Truman Little White House

Presidents, Prime Ministers and royalty have visited the Harry S. Truman Little White House in Key West. You can be next by taking a tour of this stunning historic building. No trip to Key West is complete without seeing the Harry S. Truman Little White House. Built in 1890 as quarters for the Naval Base Commander and Paymaster, the Little White House has now taken its place in history. In 1912, President William Taft visited the house, and in 1918, Thomas Edison lived there for several months as he worked on inventing new weapons for the war effort. Always at work, the President met with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, worked on the Marshall Plan and the Truman Doctrine, and continually attended to his duties while enjoying the magnificent setting in Key West. It's said that he was friendly with the locals and fit right into the island lifestyle. Today, visitors from all over the world are able to get a glimpse into Truman’s world, see where he and Bess entertained guests, where critical meetings were held, and how the business of our government was conducted in this lovely historic building.

Key West is famous as mainland America’s Caribbean resort town. Here, time slows down as the island vibes take over. But, as you’ll soon find out on this walking tour, there’s more to this island than umbrella drinks and warm breezes. The tour starts in Mallory Square, the cultural center of Key West, and ends at Southernmost Point which, as the name implies, is as south as you can get in the continental US. Along the way, I’ll share stories of some of the island’s more famous residents, along with some lesser-known tales that have given Key West its unique place in American culture and history. I’ll tell you about Key West’s incredible history, from its origins as a maritime village that profited heavily from salvaging wrecked ships along the Great Florida Reef, to the hilarious creation of the ‘Conch Republic’. You’ll also find out how, soon after its creation, this micro-state declared war on the United States for a full minute. On this two-hour tour, you’ll visit the island’s major landmarks and its lesser-known treasures too, stopping for refreshments along the way at many of its signature restaurants and bars, including Captain Tony’s Saloon and Sloppy Joe’s Bar. On this Key West tour, you’ll have a chance to: • Stop for conch fritters near Mallory Square or grab a signature drink at one of Key West's legendary restaurants • Seize the moment like Mel Fisher while learning about his “Today’s the day” mantra, which fueled the 16-year search for the sunken Nuestra Señora de Atocha galleon ship • Chill out with favorites like key lime pie or frozen key lime pops from Kermit’s Key Lime Shop • Stroll down Caroline Street, one of the oldest streets in town • Hear the origin story of one of America’s most iconic brands, Pan American Airways • Pass by the Little White House, where President Harry Truman would escape when he tired of the ”Big, White Jail” back in Washington • Stop by the Mile Marker Zero (the beginning of US Route 1) for a quick photo-op • Take in the Key West Lighthouse, next door to the Hemingway Home and Museum where Ernest Hemingway and his second wife, Pauline, lived for nine years so that the author would be able to find his way home after a night of drinking Join me for a fun and amusing walk through the island packed full of charm, quirky stories, and buried treasures.

On our journey over to Key West we will be driving by on Route 1 until we reach the seven-mile bridge. At the Southernmost Point Buoy, we will take a stop for you to gather some great pictures at the Southernmost point in America! Then once we reach Key West you have the option of exploring some unique adventures on your own or visiting the Hemingway Home and Museum! The Hemingway Home and Museum is a historic venue mansion that was built in 1851! Explore Key West with us for some unforgettable memories! Itinerary: Heading to Key West → Drive on Route 1 → Key West Island Classic Tour (Mandatory, 2 hours) → Free Time on Key West Island (2 hours) Key West Island Classic Tour: Seven-Mile Bridge (20 mins) → Southernmost Point Buoy (20 mins) → Hemingway Home & Museum (Outside visit, 15 mins) → United States Route 1 Beginning Mile 0 (10 mins) Recommended activities for free time: After finishing the tour of the above attractions, you will have 2 hours of free time to explore the charming attractions on the island. After a leisurely lunch, you may visit popular sea-sighting spots such as the Truman Little White House, the Harbor area and the Old Customs House, or go to the Seaside Plaza for some shopping! Key West This island in the Florida Keys is the southernmost city in the continental United States. It is loved by tourists internationally for its idyllic Caribbean waters, warm and cozy weather, and stretches of white sandy beaches. Southernmost Point Buoy The Southernmost Point Buoy is an anchored concrete buoy located in Key West, Florida. It is the southernmost point in the continental United States at just about 18 feet above sea level. The large painted buoy was established as a tourist attraction in 1983 by the city at the corner of South Street and Whitehead Street. Today, it is one of the most visited and photographed attractions in the entire United States! Hemingway Home & Museum The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum in Key West was the famous author's home for almost ten years and was where he wrote some of his famous works. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1968.