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.
Michelle Lowe’s paintings seemingly pop off the canvas. Each scene is a snapshot of lively-eyed creatures like hogfish, angelfish, large-scaled tarpon, tangs and turtles, or the unmistakeable contours of native seagrape trees, palm fronds and plumage of island birds.
"Only in the Keys!" has become a common response from people hearing about everything from a Key West parade for dachshunds to mermaids attending a Lower Keys music festival (FYI, these are both actual things).
Authors and artists, playwrights and poets have long been lured to the seductive island of Key West — rightfully known as one of America’s most fascinating playgrounds for creative spirits.
With 12 fireplaces and a roof steeply angled so snow can’t accumulate on it, the Custom House isn’t exactly a typical building in frost-free Key West. But it’s definitely one of the most architecturally significant — and this year it celebrates its 125th birthday.
As a co-producer of Islamorada’s annual Baygrass Bluegrass Festival, local singer/songwriter Robby McClung is passionate about generating more interest in that musical genre — and about bringing performers from around the world to enrich the Florida Keys' cultural and arts community.
Billy Kearins is the founder of COAST — a rustic, funky space made up of a retail store showroom, studio workshops, an event venue and more — all located on Stock Island’s Front Street where a hand-painted sign indicates “Mellow Folk Welcome.”
When Randy Towe was 10 years old, he asked his mother to buy him a $200 custom fishing rod. His mother didn’t agree, so he convinced her to spend considerably less and purchase the necessary parts. The young fishing fanatic then built his own rod -- and today, he crafts prized rods for others from his store in the Florida Keys.