Teams of women and girls from around the world will unite in Key West for sports matches and activities Jan. 21-27, during the Kelly McGillis Classic International Women’s & Girls’ Flag Football Championship. The championship is named for and endorsed by the actress, director, and former Key West resident who starred in “Top Gun.”
Throughout the Florida Keys, visitors can revel in nature’s richness, immerse themselves in eco-experiences, enjoy opportunities for volunteer and learning vacations, and discover why local residents are so passionate about protecting their environment and lifestyle. As 2020 unfolds, visitors can connect with the Keys’ fascinating natural world and embrace practices that preserve it.
Patrick Garvey owns and operates Big Pine Key’s 2-acre fruit farm Grimal Grove, billed as the first breadfruit grove in the continental U.S. His passion is to grow food sustainably and educate others — and he plans to reopen Grimal Grove Jan. 11 as a Florida Keys breadfruit research site, agritourism attraction and educational park.
Florida Keys holiday traditions center around the one and only Santa Keys — a jolly bearded fellow who brings cheer to those not 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!
New Year’s Eve celebrations in Key West include gorgeous weather and a warmhearted “One Human Family” welcome for visitors fleeing winter’s icy chill. Festivities include several zany takeoffs on the traditional ball drop in New York’s Times Square — even one that stars a drag queen being “dropped” in a giant-sized red high heel.
New Year’s Eve in the Florida Keys traditionally features balmy temperatures and a warm welcome for revelers fleeing colder spots. From beachside fireworks where overcoats and gloves aren’t allowed to wacky takeoffs on the traditional ball drop in New York’s Times Square, the island chain offers a wealth of ways to welcome 2020.
Key West's historic homes, many dating from the late 1800s, range from elegant mansions with wraparound verandahs and wooden “gingerbread” trim to tiny, flower-decked cottages. On Friday and Saturday, Dec. 27-28, architecture buffs can explore homes reflecting the island’s intriguing heritage, plus distinctive contemporary gems, during tours presented by the Old Island Restoration Foundation.
Matt Sexton, a former professional kiteboarder, owns and operates the Middle Keys' sustainable Grassy Flats Resort & Beach Club that opened last spring. He also worked with co-owners Mike and Shana Walsh to build oTHErside Adventure Park & Keys Cable -- and he's focused on making a difference through positive ethical, moral and environmental actions.
Savoring the taste of fresh-baked Cuban bread, watching pooches play at Dog Beach, strolling along palm-lined streets past Victorian gems in historic Old Town, sipping late-afternoon cocktails on the waterfront deck at Louie’s Backyard ... all these are pleasures Key Westers can enjoy every day, but that aren’t easily experienced in other places.
The seafaring spirit, vibrant marinas, renegade arts emporiums and inviting waterfront bars and restaurants of Stock Island will be showcased Dec. 13-15 during the I Love Stock Island Festival. The festival celebrates Stock Island’s culture and heritage with yummy culinary offerings, art studio tours, a holiday boat parade, live music and much more.