His long-established nickname is “Bat,” and even many friends don’t know his real name is David. But now Bat Masterson has a new nickname: “Papa.” That’s because Bat recently won the Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, a highlight of Key West's Hemingway Days festival that ended July 21 — the 125th anniversary of “Papa” Hemingway’s birth.
Daytime swordfishing, or catching a broadbill in broad daylight, was pioneered off the Florida Keys’ Islamorada — an area known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World” and the home of the largest offshore charterboat fleet in the entire Keys island chain. So how difficult is it to battle and catch a prized swordfish?
Key West’s Hemingway Days — set this year for July 16-21 — is an internationally recognized celebration saluting Ernest Hemingway, the legendary American author who lived and wrote on the island for almost a decade. But when Michael Whalton conceived the festival more than 40 years ago, he couldn’t possibly foresee what it would become.
The Lower Florida Keys’ sub-sea world will become a concert venue Saturday, July 13, when divers and snorkelers immerse themselves in a musical adventure that promotes reef protection. It’s called the Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival, and it’s unlike any other dive or snorkel experience — OR any other music festival — on the planet.
Fans of sweet, tart Key lime pie can salute the Florida Keys’ signature dessert, and the tiny fruit that inspired it, July 3-7 during the annual Key Lime Festival. Events include a (very messy!) Key lime pie–eating contest, “limey” dining delights, a wacky Key lime pie drop, and culinary and libation tastings.
Visitors to Key West will find palm-shaded streets, picturesque historic homes, a lively multicultural culinary scene and a flourishing arts community. But perhaps the most appealing aspect is the mellow, easygoing pace of life — a pace that inspires new arrivals to release everyday pressures, breathe deeply and absorb the island’s revitalizing rhythm.
The Middle Keys’ Marathon is an easygoing, laid-back area for family and couples’ vacations that include sun, fun and nature exploration. From snorkeling a shallow reef to strolling the Old Seven Mile Bridge, options abound that enable individuals, couples, families and friends to dedicate time to the pursuit of relaxation and personal renewal.
Called the Sport Fishing Capital of the World because of its stunning angling diversity, the Upper Keys’ Islamorada is also known for its eco-tours, variety of watersports, historic state parks, artistic culture and galleries, fine dining and enticing boutiques. Overall, Islamorada offers an unparalleled blend of satisfying activities and opportunities for downtime.
For those who can’t travel to the Florida Keys this spring for the amazing diving, the island chain’s enthralling subsea world can be explored through the free streaming channel and app, FloridaKeysTV. It features hours of quality underwater programming — including the Keys-focused “Destination Dive” series — to inspire ideas for an upcoming visit.
Maybe chart-topping rock stars aren’t abandoning their guitars to play the conch shell. But that’s okay — because the “pucker pros” playing pink-lined shells were treated like rock stars at Key West’s recent Conch Shell Blowing Contest. The event saluted the Florida Keys’ seafaring heritage and centuries-old use of the “conch horn” for signaling.