Local Color

LGBT Life in Paradise

Why do I live in Key West? I wanted a home with warm year-round weather, an LGBT-friendly community and the option to be car-free. I can walk and bike to most places on our island in my shorts and flip-flops — and I enjoy the reactions when I tell people I’ve never owned a car.

By |2021-05-13T15:27:08-04:00January 4, 2017|

Resolve to Savor the Keys All Year

Don't leave behind the Florida Keys' easygoing attitude or laid-back approach to living when your vacation ends. Instead, with a little thought and imagination, you can savor it throughout the new year (and beyond!).

By |2021-05-13T15:27:00-04:00December 28, 2016|

The Saga of Santa Keys

In the Florida Keys & Key West, the holiday season is welcomed with great fanfare, festivities, and unique island 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 his "gift" -- and have a joyful and meaningful holiday.

By |2016-12-21T17:33:59-05:00December 21, 2016|

Passion, Connection … and Sand

For Morgan Rudluff, Key West’s third annual International Sand Art Competition offered a personal catharsis. For Rusty Croft and Abe Waterman, it provided an opportunity for thought-provoking social commentary. And for spectators watching six artists carve sand at the beachside challenge, it illustrated a triumph of passionate creativity.

By |2021-05-13T15:26:29-04:00November 30, 2016|

‘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 |2016-11-16T23:17:41-05:00November 16, 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 |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 |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 |2016-10-12T20:43:03-04:00October 12, 2016|
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