As the fall weather creeps in up north, Key West is just getting into the swing of summer. With the days so warm and the margaritas so cold, September is a time for relaxation and recreation. The First Annual Brewfest opens up September and a month full of popular events. The Brewfest, September 3-5 is a weekend of Beer Tasting, eating and reggae music held at the Southernmost Beach Café, all proceeds to benefit the Rotary Club and their charitable efforts. http://keywestbrewfest.com/.

September 7-12, is Women Fest. Key West welcomes thousands of lesbian singles, couples and groups of women coming to immerse themselves in activities ranging from women-only snorkeling and watersports excursions, to late-night dance parties, comedic events and more. Lesbian women, friends and comrades join together and celebrate the diversity of our island city. http://www.womenfest.com/

Last but not least, for the avid anglers out there, September hosts the Robert James Sales S.L.A.M Celebrity Fishing Tournament. For more information and for a list of the participating celebrities go to http://www.redbone.org/.

Only a taste of what Key West has to offer in September, feel free to call us at the Mermaid & The Alligator and we can fill you in on great restaurant ideas and other island activities.
Iif you are considering joining us for the Fantasy Fest celebration in October, call us today as we only have 2 rooms available!

Warm Regards from the Mermaid & The Alligator!

Queen Angel Fish, butterfly fish, moray eels, sergeant majors, blue tangs, reef shark, loggerhead turtles and porcupine fish are just a few of the multitudes of fabulous reef life you can visit while snorkeling or diving the Florida Keys. Anyone who snorkels our coral reef knows that the summer waters are spectacular. Calm, crystal clear and so warm you can snorkel for hours on end.
If you are visiting Key West soon, or would like to visit, there are numerous boats that visit the reef daily. Some trips include sailing, kayaking and snorkeling, some are just for the snorkeling. Some boats are giant catamarans and others are small sailing yachts. Feel free to give us a call and we will be happy to help you choose the perfect trip for you. And don’t forget, for the lobster hunters out there lobster season opens August 6th and you can join in on Lobster Festival Aug 6-8. http://www.keywestlobsterfest.com/
Never a dull moment in the Keys; this Monday August 9th the Key West Botanical Gardens hosts the 4th Annual Midsummers Night Dream and Spectacle. It’s a grand affair, filled with Key West artists and entertainers and fun for the whole family. Runs noon-until late night: http://www.kwbgs.org/event.asp?id=90
Hope to See you there!

Warm Regards from the Mermaid & The Alligator !

Key West has a history of intriguing people, of offering an island oasis where you can get away from the fray of the ‘real’ world and find yourself and your passions. Ernest Hemingway was one such person, he was so enchanted by the island city, not only did he live here, but Key West inspired his novel To Have and Have Not.
Key Westers love a good story and a good party too. Every year we celebrate Ernest Hemingway, his accomplishments and his life in Key West. This week July 20-25 join us in the 30th Annual Hemingway Days Festival. Scheduled events include a look-alike contest for men resembling Hemingway, readings, book signings, literary competitions, a one man play, a museum exhibit of Hemingway memorabilia, a ‘running of the bulls’ down Duval Street and a marlin tournament.
If you can’t make it down this weekend and join in the fun, don’t worry you can schedule a visit August 6-8th for the Lobster Festival in Key West. A street party, live music and lotsa Lobster!
We hope to see you soon and feel free to call the concierges, Geri or Caroline for information on summer time events in Key West.

Warm Regards from the Mermaid & The Alligator

For current information and news regarding the BP Oil Spil visit:
http://www.fla-keys.com/news/news.cfm?sid=7754

Its Mango Season in the Keys! Locals love this time of year; island life slows down, the waters are calm, the fishing and snorkeling are fabulous and local businesses offer special summer rates. This is a great time to visit the Keys and relish summer on the islands.

Fishing in the summer months is very popular. The calm, clear warm waters make for the best fishing in the continental US. Among the most popular summer catches are Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish, Blue Marlin, Snook and Mahi Mahi as well as many others. Fishermen can enjoy backcountry flats fishing as well as off shore blue water fishing. With the Gulf Stream just a couple miles off of our shores fishermen come from all over the world to fish the Keys waters. If you are an avid fisherman or just a beginner make sure to ask us about fishing trips and we will help you choose a fishing charter. There is nothing like eating your ‘just caught’ fresh fish that night for dinner. Many of our local restaurants will cook up your fish for you. Summer also means lobster season (mini lobster July 28-30th), so bring a tickle stick, a mask and snorkel and have a blast!

Hemingway himself was an avid fisherman and in July we celebrate the famous writer. Thursday, July 22-July 24 is the 30th Annual Hemingway Days. Look-a-like contests, pub crawls, readings and book signings are all part of the fun. We hope to see you there!

Warm regards from The Mermaid & The Alligator

OIL SPILL

For current information and news regarding the BP Oil Spil visit:
http://www.fla-keys.com/news/news.cfm?sid=7754

As the warm weather kicks in and the snow birds head north, some may think that there is nothing to do in Key West, but they would be wrong. Summer time brings fabulous events, they are always fun, locals join in, and everyone can celebrate in the wonderful nature of our island city. The month of June brings the annual Pride Fest to Key West. A tribute to the diversity and amity of Key West, the very popular Pride Fest kicks off at the Island House on June 9th and runs through June 13th. A great mix of dance parties, contests, shows, forums, water activities, tours, street fairs and a Pride Parade it is a grand affair. For more information visit: http://gaykeywestfl.com/featureevent.cfm?id=5. And for those that love to eat and relish in wonderful foods, this June 10-13th various local restaurants and bars are hosting the First Annual Key West Bacchanelia. Join in on a celebrity cook-offs, rum tastings and other eating extravaganzas. For more information visit: http://www.keywestbacchanalia.com/site/index.php

We hope to see you soon!
Warm Regards from the Mermaid & The Alligator

For current information and news regarding the BP Oil Spil visit:
http://www.fla-keys.com/news/news.cfm?sid=7754

The end of May is marked with the 11th Annual Cuban American Heritage Festival. Guaranteed good food and great music! The festival opens at 8pm Friday May 28th with revelers in Cuban dress forming a conga line from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. The festivities continue through Sunday May 30, celebrating the island’s rich and colorful Cuban heritage. Located just 90 miles from Cuba, Key West became home to thousands of Cuban immigrants seeking fortune. Today we relish in the vibrant customs and culture these individuals brought with them to Key West. For more information on the festival visit: http://www.cubanfest.com/
While in town for the Memorial Day weekend take advantage of the calm warm waters and book a sunset sail, a snorkel trip, or a day sail. It is wise to book ahead as this weekend fills quickly. Talk to your concierge Geri or Rebecca and they can give you information, book trips for you and help make your stay perfect!

Warm Regards from the Mermaid & The Alligator!

As the warm summer days take over the winter season comes to a close. The island begins to settle into the tranquility of summer. May on the island is a wonderful time to visit. The waters are warm and calm so the diving and snorkeling is spectacular, the frangipani, jasmine and bougainvillea are blooming and the Waterfront Playhouse is performing its’ last show of the season. Concluding their smash 70th Platinum season with tap comedy, “Steppin Out”, the show opens on May 6 and runs until May 29th (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays) with a curtain time of 8:30pm. “Steppin Out” is a delightful play about the lives, laughs and loves of a group of women (and one man) attending a weekly tap class. Led by an ex-professional dancer, the class members attempt to overcome an abundance of left feet and learn how to dance. While personalities clash and friendships are made, pressure mounts when the class is asked to take part in a charity dance event. The motley crew struggles to transform into triumphant tappers. A fun show and a lovely evening out, Key West theatre is always a treat.
Talk to your concierge Geri or Rebecca about booking tickets for the show as well as the ‘dinner and a show’ package that is offered. Friday night offers a ‘date night’ special so make sure to ask for details from Geri and Rebecca. We look forward to seeing you soon and enjoy the show!

Warm regards from the Mermaid & The Alligator

Its time for howling and laughter as Key West prepares for the month of May. Join in on two fabulous events that are filled with local camaraderie and fun. This Wednesday, April 28th, a full moon rises over the island, bringing out mysterious and eclectic characters. Stroll to the Artsy South End of Duval Street and join in on the South Duval Gallery and Café Neighborhood Howl. From 7pm-10pm, the South Duval Neighborhood bars, restaurants and cafes will open their doors offering delectable foods and drink. A fun full moon night, art galleries and cozy unique shops stay open late to welcome all the Full Moon Howlers.

One night of howling, the second night howling with laughter. This Thursday and Friday, April 29 and 30 (9pm), comedian Judy Tenuta will be performing live at the Bourbon Street Show Lounge. Tenuta’s comedic exaggerated and off-beat style pull you in, challenge your concept of social norms, and make your cry with hilarity. Outrageous, edgy, faux yet fierce feminist and just plain LOUD, Tenuta’s appearance is a Key West first and will be sold out. For more information and tickets visit https://www.bourbonlivekw.com/

Finally, onto important matters, food! This week’s featured restaurant is Banana Café. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner this eclectic French Café offers delectable savory dishes in a casual island setting. The Eggs Benedict with Norwegian Salmon is to die for! http://www.banana-cafe-key-west.com/

Warm Regards from the Mermaid & The Alligator!

The end of April marks the closing of our winter season. The island begins to slow down and settle into its’ sultry summer slumber. Although many visitors start heading north, many relish the slower paced mood and essence of tranquility. This time of year offers a Key West that many visitors don’t get to see; available parking spaces, summer rates and warm winds from the south.
End of April activities bring locals out to gather and catch up. A favorite end of season event is the Taste of Key West. This Monday April 19th, 6-9pm, join in on the fun and go down to the Truman Waterfront Pier. Local restaurants will be selling samples of their best cuisine, a great opportunity to experience different Keys cuisine; and all monies go to benefit AIDS Help Inc. On April 28th locals and visitors alike will be singing their way into May. The 15th Annual Key West Song Writers Festival runs April 28-May 2. This event showcases America’s foremost performing song writers with concerts staged in intimate, friendly island style settings. http://www.kwswf.com/. It is a fantastic way to say goodbye to Spring and jump into the Summer season.
This week we choose The Taste of Key West as our featured eatery. Favorite local restaurants will be participating in the event and there will be so much delicious food in a fun community setting, don’t miss it! For more information ask Geri and Rebecca your gracious concierge.

Warm Regards from the Mermaid & The Alligator!

Key Westers don’t only love the month of April because the weather is perfect. We also love April because this is the month of revolution. In April, Key West celebrates its brief, but brave, succession from the United States. Join us in the Conch Republic Independence Celebration, a 10 day party celebrating the independent and eccentric sprit of Key West.

The Conch Republic Celebration runs April 16-April 25. This is a party like no other hosting eclectic and dynamic activities and events to suit everyone’s needs. From the opening ceremony and picnic at the historic Fort Zachary Taylor, the party continues on with historic tours, Drag Queen Races, Conch Shell Blowing competitions, Pet Parades, People Parades, Bed Races, Boat Battles, Craft Fairs, Mini Golf Tournaments, Pig Roasts, Sailboat races, Historic Lectures, Stargazer Tours, Life Music and much, much more!

Proud of our little island and its independent spirit we host a great party so plan on joining in on the fun. For more information and a schedule of events visit:
http://conchrepublic.com/schedule.htm

And remember to ask your concierge Geri and Rebecca for any information, they know it all!

Warm regards from the Mermaid & The Alligator

Welcome to April in the Keys. The warm spring Caribbean breezes are blowing in and the waters are a crystal blue. April is a lovely time to visit the keys. Take advantage of the warming waters and enjoy sailing, kayaking and snorkeling excursions. Ask your concierge Geri or Rebecca about the amazing water adventures available to you.

After exploring our unique eco-system, spend an evening taking in our very own Keys Chorale. The phenomenal voices of the Chorale will entertain and enthrall you. April 9th 8pm and April 10th2pm, at the Tennessee Williams Fine Arts Center, the Keys Chorale will celebrate its 20th anniversary with selections from it illustrious history. From Verdi and Mozart to contemporary pieces, an evening with the Chorale will thrill and delight.

An island of artists, April hosts numerous musical events. Saturday April 10th 8pm, at the Studios of Key West, Vicky Rosenblatt and Nancy 3 Hoffman present a special cabaret evening of international songs from the golden era of songwriting. On the Sunday April 11, 8pm, and the Monday April 12, 8pm, Pianist/Singer Bobby Nesbitt will be performing a cabaret series based on the popular “Lyrics and Lyricists” series from New York at the Tennessee Williams Fine Arts Center. An April filled with music and laughter; we hope to see you soon! Ask Geri or Rebecca for any additional information as well as dinner recommendations.

Happy Passover and Happy Easter from the Mermaid and The Alligator!

We send big licks and lots of barks out to our wonderful guests that voted us, Caya and Havanna, Lanier’s Cutest B&B Mascot award! We wholly agree that we are the cutest and the most lovable. We enjoy bringing you our well chewed toys and have you throw them for us. We love the belly rubs, the occasional doggie biscuits and we send giant slobbery kisses to the recent guest that took us for long walks, you know who you are!
It is quite an honor to have won, not one but two of the Lanier’s Best B&B awards. The first award, The Best Vegetarian Breakfast, was a feather in our cap; but the second award, The Cutest B&B Mascot award, speaks to the familiar, comfortable and relaxing atmosphere that makes the Mermaid & The Alligator a favorite. We look forward to the return of our former guests and hosting our new guests at our wonderful home.

In honor of our Mascot Award it seems only right to feature a Pet Friendly restaurant this week. Our pick of the week is Sarabeth’s. The open air patio is open to pets and humans too! This elegant Old Town restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (closed Monday night and all day Tuesday). Fresh, updated classic American cooking, this charming Key West restaurant is well worth a visit.
Warm Regards from The Mermaid & The Alligator

Dinner and a Show

With so much to do in Key West it is hard to decide what to do. Why not start your evening dining at the elegant Harbor View Café and then head out for a night of wonderful Key West Theatre? The Red Barn Theatre of Key West and the Pier House Resort have melded their talents and are offering a great ‘Dinner and a Show’ combination making for a fabulous Key West evening. When you purchase your Red Barn Theatre ticket ask them for the ‘Dinner and a Show Package’ or go on-line and book the ‘Dinner and a Show’ option. A $48 ‘Dinner and a Show’ ticket includes a sumptuous dining experience at the Harbor View Café. Enjoy a three course meal from a select menu while overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. After relishing in a fine meal, take a leisurely stroll over to the Red Barn Theater and take in a show. The Red Barn Theater is local theater at its finest. As you squeeze under one tin roof, into the small barn-like theater, prepare to have your socks knocked off. Huge, professional and dynamic productions, you will be swept away into the Key West night.
For more information and Red Barn schedule visit: http://www.redbarntheatre.org/ . You will need to make your dinner reservation at the Harbor View Café, we recommend 6pm so you have plenty of time to get to the 8pm show. Don’t forget to ask your concierge, Geri and Rebecca, to help you with any reservations you may need.

Warm Regards from the Mermaid & The Alligator

St. Paddy's Day in Key West

It’s time to celebrate the Irish in all of us. This upcoming weekend is Key West’s 32nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Bar Stroll. A St. Paddy’s day parade like no other, the stroll takes you into notorious Key West Bars starting at the Atlantic Ocean and ending at the Gulf of Mexico. The stroll is not for the weak of heart (or stomach), as you will visit 9 bars in total and drink green beer at all of them. The event is on Saturday, March 13th, and begins at the south end of Duval Street at the Southernmost Beach Café. Participants gather between 11-12 noon, beer starts flowing at noon (you may want to fill up with a hearty breakfast before the event, the Southernmost Beach Café serves great breakfast). The tickets for the stroll are $30, and can be purchased this week at any of the participating bars. For more information visit, http://www.stpatricksdaybarstroll.com/. If you want to enjoy the parade but aren’t quite sure you can manage the bar stroll, just go down to Duval Street and watch the very green and often very drunk contenders and cheer them on!

Don’t forget the last Home and Garden Tour of the season, is this weekend, March 12-13. The tour features architecturally unique Key West homes and shows off their interior design as well as the gardens. http://www.oirf.org/.

Our featured restaurant this week is Finnegan’s Wake, Irish Pub and Eatery. Not only does Finnegan’s have a selection of fabulous beers, to make any Irishman happy, they also have fantastic ‘pub food’. Nothing like a tall pint of Guinness and a plate of their Sheppard’s pie; great ambiance, great music and Daily Happy Hour from 4-7pm and 12-2am. Key West has so many wonderful restaurants make sure to talk to your gracious concierge, Geri or Rebecca and they can recommend the best of Key West.

Warm regards from the Mermaid and The Alligator!

The Cuba/Key West connection

It was our lovable pooch Havana who let us know about The Cuban Cultural Exposition at the Key West Botanical Gardens this month. Although she has never been to Cuba, she feels her name is reason enough to have a fondness for the island. Did you know that Key West is closer to Cuba that it is to Miami and that our histories have been entwined for centuries?

Celebrating the Cuban/Key West connection, the Key West Botanical Gardens is hosting The Cuban Cultural Exposition March 7-13. Sunday March 7, 2-4pm come to the Gardens and view the intriguing photography of Cuban refugee vessels. Monday, March 8, 6-8pm come and learn how to make Paella. Tuesday, March 9, 6-8pm enjoy a presentation on A Cuban Botanic Experience. Wednesday, March 10, 6-8pm listen to compelling stories of Key West citizens and their early lives in Cuba. Thursday, March 11, 6-8pm come and take Salsa lessons and dance under the stars. Each of the weeks’ events cost only $10. Culminating the celebration, Saturday, March 13, is the Hot Havana Nights party. 5:30-8:30pm eat a traditional Cuban dinner while enjoying the lively Tropicana show. 7:00-11:00pm Hot Havana Soul perform their renown Salsa beat on the Courtyard Stage, dancing encouraged. $100 for dinner and both shows, $25 general admission for Salsa show only. The show will sell out so book today! keystix.com, or call the Garden at 305-296-1504 or email kwbgs@kwbgs.org.

And although Havana admits that Black Beans & Rice are not her favorite dish (but Caya likes them), our featured restaurant this week is El Meson de Pepe. A family owned and operated Cuban restaurant, located at Mallory Square, this restaurant has a diverse menu with authentic Cuban foods and more. Enjoy a mojito, a delicious meal and listen to, Caribe, the local Salsa Band, play live every night at sunset. See you there!

Warm regards from the Mermaid & The Alligator

Voted the Best Vegetarian Breakfast out of approx. 8500 inns worldwide!

Sure our guests told us how much they enjoyed sitting by the pool, surrounded by the tropical garden, eating a delectable breakfast. And of course, Caya and Havana, if given a chance, would be happy to gobble down a cranberry muffin or two;but we had no idea that The Mermaid & The Alligator would be awarded with the LanierBB.com Best Vegetarian Food award. The early mornings of mixing up Banana Pancakes and the late nights of preparing a Spinach Quiche for the next day; it was all worth it!

Thanks goes to all of our terrific guests for voting us in as serving the Best Vegetarian Food. And don’t worry, other than the Banana Pancakes, we have no secrets. Two of our popular recipes are featured in the Florida B&B Cookbook, and for all you chefs out there, we have the Cookbook for sale at the Inn. This is all the more reason to come down and visit. Eat a delicious breakfast, buy a great cook book while enjoying the Keys.

Warm regards from the Mermaid & The Alligator

February is a Fabulous time to visit Key West

Our hammock is calling out to you, our swimming pool is swirling and Caya and Havana are waiting to greet you at the door. February is a fabulous time to visit Key West. February 12th and 13th is the popular Home and Garden Tour, http://www.oirf.org/. Your chance to visit some of our stunning island homes. Tour each home and view the creative renovations, unique interiors and tropical landscaping. Each tour features 5 private homes. It's time to buy your tickets!

For the theatre lovers, Key West has a great theatre community. The Waterfront Playhouse is playing The Full Monty, Thursday February25 - Saturday March 20th. You can buy tickets on-line and consider the "Dinner & a Show" package. It's a great deal. http://www.waterfrontplayhouse.org/.

Speaking of dinner, Key West has a variety of amazing restaurants. Our featured restaurant this week is "Salute on the Beach." http://www.saluteonthebeach.com/. This beach front restaurant lies on Higgs Beach and serves exquisite Italian food in a tropical casual setting. The calamari is a must try and the Linguini with Mussels is truly the best on the island. Feel free to contact your concierge Geri or Rebecca about dinner reservations and any other dining recommendations they may have.

We look forward to your visit, and if you haven't booked your visit yet, the time is now!

Warm regards from The Mermaid & The Alligator!