Authors and Artists Make Key West a Creative Haven
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.
‘Custom Made’ Shines Spotlight on Old Key West
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.
A Key by Any Other Name …
Recognized as a prime Florida Keys boating and family destination, the Marathon and Middle Keys area is made up of a group of small islands whose names are as colorful as their vivid nightly sunsets. They include Boot, Knights, Hog, Vaca, Stirrup, Crawl and Little Crawl keys — plus Pigeon Key beneath the Old Seven Mile Bridge, East and West Sister’s Island, Deer, Fat Deer and Grassy keys.
Hemingway Days Events Celebrate Past and Present Literary Stars
Whether you’re an experienced or aspiring writer, a passionate reader, or simply a fan of Ernest Hemingway’s exuberant Key West lifestyle, you’ll find a rich roster of literary events during Hemingway Days 2016.
The Bumper Sticker That Could Change the World
More than 15 years ago, Key West adopted an official philosophy that told the world what life in the island city was all about: compassion, acceptance and respect for everyone. Today, the message that people are all members of “One Human Family” resonates around the world.
Key West’s 1970s Renaissance Owes Much to LGBT Care
Few people realize the impact the LGBT community had on Key West beginning in the 1970s, when many gay men and lesbians “discovered” the island city.
Irish Author to Write in Hemingway’s Key West Studio — Thanks to Contest Victory
More than 2,100 people submitted stories to the Florida Keys Flash Fiction Contest, competing to work in Ernest Hemingway’s former Key West writing studio. But none of them could outshine “Wallpaper” by Ireland’s Denyse Woods.
The Day That Two Queens Met in the Florida Keys
Twenty-five years ago, on May 18, 1991, two queens met on a remote island 70 miles west of Key West. Okay, actually there was only one genuine queen present at Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas National Park. But the other was certainly a queen to me, and to the citizens of the Conch Republic (a/k/a the Florida Keys & Key West).
Keys Rebel Artist Inspires Kinetic Sculpture Parade
If one man’s junk is another man’s treasure, then the late Key Largo resident Stanley Papio was a treasure hunter extraordinaire. And ultimately, he became a treasure creator — crafting some of the edgiest and most eclectic metal sculptures of his generation.
Explore Keys National Parks During Park Service’s 100th Birthday
The United States’ National Park Service celebrates its 100th birthday in 2016. And if you’re visiting the Florida Keys, you have a great opportunity to learn, discover and be inspired by two national parks that can be reached from the island chain.