Travel articles published by Teresa Gibbs in Source: a Publication of Athens-Limestone Hospital

TRAVEL A Magical Place of Mountains, Desert, and

Turquoise Blue Water!

by Teresa Gibbs

SSitting on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula is a resort city considered one of the world´s most exhilarating destinations. Cabo San Lucas is famous for its year-round warm weather, crystal-clear waters, amazing sealife, and adventurous tours. It’s a magical place where the mountains meet the desert, and the desert meets the ocean.

I had heard of Cabo San Lucas but didn’t know much about it until my son moved to Mexico last year. Hollis had been visiting Mexico for a couple of years when he fell in love with the area and moved to La Paz, about two hours north of Cabo. When he asked his dad and me to come for a visit, Wyman and I started making plans. This past May we boarded a plane and made the easy the flight to Los Cabos.

Los Cabos, served by San José del Cabo International Airport, consists of three areas: Cabo San Lucas – the lively resort area also known as Cabo; San José del Cabo - the quieter side with a charming Mexican feel; and the Tourist Corridor – the stunning 20-mile coastal highway connecting the two. The airport is about twenty miles from Cabo.

When searching the internet for our hotel, we found three impressive options offered by RIU Hotels and Resorts in Cabo. They all had great reviews and two of them were next-door to each other, overlooking Playa El Médano. Both resorts are all-inclusive with a variety of restaurants to choose from. When booking either of these resorts, guests are welcome to use the facilities of both.

When booking our trip, we reserved a rental car with Cactus Car Rental. When we arrived at the airport, their shuttle was there to pick us

cactuscar.com

facebook.com/cactuscar

+52-624-146-1839

reserve@cactuscar.com

up. We were delivered to their office where we signed our paperwork, were given keys, a map, driving suggestions, and in no time, were on our way to our hotel.

When we arrived at Riu Palace Baja California, we were warmly greeted, offered champagne, given a map of the resort, and escorted to our room. When the door man presented our suite, we were very impressed - it was roomy and immaculately clean.

My attention went out to the beautiful view. I stepped out into the warm sunshine and fixed my gaze on the sandy white beach. The clear, turquoise blue water was lapping at the shore, and just past the end of the peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, an enormous group of rugged taffy-colored rocks seemed to erupt from the sea.

I had seen photos and read all about them and now I stood in amazement at the iconic landmark known as El Arco -Spanish for The Arch. During the Golden Age of Pirates, buccaneers used this area as a hiding place which made it easy to ambush and plunder merchant ships heading toward the west coast. They called this place Land’s End because they believed it to be the last point of land before hitting Antarctica.

There are a variety of tours that leave from the Cabo San Lucas Marina to take visitors to The Arch, as well as snorkeling and paddle boarding excursions, whale-watching and sightseeing tours that range from glass-bottom boat rides to romantic sunset cruises. We had planned to take a kayak over, get out and snorkel, but the spring-time water was a little too cool for our liking, so we opted for a boat ride.

The cool water didn’t stop others from snorkeling and playing in the water, and the tourists weren’t the only ones hanging around the famous rock formation. As we approached, we heard growling and barking and soon came into view of a colony of sea lions pushing and shoving their way to the best spots on the rocks.

We spent three glorious days in Cabo, relaxing on the beach, around the pool, and on our spacious balcony overlooking the ocean, then headed north to La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur. There are other means of getting to La Paz such as a shuttle or public bus but having our own means of transportation gave us the opportunity to see areas we would have otherwise missed. Along the way we visited remote beaches and happened upon a couple of donkeys hanging out at one of them

After visiting La Paz, we knew why Hollis chose this city, with its old-world charm, overlooking the Sea of Cortez. You’d find it hard to run out of things to do and since Hollis enjoys staying busy, La Paz is the perfect place. La Paz is famous for its Malecón, a stone walkway that goes for several miles along the waterfront and is a popular place for walking dogs, riding bicycles, skateboarding, or sitting on a bench watching a gorgeous sunset.

After sunset, the Malecón comes to life with special events, street performers, and live music. We enjoyed a mariachi band at one of Hollis’s favorite restaurants and on another night, we ate delicious, authentic Mexican tacos. A couple of evenings were hosted by Hollis’s girlfriend, Diana, and her family for delicious seafood including our favorite – lobster. “Me gusta la langosta” –which is Spanish for I like lobster!

EAT until your heart’s content. Choose from a variety of culinary options offering exquisite flavors and experiences. The main restaurant offers buffet style breakfast, lunch, and dinner with live cooking stations. Additional dining options include Japanese, Indian, and Italian restaurants as well as a Fusion restaurant and a pool-side Steakhouse offering open dining.

DRINK premium branded drinks offered throughout the hotel 24 hours a day.

RELAX on a sun-lounger in the reserved beach area, on a pool-side lounger, or on an in-pool chaise lounger.

BE PAMPERED at Renova Spa. Schedule a relaxing massage, beauty treatment, or salon service.

SWIM in one of 4 hotel pools, 2 with swim-up bars. Or enjoy the slash pool with slides next door at the Riu Palace San Cabo Resort.

EXERCISE equipment is available in the gym or join the daily group fitness activities.

ENTERTAINMENT includes a daily line-up of pool activities, as well and live music and shows.

Riu Palace Baja California

Riu Palace Baja California

TRAVEL Great friends Go to Great Destinations!

by Teresa Gibbs

What do you get when you combine adventure with good company? You might get a memorable trip with the family, a romantic getaway with your spouse, or maybe a fabulous girls’ getaway. If you said fabulous girls’ getaway, you guessed my adventure from this past spring.

When two of my high school friends, Fredia and Iris, decided we needed a girls’ getaway, we opted for a visit to Savannah, Georgia where beautifully landscaped parks and squares, cobblestoned streets, and ornate architecture are all well-preserved under a veil of Spanish moss.

The first day there, we decided to “hop on and off” the Old Savannah Trolley where we met some of the city’s iconic characters and learned some history of Savannah - the oldest city in Georgia. It was also a great way to discover our way around and see what the area had to offer.

Savannah, known as America’s first planned city, was designed around twenty-four squares. Its grid layout makes it easy to get around town by foot. Each square is unique - some with fountains, others with statues, but each of them hold a little piece of history.

Our 1886 Victorian vacation home was in the historic district, close to Forsyth Square, Savannah’s largest and oldest park. On our walks through the thirty-acre park, we saw artisans working to the pleasant sounds of live music, families playing games on the lawn, folks walking or jogging, some strolling their dogs, while others relaxed under the shade of magnificent live oak trees. Of course, we had to stop and take our pictures in front of the famous Forsyth Fountain.

Savannah offers a variety of tours - walking, biking, and Segway tours; ghost, sightseeing and food tours; and tours of cemeteries, churches, and famous houses. We visited the magnificent Saint John’s Cathedral. The architecture in this historic church is breathtaking and is a “must see.” We also toured some of the museums including the well-known Telfair.

Savannah is famous for fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, peaches, and pralines. We sampled them all as well as other delicious dishes provided during our taste tour. “Savannah Taste Experience” provides a variety of dishes – some of them familiar, some unusual, while others were a little on the quirky side.

The Olde Pink House is one of Savannah’s most popular restaurants and was a favorite of ours. The restaurant offers Southern cuisine in a sophisticated, yet casual setting. Be sure to make reservations if you go for dinner. We went for lunch and had a one hour wait – but what an incredible wait. We were allowed to tour the rooms of the mansion that were not being used for seating during lunch. We loved everything about the incredible architecture and décor, including the restaurant’s beautiful, distinctive color –pink! Lunch was worth the wait and our desserts were delicious.

Three days just wasn’t enough time to see and do all the things we planned, so there’s another trip to Savannah in our future.

To help plan your visit to Savannah, Georgia, go to www. visitsavannah.com.

Another great getaway destination is Chattanooga, Tennessee. Yes, the three of us girls have been there as well.

We stayed at the Edwin, a boutique hotel in Chattanooga’s Riverfront area. The views from the rooftop pool were gorgeous, especially our first night as the setting sun cast orange shadows across the clouded sky. After dark, the lights from the city created a beautiful backdrop. We enjoyed views of the Tennessee River and Lookout Mountain while sharing a variety of tapas from Whiskey Thief, the Edwin’s rooftop bar.

The Edwin is located next to the Walnut Street Bridge. We took evening walks over the river and learned that the Walnut Street Bridge, one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges, has quite a history. It was built in 1891 and open to traffic for 87 years. Just before it was to be demolished, enough funds were raised to restore it as a pedestrian bridge. It is now a centerpiece of Chattanooga’s Riverfront area, connecting the city’s vibrant North Shore with the Bluff View Arts District, the Hunter Museum of American Art, the Tennessee Riverwalk, and the Tennessee Aquarium.

Not only is the hotel conveniently located near Chattanooga’s downtown attractions, but it is also within a short drive to Lookout Mountain’s natural historic attractions such as Ruby Falls, Rock City Gardens, and the Point Park

where the famous Civil War “battle above the clouds” took place.

The three of us remember visiting Rock City as children and looked forward to seeing it again. The enchanted wooded path brought back many childhood memories as we wound past massive ancient rock formations such as “Mushroom Rock” and past incredible panoramic views, such the famous “seven states view.” At one point, the trail narrows – really narrows – and leads you between two huge slabs of rock known as “Fat Man’s Squeeze” - one of the most memorable spots for anybody that has been to Rock City.

Our favorite restaurant was Tony’s Pasta Shop and Trattoria, a very affordable restaurant within walking distance of our hotel. We sat on the patio while enjoying our delicious lasagna. The fresh baked bread had roasted garlic baked right into the bread. We heard their desserts were delicious, but we decided to wait and have ice cream from the funky little ice cream shop across from our hotel. That was quite a treat as well!

Chattanooga is rich in history and natural beauty. It’s known as the Scenic City and its easy to see why. The area’s natural beauty offers a fun filled visit. To help plan your visit to Chattanooga, go to www.visitchattanooga.com.

until recently, it had been over twenty-five years since my husband, Wyman, and I camped in Townsend, Tennessee with our three children, Dana, Mallory and Hollis. We had a pop-up camper and often camped in the Great Smoky Mountains, and that camping at Tremont Campground in Townsend was one of the most memorable trips. We had done all of our favorite things while camping that weekend –hiking, playing in the streams, building a campfire, cooking hotdogs, roasting marshmallows and eating s’mores. But the last night of our camping trip, we experienced something we’ll never forget. In the middle of the night, we were awakened to the horrible smell of a skunk. Not only was it a terrible odor, it was a strong odor –a terribly strong odor! Apparently a skunk had gotten under our camper and sprayed! Needless to say, we didn’t get much sleep the rest of the night as we were smothering while our faces were burrowed into our pillows.

Fast forward to Spring of 2018. Tremont has been revamped and renamed (and hopefully de-skunked). Little Arrow Outdoor resort has updated each camping spot with nice parking pads, fire pits and gazebos built on the banks of the river. They’ve restored the swimming pool, remodeled the cabins, added tiny homes, glamping tents and a cozy coffee shop. All this on the beautiful Little river that flows along the edge of the campground.

Wyman and I now have a travel

Camping in Townsend Tennessee

by Teresa Gibbs

trailer and when we found out about this place, we were so excited about camping there and making new memories. Our daughter, Dana, who lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, met us there with her husband, Scott, and my sweet grandbabies, Katie and Connor. Even though they didn’t bring a camper, the cabin they rented was just up the hill from us.

Townsend, known as “The Peaceful

The Peaceful Side of the Smokies

While visiting Townsend this past spring, we took many trips over to Cades Cove. We even took our bikes several times. Wyman and I had to get off and push our bikes up several hills. Still, I was pretty proud of myself for peddling up many of them. That is until Dana and Scott arrived and peddled up the hills with ease with a carrier full of kids in tow.

We made lots of new memories

Side of the Smokies,” has an abundance of outdoor activities. It’s the perfect location for visiting many Smoky Mountain attractions such as Cades Cove, one of our favorite places to visit in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP).

Cades Cove is a secluded lush valley surrounded by mountains. For over a hundred years, families worked and played in the Cades Cove valley. Now visitors come to enjoy gorgeous mountain scenery and explore historic cabins, churches and a grist mill. While cruising the 11-mile, one-way loop road circling the cove, wildlife lovers can easily spot white-tailed deer, turkeys and black bears. Exercise enthusiasts will find many trails to hike. Bikers and pedestrians are welcome anytime, but have the loop road all to themselves on Wednesdays and Saturdays before 10 in the morning.

that trip – sitting around the camp fire roasting hotdogs and marshmallows, eating s’mores, wading in the streams –some of the same things we did that weekend over twenty-five years ago. Thankfully we didn’t encounter any skunks.

For more information about camping at Little Arrow Outdoor resort, visit camplittlearrow.com.

Campfire Jambalaya INGREDIENTS

2 TBSP vegetable oil

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1” pieces

1 pound andouille sausage, sliced Salt and pepper to taste

1 large onion, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

4 celery stalks, chopped

4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 TBSP tomato paste

1 pint cherry tomatoes, some halved, some whole

2 cups long-grain white rice

2 TBSP Creole seasoning

2 bay leaves

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled, deveined Handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves with tender stems (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Prepare grill for high heat. Heat oil in a large wok or skillet set directly on grate. (If cooking indoors, place over high heat.) Add chicken and sausage; season with salt and pepper. Cook, turning often, until browned, about 5 minutes. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, until it begins to darken, about 2 minutes. Mix in tomatoes, scraping up browned bits, then mix in rice, seasoning, and bay leaves. Add broth; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Move skillet to a cooler spot (or reduce heat), cover with foil, and simmer until almost all liquid is absorbed, 20-30 minutes. Season shrimp with salt and pepper; mix into rice. Cover and cook until rice is tender and shrimp are cooked through, 5-8 minutes. Top with parsley.

TRAVEL Make Your Next Vacation a Nature Destination!

by Teresa Gibbs

Studies have shown that taking a vacation can relieve depression, stress, and anxiety.

STOP! HOLD THAT THOUGHT! Go back and reread the above sentence and notice those two words “can relieve.” If you don’t choose the right destination, you might be exchanging “can relieve” for “can cause.” A stressful vacation can leave you worse off than not taking one in the first place.

Research, called ecotherapy, says spending time outdoors and enjoying the sunshine is beneficial to us in many ways. Spending time outdoors can encourage exercise which not only burns calories, reduces inflammation, lowers blood pressure, and boosts our immune system. Physical activity can also increase our levels of serotonin and dopamine – known as “happy hormones.”

Get your exercise, vitamin D, and vitamin “sea” too!

The beach offers great workout opportunities. The shifting sand engages your ankles, arches, and calves, which can burn extra calories while you move. After your workout, jump in the water to cool off, then just lie on the beach - relax, unwind, and recharge your mind.

The beach is a great destination to catch a few rays. When exposed to sunlight, the skin absorbs vitamin D, a critical nutrient that prevents bone loss and reduces the risk of heart disease, weight gain, and various cancers.

Relaxing by the sea, feeling the warm breeze, and listening to the crashing waves brings feelings of peace, calmness, and serenity. The smell of salty air also contributes to your soothed state, which may have something to do with the negative ions in the air that you’re breathing.

Negative ions are abundant in nature, especially at the beach, around waterfalls, and are widespread in mountains and forests.

The feel of a mountain breeze, the woodsy smells, the spectacular views, the sound of rushing waterfallseverything about being in the mountains is refreshing as well as great therapy! A hike through the mountains can instantly refresh your senses and clear your mind.

The mountains are calling and I must go.

Those words were made famous by John Muir- one of America’s most famous and influential outdoor enthusiast. He was also one of the fathers of our national parks.

National Parks – particularly the Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP) - offers hiking, biking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, waterfall viewing and more.

With the GSMNP only being a four- or five-hour drive, you can leave Athens and be in the mountains before the end of the day. Wyman and I visit the GSMNP often.

One of our favorite Smoky Mountain towns is Townsend, known as “the peaceful side of the Smokies.” It’s close to Pigeon Forge, but you won’t find theme parks or hirises in Townsend. What you will find is plenty of outdoor activities such as tubing, horseback riding, hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and plenty of lodging.

In the past, we’ve enjoyed camping in Townsend, but last fall we booked a cabin at the Dancing Bear Lodge. The charmingly rustic cabins and cottages are set on 36 rolling, wooded acres with views, trails, a fitness center, and an award-winning bistro. By the way, be sure to make reservations ahead of time. Dancing Bear’s Appalachian Bistro is quite popular and was named one of America’s ‘25 Most Romantic Restaurants’ by TripAdvisor.

As it often is during the fall, it was a little cool when we arrived, so we took a dip in the hot tub conveniently located on our front porch. The next morning, after enjoying a hearty continental breakfast, we strolled through the grounds and walked over to the Apple Valley Mountain Village and Cafe. We picked up some ‘world famous apple pies’ from the café and a bag of fresh ground coffee from Dancing Bean Coffee House.

It was Wednesday, the day Cades Cove closes the park to automobiles, so we loaded up our bicycles and headed out. We took the wooded, winding road to an incredibly beautiful valley surrounded by mountains. Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. An 11-mile loop winds visitors past rustic log cabins, churches, and other historic structures. Deer are almost always sighted in the fields, and observations of other wildlife, including bear, wild turkey and fox are possible. Cades Cove offers hiking, biking, horseback riding and camping.

• 706 835

Dillard, Georgia, perched atop the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, is truly a nature lover’s playground. Visit one of their 17 waterfalls, hike to a mountain’s peak for spectacular views, or raft wild and scenic rivers. An abundance of lakes, rivers, and streams nearby, offers plenty of opportunity for fishing. The town of Dillard was founded in 1794 by Captain John Dillard, who was awarded the land after serving in the American Revolution. The town flourished, and in 1917, John’s grandson, Arthur, and his wife, Carrie, opened a general store and boarding house, which later became the Dillard House Inn and Restaurant.

The family-style restaurant serves lunch and dinner with bowl after bowl of southern cooked veggies and meats brought right to your table. A hearty southern-style breakfast is also served family style. I live for their homemade cinnamon rolls - so sweet and warm - they almost melt in your mouth.

You won’t find glitz and glamour at the Dillard House, but what you will find is a quaint inn with clean, roomy accommodations. All the rooms have rocking chairs on the back porch and are within walking distance of the restaurant, stables, and pool. Some of the rooms have fireplaces with wood supplied for a cozy, warm fire on cool nights.

We enjoy staying at the inn and strolling through the beautifully landscaped grounds with large hydrangeas everywhere you look and breathtaking views in every direction. The Dillard Stable offers horseback riding for all ages. I love just watching those big, gorgeous horses grazing in the pasture.

Just before we left, I stood there breathing in the fresh air and thought about another quote by John Muir……..“Another glorious day, the air as delicious to the lungs as nectar to the tongue.”

• Horseback Riding • Kids Petting Zoo

• Standard and deluxe king and queen rooms

• One- and two-bedroom cottages

• Chalet village with twenty-five chalets and cabins of various sizes and differing amenities

DillArD House inn

768 Franklin Street • Dillard, GA 30537 800-541-0671 • dillardhouse.com

© Kurtis Miller Photography and Design • KMpics.com

9116

THe CHArlesTon inn

755 N. Main St

Hendersonville, NC 28792

828-693-6737 • thecharleston.net

The charming town of Hendersonville, North Carolina sits on a mountain plateau between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. We haven’t spent a lot of time in Hendersonville, but it’s quickly becoming another one of our favorite mountain towns.

Hendersonville offers many outdoor activities such as fishing, golfing, and horseback riding. There are several waterfalls in the area - some visible from the road and others beckon you to take a hike. There are several parks in the area with trails for mountain climbing, biking, and hiking.

The Charleston Inn of Hendersonville is the perfect home base for exploring the North Carolina mountains. The inn was built in 1880 and still maintains its unique charm. Original wood floors and light fixtures that can be found throughout the home; and the front porch has retained its charming allure after welcoming guests for over 100 years.

The beautiful 16 room bed and breakfast is located on Main Street and is within walking distance of downtown Hendersonville. The beautiful historic downtown area is lined with unique shops, antique stores, galleries, restaurants, breweries, and cideries. Two popular downtown events in the summer are Music on Main Street

on Friday evenings (during June and August) and Dancing in the Street on Monday nights (July through August).

After a long day of hiking, sightseeing, and shopping, return to the inn and enjoy happy hour. There is plenty of seating on the large front porch for guests to sit and have a rest. For an extra measure of relaxation, schedule an inhouse spa treatment.

The inn offers full, queen, and king rooms as well as queen suites - all with comfortably bedding for a good night’s sleep. And when it comes to breakfast, owners and innkeepers, Tommy and Kathy Crowder, treat their guests to something special each morning.

During a recent stay at the charming Charleston Inn, we were served a beautifully displayed and savory breakfast bowl. One bite and I knew I needed a copy of the recipe to share with our Source readers. I have since made it for my family and they loved it. I hope you’ll enjoy it too!

By the way, if you’ve never had the pleasure of staying at a bed and breakfast, you’re missing out on something wonderful! Read all about the Charleston Inn and book your stay. Tommy and Kathy would love to meet you! Not do they serve up a delicious breakfast, but they also serve up a generous portion of southern hospitality!

If outdoors adventure is your thing, Key West is your place. The warm, tropical climate means you can play outdoors and in the water all year long.

Key West is divided into two specific areas. New Town, the modern part of Key West, is where you’ll find relaxing beach-side resorts. Old Town, also known as the Key West Historic District, is where you’ll get a glimpse into the past of this unique island. Many of the homes and cottages have been transformed into unique inns.

Ambrosia Key West, our favorite place to stay, is a tropical paradise nestled in the heart of Old Town.

(By the way, my dad was in the Navy, stationed in Key West, when I was born. We lived in a house on Fleming Street just a couple of blocks from Ambrosia. As with most of the old houses, it has been updated but has stayed true to its original charm.) Ambrosia is within walking distance of many popular spots including the Historic Seaport and Duval Street. Throughout Old Town, you’ll find streets lined with art museums, gift shops, restaurants, and historic homes.

Wooden houses and structures date from the late 1800s and early 20th

Pool-side rooms • 2-room suites • 2-story Townhomes • Cottages Tropical Landscaping • Private Verandas • Hot Tub • 2 Refreshing Pools • Patios

AMbROSiA Key WeST

622 Fleming Street • Key West, FL 33040 • 305-296-9838

Century and range from cigar maker’s cottages to millionaire’s estates. The conch style is common throughout the Key West Historic District. It was developed in the 1880s by Bahamian immigrants, known as “Conchs.” A “conch” is a large sea snail, but in Key West, the term refers to native settlers and to those born in Key West. (I’m a “Conch!”)

From Ambrosia, head out in any direction to stroll palm- and fern-lined streets boasting charming conch houses and enchanting gingerbread mansions. Then get out and explore - Key West offers a variety of interesting tours. The awesome folks at Ambrosia will be glad to set you up with a way to get around and a tour at a discount!

The small island of Key West is four miles long by two miles wide. Renting a bicycle, scooter or electric car is one of the best ways to see and experience Key West. Take a walking tour or ride the train, trolly or tour bus through Old Town and listen to some of Key West’s finest storytellers share tales of Jimmy Buffett, Captain Tony, Ernest Hemingway, Mel Fisher, and other famous Key West legends.

Visit the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, the aquarium, or Harry Truman’s “Little White House.”

Stop and take a memorable photo at the Southernmost Point of the Continental USA - a colorful buoy marks the spot that is just 90 miles north of Cuba.

Rent a boat. Go swimming, snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, dolphin watching, paddle boarding, or kayaking. Take an eco-tour, a glassbottom boat ride, a sunset cruise, or a dinner cruise.

When it comes to eating, Key West offers a array of dining opportunities including waterfront restaurants with spectacular views. Every meal I’ve ever eaten in Key West has been scrumptious – especially the seafood. And don’t you dare miss trying a delicious piece of Key West’s famed Key Lime Pie.

An hour or two before the sun sets, crowds gather at Mallory Square to enjoy street food, listen to music, and watch boats sail by. The famous Key West Sunset at Mallory Square is a nightly celebration. Street performers entertain the crowds - they juggle fire while balancing on top of a ladder, swallow sharp swords, and perform other daring feats. But everything stops for the sunset countdown as the sun dips into the horizon - out of sight.