’Tis the Season (Already????) in the Keys
Incredible as it may seem, ’tis the season to be jolly — despite Christmas still being weeks away. But in the celebration-loving Florida Keys, mid-November brings the first stirrings of holiday spirit. So there are plenty of festivities coming up, ranging from traditional to offbeat (and all, of course, with a unique island twist).
An Officer and a Bar Owner: Cycling the Keys
Key Largo Bike and Adventure Tours offers a diverse menu of cycling treks, including a Key Largo to Key West ride, for people of varying fitness levels. Founded about seven years ago, the company specializes in popular excursions such as the Two-Day Tour to Key West, two 100-mile challenges called the Florida Keys and Hemingway Century rides, an Islamorada Bike Tour, the Bike and Beer Tour, and Taste of the Keys.
Spotlight: Daniel Skahen Values Community Openness
Daniel Skahen is the executive director of the renowned Key West Business Guild and a longtime resident of Key West. He also fought successfully for the legalization of gay adoption in Florida. In his “free time,” he can be spotted welcoming travelers at the guild’s LGBTQ Visitor Center at 808 Duval St. So what does Daniel like best about living in Key West?
Costuming the Cat … and Other ‘Tails’ From Pet Masquerade
All over the Florida Keys, people are constructing costumes for their cats, dogs, parrots, potbellied pigs, rabbits and other domestic species. What’s behind this strange phenomenon? A wacky annual costume competition for critters, known as the Pet Masquerade, that’s a highlight of Key West’s 10-day Fantasy Fest celebration each October.
Make Plans NOW for Fantasy Fest’s Masquerade March
Thousands of costumed revelers will promenade through Key West's historic Old Town Oct. 26 during the offbeat Masquerade March, a highlight of the annual Fantasy Fest costuming and masking festival. Famed as “the locals’ parade,” the march typically draws spirited bands and merrymakers wearing everything from lavish feathered and sequined creations to quirky ensembles inspired by the festival theme.
Truman Waterfront Park Turns Heads — and Hosts Headdresses
The over-the-top Headdress Ball brings unmatched creativity and spectacular entries to the new Key West Amphitheater at Truman Waterfront Park. Featuring high-quality entertainment and glamorous flair, the gala is the leading LGBTQ event during the island’s fabulous Fantasy Fest masking and costuming festival — and it’s a can’t-miss treat.
Friends Who Cook Together Own Azur Together
Imagine savoring Key lime pie French toast for brunch. Or dining on braised beef rib gnocchi with vegetables, mushrooms and pecorino. Those are just two of the specialties at Key West's Azur Restaurant, where chefs/owners Drew Wenzel and Michael Mosi create delicious, innovative dishes inspired by their experiences throughout the world.