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| Vol. 6, No. 1 |
Travel News From The Florida Keys & Key West |
November 2009 |
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The Florida Keys Overseas Highway, from just north of Key Largo to Key West, is now an All-American Road. The designation is the highest recognition possible under the National Scenic Byways program established by the U.S. Congress in 1991.
The Keys highway is the only All-American Road in Florida and one of just 31 in the United States. To earn the prestigious designation, a thoroughfare must possess characteristics of national significance and features that don't exist elsewhere, making it a visitor destination in itself.
Originally completed in 1938, the Overseas Highway incorporates 42 bridges over the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. They include the Seven Mile Bridge at Marathon, which stretches 6.79 miles across open water and was referred to on its completion as "the eighth wonder of the world."
Discover the new All-American Road by clicking here.
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Marathon Takes to the Skies in November
To intrigue those interested in aviation, Marathon has two exciting events on tap for visitors "dropping in" to America's southernmost island chain in November. Take flight by clicking here.
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Buccaneers to Celebrate Key West's Seafaring Heritage
The historic seafaring town of Key West is to become a pirate stronghold Nov. 28 through Dec. 6, when "brethren of the coast" and lively wenches invade the island for the 10th annual Pirates in Paradise festival. For the swashbuckling scoop, click here.
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ARTS & CULTURE
All day Dec. 5, Lower Keys visitors can experience holiday exuberance, enjoy live music and choose gifts created by local artists at the Big Pine & Lower Keys Island Art Festival. Click here for seasonal cheer.
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DIVING
While there's great diving throughout the Keys island chain, Marathon — known as the Heart of the Keys — offers an intriguing mix of shallow-water reefs and shipwrecks sure to please the most discriminating diver. Take the plunge by clicking here.
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FISHING
The Islamorada Fishing Club's Junior Derby, set for Nov. 27-28, encourages kids to get out and fish for nearly 50 species of fish including amberjack, barracuda, cobia, dolphin, hogfish and even lizard fish. Catch the details by clicking here.
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"KEYS VOICES"
Two decades ago Robert Lingenfelser changed his life, inspired by an emotionally charged stint in the Keys volunteering for marine mammal rescue efforts. To meet the man whose marine mammal connection became a career, click here.
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Dec. 4
in Big Pine &
the Lower Keys
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Artists In Paradise Presents Walk on Winn Dixie
Stroll through stores and galleries for a fall night of art and live music from 7 to 9 p.m. Enjoy wine and other beverages munchies and music. Call (305) 872-1828 or click here.
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Dec. 4
in Islamorada
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Florida Keys Holiday Festival
This extravaganza begins with a tree-lighting ceremony at Founders Park, mile marker 87. A holiday parade featuring Santa follows, as does a holiday gift bazaar and silent auction of ornaments decorated by local artists. Call (305) 664-4503 or click here.
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Dec. 5
in Big Pine &
the Lower Keys
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Big Pine & The Lower Keys Island Art Festival
Highlights of this holiday event include live music by local entertainers, food, exhibits and booths featuring locally produced arts and crafts. Festivities take place on the grounds of the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, mile marker 31 oceanside. Call (305) 872-2411 or click here.
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Dec. 11-12
and 18-19
in Key West
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Historic Lighted Inn Tours
Discover the history and holiday spirit of Key West by touring beautifully decorated historic inns. The tours include creative offerings by local chefs, artists, writers and performers. Call (305) 295-1334 or click here.
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Dec. 12
in Key Largo
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Key Largo Boat Parade
Blackwater Sound will shimmer as decorated boats parade close to shore in celebration of the holiday season. The best viewing and libations are to be found at Sundowners, Senor Frijoles, the Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort and Caribbean Club, mile marker 103-104. Call (305) 451-4502 or click here.
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Dec. 13
in Marathon
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Key Colony Beach Boat Parade
Christmas lights on outriggers and displays on boat decks are part of the beautiful festivities during the Key Colony Beach Boat Parade, set to begin at the 7th Street canal. The parade is open to all boats, with a route that visits canals and cuts and passes City Hall three times. Great viewing spots include Sadowski Causeway at mile marker 53.5 and the area behind City Hall. Call (305) 743-7214.
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Dec. 19
in Marathon
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Free Christmas Concert
Presented by and held at the Marathon Community Theatre, the performance is free and open to the public. Showtime is 5 p.m. Call (305) 743-0408 or click here.
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Dec. 19
in Islamorada
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"CocoNutcracker"
The Florida Keys' version of the classic "Nutcracker," the annual performance is presented by the Coral Shores Performing Arts Center. The talented cast is entirely local dance students. Showtimes are 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and admission is free. For more information, click here.
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Dec. 31
in Key West
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Key West New Year's Eve Celebrations
The Southernmost City celebrates New Year's Eve with a "conch shell drop" at Sloppy Joe's Bar , 201 Duval St.; the descent of a super-sized red high-heel shoe carrying drag queen Sushi at the Bourbon Street Pub/New Orleans House complex, 724 Duval St.; and the descent of a pirate wench from atop a tall ship's mast in the island city's Historic Seaport. Call (305) 296-2388, ext. 121, for Sloppy Joe's conch shell drop; (305) 293-9800 for the high heel drop; (305) 292-3302 for the descent of the pirate wench.
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Dec. 31
in Key Largo
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New Year's Eve Fireworks on Blackwater Sound
The back bay is the setting for the annual New Year's Eve fireworks extravaganza hosted by Sundowners, Señor Frijoles, Cactus Jacks, Gus' Grille at the Marriott Key Largo Beach Resort and the Caribbean Club, all at mile marker 103-104. Call (305) 451-4502.
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