Local Color

Bring Your Key West Memories Home

Key West and the Florida Keys are defined by a laid-back vibe, an atmosphere of welcome and acceptance, and an approach to living that blends individuality and a near-reverence for relaxation. And once you get home, you can create a space that allows you to recapture that magical Key West mindset.

By |2021-05-13T15:41:43-04:00June 18, 2018|

Captain Finbar’s Seafaring Spirit

Captain Finbar Gittelman, a roguish Florida Keys seafarer, bears a slightly unnerving resemblance to the fierce Barbossa from “Pirates of the Caribbean.” Owner and master of the majestic Schooner Wolf, he’s also the venerable First Sea Lord and Supreme Commander of the Keys’ picturesque Conch Republic Navy. Yet despite his imposing titles, most people simply call him “Finbar."

By |2018-06-06T19:50:52-04:00June 6, 2018|

Authors and Artists Make Key West a Creative Haven

Artists, authors, playwrights and poets have been lured to Key West and seized upon its one-of-a-kind environment of creativity, natural beauty and sometimes eccentric qualities — making it the muse for some of their most acclaimed career accomplishments.

By |2020-04-09T15:12:26-04:00June 6, 2018|

Eight ‘Only in the Keys’ Bucket List Events

Every day is an adventure in the Florida Keys, where the subtropical climate and scenic natural setting create the perfect backdrop for high-energy activities. Visitors can experience "only in the Keys" watersports and eco-adventures, unparalleled offshore diving, and organized sporting challenges to test skill and endurance — some with a little wackiness thrown in for added enjoyment.

By |2018-05-30T19:44:33-04:00May 30, 2018|

Four ‘What a Dish’ Delights: Stone Crab, Pink Shrimp, Lionfish and Key Lime Pie

Indigenous Florida Keys cuisine is rich in fresh boat-to-table seafood, enhanced with the light tropical flavors of lime, coconut, mango and papaya. Four delicious foods can be considered signature treats that are best savored only in the Keys: succulent stone crab claws, sweet Key West pink shrimp, light yet exotic lionfish and melt-in-your-mouth Key lime pie.

By |2018-05-23T16:58:16-04:00May 23, 2018|

Seven Experiences to Savor Only in the Keys

Besides balmy year-round weather, endless blue water and a seriously laid-back vibe, in the Florida Keys you’ll find an enticing array of environmental, cultural and adventure activities that can’t be enjoyed anywhere EXCEPT in the island chain. Enliven your stay with some of the “only in the Keys” experiences outlined here.

By |2021-03-16T13:16:43-04:00May 2, 2018|

Celebrate the Conch Republic’s 36th Birthday April 20-29

A lighthearted sea battle featuring tall ships, a parade dubbed the world’s longest and a “drag” race for female impersonators are all part of the wonderfully wacky 36th annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration. Set for April 20-29, the offbeat event commemorates the Florida Keys’ symbolic secession from the United States.

By |2018-04-18T19:19:32-04:00April 18, 2018|

Old Road Gallery is ‘Made in the Keys’

Old Road Gallery, owned by artists Dwayne and Cindy King, is a working studio and gallery that overflows with handcrafted pieces of pottery, bronze and copper. It’s also an outdoor sculpture garden. And each day visitors, invited to take a tour, stroll through winding trails and learn about artistic techniques and styles.

By |2021-05-13T16:04:05-04:00April 11, 2018|

So How Long is the Seven Mile Bridge Again?

How many times a day does the sun set in the Florida Keys? That's just one of the wacky questions that have actually been asked by visitors to the island chain. Read on to discover more crazy questions and their answers -- including how long the Seven Mile Bridge REALLY is.

By |2018-04-04T15:51:17-04:00April 4, 2018|
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