Mel Fisher Days July 10-13

This annual celebration brings together Mel Fisher fans and treasure-hunting enthusiasts in a celebration of the anniversary of Fisher's discovery of the shipwrecked Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Atocha. Fisher and his crew uncovered a $450 million cache of Atocha treasure and artifacts in July 1985 after a 16-year search. The galleon sank approximately 35 miles southwest of Key West during a 1622 hurricane. Fisher's son Kim Fisher leads the continuing search for Atocha artifacts and treasures that still remain undiscovered. Festival highlights include a dock party with the salvage crew, behind-the-scenes tours of the Fisher family's private artifact conservation lab, a team treasure hunt and a rollicking street party that recalls Mel's exuberant spirit.
Contact: 305-296-6534 for more information and schedule of events visit:  http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNews.asp

Summer Stage at The Red Barn

What a treat to have theater ongoing through the summer in Key West.  The Red Barn Theater presents Key West Summer Stage put on by Theater XP.  Locals and summer visitors alike are not only thrilled to have theater in the off season, but the shows are professional, top notch work with an array of very talented folk.  The opening play, Pulitzer prize winning Night Mother by Marsha Norman runs Jul 1, 2014 thru Jul 6, 2014. The play centers on a young woman and her mother, who spend a desperate evening unraveling their sometimes tense and sometimes tender relationship after the daughter makes a stunning and unthinkable announcement.  An overwhelming and powerful night of theatre. The shows to follow are Waiting for Godot , Jul 15, 2014 thru Jul 20, 2014 and The Whale Jul 29, 2014 thru Aug 3, 2014.  Take time to saunter down to our quaint carriage house theater and enjoy an amazing night under the huge banyans in the tropical air.  Talk to Geri or Rebecca about tickets and/or some great dining options.  For more information visit: http://www.redbarntheatre.com

8th Annual Midsummer's Night Dream & Spectacle

Midsummer's Night Dream and Spectacle is a night of artistic expression, music, feasting, dancing, singing, and theatrical antics celebrating the art and artists of the Keys.  Saturday June 21, From 5-11 p.m., enjoy a night celebrating the art and artists of Key West. Midsummer's Night Dream & Spectacle was created to celebrate the creative Keys community, and to give artists a voice and platform to share the power of their dreams. Everyone attending is a participant in this playful and spontaneous celebration - a wonderland of costumed revelers, interactive art projects, and multiple stages featuring artists of local and national renown. This year's event includes artists, musicians, singers, dancers, sculptors, plein air painters, actors, poets, storytellers, aerial artistry, fire hooping, dance performances, and more. Tickets are $15 advanced purchase online, $20 at the door.
Contact: 305-394-3804

Although a small tropical island, far from the 'real world', we boast an amazing plethora of delicious, dynamic and progressive eateries.  One new addition to the restaurant scene is the eclectic, classy yet casual, Off The Hook grill.  Located in Old Town Key West at 728 Simonton Street this new restaurant is a winner. A small gem of a place off the beaten track it is offers a casul yet hip ambiance with an interesting and well crafted menu.  It is a small comfortable space and dinner reservations are a must.  Also serving breakfast and lunch locals are discovering their new favorite place to go.  The service is freindly and professional, they always feature creative and mouth watering specials and they offer several craft beers on tap as well as a substantial wine selection. Open 8am to 10pm daily (Closed Tuesdays) make sure to stop in an enjoy a great meal at a good price. It is well worth the wait and Off The Hook is quickly becoming 'the' place to go! To peruse the menu visit- http://www.offthehookkeywest.com/ your concierges Geri and Rebecca will be happy to make dinner reservations for you.

Florida Keys or Bust! A History of Tourism

The Keys have harbored pirates, secluded writers, hidden drug dealers and allured visitors from around the world to come and partake of the island magic.  Our grand Customs House Museum features an exhibit on the History of Tourism in the Keys, a history that has kept the little chain of islands thriving through the worst of economic times.  The Florida Keys have historically been an alluring travel destination for travelers around the world. With the onset of the Great Depression in the 1930s, tourism in Key West was the lynchpin in warding off bankruptcy. The exhibit explores the history of tourism in the Florida Keys from the 1920s until the 1980s while focusing specifically on transportation, accommodation, travel brochures and postcards. Sponsored in part by Key West Business Guild, Westin Key West Resort & Marina and the Key West Art & Historical Society, this exhibit runs May through September. An opening reception is to be held Friday, May 16 from 5:30-7 p.m., at the Custom House Museum, 281 Front Street. A $10 donation to the Museum is suggested for non-members. Not only will the exhibit be filled with Keys history, but the Customs House Museum is a piece of historical art in itself. For more information on the exhibit visit: http://www.kwahs.org/ai1ec_event/florida-keys-or-bust-a-history-of-tourism/?instance_id=
or Contact: 305-295-6616.

The 12th Annual Harry S. Truman Legacy Symposium

The 12th Annual Harry S. Truman Legacy Symposium

It is no secret that this island city is rife with history. Key West's political history is thick with stories of dealings, scandals, wars and the list goes on.  Being a tropical oasis, numerous Presidents made Key West a vacation destination.  Each year the Harry S. Truman Little White house hosts a Symposium that highlights Key West's direct or indirect involvement in national and world politics.    The annual symposium is highlighted in panel discussions, a reception and tours of the Little White House where Truman spent many working vacations during his presidency. 2014 marks our 12th Annual Truman Legacy Symposium where we will examine the most controversial decisions of Truman's legacy, Truman's Atomic Energy Legacy. Friday, May 16th at the Truman Little White House Hibakusha Stories will be bringing atomic bomb survivors (hibakusha) Setsuko Thurlow and Yasuaki Yamashita to the annual Truman Legacy Symposium. Saturday, May 17th at the Marriott Beachside Conference Center a conference of prominent scholars will explore the decision to use the bomb and Truman's atomic energy legacy.  Tickets are $125 per person which includes Friday nights reception, Saturday presentations, and lunch. 20% Discount for members of the Key West Harry Truman Foundation.   The Symposium is a way to delve into parts of Key West history, meet with locals and scholars and visit the historical Little White House. For more information visit   for program description http://www.trumanlittlewhitehouse.com/key-west/harry-truman-symposium/index.htm or Contact: 305-294-9911.
 

Key West Songwriters Festival

The month of May is hot!  It is hot with musical magic that fills the tropical breezes.  Join in on the 19th-annual Key West Songwriters Festival, May 7-11th.  The festival America's foremost performing songwriters, with concerts staged in intimate, audience-friendly island settings. Highlights include chart-topping RCA recording artist Sara Evans; Jeff Hanna, founding member of the iconic Nitty Gritty Dirt Band; The World Famous Headliners, a rock band composed of five leading songwriters and musicians; and many more, including a May 8 Garden Concert Series. The island festival will take you around the island, in and out of different venues, listening to a variety of music and meeting lots of cool folk.  Join in on the fun and boogie the week away!  For the festival schedule of events go to http://www.keywestsongwritersfestival.com/

Key West Art & Historical Society presents: Marky Pierson, Night Visions in Technicolor

One of the reasons Key West is so well loved is the dynamic artist community that exists.  Artists that challenge the norm, pour their creativity out from their very souls and are willing to take risks and and fly in the face of trends.  Emerging local artist and graphic designer Marky Pierson, is one such artist who has earned his reputation in the Key West community as exciting, risque and unbelievably talented.  Pierson's work is now on exhibit at the historic Custom House Museum, located at 281 Front Street, and open daily 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 1-June 30. The exhibit displays new paintings and designs focusing on three distinct categories: 'Conch Night' Series featuring the Hemingway House, Custom House and Curry Mansion; 'Squishy Femme' Series explores soft, squishy and everything womanly; 'Graphic Design' Series features graphic posters of iconic Key West images and large format paintings inspired by vintage tourism posters. Explore the world of Key West from local artist Marky Pierson and gain insight into the island vibe.  For more info contact Contact: 305-295-6616

The Key West FRINGE Theater presents "Conch Republic" the musical

 The story of those historic "mouse that roared" moments when the tiny island city of Key West declared independence from the United States way back in April of 1982. It's a rollicking musical tale of the Conchs taking on the Feds in one of the greatest PR stunts ever. Starring some of Key Wests greatest talents the show will be held at the historic San Carlos on Duval Street. 8pm show time April 25,26 and 27.  Join in on our celebration of succession! For more information and tickets visit www.keywestfringe.com or  Contact: 305-295-7676

32nd Annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration

Every year Key West hosts a week long party to celebrate the islands notorous 1982 succession from the United States.  The Conch Republic's 10-day birthday party showcases the independent and eccentric spirit that characterizes the Florida Keys.  In 1982 the island of Key West was maddened by the Federal Government placing a toll on US 1.  The island called for a  succession from the Union and named itself the Conch Republic.  When it became obvious that no federal monies would be rolling in to help the economically deprived island, the Conch Repeblic soon re-joined but is always proud of the brief, but well famed succesion.
Join in on the annual celebration with activities ranging from a wacky bed race to a lighthearted sea battle featuring tall ships, from impromptu parades to musical theater, from one party to the next don't miss out on honoring our sordid history of rebellion and nonconformity.  To see the schedule of events and for more information visit: http://conchrepublic.com/schedule.htm or Contact: 305-296-0213.  See you there!

Clybourne Park at the Red Barn

Winner of the 2011 Pulitzer Prize and the 2012 Tony Award for Best Play. Clybourne Park is a  comedy that explodes in two outrageous acts set fifty years apart. Act One takes place in 1959, as nervous community leaders anxiously try to stop the sale of a home to a black family. Act Two is set in the same house in the present day, as the now predominantly African-American neighborhood battles to hold its ground in the face of gentrification. Directed by Carole MacCartee, this show is sure to make you laugh, cry and shift uncomfortably in your seat.  The questions of race and class in America is hit home with an amazing cast of Key Wests finest talents.  For tickets to the show visit http://www.redbarntheatre.com/ for show dates, times and tickets. Run is March 25- April 26th, 8pm showtime. There is nothing like experiencing the talent of Key West, while seated in an old historic carriage house, to get the local flavor of our great island.  Because of the limited run times tickets will sell out quickly so make sure to think ahead and book your tickets today.  For tickets call 302-540-6102 or talk to your concierge, Geri or Rebecca and they can book the tickets for you and point you to a great dinner out. Hope to see you there!

Walk on White

Walk On White started out as a word of mouth social gathering of locals and is now an event for visitors and locals alike. Get dressed in a black gown and don your flip-flops and join in on this fabulous Key West social event where you get to tap into the creative vibe of the island. Numerous artists from the Keys and also from around the world showcase their work on this notorious Thursday.  Last month the feature presentation was art from our sister island of Cuba. This regular neighborhood gallery stroll is perhaps the best known among art lovers, held on the island city's White Street from Southard to United streets and onto Truman Avenue and takes place the third Thursday of each month, from 5-8 p.m. The popular evening features exhibitions and receptions at galleries, shops and occasionally other venues. Highlight locations include Harrison Gallery; the quirky and inviting Stone Soup Gallery; and The Studios of Key West, offering regular exhibitions, performances, workshops and studio space in the style of America's leading artist communities. This month's showcase includes the fascinating art of Scott Gruppe, at the Debra Butler Design Studio. Meet Scott and experience his cutting edge work, best described as "poetry in motion." Art lovers who turn off White onto Truman Avenue will find fine art and functional pottery at Honest Works Island Pottery and move onto the multimedia and renegade art at the dynamic Art Space Key West.

Happy Birthday Tennessee Williams!

During the month of March stop in at 513 Truman Avenue (Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5) and explore the comprehensive Tennessee Williams exhibit. Known as one of the greatest 20th century American playwrights, he is also one of Key Wests most loved icons. His works such as The Glass Menagerie, A Streetcar Named Desire and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and many others are classics of the American stage which earned him two Pulitzer Prizes, Tony Awards, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, as well as many other literary awards.
Tennessee Williams visited and lived in Key West from 1941 until his death in 1983. It is believed that he wrote the final draft of Street Car Named Desire while staying at the La Concha Hotel in Key West in 1947. He established residence here in 1949 and in 1950 bought the house at 1431 Duncan Street that was his home for 34 years. He was part of the literary movement that resulted in Key West and the Florida Keys being recognized as a haven for artists.
In commemoration of our dear Tennessee, Key West will be celebrating his103rd birthday during the month of March. Events planned include a series of four classic movies adapted from Tennessee Williams' award winning plays being shown at the Tropic Cinema, a Poetry Contest, an Artist Challenge, two receptions and an exhibit of original paintings by Tennessee Williams at the Custom House. Wednesday, March 26, a reception honoring the 103rd birthday of Tennessee Williams and his life in Key West is to be held at the Tennessee Williams Key West Exhibit, 513 Truman Ave, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For event schedules and more information visit: http://twkw.org/index.html

The 49th Annual Old Island Days Art Festival

The Old Island Days Art Festival  is set on  lower Whitehead Street and Caroline Street in historic Old Town. This renowned fine art show runs for two days, Saturday February 22 and Sunday Feb 23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can leisurely browse the beautiful displays of paintings from watercolor to oil and acrylic, decorative sculpture, photography and other fine arts from the selected artists. The show, which is in its 49th year, is sponsored by the Key West Art Center, and was originally held to raise money for the renovation of the building at 301 Front Street.  That building is now home for the KWAC and displays works by the 60 plus local members.  The first show was held on the sidewalk on Front Street, near the current gallery and artists used clothespins to attach their work to the fence in front of the old Custom’s House.   Since then the show has been held annually and grown from just local artists and now includes exhibitors from across the country and Canada. For more information visit http://www.keywestartcenter.com/festival.html , hope to see you there!

"One Race, the Human Race" Cuban/American Art Exchange

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Some of Cuba’s leading contemporary artists are to debut their work in Key West Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 20-22, as part of a groundbreaking Cuban-American art exchange that is believed to be the first in more than 50 years.
As a feature of the exchange, an exhibition of 30 intaglio prints by the late Key West folk artist Mario Sanchez debuted Jan. 17 at Cuba’s Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Havana. A second-generation American of Cuban descent, Sanchez was famed for his painted bas-relief carvings that chronicled Key West life and its racial, religious and gender harmony in the early 1900s.
Enthusiasts can meet the Cuban artists in Key West and view nearly 120 pieces of their work during unveilings and other events at five venues in the island city’s historic Old Town. The event includes, educational film at the Tropic Cinema, music, wine and art at The Studios of Key West and will take you to the historic buildings of the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, Florida Keys Council of the Arts (Gato Building), Oldest House & Garden Museum, and Mel Fisher Maritime Museum. It is a grand way to experience Key West and its Cuban Heritage while enjoying the islands architecture, art and its social life.  For event schedule and artist listings visit: http://tskw.org/news-room/one-race-the-human-race-una-raza-la-raza-humana/. Talk to your concierge Geri or Rebecca for event locations, great dinning nearby and even island history. 

Theater, Theater and More Theater!

It is a well known fact among the many that reside part time or full time in Key West, that the island city is busting with artists.  When season kicks in the artists burst into action and Key West becomes full of activity and creativity.  One such art is the art of Theater, and Key West boasts 3 theater companys that bring professional dynamic theater to the small island.  The month of February boasts three amazing plays that must be seen.  The award winning plays will be sure to knock your socks off.  Currently playing at the Waterfront Playhouse is Other Desert Cities.  A Pulitzer Prize finalist and nominated for 5 Tony Awards, Other Desert Cities is one of the most celebrated plays in recent Broadway history. Runs Jan 18- Feb 15, Showtime 8 p.m. For tickets and more information visit http://www.waterfrontplayhouse.org/
Winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike plays at the Red Barn Theater and is a hilarious spoof of siblings living in Bucks County, Pa., and their movie star sister who comes for a visit with her newest boy toy. Runs Jan 28- March 1, 8pm. For tickets and more information visit http://www.redbarntheatre.com
Albee's Pulitzer Prize winning play A Delicate Balance, presented by The FRINGE takes the audience on a trip to the mundane world of suburbia with all its skeletons, social norms and responsibilities. Lines are crossed and the meaning of life is questioned in this dark comedy. Runs Feb 20- March 8, 8pm. For tickets and more information visit http://www.keywestfringe.org  

28th Annual Civil War Days Heritage Festival

Although not a big island, Key West has a gigantic and colorful history.  Part of its history are the stories of the Union and Confederate sympathizers that lived together on the very small island.  Many friends were lost and enemies made when the Civil War broke out. Union soldiers inhabited Ft. Zachary Taylor and the Martello Forts to ensure control over the desirable Gulf Stream passage. Join in on this slice of Key West history during the 28th Annual Civil War Days this Friday, February 7-9, 10:00am. Colorful Civil War re-enactments, the roar of cannon fire and the sight of soldiers in Civil War uniforms are to greet visitors at Key West's oceanfront historic Civil War-era Fort Zachary Taylor. Historic State Park. The three-day event features a sea/land battle with schooners, patrol skirmish, period demonstrations, campsite tours, blockade runners’ trial, a memorial service in Clinton Square followed by a parade down Duval Street, ladies tea, and more.
Friday 7th and Saturday 8th - 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday 9th - 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Fees: Free with park admission
Contact: (305) 292-6713

Key West Food & Wine Festival

Top chefs and restaurateurs showcase their culinary creativity and the Keys' indigenous cuisine in a tasty schedule of events for food lovers. Attendees can participate in food-related adventures during the savory celebration.  The week long event opens Wednesday Jan 22 at the Hospitality Suites on South Street and features wine tastings, a 'Kick off Your Flip Flops' barefoot beach party, a "Wine Around Neighborhood Strolls", recipe contests, movies, and dinners.  The festival is about wine and food, wine and laughter, wine in a tropical setting and more wine.  To join in on the fun you can stop by the Hospitality Suites to register, and can purchase tickets for any of the events at http://www.keywestfoodandwinefestival.com.  The Website has the schedule of events, locations and more but if you need more information contact 800-474-4319; 305-292-1622 or e-mail info@keywestfoodandwinefestival.com.  Feel free to also talk to your concierge about the events so they can guide you into the fun.  See you there!

32nd Annual Key West Literary Seminar

Tennessee Williams himself found his creative spirit in the warm tropical breezes of Key West. In commemoration of writers, the spirit of creativity and story telling the island welcomes the 32nd Annual Key West Literary Seminar.  At the notorious annual Seminar, readers from all over the world join the best writers of our time for the readings, discussions, lectures, and parties that make up today’s smartest and most high-spirited literary gathering. The theme this year is "The Dark Side" and will explore the mystery, crime, and thriller genres.  The Seminar includes two independent sessions: Chapter One, January 9-12; and the Final Chapter, January 16-19, 2014. There are also two free sessions Jan 12 & 19 at the San Carlos Institute on Duval St. 2pm.  If interested in signing up for one or both of the Seminars and to see the Seminar schedules go to http://www.kwls.org/seminar32/.  If you are unable to sign up for the Seminars but our interested in the Free Sessions offered go to http://www.kwls.org/seminar32/free-sessions/. Make sure to show up early for the free sessions as it is first come first serve, doors open at 1:45pm. 

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from our family to yours.  As Key West rings in the New Year with lots of cheer and balmy breezes we look forward to a great 2014.  We feel very fortunate at the Mermaid & The Alligator to have interesting, unique, adventurous and dynamic guests every year.  We host visitors from all over and each one brings insight, experiences and knowledge from their part of the world. We learn a a lot, hear fabulous stories and make good friends.  Excited to greet returning guests and host new ones we are eager to meet new people and to show off our fair island city.  Our island is always growing, offering more shows, more art, more activities and always introducing new artists, scholars, workshops and experiences.  The Theaters have a spectacular season in store for us, the Literary community has shows, book signings and the like.  The island will feature multiple new boutiques, artist co-ops and eateries that even our regular guests will be anxious to try. We wish you a happy and healthy New Year and look forward to visiting with you in the upcoming year.  If you already know when you plan to visit us, call early to ensure your favorite room.  If you have not decided when to visit give us a call and we can inform you of events, weather and island news that can help guide you. Cheers from the Mermaid & Alligator!