‘Nutcracker Key West’ Features Island Flair (and Roosters!)

A unique subtropical version of the classic ballet “The Nutcracker” awaits holiday-loving audiences Dec. 10-18 in Key West, flavored with characters and sets that spotlight the island’s colorful history, magnificent coral reef environment and even quirky free-roaming local roosters. “Nutcracker Key West” combines 15 professional dancers from around the world with dozens of local children and adults — all passionate about using their talents to bring the beloved story to life.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2016-11-16T23:17:41-05:00November 16, 2016|

‘I Love Stock Island’ Spotlights Seafood and Working Waterfront

The lighthearted I Love Stock Island Festival celebrates the cheerfully rustic island's culture, heritage and working waterfront — with yummy culinary offerings featuring fresh-off-the-boat seafood, wine and beer tastings, history and art studio tours, watersports, live music, and much more.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2016-11-17T17:48:50-05:00November 9, 2016|

Fantasy Fest: Madness, Meaning and Memories

Born in 1979, Key West's Fantasy Fest has grown to be an exuberant 10-day whirlwind of costuming and masking contests, themed parties, masquerade events and a gala grand parade. And the revelry has also celebrated some amazing people and true-life heroism.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2016-10-26T16:08:30-04:00October 26, 2016|

Five Tips for a Fabulous Fantasy Fest

Last October in Key West, I spotted a character wearing a feathered bikini and six-foot-tall peacock headdress, a group of silver-garbed “Beauty School Dropouts From Mars” and a quartet impersonating the legendary Jamaican bobsled team. And it was all part of Fantasy Fest.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2021-05-13T15:23:51-04:00October 26, 2016|

Hops and Hibiscus: A Florida Keys Brewer’s Passion

Cheryl McBay and her brewmaster husband, Craig McBay, are devoted to producing Keys-crafted beers flavored with an island vibe. Their vibrant microbrewery, aptly named Florida Keys Brewing Co., is tucked away in Islamorada's arts and cultural district at Morada Way.

By Julie Botteri|2016-10-12T20:43:03-04:00October 12, 2016|

‘Zombies’ to Invade Key West Oct. 23

Key West's Zombie Bike Ride, a pre-Halloween tradition for visiting and local families and groups, is scheduled Sunday, Oct. 23 -- and much of the island is likely to be overrun by an oddly lively gaggle of the biking dead. The spooky spectacle typically draws several thousand participants (including a few slightly bewildered pets).

By Carol Shaughnessy|2021-05-13T15:23:19-04:00October 5, 2016|

Michelle’s Island Inspiration

Michelle Lowe’s paintings seemingly pop off the canvas. Each scene is a snapshot of lively-eyed creatures like hogfish, angelfish, large-scaled tarpon, tangs and turtles, or the unmistakeable contours of native seagrape trees, palm fronds and plumage of island birds.

By Julie Botteri|2021-05-13T15:28:16-04:00September 28, 2016|

Only in the Keys

"Only in the Keys!" has become a common response from people hearing about everything from a Key West parade for dachshunds to mermaids attending a Lower Keys music festival (FYI, these are both actual things).

By Carol Shaughnessy|2016-09-29T13:15:51-04:00September 21, 2016|

It’s Still Warm and Sunny at Florida Keys Beaches

While the Florida Keys are better known for their living coral reef and other offshore wonders, the island chain also features inviting beaches from Key Largo to Key West. These sandy spots are perfect for chilling out, sunning, swimming or just dipping your toes into warm, clear turquoise waters.

By Julie Botteri|2016-09-14T17:59:48-04:00September 14, 2016|

Celebrating Key West at NLGJA with the Sea-to-Sea Flag and Sushi

Key West’s favorite New Year's Eve diva, and a 100-foot section of the island's iconic "sea-to-sea" rainbow flag, were among the star attractions at the kickoff of the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association's 2016 national convention.

By keysvoices|2016-09-14T20:29:05-04:00September 14, 2016|

Local Color