Santa does things a little differently in the holiday-loving Florida Keys -- and he even brings some Keys warmth and cheer to people who can't spend the season in the subtropical island chain. Unless you're on the naughty list, you might just get a visit from jolly old Santa Keys this year!
At noon on New Year's Eve, don't miss the annual Key West Dachshund Walk -- a short stroll for long dogs that has become a beloved holiday tradition. Last year the wacky walk drew nearly 200 dachshunds, many of them sporting whimsical costumes or accessories as they trotted around Key West’s historic downtown area.
Do you love Stock Island? You should, because the island that lies next to Key West has a lot going for it — a cutting-edge cultural and culinary scene, seafaring heritage, contemporary waterfront lifestyle and cheerfully offbeat charm. And that’s what you can experience during the 2017 I Love Stock Island Festival.
The Florida Keys are rich in "mañana mindset," irreverent humor and unexpected joys. Now is a great time to discover and connect with the island chain and the spirit that defines it — and with the special Keys experiences that will make your senses tingle and your smile spread from ear to ear.
Thousands of Jimmy Buffett's fervent "Parrot Head" fans are gathered in Key West, widely known as the cradle of Buffett’s creativity, to celebrate his music and the “Margaritaville mindset” it inspires. This “Keys Voices” column looks back at a surprise concert Jimmy performed during the Parrot Heads' visit in 2011 — and his spontaneous comments that revealed an undiminished affection for the island city.
Once the stone crab season began Oct. 15, the savory claws started starring on the menus of top Keys restaurants — triggering a virtual stampede of savvy seafood aficionados. That's because the claws contain sweet and scrumptious meat that’s among the Keys’ most popular (and deservedly famous) delicacies.
Key West’s renowned Fantasy Fest, scheduled Oct. 20-29, is more meaningful than ever this year. Why? Because it demonstrates Florida Keys residents’ spirit, resilience and determination to celebrate life and creativity -- even after Hurricane Irma’s unwelcome visit in early September.
The Florida Keys are reopening to visitors Sunday, Oct. 1, following recovery efforts after Hurricane Irma impacted the island chain Sept. 10. Recovery is progressing well and the spirit and resilience of Keys residents is strong, despite the difficult hurricane impacts and aftermath. Many Keys special events — including Key Largo’s Oct. 18-22 Humphrey Bogart Film Festival, Key West’s Oct. 20-29 Fantasy Fest and Marathon’s Oct. 21 Stone Crab Eating Contest — are to take place as planned.
The southern stretch of U.S. Highway 1, running from mainland Florida throughout the Florida Keys to Key West, has been called the Overseas Highway, the Highway That Goes to Sea, and -- for those of us who love the island chain -- the road home. Now, following Hurricane Irma’s assault on the Keys and parts of mainland Florida, it's also an enduring symbol of our road to recovery.
For those of us whose job and passion it is to showcase the Florida Keys to visitors, major storms are something to take seriously — and be proactive and honest about. As concerns about Hurricane Irma loom for so many people, the Keys tourism website is featuring the latest updates about the storm and its potential path, strength and timing, and vital evacuation information.