Don't leave behind the Florida Keys' easygoing attitude or laid-back approach to living when your vacation ends. Instead, with a little thought and imagination, you can savor it throughout the new year (and beyond!).
In the Florida Keys & Key West, the holiday season is welcomed with great fanfare, festivities, and unique island flair. But for those who aren't lucky enough to be celebrating in the island chain, "Santa Keys" has dreamed up a special surprise. Discover his "gift" -- and have a joyful and meaningful holiday.
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.
The Florida Keys History of Diving Museum in Islamorada is a unique 3,000-square-foot showcase of interactive exhibits. It’s also a valuable educational resource through its free “Immerse Yourself!” and “Dive Into History!” public programs — starring maritime and dive experts who help tell the story of people’s attempts to explore, understand and venture under the sea.
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.
Family fishing fun and concierge-level service have meant impressive success for Captain Chris and Christy Johnson’s SeaSquared Charters in Marathon. Their customized trips attract serious anglers, corporate groups and families to the heart of the Florida Keys for big game fishing, lobstering, snorkeling and exploring.
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.
The lighthearted I Love Stock Island Festival celebrates the cheerfully rustic island's culture, heritage and working waterfront — with yummy culinary offerings featuring fresh-off-the-boat seafood, wine and beer tastings, history and art studio tours, watersports, live music, and much more.