Playwright Tennessee Williams, novelist Ernest Hemingway, and bird-chronicler John James Audubon and President Truman - A few of the historical luminaries who hail from this area. Their residences have since been turned into museums and are must see places for visitors. Aspiring artists are drawn to the Keys for the free-spirited way of life embodied by the Keys. Evidence of that spirit is found in the many festivals and events listed on the Key West cultural calendar.

The Key West abounds in cultural activities. It offers the opportunity to visit art galleries, take in a community play, enjoy an open-air festival or attend a symphony orchestra. Broadway musicals run to packed houses at the Key West.

Waterfront Playhouse, Marathon Community Theatre, Red Barn Theatre, Waldorf Plaza, Key Largo Chamber of Commerce, Founder's Park and Tavernier are the usual venues for plays and musicals.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church, United Methodist Church, Big Pine Key, and the grounds of the historic Fort Zachary Taylor near the Truman Waterfront play host to operas and other music performances.

Artists of various hues come to Key West for the spectacular sunsets and stunning wildlife. Once done with that they amuse the crowds. After sunset jugglers, mimes, musicians and street artists display their skills and enthrall onlookers.

Key West celebrates events like Earth Day Weekend with renowned experts in the field. Events like art unveilings and book releases are not uncommon. Poetry writing workshops and a poetry and haiku contests also feature in the cultural calendar.

True architectural and botanical treasures are valued here. This is evident even in a tiny lane where the locals have faithfully restored old wooden homes. The looks of these homes is further enhanced by the use of lush tropical trees and flowers. Walking down palm-lined streets you will come across gingerbread mansions and tin-roofed conch houses. It is almost like having stepped back in time.