There’s a woman living in Islamorada who’s likely the envy of sportsmen of all ages. Her name is Dianne Harbaugh — and as well as organizing several respected Florida Keys fishing tournaments each year, she's also a pilot, an expert angler, and the first woman in the world to land a blue marlin on fly.
With a unique history as the home of world-renowned authors, and a natural beauty that has inspired generations of artists, the Florida Keys feature cultural offerings that can’t be found anywhere else. And that means you can find a wide range of “only in the Keys” experiences along the island chain this winter and spring — so start exploring!
The siren song of the subtropical Florida Keys can be almost impossible to resist, particularly when winter has much of the world in its chilly grip. The island chain is rich in ways to indulge body, mind and tastebuds while recharging your batteries ... and sparking lasting memories and smiles that just don’t stop.
Acclaimed as one of the top saltwater sportfishing destinations on the planet, the Florida Keys offer sensational year-round fishing opportunities. And now, winning a Keys fishing vacation could be as simple as following the destination's Facebook page and entering the #FishFLKeys trip giveaway.
Karly Venezia, director of sales and marketing at Islamorada’s iconic 22-acre Islander Resort, has spent more than half her life working for resorts in Key West and Islamorada. She also has an unusual paddleboarding companion: her Rhode Island Red chicken, Loretta, whose on-the-water exploits created a social media sensation.
This January, food and wine enthusiasts can sample the the Florida Keys' culinary delights at five fantastic cuisine celebrations. Each one spotlights local chefs’ creativity, indigenous ingredients like unparalleled fresh fish and seafood, and premium wines. And the Keys' subtropical weather provides another "tasty" reason for a January escape to the welcoming island chain.
Santa does things a little differently in the holiday-loving Florida Keys -- and he even brings some Keys warmth and cheer to people who can't spend the season in the subtropical island chain. Unless you're on the naughty list, you might just get a visit from jolly old Santa Keys this year!
Celebrate the lead-up to Santa’s Dec. 25 arrival by sharing unique, festive experiences with friends and family. Florida Keys experiences, to be exact — because the island chain’s December calendar is packed with creative, colorful and heartwarming events designed to spark smiles and lasting cheer.
Despite the Florida Keys' subtropical climate, residents tend to go a little overboard with holiday decorations (for example, an inflatable 10-foot-tall reindeer perched atop a small houseboat!) and throw themselves gleefully into extended merrymaking. In fact, from Key Largo to Key West, the December calendar is packed with events designed to spread seasonal cheer.
Holiday festivities in the subtropical Florida Keys include everything from lighted boat and bicycle parades to tours of decorated historic inns, plays, seasonal concerts and much more — including an Islamorada celebration where merrymakers can frolic in a 30-ton mountain of actual snow!