Ringing in the New Year

The Mermaid & The Alligator wishes a happy and healthy holiday season to all. Key West is bustling with visitors from all over the world, enjoying the warm tropical breezes and readying for the New Year. The last week of 2011 is filled with all sorts of fun island style activities. Here is a list of some of the events that you must fit into your schedule and end 2011 having a blast! December 27 & 28 is the 52nd Annual Key West Home and Garden Tour. For tickets and information go to http://www.oirf.org/page.php?p=tours. Bayview Park is hosting the Arts Festival December 27-31, open 10-5pm daily. Great art, jewelry, photos and more. And on December 31st join in on the 7th annual Key West Dachshund Parade, starts at noon on Fleming St at Duval. Family friendly and full of fun! Of course New Years Eve will be filled with revelry and cheer. You can join on on fabulous New Years dinners (see concierge for more information), and then join in on the fun on Duval and watch the dropping of the Conch Shell, or the dropping of the Red Slipper or the dropping of the Wench (at the Historic Seaport), all set to count down the last minutes of 2011. Happy New Year!!

Thank you Chamber for voting us the winner of the 'Island of Lights' competition!

The Mermaid & The Alligator is the proud first place winner of the Chamber of Commerce 'Island of Lights' holiday competition for the second year running. It goes to show that Dean and Paul's hard work, along with their exuberant holiday spirit paid off. However, it was not an easy win, our little island city is ablaze with fabulous holiday decorations and the creativity and ingenuity of its' citizens really shines. From a little conch cottage with a sleigh on the roof, to a grand condo with candy canes striped in lights, palm trees lit up in glory, and a lighted tricycle sitting on the roof of the local bike shop, the award truly goes to everyone who participates to make our island so spectacular over the holidays. Thanks to the Chamber for your recognition and we wish everyone a joyous and happy holiday season!

Lighted Boat Parade

This Its that time of year again! It is time for the annual Schooner Wharf Lighted Boat Parade and it takes place this SATURDAY, December 11th at 8pm, in the Key west Bight and Harbor. Lighted and decorated vessels (from rowboats to tall ships) parade around Key West’s Historic Seaport and harbor showing off their creative and imaginative holiday decorations. Holiday revelers can watch and applaud this magical display of holiday spirit from bars, restaurants and resorts in and around the Historic Seaport while listening to the favorite sounds of the holiday season Key West style.

Past years have seen gingerbread men, the Grinch, doves of peace, dancing candy canes, toy soldiers, and of course Santa’s sleigh. Full choirs and steel bands grace the decks throwing candy and beads to the delight of spectators. It’s an unforgettable magical night — a definite highlight of the Key West holiday season!

For more information, please visit Schooner Wharf Bar online or contact 305-292-3302. See you there!

Thanks for a GREAT Parade Party!

Thanks to all who participated in our Parade Party on Saturday night. It was an affair to remember. Dean and Paul, once again, outdid themselves, and the Inn was dressed in its full Christmas glory, welcoming people to join in on the parade fun and support the Florida Keys Council of the Arts. Being the gracious hosts that they are, they fed guests with wine and delicious food and meandered among the throngs greeting and chatting. Both Geri and Rebecca, with their natural elegance and grace welcomed the parade goers and made everyone feel at home. Our Mermaid guests joined in on all the fun and are the fabulous people that make the Mermaid feel like home! All together we cheered on the parade, singing Christmas songs, meeting new people and fully embracing the spirit of the holiday season. Thanks to all!

The Holiday Historic Inn Tour

Key West is truly an enchanting place to visit over the holidays. Known for its historic homes and inns, Key West comes alive with a celebratory spirit as the old homes boast holiday lights and stand tall adorned in wreaths, bows bells and more. Join in on the Holiday Historic Inn Tour and view some of Key West finest Inns decorated for the season, featuring art, fine food and refreshment. Touring dates are Friday, December 9th or Saturday December 17th, between 6-9pm. Tickets are $25 per person for one of the touring evenings of your choice. The Inns are within walking and biking distance of one another, however if you want transportation to the Inns, you may purchase a VIP $40 ticket which provides transportation to the Inns via the Holiday City View Trolley and includes caroling while en route! When visiting an Inn, the tours are self guided, so you may explore at your leisure, enjoy the festivities and get into the spirit of the holidays. The Mermaid & The Alligator is once again proud to be one of the fine Inns featured on the Friday tour. We love this time of year and enjoy showing off the home in all its grandeur. In fact, The Mermaid & The Alligator was featured in Florida Travel & Life Magazine as a 'Keys Hot Spot' for the holidays; to read the article go to http://www.floridatravellife.com/articles/holiday-hotspot-key-west-florida. We hope to see you this year on Friday December 9th! To purchase tickets for the Historic Inn Tour and to see a list of Inns and schedule, visit http://www.kwholidays.com/index.php/holiday-historic-inn-tour.

Save The Date!

Join us at The Mermaid & The Alligator on Saturday, Dec 3, 6pm for the Key West Holiday Parade Viewing Party. Its a great way to gear up for the holidays and all the proceeds benefit the Florida Keys Council of the Arts. Located at 729 Truman Ave, it is a great place to watch our Key West Holiday Parade, a fun-filled locals event featuring the high school marching band, plus numerous other students showing off their various talents. Our city EMT crew and the Fire Fighters will join in and of course Santa will be there too. Please join us to celebrate the opening of the holiday season and view the annual parade while enjoying appetizers, beverages and boundless merriment. $20 per person. For more information: 305-239-4369. info@keysarts.com

Key West Bight Before Christmas

Experience 6 weeks of Holiday fun along the Key West Historic Seaport, the old
"Key West Bight" Marina. The 2011 Harbor Walk of Lights brings the natural beauty
of the Key West waterfront alive with the sparkle of holiday lights. The Key West Harbor Walk of Lights stretches for four blocks and features colorful lights, garlands and the Southernmost Christmas Tree. There is also creative nautical holiday displays that can only be
found in a place like the Key West waterfront. Enjoy the holiday lights while you shop in the fabulous shops along the harbor. And when you need a break, stop in the Schooner Wharf for a cold one, and then continue your shopping. Its a fabulous way to ring in the holiday spirit and you are bound to find some unique and eclectic Key West gifts for that special someone. If you are visiting us in November make sure to catch the 'lighting of the harbor walk' on Wednesday Nov 23, right after dusk.

It Takes Two: Opening Night Waterfront Playhous

Another sure sign that our winter season is upon us, is the start up of the theatre season! This year Waterfont Playhouse will kick off their award-winning 72^nd Season with “It Takes Two – An Evening of Duets”- a two night concert that will star over 25 of Key West’s best performers. The evening will feature hits from the world of Broadway, pop, standards and even disco, all done as duets. It’s an evening chock full of talent, entertainment and double the fun! There is nothing like theater in Key West. The small playhouse is in an old waterfront ice house and some claim it is haunted, with a gentle and theater loving ghost of course! For tickets go to http://waterfrontplayhouse.org.

31st Annual Key West World Championship Power Boat Races

The week long super power boat races continue in Key West. The next Race Day is Friday, Nov 11 at 10am. The start line is in front of Ft. Zachery Taylor. What a great place to gather and watch the super boats zip by at incredible speeds. And because you are at the park you can bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the beach too; the weather is true perfection. The final race day is on Sunday Nov 13 at 10am. For a schedule of events and the best places to see these amazing machines go to http://superboat.com/31st-annual-key-west-world-championship-schedule/. It is always a sign that winter is in the air, when we hear the huge engines scream as they zip around the island, soon we will be decorating for Christmas! See you there!

Thanks Jimmy!

What a great treat! Jimmy Buffet made a grand appearance in Key West and thrilled all the Parrot Heads and local fans alike. A block of Fleming and Duval was closed and the Jimmy Buffet rocked the crowded street. The parrot heads are now leaving and Key West is reading itself for our Super International 31st Annual World Championships Power Boat Races! All this week the super fast boats will be zipping around the island preparing for the Races. The first of three races is on Wednesday Nov 9th. Ask our concierge for more information or if you would like to be out on the water watching the speeding water jets, its truly amazing!

Florida Travel & Life Magazine writes about The Mermaid.

It may seem odd to be on a tropical island for the holidays, away from the snow and ice, casually strolling around shops in shorts and a T-shirt looking for that perfect gift. Well, the Nov/Dec 2011 issue of Florida Travel & Life has an informative article detailing the unmistakable and dynamic holiday spirit that thrives in the Keys.(See Tropical Cheer, pg 52, http://www.floridatravellife.com) We are proud to say that The Mermaid & The Alligator B&B is individually noted in the article, as an Inn that celebrates the holidays wholeheartedly, decorating with charm and exuberance. The author notes that ' A life size stuffed Santa wearing a Hawaiian shirt relaxes in a hammock between two palms' and the co-owner Dean Carlson states that 'Santa disappears on Christmas Eve and is back the next day holding a cocktail'. The author also writes that she was so charmed by the Inn on her first visit that she booked a future stay.
It is exciting to be featured in a holiday article because it is true; we truly love the holidays in the Keys. The Mermaid & The Alligator starts decorating after Thanksgiving and the whole month of December is filled with holiday festivities. Join in on the holiday spirit and the tropical cheer of the islands and plan your December getaway. And, thanks to Florida Travel & Life for praising The Mermaid & The Alligator in your holiday issue.

Parrot Heads in Paradise

The November winds are starting up, bringing cool air and lots of parrots! 'Parrot Heads' from all over the US and Cananda make their way down to our little tropical isle to join in on the 20th annual 'Meeting of the Minds' Parrot Head Convention. The convention is ostensibly to enjoy and celebrate Jimmy Buffet, his creativity and island music. But truly the power is in the essence of his words and the stories and life styles he sings about. His stories tell the true magic of Key West, the reason people love to visit and the reason people never leave. He tells of the people that escape from the reality of the 'real world' and find their place here, people that could fit in no where else. He tells of modern day pirates and people who have suddenly discovered that living in the moment is what life is all about. Songs of cold margaritas in open air bars, songs of broken hearts and lost youth. Jimmy Buffet may come to visit the island that inspired him to write his best songs, every year there is rumor that he will show up. Either way the Parrot Heads will come and celebrate life, living in the moment and the island of Key West. Of course icy Margaritas are in the picture too. Although most of the events are closed off to the non-parrot heads among us, you cant help but enjoy seeing the droves of seemingly 'normal' beings with big parrot headdresses on. Also, great music will be featured at numerous popular bars. 'If they weren't all crazy they would go insane'

Moby Dyke Won an Award!

Dean and Paul, although a little tired from a night of dancing the entire length of Duval Steet in the parade, are boasting a win for the float. 'Moby Dyke' was awarded the Seashore Shenanigans prize! This years Fantasy Fest proved to be Great! The parade was creative and fun, the crowd was great and even when the skies opened and the rain came pouring down the party continued. The city is now working hard to clean up form the nights festivities and the little town of Key West is preparing to welcome the Parrot Heads, for the annual Parrot Head Convention.

Aquatic Afrolic

Lionfish, clown fish, angel fish, lots of sharks, mermaids and jelly fish have taken to the streets of Key West. Our Fantasy Festival is in full swing and the big parade is scheduled for tonight, rain or shine. Dean and Paul are rushing around preparing their costumes, Paul has out a big can of pink spray paint and is making colorful T-shirts. Dean is on a quest to find pink sunglasses. They will be representing the Mermaid & The Alligator on the giant size float "Moby Dyke", a large pink fabulously gay whale. The gang is going to head over to cheer them on and although Caya and Havana are slightly jealous that they will not be going, they are excited by the high energy as everyone prepares their costumes.

Goombay and Cool Air Hit the Keys

Goombay is in full swing, kicking off the week long Fantasy Festival. Bahama Village, closed off to cars, is thriving with the sounds of Junkanoo music and the sweet smells of funnel cakes. By far the best and most popular food at the Goombay festival is the fresh made Conch Ceviche. The 'Ceviche Craftsmen' make it for you right there, while you watch, amazed by their dexterity and focus. Squeezing lime and orange juice onto the fresh conch then adding cilantro and peppers for an added zing, it is well worth waiting in the long line to get your share! Also, stock up on your African Shea butter and start looking for unique holiday gifts. We have been lucky to have a super early cold front hit the Keys. Typically we are sweltering in the humidity as we join in the Fantasy Festival fun, however this year we are donning sweaters and scarfs as the nights drop into the lower 70's. The Mermaid & The Alligator has opened its doors and windows to let the cool fall breeze blow through. The weather is crisp and beautiful, we will have to see if it lasts through the week, a nice treat for all the revelers.

Florida Bed & Breakfast Inns Association

As the rain keeps coming in droves, thanks to a tropical system in the Caribbean, Dean is taking off to St. Augustine to attend the Florida Bed & Breakfast Inns association annual conference. Dean is on the board of FBBI and shares numerous design concepts and customer service tips that make for a successful Inn. Additionally he meets many other Innkeepers and learns what they have to share. It is a great opportunity to see where the Inn-keeping business is going as a whole and how to maintain the allure of the B&B industry. Caya and Havanna miss Dean already and are eager to see what gift he will bring back for them!

It does not happen too often that we get a rainy day in Key West, but a tropical system off of the coast of Cuba is making for a very wet Key West day. Although it can put a damper on a vacation, our guests are finding that Key West has lots of rainy day options. The Customs House Museum has a comprehensive Key West history section and is a beautiful building in itself. Across the street is the notorious Mel Fisher Museum, that tells the story of the famous lost treasure of the Atocha. And a short walk away, is the Little White House Museum, a great stop for American History buffs. Our little coffee shops are bustling with customers and some of the Mermaid & The Alligator guests decided to take in an afternoon matinee at our local theater, The Tropic Cinema. Other guests discovered a sports bar on Duval Street, good food, cold beer and the football game of your choice. Taking advantage of the rain is a good opportunity to hunker down, find a rainy day activity, drink hot coffee and enjoy the tropics.

Get Ready for Fantasy Fest!

October is an exciting month in Key West. The summer humidity begins to wane, the local businesses readily prepare for the season and locals start pulling out their Fantasy Festival beads. The Fantasy Fest week opens, as always with the Goombay Festival , Oct 21&22. A street fair with a Caribbean flair, family friendly with lots of great food, music and arts and crafts. On Monday Oct 24 the week long party leading up to the Fantasy Fest parade begins. For a calender of events go to http://www.fantasyfest.net/schedule.cfm . Here at the Mermaid & The Alligator we are excited to be a part of this years theme Aquatic Afrolic, with out even dressing up. Our name alone is Aquatic enough! We do not have any availability for the Fantasy Festival, however if you are looking for a relaxing retreat in the Keys, December is a fabulous time to visit. the home will be decked out in its holiday finest. Call for availability as we are filling up quickly.

As the tropical breezes turn cooler, Fantasy Fest is in the air. This years theme is Aquatic Afrolic. Put on your fish heads, your fins and your tails and join in the fun!