Here is the article from
GQ;
Why Solo>>because the best drinking
buddies are the ones you meet while you're drinking-and that you can leave
at the bar. Sure, Key West conjures Images of
Jimmy Buffett. pastel shirts and general tropical tackiness, but It really
IS the best place to go for the solo reveler free-spirited and bacchanal,
Key West offers an experience that's like Carnival and spring break rolled
Into one, except It’s daily. Since the 1800s. people have been coming to
the "Conch Republic" to escape troubles, not to cause any, and It's that
kind of attitude that lends itself to the solo traveler looking to get his
drink on.
So order a few more shots~ but don't forget to
catch the sunset.
See Six-toed cats>>At
the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum (907 Whitehead Street,
www.hemingwayhome.com) A visit to Papa Hemingway's former home is sort of
obligatory for first time visitors. The cats are all descendants of his
original pets. The mutant six-toed ones are supposed to be good luck Check
out the water fountain he built for them out of a decorated urinal.
Don’t drink on an Empty Stomach>>Go
to Five Brothers (930 Southard Street. 30S-296-5205) for the best
Cuban sandwiches on the Island. There's often a long line, but it's worth
the wait. For the best oysters, chowder, and those ubiquitous conch
fritters, try Alonzo's Oyster Bar (700 Front Street. 305-294-5880).
Hang with the Locals>At
the Green Parrot (601 Whitehead Street. 305-2946133). It's a Key
West institution that has miraculously remained a local joint despite the
many times it's been written up. Music ranges from blues to reggae. It's a
bit far from all the action on Duval Street, which IS a good thing.
If you do want more of a spring-break vibe, hit Sloppy Joe's (201 Duvall Street. 305-294-8759), where Hemingway used to pound his few
too many.
Brood in Drunken Solitude>> At the
Southernmost Point Marker. Yes, this really IS the end of the line.
And no, we don't think you can swim the ninety miles to Cuba.-
by
Kevin SINTUMUANG
for
GQ Magazine
April 2005 - copyright held by GQ
