Cock-a-doodle-doo!

The mystifying reality of waking to a crowing rooster ‘in town’.

By Peggy DePersia, guest blogger,  

OK. So, you’ve visited ‘The Hemingway House’, toured the Truman (southern) White House, traveled the historic district’s distinctive island architecture via the open air conch train and enjoyed the carnival like atmosphere of Mallory Square at sunset or, maybe, toasted the day with a magical ‘sunset cruise’ while sipping a margarita and basking in the luxury of a, virtually, tropical warmth. Now what? Hmmmm. It depends on what you want….or need.

If you’re looking for a locally-owned, non profit, independently minded neighborhood book store, check out ‘Books and Books’, one of the nation’s great independent bookstores. 

This affiliate, is located at the corner of Simonton and Eaton Streets in the ‘historic district’ and part of ‘The Studios of Key West’, a non-profit arts center and cultural organization in Key West. It’s actually a pretty good reason, in and of itself, to visit Key West; at least to me.

Sometimes, all you really need is a little space, a good book, some time for yourself and, perhaps, a glass of wine and your’e set. The remainingKey West highlights and, indeed, there are a few, can wait.

We stayed at nearby Simonton Court, with beautiful foliage, lovely balcony, outdoor breakfasts and a charming sense of history.  

As mentioned, the ‘Books and Books’ affiliate is housed in ‘The Studios of Key West’. So, after you’ve read that good book, you can be enticed back to the studios and its galleries for a little more time with yourself and an exhibit of photos, paintings or sculpture (exhibits change regularly) and ease your mind into a wondering kind of posture or a moment of reflection or personal connection with the art.

 Mark Hedden, a photographer, and his work, “South of Southernmost”, was the featured exhibit. His  photography project documents the arc of backcountry island’s story as it reorients from the human to the wild. Ballast Key, the back country island 7 miles west of Key West, was donated to the National Wildlife Refuge System to become a back country research station following the recent passing of its owner and friend to Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote. ….a fitting association here I think.

And wait, there’s more and it’s all wrapped up in this singular venue.

In addition to ‘Books and Books’, galleries and artists’ studios (it’s always fun to take a peek), there is a performance floor and small scale setting for staged events such as plays and concerts presented by talented persons from near and far. Performers will go the distance for a welcoming audience as I discovered following an event presented by actors from Chicago acting on a stage in Key West. 

All this and sunshine too. Truly, a great escape.

Peggy is an artist and retired art teacher who loves traveling hither and yon with her husband, Jerry, camera ready and always supportive in the quest.
New places, new people new experiences; all add to the fun and excitement of learning about the world in which we live.