Fans of the fluted, pink-lined conch shell displayed their pucker power Saturday, March 7, during Key West's quirky annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest. Participants ranging from kids to seniors to groups attempted to coax the most impressive sounds from their “instruments” — with one woman even tootling parts of melodies including Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody."
This spring in the Florida Keys & Key West, it’s a great time to revel in the island chain's spectacular weather — with average daytime temps in the mid-70s to low 80s. Discover and enjoy activities on land and sea, and the welcoming spirit that makes the Keys a popular choice for LGBTQ travelers.
Clinton Curry is a seventh-generation Key West resident or “Conch” whose ancestors arrived some 180 years ago from the Bahamas’ Green Turtle Cay. The fifth generation of his family to be born in Key West, he’s passionate about preserving the history and culture of his hometown — through means including masterful conch shell musicianship.
Each year, some 650 amateur and professional astronomers from around the world gather in the Lower Florida Keys for the Winter Star Party. Its main attraction is the incredible number of southern constellations, comets and stars visible from the region — virtually the only place in the continental United States where they can be seen.
Artists are drawn to the Florida Keys because of the islands’ deeply-hued, richly colorful natural scenery and an intensively creative spirit that infuses the local culture. Artistry flourishes throughout the island chain, and the winter season brings unusual new ways for aficionados to enjoy it — including enticing art strolls, classes and intriguing experiences.
Now that the new year has begun, it’s a good time to focus on making it both meaningful and memorable. How? By spending some “personal time” in the Florida Keys — where you’ll experience simple pleasures that remind you to relax, slow your pace, and savor unforgettable moments with people that matter to you.
Emmy Award–winning travel host Samantha Brown is showcasing the Florida Keys in a 30-minute episode of her program “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love,” scheduled to air on public television stations nationwide beginning in January 2020. Guided by local residents, Samantha explores the Keys’ signature foods, literary culture, history, environment and sustainability initiatives.
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.
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.