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.
Attendees at the colorful festival, set for Dec. 8-10, can experience Stock Island’s funky authenticity and seafaring charm. (All photos courtesy of I Love Stock Island)
And that’s what you can experience during the 2017 I Love Stock Island Festival. The second annual fest takes place Friday through Sunday, Dec. 8-10, displaying Stock Island’s culinary riches, oceanside spirit, vibrant creative enterprises and tight-knit community in a lively three-day celebration.
The hub of the Florida Keys commercial shrimping industry, Stock Island is defined by a rustic authenticity that flavors its colorful marinas, art studios and waterfront bars and restaurants.
During the family-friendly festival, you can enjoy culinary events, live music, history and art studio tours, a bicycle excursion, a lighted boat parade and other experiences that showcase the island and its eclectic working waterfront.
Stock Island’s unique heritage, by the way, dates back to an era far before the Keys attained their present-day fame. Local lore says the island’s Safe Harbor was a staging area for the Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba in 1961, and a ferry that once connected Key West and Havana departed from a dock across from the landmark Hogfish Bar and Grill.
Stock Island’s strong seaport core is indicated by the commercial shrimp boats tied up at its docks, and the sight of shrimpers offloading masses of sweet Key West pink shrimp.
Savor a traditional Florida Keys shrimp boil during the festival — a taste treat not to be missed.
The island is also a haven for independent young artists, such as those who founded the COAST enclave. Its marinas are headquarters to world-class charter fishing captains and frequented by dedicated anglers.
And since Stock Island also features two thriving new resorts, it’s being discovered by a growing group of visitors entranced by its vivid, creative, working-class seafaring atmosphere.
It’s that atmosphere — and the community and its easygoing pleasures — that you can discover during the I Love Stock Island Festival.
Highlights include “Taste of Stock Island,” a guided exploration of local cuisine beginning at 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8. Traveling via trolley, guests stop at selected Stock Island restaurants to savor small plates and beverage pairings at each location. (Yum!)
Friday also features waterfront festivities as vessels from dinghies and schooners to local shrimpboats — all adorned with holiday lights and decorations — parade through community marinas starting at 7 p.m. What better way to spark the seasonal spirit?
Art lovers, history fans, foodies and families can spend Saturday enjoying free “Discover Stock Island” excursions by trolley. Local galleries, restaurants and attractions will stage open houses, and you can actually search for “treasure” prizes as you explore.
Delights for foodies, live music, community explorations and gatherings at Stock Island hotspots all play a role in the appealing festival.
Saturday’s plans also call for a traditional shrimp boil at the Oceans Edge Key West Resort Hotel & Marina on Peninsular Avenue. If you’ve never savored a shrimp boil, you’re missing out on a world-class taste treat — so don’t miss this one.
Also don’t miss Saturday’s 7-11 p.m. anniversary celebration at Stock Island’s beloved Hogfish, a funky waterfront hotspot on Front Street. The seafood at Hogfish is always amazing (try the smoked fish dip), and music is also on the menu for the anniversary bash.
Sunday’s schedule features the second annual Stock Rock & Roll Bike Ride, a free self-paced cycling exploration of the island’s eateries, bars and emporiums set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guided history tours will be offered at 10 and 11 a.m., departing from We Cycle on the Overseas Highway.
But even that’s not all. Other weekend enticements include food truck feasts, Sunday art studio showcases and festive holiday brunches at popular Stock Island restaurants.
In fact, by the time the festival ends late Sunday, there’s a good chance that you — like so many others — will happily proclaim, “I love Stock Island!”
