Craving Crab in the Keys?
Stone crab claws offer sweet and scrumptious meat that’s among the Florida Keys’ most popular delicacies. Once the stone crab harvest season begins each Oct. 15, the savory claws appear prominently on Keys restaurant menus — triggering a veritable stampede of eager seafood fans. There’s even an annual Stone Crab Eating Contest in November.
Sea Turtle Time in the Keys!
It's sea turtle nesting and hatching season in the Florida Keys — AND two sea turtles rehabilitated at Marathon's Turtle Hospital were recently released to take part in the famed Tour de Turtles. Keys visitors and residents are buzzing about heartwarming video of brand-new hatchlings and the chance to track the Tour de Turtles "competitors" online.
Get Ready for Games at Key West’s Fantasy Fest Oct. 19-28
Key West’s legendary Fantasy Fest is coming up Oct. 19-28 with a roster of world-class festivities. This year's theme is “Oh … The Games We Play!” — and the over-the-top costuming, unparalleled parties and amazing energy generated by the festival will impress even the most seasoned party animals out there (you know who you are!).
‘Islands of the Arts’ Debut Distinctive Sculpture Trail
Intriguing artistry can be seen along the Florida Keys Overseas Highway that traverses the length of the island chain — including, thanks to two Key West philanthropists, the large-scale pieces that make up the new Florida Keys Sculpture Trail. The 81-mile trail stretches along the highway from Islamorada to Key West, where the distinctive sculptures can be easily discovered and admired by art lovers.
Lower Keys Reef and Wreck Are Paradise for Divers
Divers in the Lower Keys can explore wonders such as Looe Key Reef, one of the most beautiful shallow reefs to be found, and the 210-foot Adolphus Busch Sr. Intentionally sunk as an artificial reef in December 1998, today the Busch is populated by marine life including huge southern stingrays, reef sharks and massive schools of tarpon.
Key West Stages Southernmost Party for Lesbians and Their Friends Sept. 5-9
Key West's Womenfest, taking place Sept. 5-9, is renowned as one of North America’s largest gatherings of lesbians and their friends. It was created to allow singles, couples and groups of women to experience camaraderie, adventures on land and sea, live entertainment and lively celebrations for “Party Girls.”
The ‘Papa’ and Paula
Paula Deen’s husband, Michael Groover, looks a lot like Ernest Hemingway. So much, in fact, that he triumphed over 150 other entrants to win the 2018 Sloppy Joe’s Hemingway® Look-Alike Contest, the undisputed highlight of Key West’s annual Hemingway Days festival.