This past week, I went to Key West, somewhere I had yet to explore. It was a tropical paradise, with things to do on every corner. We took a boat ride out to the middle of the ocean where we started by snorkeling through coral reefs on Woman Key. Then we took the boat to a sand bar where we paddle boarded then kayaked out to the man groves.
Featured
One of the more popular stops on my list but still a favorite. From a suspension bridge to the thousands of stairs this was a place like no other in Georgia. Bring your camera and be prepared to climb up and down a ton of stairs!
Until yesterday the only cigar I had ever had was a cheap swisher sweet that I'd gotten from a drunk friend at a party. Unknown to me I was missing out on a whole new world. I had never given any thought into how cigars were made and the care put into them, certain brands of course. Danny, the Owner and Operator of Rodriguez Cigars blew my mind yesterday. His cigar shop is the oldest in Key West having been there for 31 years. Danny gave us a personal tour of the cigar shop, included with all kinds of facts. He sat us down at one of the original rolling tables from his grandfather and showed us the ropes. As he was explaining all the different types of tobacco he was also describing us each flavor each leaf would provide. While Danny was explaining everything it was obvious the emotional connection he has to this place. Being originally ran by his grandfather Danny stepped in when he grandfather passed. From my experience yesterday I'm positive his grandfather would be beyond happy of how his legacy is being carried on. Every customer that came in Danny either gave them fishing tips or cut and lit their cigar for them. He truly treats everyone that comes in like family. His hospitality was amazing. While we were going through rolling school he made us some Cuban coffee that was like no other. I have never been a fan of coffee by any means, but that coffee blended with his cigar was like no other.
http://www.gateshotelkeywest.com
This past week at the Gates Hotel has been an amazing experience, and one for the books. For those looking to travel somewhere tropical, or on the East Coast, Key West is as tropical as it gets — from the blue water to the sunsets that look like cotton candy clouds painted into the night sky by Picasso himself. This is where you need to adventure to! As they say down here "Key West is the real Florida." It's true, Key West shows the real beauty of the state. From the people, the food and the neat little places you find and dine in, you will find new experiences on every corner. When coming down to work with the Gates, we found they used the hashtag #UnlockTheKeys, and that was the perfect explanation of what each day consisted of.
While traveling to the Keys, you are going to need somewhere to stay right? Well take it from us, the best place on this Island (The Gates Hotel), which we were grateful to have found this home away from home, though they call it a hotel. The Gates to us felt so inviting and was like stepping into a home rather than a hotel, by the friendly staff and the accommodations. If you wanted to hang out in the lobby they have Tick Tack Toe, drinks welcoming you in, books and a concierge who will lay out every activity this Island has to offer you. The hotel is even pet friendly!
THE BLIND PIG FOOD TRUCK LOCATED AT THE GATES
The Gates Hotel offers food from The Blind Pig, a new Key West food truck that is permanently parked at the hotel. Named after a slang term for a speakeasy, The Blind Pig is another nod to Key West’s role in Prohibition and will dish out a selection of “Conch fusion” small bites and tapas—a style of cuisine inspired by Key West’s Cuban, Bahamian, Caribbean and Floridian roots. Local chef David Fuhrman and his wife Julie Fuhrman, who also own their own local catering and wedding businesses in Key West, oversee the menu and operations.
Chef David, whose restaurant experience includes the Hot Tin Roof, Antonia’s, La Te Da, A&B Lobster House and the Conch Republic Seafood Company, brings his passion for local and sustainable cuisine to the Blind Pig’s menu. For breakfast, start the day with hearty items such as Cuban-inspired breakfast sandwiches, fresh fruits and omelets. For lunch and dinner, expect daily-changing tacos and ceviches made with fresh local fish and hearty sandwiches. as well as “Irresistible Snacks” like truffle popcorn and house-made chips.
Paired with cocktails from Key West First Legal Rum Distillery at Rum Row and Rodriguez Cigars at the cigar lounge and garden, The Blind Pig is sure to be one of the liveliest Key West food trucks in town. The Blind Pig is open daily to the public and hotel guests and serves food all day, with breakfast from 7am to 11am and lunch/dinner from 11am to 10pm.
Rum Row: Enjoy the Best Hotel Pool Scene in Key West
By day, a sunny retreat for poolside lounging and small bites and by night, a lively watering hole featuring great cocktails, Rum Row is the quintessential Key West hangout. The Gates Hotel Key West promises a pool scene without the scene—kick back, chill out and celebrate the best of the island all in one spot.
At Rum Row, channel the days of Prohibition with specialty rums and rum cocktails from the exclusive partnership with First Legal Rum Distillery, or head to the cigar lounge to experience a taste of Cuban-Key West history with Rodriguez Cigars.
Rum Row’s bar and lounge are open to hotel guests from 11am to 10pm. The pool is open to all ages and accessible from 8am to 10pm.
Rodriguez Cigar Lounge in Key West
We were able to actually meet up with Rodriguez Cigar Factory owner Danny, who is so incredible and friendly! When we were at his shop he maintained a "this is your home too" attitude, and we got the chance to watch how he interacted with his customers. He had something interesting to tell each of them. In the hour we were there we learned so many facts about Key West and cigars we never knew. By the end of it, Danny had us rolling our own cigars. It was such a neat experience to take away from our trip. We think its so amazing how Rodriguez Cigars and the Gates come together to provide a Lounge! More info below:
Key West’s cigar legacy dates back to the mid-19th century, when Cuban refugees began fleeing to the island during their country’s revolution against Spain. The Cubans brought with them their long-standing tradition of hand-rolled cigars, and soon the island was home to dozens of cigar factories. By the turn of the century, Key West was producing more than 100 million cigars per year and was known as the cigar capital of the world.
The industrial cigar trade eventually moved to other parts of Florida and the Caribbean, but the island still celebrates its cigar-making roots through local Key West cigar lounges, cigar shops and independent cigar manufacturers. The Gates Hotel brings a modern twist to this longstanding tradition with its very own cigar lounge and garden featuring Rodriguez Cigars.
Founded in 1984, Rodriguez Cigar Factory is the oldest operating cigar manufacturer in Key West, producing hand-rolled cigars with cured and aged vintage tobacco leaves in the traditional Cuban style. The Rodriguez family’s legacy in cigars date back to the 1950s, when they first mastered the art of cultivating tobacco on their family plantation in Cuba. Following the nationalization of private businesses, the family then settled in Key West, where they continued their cigar-making tradition. This heritage shines through in their beautifully crafted cigars.
At the Rodriguez Cigar Lounge at Gates Key West, guests can choose from a selection of Rodriguez Cigars to smoke in the hotel's cigar lounge’s outdoor garden, or purchase gifts, humidors and other cigar accessories to take home.
PETS
To ensure your furry jet-setter has an unforgettable stay The Gates has partnered with BarkBox, who has curated a special welcome box of irresistible gourmet treats and toys promising hours of entertainment. A dog friendly hotel in Key West, The Gates offers these extra amenities and services to guest pet owners:
- Plush dog bed
- Water bowl and fresh water
- Map of Key West highlighting dog-friendly spots
- Dog walking services available upon request
BarkBox carefully selects products and presents for your dog, some of which include: toys, bones and all-natural treats, hygiene products and innovative new gadgets.
POOL TIME AT THE GATES HOTEL
THE GATES BIKES+
The Gates has bike rentals from their hotel! Its hassle free, just talk to the concierge to rent them, walk outside and your bike is right there! I loved that aspect, especially since parking a car downtown is just ridiculous!
Now that you realize your vacation would be perfectly content at the Hotel…what's there to do around the Island/eat?
Eat at Blue Heaven
Such a neat area to dine at, you can eat inside our underneath the different colored canopies. There is an outside bar and indoor bar as well, where the cocktails were tasty and strong. Like The Gates, Key West is very pet friendly, which you will see. There are roosters everywhere and lots of cats roaming around. If your not to excited about that, inside is neat theres lots of art.
Fury Island Adventures
We absolutely loved this excursion, it was a boat big enough for twenty five people and the staff. They took us out for the sunset tour, which included snorkeling at Man Key, where you can see coral and, of course, fish! Then they took us out to a sand bar near Woman Key, where we paddle boarded and kayaked through the man grooves. The water was so beautiful and clear - I would recommend paddle boarding because you can see everything under you, and there's lots to see, including starfish, conch shells and more! Then we got to take the ride back on the beach and enjoy the sun set along with a couple of ice cold beers;) They do provide you with a meal, snack and unlimited sodas/beverages! Again, I would highly recommend going on this excursion!
PS:Bring your Go Pro!
In Greek mythology, the Labyrinth (Greek λαβύρινθος labyrinthos,) was an elaborate structure designed and built by the legendary artificer Daedalus for King Minos of Crete at Knossos. Its function was to hold the Minotaur eventually killed by the hero Theseus.
Even though it looks like a maze a Labyrinth's purpose is to free the mind of everyday stresses and focus your mind one simply whats in front of you. Usually in Rome, Italy I was amazed to find one in Rome, Georgia. Ironic as all get out I know. Not far from me I will sneak away and wander around the path freeing my mind of everyday life. The ladies that work in the visitors center are cool as well. With tips on places to eat and other stops around town.
"The Labyrinth of Rome was created as an adaptive reuse of what originally was an amphitheater built by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s. Upon finding the nearest Labyrinth to be 50 miles away, the late Ed Baker worked with local government to establish this corner of Rome’s historic Jackson Hill. It contains 5,490 bricks (laid end-to-end, over a kilometer) weighing a total of 24,705 pounds."
Formed by poor farming practices Providence Canyon is like a miniature Grand Canyon. From loose sandy soil and years of improper irrigation strategies the ground began to erode away leaving large canyon like walls. On the drive to Providence it is easy to see how loose the soil was from the lack of grass near the highway and roads to the park. The trails aren't very long but the terrain is mind blowing. Finishing the hike around sunset was a great way to end a hot summer hike.
8930 Canyon Rd, Lumpkin, GA 31815