Besame Mucho on Petronia Street
Ten years ago when we started to vacation in Key West, we never suspected it would become a favorite spot. It has, and as we have come here more for both pleasure and work, we have discovered many secrets of the island. One is that there is really great shopping.
When installing our project here, we pre-planned very well, but there were still a few items missing that had to be purchased locally. This was a great thing in my opinion because it gave us an opportunity to work things into the house that were really authentic to Key West. The antique shopping in Key West is pretty limited, but we always manage to find trreasures to take home, as well as for our shop, Bobby Todd.
Besame Mucho pictured above is one of the most beautifully displayed shops we have visited anywhere. The owner is an artist with her vignettes, loves what she does, and it shows. Her products are top quality, and the setting is totally charming. She has an excellent assortment of home fragrance, even including the ever-so-hard-to-find Santa Maria Novella line from Florence. She carries Kiehl’s cosmetics, beautiful candles, books, religious icons, jewelry, and is starting to carry some clothing. There are always unique one of a kind pieces as well. This time, a collection of vintage Chinese lanterns. A few photos of the shop interior follow.
Besame Mucho Interior
Besame Mucho interior
Another favorite spot is Duck and Dolphin Antiques at the corner of Fleming and Simonton. The owners have been in the spot for years, and we continue to be amazed by the quality and rarity of their merchandise. Priceless in Paradise could well be the name of their shop. They carry beautiful French furniture and accessories from the 18th and 19th centuries, Continental accessories, incredible old silver and crystal, and are beginning to feature more and more antique items from Asia. It was a surprise for us to find a shop with the quality of products they have on the island, but they continue to be one of our favorite stops. You can’t judge the content of the shop from the exterior, so be sure you get close enough to peek in the windows.
Duck and Dolphin Antiques
Window display at Duck and Dolphin
A few other favorites are Island Antiques on Fleming, and In One Era on White Street. There is also an amazing men’s store which provides a great diversion from antiquing. Located on Fleming, it is called Assortment, and should not be missed. The owners hand select every item, and can tell you all about the designer, fit, and quality.
All that shopping tends to make us hungry, and there is no better spot to fix that problem than at Sarabeth’s. You will find David, the owner, in front of the restaurant six days a week on the corner of Southard and Simonton waiting to escort you to a sunny or shady table of your choice. The food is fresh, and among the best on the island. Bobby loves the tuna salad and marinated tomatoes. I love the crab and shrimp cakes. All good.
Sarabeth's
We are always charmed by the beautiful cottages, piercing blue sky, and sway of the palms. That is reason enough to visit Key West; but, when you are ready to venture out, there is lots to be discovered.
