Local Color

‘Papa’ 2022 Joins Bearded Brotherhood of Hemingway Look-Alikes

There’s a new “Papa” Hemingway on the island where legendary author Ernest Hemingway lived for most of the 1930s. White-bearded Floridian Jon Auvil won the 2022 Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, the highlight of Key West's annual Hemingway Days. And Nick Henke of St. Louis earned top honors in the Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition.

By |2022-07-27T13:57:36-04:00July 27, 2022|

History Adds Luster to Quirky and Colorful Key West

Many people know Key West was once the home of Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams, that Jimmy Buffett created his Margaritaville empire on the island, and that former President Harry Truman ruled the country from his Key West “vacation home.” But beyond those well-known facts lies a wealth of lesser-known tidbits and tales.

By |2022-07-06T18:29:27-04:00July 6, 2022|

Pie Eaters in the ‘Limelight’ July 4 in Key West

It’s likely to get messy in Key West on July 4 — at least for everyone who steps into the “limelight” to participate in the annual Key Lime Pie Eating Championship. Up to 25 contestants with an appetite for the Florida Keys’ luscious signature dessert will vie for top honors in the quirky challenge.

By |2022-06-15T12:31:42-04:00June 15, 2022|

July 4 in the Keys: Fireworks, Fun and … Mermaids!

In the Florida Keys, the Fourth of July means lively hometown parades, laid-back beach parties, on-the-water fun and lots of fireworks displays. Of course, holiday happenings in the Keys often feature an offbeat twist. So there’s also a July 4 event that illustrates the region’s quirky seaside spirit (and yes, it involves mermaids).

By |2022-06-08T13:30:30-04:00June 8, 2022|

Celebrate Stock Island’s Seafaring Heritage, Arts and Cuisine

Visitors can discover Stock Island’s seafaring heritage, culinary diversity, community and unpretentious charm June 15-19 at the annual I Love Stock Island Festival. The family-friendly Father’s Day weekend fest is to blend food and libation offerings including the enticing ShrimpStock, art strolls, “dad-focused” fun, live music, a “dive-in” poolside movie and other events.

By |2022-06-01T14:21:21-04:00June 1, 2022|

Lemurs, Armadillos and More: Keys Sheriff’s Animal Farm

A unique refuge on the grounds of the Sheriff’s Office detention center near Key West shelters some surprising creatures: about 150 domestic and exotic animals from 45 species, ranging from armadillos to Kramer the emu. Benefiting both the animals and inmates who help care for them, the facility welcomes visitors twice each month.

By |2022-05-18T12:07:16-04:00May 18, 2022|

Key West Pride 2022: Diversity, Equality and Camaraderie

The subtropical island of Key West will welcome revelers to its annual Pride celebrations June 1-5, with a jam-packed schedule that features several dozen Pride events. The festivities showcase the diversity and equality that help make the continental United States’ southernmost city a top vacation destination for LGBTQ visitors from around the world.

By |2022-05-18T18:43:12-04:00May 18, 2022|

Happy 85th Anniversary, Sloppy Joe’s!

It’s revered as legendary author Ernest Hemingway’s 1930s hangout. Known as the 1981 birthplace of the internationally renowned Hemingway® Look-Alike Contest. Famed as must-see stop for visitors to Key West. And on May 5, 2022, Sloppy Joe’s Bar marks 85 years at its iconic home at the corner of Duval and Greene streets.

By |2022-05-04T15:49:36-04:00May 4, 2022|
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