Dateline Conch Republic

Refreshed from a week at the Casa Marina in the Conch Republic where Hemingway’s 60 polydactyl cats, a conservatory of live butterflies, and the constant cocka doodle doo of island roosters made the first vacation in what seems like forever, a complete delight.

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Before Henry Flagler began his Overseas Railroad here in 1904 and built the lovely resort where I stayed, this Caribbean island was best known for pirates, shipwrecks and cigars.

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These days, it’s mostly snow birds, fishing, sponging and key limes. And bars, lots of them.

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The greatest appeal to this beach bum is its laid back charm. A southern coastal town with authentic American roots around every sandy corner.

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And … I could (almost) see Cuba from the hotel balcony.