Maybe chart-topping rock stars aren’t abandoning their guitars to play the conch shell. But that’s okay — because the “pucker pros” playing pink-lined shells were treated like rock stars at Key West’s recent Conch Shell Blowing Contest. The event saluted the Florida Keys’ seafaring heritage and centuries-old use of the “conch horn” for signaling.
Fred the Tree, the Florida Keys’ thriving and resolute “celebri-tree” that grows improbably on the historic Old Seven Mile Bridge, is debuting as a movie star in the remake of “Road House.” The beloved Fred is also memorialized in a song and a children’s book — and his Facebook page has 34,000 followers!
A Key West vacation should be an escape from “real-world” business pressures, and a chance to remember that personal priorities are far more self-defining than professional ones. For those who can’t let go of the business-first mindset, Keys Voices presents three guidelines to ease potential guilt during a pleasure trip to the island.
From special animal encounters to meeting sea turtles in their own hospital, the Florida Keys & Key West offer family-friendly activities to captivate visitors of all ages. Families can explore unique aquariums; lush botanical gardens; nurturing facilities for dolphins and wild birds; or a wildlife refuge that protects tiny indigenous Key deer.
The Lower Keys are so well known as a stargazer’s paradise that, for four decades, the tranquil region has been the site of an exclusive gathering called the Winter Star Party — a gathering beside the Atlantic Ocean that provides an unparalleled opportunity for astronomers and enthusiasts. This year, it’s set for Feb. 5-11.
In the Florida Keys & Key West, the holiday season is welcomed with great fanfare, festivities and flair. But for those who aren't lucky enough to be celebrating in the island chain, "Santa Keys" has dreamed up a special surprise. Discover the jolly guy’s warmhearted plan — and have a joyful and meaningful holiday.
Renowned as a world-class destination for anglers, history-rich Islamorada is where backcountry sport fishing and saltwater fly fishing were pioneered. For decades, savvy anglers have found themselves “hooked” on stalking finned and gilled prey in area waters. Much to their satisfaction, there’s something to fish for during every season of the year.
Instead of celebrating the lead-up to Santa’s Dec. 25 arrival by bestowing daily gifts (as suggested in “The Twelve Days of Christmas”), consider celebrating with experiences. Florida Keys experiences, to be exact — because the island chain’s December calendar is packed with creative, colorful and heartwarming events designed to spark smiles and lasting memories.
Every year, many thousands of visitors flock to the Florida Keys & Key West — the continental United States’ southernmost island chain — to celebrate life and its milestones. With sunrise on one side of the islands and sunset on the other, the Keys are an ideal place to romance, celebrate and share memorable moments.
Incredible as it may seem, ’tis the season to be jolly — despite Christmas still being weeks away. But in the celebration-loving Florida Keys, mid-November brings the first stirrings of holiday spirit. So there are plenty of festivities coming up, ranging from traditional to offbeat (and all, of course, with a unique island twist).