As temperatures plunge in much of the United States, many people are seeking a place to avoid winter’s chill and continue to enjoy outdoor experiences. In Key West, the southernmost spot in the continental U.S., activities abound that enable participants to soak up salt air, balmy breezes and the island’s irresistibly laid-back vibe.
As executive director of the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, former ballet danseur Misha McRAE is preparing to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the 15-acre subtropical treasure. Described as the continental United States’ only frost-free tropical forest and botanical garden, the enchanted spot has been his passion since the late 1990s.
This year brought many achievements of note to benefit Key West’s LGBTQ community and visitors — from the return of rainbow crosswalks on the island city’s famed Duval Street to the formal dedication of a “One Human Family” pavilion, plus incredible fundraising efforts for AIDS service organizations by participants in the “reimagined” SMART Ride.
Florida Keys holiday traditions center around the one and only Santa Keys — a jolly bearded fellow who brings cheer to those who aren’t lucky enough to live in the Keys, and to the underwater creatures in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. What happens on the night before Christmas? Santa Keys makes his rounds!
No one can deny that 2020, and its holiday season, are different than any other year in memory. Whether grief and loss, economic fears or the stress of isolation, almost everyone is feeling the effects of the world’s coronavirus pandemic. Yet even so, it’s possible to find occasional bright spots that bring hope.
GayCities.com has unveiled an innovative lineup of categories for its "Best of 2020" awards — and the Florida Keys & Key West are nominated in three of the nine categories. Support the easygoing island chain by voting for Higgs Beach, Fort Jefferson and Dry Tortugas National Park, and the iconic Overseas Highway road trip.
With an abundance of colorful subtropical fruits and flowers, the Florida Keys are rich in soothing organic and sustainable ingredients for luxury skin care and bath products. Easily ordered online, these products make great holiday gifts — providing a way to create an at-home spa experience that evokes warm, fragrant memories of the Keys.
With so many good restaurants in Key West, ranging from intimate bistros and gourmet emporiums to waterfront seafood spots, the choice can sometimes be bewildering for visitors. What's the best tactic for finding an island-style culinary gem? Ask a local resident for recommendations — and they’ll likely include the Flaming Buoy Filet Co.
Tastes and flavors of the Florida Keys are embedded deeply in the memories of visitors far and wide, so why not surprise family members and good friends this season with delicious gifts of edible or sippable Keys creations? Gifts of food from the island chain are sure to delight even the pickiest recipients.
These days, many people find satisfaction and purpose in helping others in need — including two Key Westers who are longtime volunteers for a heartwarming local organization. “Cooking With Love” exemplifies the spirit of the upcoming holiday season, and gives back to the community in the Florida Keys’ true "One Human Family" fashion.