Quirks

Underwater Pumpkin Carving and an Unforgettable Shipwreck

The continental United States’ only contiguous living coral barrier reef, which parallels the Florida Keys, hosts huge populations of tropical fish and other sea creatures. The warm, clear water makes a long dive in the Keys comfortable and enjoyable. And around Halloween each year, divers can immerse themselves while actually carving pumpkins underwater!

By |2022-10-26T12:52:11-04:00October 26, 2022|

Florida Keys’ Conch Republic Celebrates Landmark 40th ‘Birthday’

In April 1982, the Florida Keys symbolically “seceded” from the United States and were reborn as the independent Conch Republic. Today the republic is internationally acclaimed as the Keys’ irreverent alter ego — and this month, the 40th annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration commemorates the historic action with a roster of rollicking events.

By |2022-04-20T17:14:34-04:00April 20, 2022|

Key West: Somewhere South of Normal

Key West is gloriously, outrageously abnormal — a place where wild chickens roam the streets and nobody thinks it’s strange to spot grown men dressed like Darth Vader or Marilyn Monroe. In this quirky haven, dogs ride happily in bicycle baskets, creativity and diversity flourish, and “street performer” and “treasure hunter” are legitimate occupations.

By |2022-05-03T10:47:05-04:00March 30, 2022|

Expect High-Heeled Hijinks at Wacky Key West Competition

In Key West each April, “drag racing” takes on a whole new meaning — as exotic drag queens don quirky sporting attire, lavish wigs and towering high heels to vie for victory in the Conch Republic Drag Race. The offbeat competition is scheduled April 16 on Duval Street (appropriately dubbed Key West’s “main drag”).

By |2022-03-23T14:43:54-04:00March 23, 2022|

Key West Locals Become ‘Strange Bedfellows’ for Charity

Key West’s 40th annual Conch Republic Blue Ribbon Bed Race is scheduled to “blanket” the island’s famed Duval Street April 23. The zany event, billed as “the most fun you can have in bed with your clothes on,” features decorated beds on wheels that are propelled along Duval by teams of costumed runners.

By |2022-03-30T17:48:29-04:00March 9, 2022|

Delightfully Spooky Experiences Abound in Key West

Key West is known as one of the most haunted cities in the United States. Visitors can experience several year-round ghost tours that are delightfully unnerving, including an award-winning trolley tour with a “ghost host” and the exploration of a haunted Civil War–era fort where they encounter the eerie Robert the Doll.

By |2021-10-06T16:09:33-04:00October 6, 2021|

Join ‘Puppet Influencer’ Matty Meltzer on a Florida Keys Road Trip

To highlight the best points of interest along the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, “special correspondent” Matty Meltzer — who happens to be both an intrepid traveler and a wisecracking puppet — was commissioned to chronicle memorable sights and activities on a road trip through the Keys. Follow along with Matty on his fun-filled video journey.

By |2021-07-21T13:02:22-04:00July 21, 2021|

Celebrate the ‘Birthday’ of the Quirky Conch Republic

Fans and friends of the Florida Keys’ Conch Republic can celebrate the irreverent “nation’s” 39th birthday with activities including a pirate adventure, traditional shrimp boil, sunset boat parade, “wearable art” fashion show, sailing excursions and a gourmet dinner and absinthe tasting. The Conch Republic Independence Celebration is scheduled Friday through Sunday, April 16-25.

By |2021-04-09T12:41:23-04:00April 7, 2021|

It Was a Dark and Stormy Night

In the mid-1990s, Key West was home to a world-class mystery bookstore. Located just off Duval Street, Miss Marbles Parlour was the only bookstore in South Florida devoted entirely to mysteries. And its colorful owner Dilys Winn, a legendary figure in the mystery world, staged interactive crime-solving events three times per week.

By |2021-05-13T15:01:25-04:00February 17, 2021|

The Santa Keys Chronicles

Florida Keys holiday traditions center around the one and only Santa Keys — a jolly bearded fellow who brings cheer to those who aren’t 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!

By |2020-12-22T19:40:18-05:00December 22, 2020|
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