For visitors who wonder how Key Westers live — and what lies behind their houses’ white picket fences, historic facades and gleaming front doors — home tours scheduled for December, January, February and March provide a rare chance to find out.
Key West’s wide array of entertainment — throughout the night, into the wee hours and all day, every day — means visitors can enjoy theater and music performances, book on-the-water excursions, meet new friends for dining or drinks, attend a drag show, simply “chillax” in the subtropical surroundings and much more.
For Morgan Rudluff, Key West’s third annual International Sand Art Competition offered a personal catharsis. For Rusty Croft and Abe Waterman, it provided an opportunity for thought-provoking social commentary. And for spectators watching six artists carve sand at the beachside challenge, it illustrated a triumph of passionate creativity.
When counting blessings in Key West, the list usually includes the year-round warm climate, genuinely caring community, “One Human Family” philosophy that promotes equality for all, lively arts and entertainment calendar, and beautiful natural surroundings -- but the Thanksgiving season provides a reason for some extra reflection and gratitude.
A unique subtropical version of the classic ballet “The Nutcracker” awaits holiday-loving audiences Dec. 10-18 in Key West, flavored with characters and sets that spotlight the island’s colorful history, magnificent coral reef environment and even quirky free-roaming local roosters. “Nutcracker Key West” combines 15 professional dancers from around the world with dozens of local children and adults — all passionate about using their talents to bring the beloved story to life.
Instead of anticipating holidays filled with shivery winter chill, imagine indulging in a December getaway to balmy Key West. That’s right — a sun-splashed holiday season, alive with warmth and cheer, is on tap in the subtropical island city.
Born in 1979, Key West's Fantasy Fest has grown to be an exuberant 10-day whirlwind of costuming and masking contests, themed parties, masquerade events and a gala grand parade. And the revelry has also celebrated some amazing people and true-life heroism.
Last October in Key West, I spotted a character wearing a feathered bikini and six-foot-tall peacock headdress, a group of silver-garbed “Beauty School Dropouts From Mars” and a quartet impersonating the legendary Jamaican bobsled team. And it was all part of Fantasy Fest.
Is your Halloween finery is head-and-shoulders above the rest? Then prove it at Key West's glitzy annual Headdress Ball, where revelers hoping to make “headlines” will take center stage and compete for cash prizes.
Key West's Zombie Bike Ride, a pre-Halloween tradition for visiting and local families and groups, is scheduled Sunday, Oct. 23 -- and much of the island is likely to be overrun by an oddly lively gaggle of the biking dead. The spooky spectacle typically draws several thousand participants (including a few slightly bewildered pets).