When Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote in Key West in the 1930s, he spent much of his leisure time with friends at Sloppy Joe’s Bar. On May 5, 2017, the iconic Key West watering hole celebrates 80 years at its landmark home at the corner of Duval and Greene streets.
The Key West Songwriters Festival, called the largest event of its kind in the world, will rock the island May 10-14 -- with some 200 chart-topping songwriters, singers and entertainers taking the stage for more than 50 shows.
If you want to be mistaken for a Florida Keys resident — or at least a savvy regular visitor — don’t ever say “kontch.” The widely-used word “conch” is pronounced “konk" on the island chain that's proudly known as the Conch Republic.
The world premiere of an innovative professional dance production will take place in Key West April 13-15, set against lush plants and trees on the oceanfront grounds of the Civil War-era West Martello Tower — with dancers and musicians appearing and performing, like elemental forest spirits, among the foliage.
The Cow Key Channel Bridge, stretching about 300 feet between Key West and neighboring Stock Island, is among the shortest of the Florida Keys Overseas Highway’s 42 bridges. It’s also the site of a wacky event believed to be the world’s only “zero k” bridge run.
Key West is well known for its residents’ welcoming and accepting attitude toward all people -- an attitude that gained formal recognition when local artist JT Thompson conceived the now global “One Human Family” concept.
The quirky, charismatic Florida Keys & Key West are connected by a vibrant community of creative spirits — and pieces of their work have been collected into a mural that bridges the Keys with colorful artistry. It’s called, fittingly, “The Connections Project: A Mosaic of the Keys."
In the laid-back Florida Keys, vacationing is an art form. And if you’re seeking cultural experiences to supplement the Keys’ subtropical “fun and sun” vibe, you’ll find arts offerings in just about every genre. Check out four can’t-miss gems to enjoy and remember.
For those fascinated by the unusual art of conch shell blowing, it’s time to pucker up and hone your “honking” skills on your favorite oceanic instrument — because Key West’s 55th annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest is coming up fast.
In today’s world, the best vacation is all about simplicity. It’s about savoring the taste of fresh local fish, the sight of a blazing sunset, the cool kiss of saltwater in the blue Atlantic. It's about sharing moments you’ll remember forever with people you love ... amid the simple pleasures and uncontrived experiences you’ll find in the Florida Keys.