Images from Key West # 4: The Green Parrot

After starting my day in Bahama Village, with lunch at Blue Heaven, I continued my walking trek, finding and photographing street signs and telephone poles advertising Emma Street and Amelia Street, for certain sentimental reasons.  With my bike parked and locked securely at the afore mentioned restaurant, I continued my journey by foot inside the Truman Annex for the Little White House, which I hoped to see and tour.

With no luck, and a stubbornness to ask, I continued walking, and suddenly, at 601 Whitehead, with a thirst brought about by walking within a location at 24* N, 81 * W in late July, I saw a bar arise in front of me, like an oasis in the desert, and it was called The Green Parrot.

When thirst is a priority, Coca Cola may alternate with the house amber, and that's o.k.  Upon finding a place at that bar, which was no huge deal at that time of day (2:30 pm), I had the opportunity to take in the atmosphere, which welcomed tourists (like, oh my, myself), and locals, alike. 

The Green Parrot is a beautiful bar, and if for no other reason, its slogan, No Sniveling.  Of course, there's the horseshoe shape, and the music that is played live. 

I must say, I enjoyed talking with the woman in the separated gift shop as much as the bar tenders, who were amazingly attentive.

I will, in the chance I land again upon this key again, frequent this place of business again and in numbers more frequently than times past.

 

A Note to Emma from Key West (7-20-14)

Emma,

I am in Key West
making use of my favorite gift.
Pen on paper,
sweating in its most favorable sense,
as I reflect on the day,
searching for suitable words.
Today I am a Hoosier Beachbum,
in a land where my phone
rebels against humidity.
Where my notebook is my
conduit to expression.

 Daddy

Images from Key West # 3: Captain Tony's

I went down to Captain Tony's

to get out of the heat.

When I heard a voice call out to me,

son, come have a seat...

from The Last Mango in Paris by Jimmy Buffett

 

 

 

I will admit that the opening lines to that song are what drew me to this iconic bar the first time I walked the streets of Old Town in 2005.  Captain Tony was making appearances a couple of times a week, and Laura and met him and chatted.  He reminisced of some "hookers from Kokomo" he once knew when we told him that Indiana was our home.  He may or may not have had hold of Laura's backside when we took a picture with him.  He was 84 or 85 at the time.

Tony is gone now, but I made sure that my first drink would be at the bar that bears his name.  Little has changed over the years.  It's still dark and cavernous, relying on the large open doors for sunlight during the day, and dimly lit at night.  They offer several beers on tap, including a house amber, as well as a Pirate's Punch, available in a large sized souvenir cup if desired.  A Budweiser always seems appropriate in this place.

I've found the bartenders extremely friendly.  Ask them about the bar, or Captain Tony.  It's also a good place to break out a journal, because they'll leave you to yourself as well.  Check out the walls.  You can learn quite a bit about the man that way.  I enjoy the mayoral candidacy signs, endorsed by Jimmy Buffett himself.  Look at the pictures of featured guests, like Shel Silverstein.

As you take in the atmosphere, your senses will be bombarded by the sounds of live music, usually a one man (or woman) show with acoustic guitar.  You'll take in the dollar bills on the walls, or possibly the bras, of endless colors and sizes.  Maybe you'll gaze at the "hangin' tree", which grows just beyond the horseshoe shaped bar in the center of this little piece of history.

Yes, this is a biased piece on a little bar on Greene Street in Key West.  Stepping into its confines lightens my heart, however already lightened by being in the Conch Republic.  But just remember, this is the original Sloppy Joe's!







Images from Key West # 2: Blue Heaven

Located within Bahama Village, you walk inside to discover that you are actually outside.  The 20 minute wait for a table for one on an early Tuesday afternoon lets you know that despite the laid-back ambience, this is a place to be.

After checking out the rooster cemetery against the far wall and listening to the gentleman on the steel pan, a bloody Mary seems obligatory.

It's not just likely, but pretty much guaranteed that a fowl will take passage underneath your table, searching for an easy handout.  Remember, this is Key West.

A mahi sandwich provides fuel for the afternoon trek on the bike, parked outside on the rack.

Images from Key West # 1: Schooner Wharf Bar

Located in the historic seaport area, it's casual even by Key West standards.  Open air, low key, and good music.

 

Gulf oysters, Key West pinks, and beer.  Dinner.

Guitar player had the vocals and the funk.  His partner accompanied on the flute and 3 saxophones:  alto, soprano, and tenor.  Impressive.  Good music.  Good first night.  And where else do you get a kiss on the cheek from your waitress before leaving?