Athlete Ends 5,400-Mile Run from Alaska at Key West’s Southernmost Point

A 31-year-old athlete jogged up to Key West’s Southernmost Point marker just before 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5, successfully concluding a nearly unbelievable feat: an almost 5,400-mile cross-continental run that began in Alaska. Pete Kostelnick, an ultramarathon runner who lives near Cleveland, began his incredible journey July 31 at Anchor Point on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula — the westernmost end of the North American highway system.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2018-11-06T22:37:20-05:00November 6, 2018|

Haunted Hunt and ‘Haunting’ Atmosphere Draw Visitors to Key West

According to paranormal expert David Sloan, Key West is one of the most haunted cities in the entire United States. Visitors can discovery the island's “haunting” appeal for themselves by experiencing David's "ghost hunt" walking tour, taking an eerie excursion by trolley, "meeting" a supposedly supernatural doll or even staying in a lovely inn with a spirit guest or two.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2021-05-13T15:57:57-04:00October 31, 2018|

Insider Tips for Fantasy Fest’s Frolics

Key West's exotic Fantasy Fest is internationally recognized for its elaborate costume competitions, street fairs, masquerade balls and lavish grand parade. Fantasy Fest 2018 takes place Oct. 19-28 — and it’s an unprecedented display of Key West’s creativity, individuality and flamboyant spirit. The 10-day gala offers revelers a world-class chance to leave the "real world" behind and immerse themselves in fantasy.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2018-10-17T20:03:31-04:00October 17, 2018|

An Officer and a Bar Owner: Cycling the Keys

Key Largo Bike and Adventure Tours offers a diverse menu of cycling treks, including a Key Largo to Key West ride, for people of varying fitness levels. Founded about seven years ago, the company specializes in popular excursions such as the Two-Day Tour to Key West, two 100-mile challenges called the Florida Keys and Hemingway Century rides, an Islamorada Bike Tour, the Bike and Beer Tour, and Taste of the Keys.

By Laura Myers|2018-10-10T18:57:14-04:00October 10, 2018|

Costuming the Cat … and Other ‘Tails’ From Pet Masquerade

All over the Florida Keys, people are constructing costumes for their cats, dogs, parrots, potbellied pigs, rabbits and other domestic species. What’s behind this strange phenomenon? A wacky annual costume competition for critters, known as the Pet Masquerade, that’s a highlight of Key West’s 10-day Fantasy Fest celebration each October.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2021-03-16T13:16:42-04:00October 3, 2018|

Make Plans NOW for Fantasy Fest’s Masquerade March

Thousands of costumed revelers will promenade through Key West's historic Old Town Oct. 26 during the offbeat Masquerade March, a highlight of the annual Fantasy Fest costuming and masking festival. Famed as “the locals’ parade,” the march typically draws spirited bands and merrymakers wearing everything from lavish feathered and sequined creations to quirky ensembles inspired by the festival theme.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2018-09-25T19:55:13-04:00September 25, 2018|

‘Flamingle’ Encounter Enchants Flamingo Fans in Key West

How does it feel to a have an up-close and personal encounter with two exotic pink flamingos? Nature lovers can find out during the exclusive “Flamingle” experience at the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory — believed to be the only butterfly facility in the entire United States that also houses flamingos.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2021-03-24T10:57:17-04:00August 29, 2018|

Sea Turtle Time in the Keys!

It's sea turtle nesting and hatching season in the Florida Keys — AND two sea turtles rehabilitated at Marathon's Turtle Hospital were recently released to take part in the famed Tour de Turtles. Keys visitors and residents are buzzing about heartwarming video of brand-new hatchlings and the chance to track the Tour de Turtles "competitors" online.

By keysvoices|2021-05-13T16:00:20-04:00August 15, 2018|

‘Islands of the Arts’ Debut Distinctive Sculpture Trail

Intriguing artistry can be seen along the Florida Keys Overseas Highway that traverses the length of the island chain — including, thanks to two Key West philanthropists, the large-scale pieces that make up the new Florida Keys Sculpture Trail. The 81-mile trail stretches along the highway from Islamorada to Key West, where the distinctive sculptures can be easily discovered and admired by art lovers.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2021-05-13T16:00:23-04:00August 8, 2018|

Lower Keys Reef and Wreck Are Paradise for Divers

Divers in the Lower Keys can explore wonders such as Looe Key Reef, one of the most beautiful shallow reefs to be found, and the 210-foot Adolphus Busch Sr. Intentionally sunk as an artificial reef in December 1998, today the Busch is populated by marine life including huge southern stingrays, reef sharks and massive schools of tarpon.

By Julie Botteri|2018-07-31T15:27:07-04:00July 31, 2018|

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