Research editor Mary Levitski explores the chain of islands at the States’ southernmost point, where American and Caribbean cultures converge in bright and lively combinations.

WHERE TO STAY: Tranquility Bay beachfront hotel and resort
Make yourself at home at Tranquility Bay. Victorian-meets-tropical town-house suites reveal crisp Caribbean-chic interiors with serene views of the bay. It’s a truly ah-inspiring place. 2600 Overseas Hwy., Marathon, tranquilitybay.com.

WHAT TO DO: The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum
Tour the house that Ernest Hemingway shared with his second wife, Pauline Pfeiffer (and dozens of polydactyl cats). Pfeiffer’s creative prowess is almost as inspiring as Hemingway’s – the Vogue and Vanity Fair journalist decorated their abode in the hottest ’30s fashions, including imported Parisian Art Deco tile and an elaborate Venetian glass chandelier. 907 Whitehead St., Key West, hemingwayhome.com.
 

WHERE TO SHOP: D'Asign Source
Right off the highway, where you’d least expect it, is one of the most impressive furniture showrooms I’ve ever seen. D’Asign Source, also a home builder and design firm, sells stunning beachy decor worthy of its luxury custom-home projects. 11500 Overseas Hwy., Marathon, dasignsource.com.
 

WHERE TO SHOP: Fast Buck's at Home & Key Accents
Key West is known for its quirky upcycled decor, but off the beaten path of Duval Street are two gems that any polished decorista will appreciate. Fast Buck’s at Home and Key Accents wow with glamorous tropical furniture and accessories. (Think: seashell mirrors.) 726 Caroline St., Key West, fastbucksathome.com; 804 Caroline St., Key West, keyaccents.net.

WHERE TO EAT: Glazed Donuts
Glazed Donuts’s award-winning key lime doughnut – a twist on the region’s eponymous pie – is a limey curd-filled, meringue-topped “slice” of heaven. 420 Eaton St., Key West, glazeddonuts.com.