LGBTQ personalities, influences and events have played a huge role in the modern-day history of Key West, a leading gay vacation mecca for decades. With WorldPride well under way, it’s a great time to celebrate the milestones that helped shape the island that draws nearly 300,000 LGBTQ visitors per year.
Where can you chow down on a luscious lobster Reuben? Or melt-in-your-mouth fried Key lime pie? Or a unique and gorgeous sushi dish made from lionfish? The restaurants in Marathon and the Middle Florida Keys offer all these and more — so embark on a tasting excursion to sample, savor and smile.
A group of unusual suspects is reportedly converging on Key West — a gang of “perps” known for penning today’s top thrillers and mystery fiction. Mystery Fest Key West, set for June 28-30, gives avid readers and aspiring writers the chance to meet and learn from superstar authors including Jeffery Deaver and Heather Graham.
A rainbow flag can now be seen on the 523-foot-long Vandenberg, the second-largest ship in the world to be sunk as an artificial reef. Lying about seven miles off Key West, the "Vandy" draws divers from around the world ... and its rainbow flag is believed to be the first one ever displayed on an artificial reef.
The Florida Keys are home to the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef. Underwater enthusiasts can help protect it by employing eco-friendly reef etiquette, using reef-safe sunscreen, taking the Nature Conservancy's #RespectOurReef pledge and other actions. Protection of this unique natural system is essential for enjoyment today and in the future.
Most Florida Keys anglers embrace the mantra that “a fish is too valuable to be caught only once.” While conservation of fish didn’t originate in the Florida Keys, the region is now the world’s poster child for it. Even novice anglers release every bonefish, permit and tarpon — generally all species except those that make tasty dinners.
The Florida Keys & Key West tourism council and the Key West Business Guild will showcase the inclusive spirit of the subtropical LGBTQ visitor destination in New York City’s WorldPride March and PrideFest street festival scheduled Sunday, June 30. Stop by the street festival booth for insights into the island chain’s newest offerings and attractions.
Want to log a world-class, bucket-list dive experience? Then head for Key West this Memorial Day weekend for the 10-year “on-the-bottom” anniversary of the USNS Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg. Sunk May 27, 2009, it’s the world’s second-largest vessel intentionally scuttled to become an artificial reef — and the anniversary events will be unforgettable.
Some of the world’s most incredible natural resources can be found in the Florida Keys — including the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef. Visitors can discover them, and become motivated to protect them, during soft-adventure activities, eco-travel experiences, diving or kayaking treks and stops at environmental attractions and wildlife refuges.
The official start of summer is just a few weeks away, and Key West is ready with three fabulous weekend pool parties sure to make a big splash during a Florida Keys vacation. Discover how to dive into pool parties at New Orleans House, Equator Resort and Island House Resort.