KEY WEST. William Curry was Key West's first millionaire, and he built this lavish mansion for his family in 1855. The Queen Anne style residence is now an elegant inn but doubles as a museum. The 25 rooms are decorated with period furnishings. The Victorian exterior combines architectural elements that Curry would have seen in his travels ­ a widow's walk, large white columns and intricate trellises. It is said that the Curry's cook invented Key Lime pie in the Curry Mansion kitchen.

Some of the Hemingway's greatest works, including "For Whom the Bell Tolls" and "A Farewell to Arms" were composed while he lived in this beautiful Spanish Colonial dwelling. Originally built in 1851, Hemingway purchased the property in 1931 and lived here until his death in 1961. The house was the first on the island to have a swimming pool and indoor plumbing. Tours take one half hour and include many anecdotes about the writer and his life on the island. Descendents of his cats still prowl the house and grounds.

By the time he was 50 years old Henry Flagler was one of the richest men in America. Due to his wife's ill health they spent much of their time in Florida, particularly in the Keys. In 1905 Flagler undertook the mission of building a 130-mile extension of the existing railroad that would reach Key West, which, at the time, was the closest deep-water port to the Panama Canal. In January 1912 Flagler's dream was realized when the first New York to Key West train arrived at this station. Flagler's career and the construction of the railroad are chronicled in dioramas and exhibits.

Plan to spend a day at this 87-acre historic site and park. Arrive early and swim at one of the most pleasant beaches in the Keys. Then shower off and enjoy a picnic lunch. Afterwards, take the ½ hour tour of the fort, which also houses a Civil War museum. Construction began in 1845 and was completed in 1866. This was an active military site during the Civil and Spanish-American wars. Plan to stay around for the famous Key West sunset ­ the beach offers a spectacular, unobstructed view.

Key West has served as a presidential retreat since 1880 when Ulysses S. Grant visited the island. This house belonged to Harry Truman and his wife Bess. Truman reportedly despised living in Washington and viewed this as his sanctuary. The house has been impeccably restored and the presidential bedroom can even be rented for overnight stays.