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.
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.
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.
In Key West each April, "drag racing" takes on a whole new meaning — as the island city's exotic drag queens don outlandish sporting costumes, lavish wigs and towering high heels to vie for victory in the Great Conch Republic Drag Race. The wacky competition is scheduled Saturday, April 21, on Duval Street (known, of course, as the island's "main drag").
By following the "10 Keymandments," travelers can have meaningful, memorable Florida Keys vacations while respecting and helping preserve the Keys' natural world. This amazing environment includes the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef, which supports an incredibly diverse population of plants and animals.
The Seven Mile Bridge, the focal point of the famed Florida Keys Overseas Highway, is a fascinating engineering marvel that quite simply stuns the senses. Rising in an arc toward its center, the 35-year-old Middle Keys bridge offers sweeping panoramic views of a picturesque horizon where turquoise-colored seas meet an almost impossibly blue sky.
Key West lies just 90 miles from Cuba, and the two islands share a cultural connection that dates back more than 180 years. On March 7, a unique event will commemorate the Cuban heritage that enlivens and enhances the island city — and it includes the unveiling of what is believed to be the world’s largest cigar sculpture.
Decades before zombies and "The Walking Dead" became pop culture phenomena, a macabre, beyond-the-grave Key West love story mesmerized people around the world. Now, beginning on Valentine's Day, the true tale of one man's death-defying obsession comes to life for theater audiences in “Undying Love: A Key West Musical.”
What's the best way to explore the subtropical island of Key West? Walking, bike and trolley tours offer a number of options — house and garden, pub crawls, culinary and tasting, Florida Keys architecture and even ghost tours led by (what else?) a “ghost host.” Whatever you choose, our gay-friendly island paradise awaits your discovery.
With a unique history as the home of world-renowned authors, and a natural beauty that has inspired generations of artists, the Florida Keys feature cultural offerings that can’t be found anywhere else. And that means you can find a wide range of “only in the Keys” experiences along the island chain this winter and spring — so start exploring!