Wow!  Where did June go?  It’s the end of the month, but it seems like just yesterday we were celebrating Pride here in Key West. And speaking of visiting Key West, in this issue I’ll focus on some logistics and recommendations.

During Key West Pride, and all year long, blog author Steve Smith welcomes visitors to Key West.

Before you arrive, take a look at some of the resources available to help you plan your visit. Years ago I managed the Key West Business Guild office, where our phone rang off the hook and we mailed out thousands of envelopes full of brochures and maps to potential visitors hungry for information.

That was way before the Internet became the go-to source for travelers. Today you can visit the Guild’s website to view current listings of gay and allied businesses, upcoming events, and a map showing island highlights.

Another excellent resource is the Florida Keys & Key West website. The official site of the Keys tourism office, there you’ll find information about the destination in general, upcoming events, accommodations and activities, and a calendar that lists just about everything happening in Key West and throughout the Keys.

First-time visitors might consider flying into Miami International or Fort Lauderdale International airports and driving down to the island, booking your return flight from the Key West International Airport.

Visitors can fly into the Keys or drive the unique and scenic Overseas Highway. (Photo by Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bureau)

The trip usually takes three to four hours — and once you reach the Keys and the Overseas Highway, you’ll traverse 42 bridges (one nearly seven miles long) over the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. As you might imagine, the panoramas of blue sky and blue water are breathtaking.

Great brochures are available on the Keys website to guide you as you drive the Overseas Highway. The Florida Keys Conch Brochure, available in nine languages, is a wonderful interactive driving guide telling you about all the areas of the island chain you’ll drive through.

Once you arrive in Key West and check in to your resort or inn, consider returning your rental car and renting a bicycle to explore the island. Many properties offer bicycles for rent — my visiting friends usually get theirs from the Moped Hospital on the corner of Simonton Street and Truman Avenue. The shop offers bicycles and Mopeds, and gives training for first-time Moped riders.

If you’re staying closer to the middle of the island, Eaton Bikes has two locations that offer bicycles including cruisers, tandems, road bikes, mountain bikes, and even trailers for kids. Rentals start from about $18 for 24 hours — and best of all, you don’t have to pay to park!

Key West's historic district is full of glorious old frame houses.

Believe me, there’s plenty to explore. Key West’s historic district, one of the largest in the country, is approximately one mile by two miles, and bicycles or Mopeds offer the easiest way to find the places you choose to visit. Parking for both is plentiful around almost every street intersection.

Take some time to ride down Fleming, William, Margaret and Frances Streets. You’ll discover some amazing homes and businesses nestled under blooming Royal Poinciana and frangipani trees, and you’ll see an abundance of avocado trees loaded with bright green fruit. Be sure to bring your camera — we have incredible lighting here in Key West and almost every photograph will be “postcard’ perfect.”

If you’re here or arriving in the next week or so, catch the Sunset Reggae Fest at the Ocean Key Resort’s Sunset Pier with two of reggae’s legendary acts. The 32nd annual Hemingway Days celebration kicks off July 17, and for you runners, it includes the 5K Sunset Run starting at the Southernmost Point in the continental United States.

Next time I’ll chat about visiting our beaches, beachfront cafés and attractions, as well as upcoming events. There’s never a dull moment on this island!