Billy Kearins is the founder of COAST — a rustic, funky space made up of a retail store showroom, studio workshops, an event venue and more — all located on Stock Island’s Front Street where a hand-painted sign indicates “Mellow Folk Welcome.”
Key West is gloriously, outrageously abnormal — a place where wild chickens roam the streets and people feel comfortable wearing tiaras to lunch. A place where dogs are favored customers at more than one bar, and nobody thinks it’s strange to spot grown men dressed like Darth Vader or Marilyn Monroe (sometimes during the same evening!).
Melted butter is optional, but you should definitely bring a hearty appetite (and possibly a bib!) to the 20th annual Key West Lobsterfest. Yes, the eagerly anticipated crustacean celebration is coming up soon — and as always, it features a mouthwatering schedule of events.
When Randy Towe was 10 years old, he asked his mother to buy him a $200 custom fishing rod. His mother didn’t agree, so he convinced her to spend considerably less and purchase the necessary parts. The young fishing fanatic then built his own rod -- and today, he crafts prized rods for others from his store in the Florida Keys.
Key West's favorable year-round climate, and the packed annual calendar of events and celebrations, mean any time is a good time to escape to the eclectic, eccentric island city.
Artists and artisans from across the globe flock to the Florida Keys and stay, making the island chain their home while helping shape its reputation as a cultural mecca. Whether textiles, jewelry, housewares, reclaimed wood furniture or other temptations, their quality handcrafted items are quintessentially “Keys.”
It’s likely to get messy in Key West on this Fourth of July. At least, it will for everyone who plans to step into the “limelight” and participate in the annual Mile-High Key Lime Pie Eatin’ Contest.
Aspiring potters working from the clay of the earth learn, find inspiration, and practice their craft at Middle and Upper Keys studios. And opportunities abound around the island chain for people eager to explore their own potential and discover others' artistry.
If you’re a fan of fine beers, ales, rums and more, you’re sure to enjoy unique libations created in the Florida Keys.
Few people realize the impact the LGBT community had on Key West beginning in the 1970s, when many gay men and lesbians “discovered” the island city.