orthodox church in the Balkans and second largest in the world. Saint Sava is the founder of the Serbian Orthodox church. The church’s construction lasted from 1935 to 1989. It became delayed by WW II and the Yugoslavian communism, that didn’t allow for building churches. 

Shaped like a Greek Cross, the facade consists of white marble and granite in a Neo-Byzantine style. Its dome is one of the largest in the world. The mosaics are spectacular, with the central mosaic in the dome depicting the Ascension of Jesus.

To learn more about Belgrade, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/belgrade-serbia-top-attractions-in-2-days/

#belgrade #serbia #serbiatourism #churchesofinstagram #templeofsaintsava #balkans #europetravels #easterneurope #belgradephoto #belgradeserbia #travelblogger #wanderlust
Just 15 minutes from Mostar is the Blagaj Dervish Just 15 minutes from Mostar is the Blagaj Dervish Monastery. It sits at the source of the Buna River which flows out of a cave beneath a canyon wall. The beautiful tekke (lodge) displays Ottoman Sufi architecture from the 15th century. 

The white building reflects on the turquoise river. Inside you’ll find a small mosque, guest rooms and mausoleums. Dervishes of the Sufi orders stayed here for spiritual retreats over the centuries. Today, it is open for tourist of all faiths to learn about this sacred site and the Sufi tradition. 

We explored the riverside and view of Blagaj from across the river. Also, with our shoes off, we enjoyed an indoor tour of the monastery. 

To learn more about Mostar, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/mostar-tour-highlights/

#blagaj #dervish #monastery #mostar #bosniaandherzegovina #balkans #instatravelling #i̇nstatravel #easterneurope #europetravel #bosnia #traveladdict #retreat #wanderlust #solotraveling
Mostar is a gorgeous gem of the Balkans. Its uniqu Mostar is a gorgeous gem of the Balkans. Its unique blend of cultural diversity, riveting history and natural beauty offers an inspiring escape. I traveled solo in Mostar for 2 days, exploring the Old Town along with day trips. Mostar's main attraction is the bridge jumping tradition.

The iconic Stari Most is the symbol of Mostar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in Balkan Islamic architecture in the 16th century, its height is 24 m (78 ft 9 in). The bridge connects the two sides of the city divided by the Neretva River. During the Balkan War, the bridge was destroyed. However, it became rebuilt in 2004 with the stones from the original bridge. The bridge is steep and slippery with crowds often on it. So, wear good shoes and be aware when taking in its incredible views of the city and river.

The main attraction in Mostar is watching the tradition of locals jumping off the Stari Most into the river. This began in 1664 as a rite-of-passage for 16-year-old boys. Today, young men from the Mostar Diving Club take the plunge. Leading up to the plunge, assistants gather donations from the crowds.

To learn more, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/mostar-tour-highlights/

#mostar #mostarbridge #mostarbridgejump #mostarbosnia #bosniaandherzegovina #balkans #bridgejump #bridgejumping #instatravelling #instatravel #europetravels #easterneurope #wanderlusting #wanderlust #travelgirl #solotravel #travelblog #travelblogger #solotravel
After 3 days in Sarajevo, I wholeheartedly get why After 3 days in Sarajevo, I wholeheartedly get why National Geographic named it Top Destination for 2025. Here, east meets west with a fascinating blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences. However, wounds from the 90’s Bosnian War are still healing. Afterall, Sarajevo suffered the longest siege (almost 4 years) in modern warfare by the Bosnian Serbs. Thankfully, its citizens’ resilience prevailed otherwise.

To learn more, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/sarajevo-travel-destination-highlights/

Photos:
Abandoned Olympic Bobsleigh Track
Sarajevo '84 Winter Olympics
Tunnel of Hope during Sarajevo Siege
Sarajevo Rose Memorial (Where more than 3 people died in Siege)
Eternal Flame Monument - Honoring WW II victims
Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Old Bazaar

#sarajevo #sarajevobosnia #bosnia #bosniaandherzegovina🇧🇦 #bosniatravel #europetravels #balkans #europedestinations #solotraveler #solofemaletravel #wanderlusting #wanderlust #travelbloggers #nationalgeographictopdestination2025 #nationalgeographic #instatravel #europehistory
The Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in cen The Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in central Croatia’s mountainous karst area. It’s the largest national park in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is world-famous for its 16 turquoise, tufa lakes connected by 90 cascades and waterfalls. A confluence of many rivers and subterranean karst rivers created these lakes. 

Check out my blog/video:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/plitvice-lakes-planning-tips/

#waterfallsofinstagram #croatiatravel #croatia #waterfalls #waterfall #adventuretravel #wanderlust #europetravels #cascade #travelingram #naturelovers #naturegrams #traveladdict #solofemaletravel #solotraveler
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