Jul 21, 2009 6:44 pm US/Eastern
Key West A Perfect Trip On One Tank Of Gas
KEY WEST (CBS4) ―
If you're still looking to get rid of some of that vacation time you have left for 2009, how about a world renowned tourist destination just a tank of gas away from Miami? Key West has become a destination point for not only domestic travelers, but also international travelers. But you can still find some affordable destinations in the Keys to satisfy your traveling needs without breaking the bank.
The Key West Wildlife Center allows you to stroll nature trails, view different species of wild birds and feed the turtles in the area for no cost to you. Nature lovers can also check out the Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden free of charge.
If you're a fan of a good ghost story, you can stop in at the Martello Museum and see Robert the Famous Haunted Doll and the historical Martelo tower for a small fee. You can also check out the Key West Cemetery where an estimated 300,000 graves dating back to the mid-1800's are located.
For travelers who might want to stay the night, there are also great ways to cash in on late summer deals like Courtney's Place. "Our rates start at $109 a night plus tax, and we have a special right now. If you stay two nights on a Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday, you get the third night free," said Gail Baribeau of Courtney's Place.
And if you're not quite up for the drive all the way to Key West, you can stop at Big Pine Key, home of the Key Deer Refuge and spend the day on a nature experience like no other. Pick up a map and free handouts for kids at the Deer Key Nature Visitors Center and get ready to make a couple of new friends. As you drive through the preserve, the Key deer will walk right alongside your vehicle and as residents will tell you, the land belongs to the deer, people just live here.
Finally, quite possibly the most memorable thing about your trip down into the Keys is also free. The drive, once your past the tolls in Miami-Dade County, across the ocean provides spectacular views and quite the driving experience, all for the price of one tank of gas.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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