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Pirate lore and historic homes, gingerbread trimmed boutiques, funky cafes and roaming chickens make colorful Key West delightful.

The southernmost point in the United States and a free-spirited resort area that has defied the gentrification of mass tourism, Key West has become a bona fide family destination filled with fun and educational attractions. Key West's colorful Old Town offers rich people-watching and is the only Florida city to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For further information about attractions and opening hours, call 800/FLA-KEYS or visit www.fla-keys.com. Also, try www.KeyWestAttractions.org.

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
200 Greene Street
Key West, FL 33040
305/294-2633
Pick up a copy of Scholastic's story of Mel Fisher before heading in and you'll likely all enjoy a look at the fantastic gold treasures from the sunken Nuestra Senora de Atocha, only one of the galleons raised by the late salvager Mel Fisher that yielded gold, buckets of dubloons and many historical details from the 18th century age of shipping. On rainy-weather days, this is our favorite collection of pirate booty and stolen treasure valued at over $20 million. The museum has taken on a more educational tone since our first visit; a film explains archeological work being done and a newly salvaged slave ship, added to the museum in 2002, is very intriguing.

Ripley's Believe It or Not!
108 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040
305/293-9939
When they claim Incredible Oddities, they aren't kidding. As at all the Ripley, museums inspired by explorer Robert Ripley and his newspaper cartoons of the 1930-40s, this museum has some standard exhibits and then some local oddities (white shark caught by the mayor; preserved human torso once owned by Hemingway). It is fun and a bit scary for little ones, but a good way to spend an hour on a rainy day. Pricey at $15 for adults and $12 for children. There is free admission for children four and under.

Pat Croce's Pirate Soul Museum
524 Front Street
Key West, FL 33040
305/292-1113
This contemporary black glass emporium offers state-of-the-art exhibits of pirate lore, artifacts such as Captain Kidd's journal, and Blackbeard's weapons. On the lower level there's a re-creation of a "pirate village" and multimedia displays throughout.

Fast Buck Freddie's
500 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040
305/294-2007
FTF doesn't usually endorse department stores as local attractions but -- Fast Buck Freddies has to be seen to be believed. It has lots of tropic-ana: wicker furniture, lamps with seashell bases, cookie jars shaped like Hawaiian dancers, underwear with a palm tree pattern. Then it has the really kooky stuff, like the most elegant designer linen shirts and suits; an entire Tommy Bahama department for the golfers; authentic handmade Guayabera shirts; an eclectic collection of flip flops and shoes; cheap and stylish evening wear and lots more. We think all ages will enjoy a spin through here. And beware, there's a Fast Buck outlet just a few blocks away.

Mallory Square at Sunset
Foot of Duval Street & Front Street
Key West, FL 33040
Mallory Square is the center of the sunset celebration in Key West, a place where tourists and locals gather each evening to enjoy the view of the Gulf of Mexico, the tiny island of Sunset Key, and the many performers and artists who come out to entertain. There are many opportunities to shop, snack, drink and watch passersby and it should not be missed. Just south of the tourist information booth is the Hilton Hotel Marina, another extension of the promenade where performers and spectators gather. Look for the eccentric Frenchman with the trained cats and the tattooed gymnasts who swallow fire.

Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum
907 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040
305/294-1136
The home where Papa Hemingway and wife lived for many years is today a well-kept museum run by the most dedicated and knowledgeable staff. Tours are entertaining and light, and kids love the focus on Hemingway's six-toed cats, many of whom still live on the premises. The house is part of the historic district that encompasses nearly 2,600 structures ranging from gingerbread-trimmed Victorian gems to tiny cottages that once housed cigar-industry workers.