Fred the Tree: The Florida Keys’ ‘Celebri-Tree’
Fred the Tree, the Florida Keys’ thriving and resolute “celebri-tree” that grows improbably on the historic Old Seven Mile Bridge, is debuting as a movie star in the remake of “Road House.” The beloved Fred is also memorialized in a song and a children’s book — and his Facebook page has 34,000 followers!
A New ‘Papa’ Joins the Famed Bearded Brotherhood
Joe Maxey looks a lot like Ernest Hemingway. That fact was amply proved when the 68-year-old white-bearded retired banker won Key West's annual Hemingway Look-Alike Contest at Sloppy Joe's Bar. More than 140 aspiring Ernests competed, vying to be named "Papa" on the island where Hemingway lived and wrote during the 1930s.
Do You Belong in the Keys?
There are some people who simply belong in the Florida Keys — visitors who become mesmerized by an indefinable magic about the island chain that makes them unwilling or unable to leave. If the "symptoms" here apply to you, there’s a good chance you’re already under the spell of the laid-back subtropical destination.
Summer Revelry Abounds with Key West’s Tropical Heat Celebrations
Key West’s subtropical weather means summer temps in the high 80s, abundant sunshine and cooling sea breezes. But when it comes to entertainment, August is guaranteed to be a scorcher on the island with the annual Tropical Heat festivities. The sizzling action-packed event takes place Aug. 14-18, with all-male adult-themed events scheduled throughout.
True Treasure Tales Highlight Mel Fisher Days
Mel Fisher's 1985 discovery of the $450 million treasure of the shipwrecked Spanish galleon Atocha is being remembered July 11-13 during Key West’s Mel Fisher Days. Highlights include a dock party with the salvage crew, behind-the-scenes tours of the Fishers' private artifact conservation lab, and the chance to hear adventurous tales recalling Mel’s exuberant spirit.
‘Wedding Crasher’ Offers to Rescue … Somebody
The Florida Keys are among the country’s top wedding destinations. A visit to the Keys can be a lighthearted vacation opportunity for the entire wedding group — so the experience becomes a unique, eagerly anticipated occasion for everyone involved. Plus the attitude is easygoing and casual, and many ceremonies are delightfully informal.
July Entertainment Sparkles with the 2019 Firecracker Competition
Looking for a way to chill out over the July 4 weekend? Then head for Key West's famed "Pink Triangle," the heart of the LGBTQ entertainment district, for some indoor climate-controlled revelry — including the annual Firecracker Competition at Aqua Nightclub. The competition may be hot, but the venue is always pleasantly cool.