Mel Fisher's 1985 discovery of the $450 million treasure of the shipwrecked Spanish galleon Atocha is being remembered July 11-13 during Key West’s Mel Fisher Days. Highlights include a dock party with the salvage crew, behind-the-scenes tours of the Fishers' private artifact conservation lab, and the chance to hear adventurous tales recalling Mel’s exuberant spirit.
LGBTQ personalities, influences and events have played a huge role in the modern-day history of Key West, a leading gay vacation mecca for decades. With WorldPride well under way, it’s a great time to celebrate the milestones that helped shape the island that draws nearly 300,000 LGBTQ visitors per year.
Most Florida Keys anglers embrace the mantra that “a fish is too valuable to be caught only once.” While conservation of fish didn’t originate in the Florida Keys, the region is now the world’s poster child for it. Even novice anglers release every bonefish, permit and tarpon — generally all species except those that make tasty dinners.
Want to log a world-class, bucket-list dive experience? Then head for Key West this Memorial Day weekend for the 10-year “on-the-bottom” anniversary of the USNS Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg. Sunk May 27, 2009, it’s the world’s second-largest vessel intentionally scuttled to become an artificial reef — and the anniversary events will be unforgettable.
Planning a visit to the Florida Keys this spring or summer? As well as enjoying the island chain’s many land-and-water attractions and near-addictive easygoing vibe, you can also explore two of the United States’ most intriguing places: Dry Tortugas and Everglades national parks. Both parks are nothing less than priceless national treasures.
Become part of Diana Nyad's health-promoting EverWalk in Key West — thanks to an inspirational invitation to readers from the legendary endurance athlete, who in September 2013 became the first person to swim from Cuba to Key West without a shark cage. Diana and her Cuba Swim expedition leader Bonnie Stoll share their latest adventure with Florida Keys residents and visitors.
In 1982, the Florida Keys & Key West seceded from the United States (for a very good reason) and formed the independent Conch Republic. Come to find out, the irreverent and gutsy spirit that inspired the Keys' secession also sparked the founding of a "country" on the other side of the world: the colorful “Republic of Whangamomona.”
Each spring, the Tennessee Williams Birthday Celebration honors the openly gay playwright who lived in Key West from 1949 to 1983. The 2019 commemoration includes film showings, curator-led tours of Key West's Tennessee Williams Museum, competitions for writers and painters, theatrical presentations, a birthday reception and even an intriguing Williams-themed cocktail tasting.
Key West is located just 90 miles from Cuba, and the two locales have a cultural connection that dates back almost 190 years, when early cigar makers found new homes in the island city. So it's no surprise that Cuban artistry, heritage sites, cuisine and even coffee enliven and enhance today's Key West.
Ever wondered how Key West residents live — and what lies behind their houses’ white picket fences, striking facades and gleaming front doors? Home tours scheduled for January, February and March offer a rare chance to find out. Discover Victorian gems and "shotgun" cottages, wonderful modern-day designs, interiors filled with antiques and art, and outdoor living spaces with lush, lovely gardens.