| Vol. 5, No. 11 |
Travel News From The Florida Keys & Key West |
September 2009 |
|
|
Nature enthusiasts can get acquainted with unique birds and wildlife native to the Florida Keys Wednesday through Sunday, Sept. 23-27, at the 11th annual Florida Keys Birding and Wildlife Festival. The family-friendly event is set at the quiet oceanfront preserve of Curry Hammock State Park in Marathon, with field trips scheduled throughout the Keys.
Though the primary festival program starts Friday, additional field trips await early arrivals, including a ranger-led interpretive walk through a palm hammock and a ranger-led kayak paddle around Little Crawl Key.
Festival events include an environmental fair, nighttime concert and astronomy program, birding excursions and eco-tours to multiple Keys locations and presentations by photographers Dick Fortune and Sara Lopez, whose images promote conservation and awareness of delicate natural resources by focusing on wading birds and their habitats.
For more information, click here.
|
|
ARTS & CULTURE
Though not yet three years old, Studios of Key West has become an integral part of Key West's artistic and cultural identity — offering vibrant workshops, lectures, exhibitions, concerts and opportunities for artists. To explore this bold new creative community, click here.
|
 |
|
DIVING
Within the dive community, evolving trends suggest taking the sport to a higher level, complementing scuba diving with other activities while promoting overall physical health. For more on new dive trends, click here.
|
|
|
FISHING
Anglers can target the "big three" game fish of the flats while fishing with celebrities ranging from sports heroes to astronauts in the annual Mercury Southernmost Light-Tackle Anglers Masters (S.L.A.M.) Celebrity Fishing Tournament. Learn more by clicking here.
|
|
|
"KEYS VOICES"
The guiding spirit behind Marathon's Dolphin Research Center, Armando "Mandy" Rodriguez, calls his work with dolphins a blessing and a gift. To meet this dedicated dolphin advocate, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sept. 8-13
in Key West
|
Womenfest Key West
This lesbian-oriented festival features celebrity guests, a film debut, sailing and snorkeling, comedy performances and other activities. Contact (800) 535-7797 or click here.
|
|
Sept. 12
in Islamorada
|
Third Annual Forgotten Soldier Outreach Benefit
This family event is hosted by the Zane Gray Lounge at the Worldwide Sportsman, mile marker 81.5, from noon to 4 p.m. Attractions include a kids' fishing tournament on the dock, live music and silent and live auctions. A memorial service on the water for all fallen soldiers is scheduled at sundown. Contact (561) 248-6064 or e-mail here.
|
|
Sept. 17-20
in Marathon
|
50th Annual Marathon International Bonefish Tournament
Some of the best bonefish anglers anywhere are to stalk the ghost of the flats in this all-release spin and fly event, one of the longest running tournaments in the Keys. Contact (305) 743-9424 or e-mail here.
|
|
Sept. 25-26
in Big Pine &
the Lower Keys
|
Snorkel Tours of Looe Key
Part of the Florida Keys Birding & Wildlife Festival, these snorkel trips allow glimpses of the coral structure and marine life of Looe Key Reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Trips depart 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. from Bahia Honda State Park. For details, click here.
|
|
Oct. 3
in Big Pine &
the Lower Keys
|
Artists In Paradise Presents Walk on Winn Dixie
Stroll through stores and galleries for a fall night of art and live music. Enjoy wine, beverages and munchies. Call Artists In Paradise at (305) 872-1828 or click here.
|
|
Oct. 23 - Nov.1
in Key West
|
30th Annual Fantasy Fest
Key West's outrageous, 10-day masking and costuming celebration features costume competitions, promenades, street fairs and a grand parade with marching groups and lavish floats. The 2009 festivities are themed "Villains, Vixens and Vampires." Contact (305) 296-1817 or click here.
|
|
Oct. 25
in Key Largo
|
Annual Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest
Scuba divers participate in a unique jack o'lantern carving contest, complete with a coral reef backdrop. Take the plunge and attempt to carve the winning pumpkin in under 30 feet of water. Contact (800) 426-6729 or click here.
|
|
Nov. 13-14
in Key Largo
|
Jewfish Creek Bridge Run
Enjoy the sunrise where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Gulf of Mexico during the inaugural race over part of the historic 18-Mile Stretch, the gateway to the Florida Keys. Every participant receives a T-shirt and medal. For more information, click here.
|
|
Nov. 14
in Marathon
|
Aviation Day Open House at Marathon Airport
Refurbished historic "warbirds" and home-built airplanes are to be displayed at the airport located at mile marker 51. Free plane rides are offered for kids ages 8-17 with appropriate permission. This food- and fun-filled event, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., is sponsored by the local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association. Contact (305) 393-6937, e-mail here or click here.
|
|
Nov. 14-16
in Islamorada
|
Wine On The Water — A Wine Symposium
Set on an island known for its bountiful tropical fruit and fresh seafood, the festival incorporates island-style food and wine pairings with wine from around the world. The event takes place at the Islander Resort, mile marker 82.1, and is presented by the Upper Keys Rotary Club. Contact Kelli Brower at (305) 240-0573 or click here.
|
|
|
|
This e-mail address was subscribed to this newsletter by the recipient on www.fla-keys.com.
To unsubscribe from this monthly newsletter, click here.
|
