Karly Venezia, director of sales and marketing at Islamorada’s iconic 22-acre Islander Resort, has spent more than half her life working for resorts in Key West and Islamorada. She also has an unusual paddleboarding companion: her Rhode Island Red chicken, Loretta, whose on-the-water exploits created a social media sensation.
As chilly weather begins to invade northern realms, discover new and enhanced attractions in the sunny subtropical Florida Keys. From underwater exploration to sailing adventures to a unique "escape" experience, they're all designed to intrigue and delight visitors.
Filmmaker Jon Landau, a wildly successful producer known best for his movies “Avatar” and “Titanic,” could live anywhere in the world. Yet home is the Florida Keys, which first captivated the down-to-earth Jon in 1986 when he and wife Julie worked on the film “Making Mr. Right” in Miami. Today, both are deeply involved in their Upper Keys community.
A welcome sight lifted the spirits of many weary Florida Keys locals returning home in the weeks after Hurricane Irma’s Sept. 10 passage through the beloved island chain. That sight was “Fred," a salt-sprayed Australian pine tree that's growing out of a roadbed on the historic Old Seven Mile Bridge.
Michael Marrero, executive director of the popular Key West Theater, is an award-winning playwright, photographer and filmmaker whose drama “Locura” was recently part of a historic Cuban-American theatrical exchange -- one of the first such exchanges between the two countries in half a century.
Experience an in-depth sojourn in the subtropical Florida Keys & Key West, and you’re likely to discover some fascinating indigenous species in hidden, tucked-away gardens nestled throughout the 125-mile-long island chain. Here’s an intriguing look at five gardens well worth exploring.
Meet the celebrated chef behind some of the Florida Keys' most innovative cuisine: Andy Niedenthal, who has appeared on America's top food television shows, been praised by culinary icon Julia Child, and even cooked for a former president. Now he's the executive chef at Islamorada's Islander Resort, A Guy Harvey Outpost.
Captain Samantha Zeher, owner of Islamorada's KeyZ Charters, earned her license at just 18 while still a college freshman. Today she offers sightseeing charters that include snorkeling and sunset cruises, paddleboard, eco-tours and Everglades excursions. She’s also happy to treat passengers to island trips exploring Indian Key, Lignumvitae Key and Alligator Lighthouse -- each with a history dating back to the 1800s.
The Florida Keys offer wedding sites that can't be found anywhere else in the world, so couples can marry in a venue as memorable as their love. Historic Civil War-era forts, the homes of literary and political legends, and waterfront or even underwater settings are available in the unique island chain.
Vacationing in the Florida Keys with extended family members, girlfriends and/or guy pals, or a multi-generational group of kids and adults? The inviting island chain offers intriguing activities and bucket-list adventures for travelers of just about every mindset.