Local Color

Underwater Pumpkin Carving and an Unforgettable Shipwreck

The continental United States’ only contiguous living coral barrier reef, which parallels the Florida Keys, hosts huge populations of tropical fish and other sea creatures. The warm, clear water makes a long dive in the Keys comfortable and enjoyable. And around Halloween each year, divers can immerse themselves while actually carving pumpkins underwater!

By |2022-10-26T12:52:11-04:00October 26, 2022|

Expect “Cartoon Chaos” and World-Class Costumes at Fantasy Fest

Revelers can express their creativity by donning dazzling costumes during Key West’s Fantasy Fest, set for Oct. 21-30 and themed “Cult Classics & Cartoon Chaos.” The fabulous festival features masquerade parties, costume contests, music and theater shows, themed events — and a lavish grand parade of massive motorized floats and elaborately garbed marching groups.

By |2022-10-19T15:37:19-04:00October 19, 2022|

Explore Heritage, Culture and Nature in Marathon

The community of Marathon boasts a warm family-friendly flair and a variety of cozy inns, waterfront resorts, marinas and casual dining emporiums. The Middle Keys area also features plentiful creative spaces, natural attractions, scenic parks, trails, sightseeing spots and historic sites that make for an appealing blend of heritage, culture and nature.

By |2023-10-10T14:28:36-04:00September 21, 2022|

‘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|
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