The 27th Annual Key West Craft Show

The Key West Craft Show is a two day juried outdoor craft festival. This nationally recognized Craft Show brings over 100 fine and skilled craft artists to this beautiful historic area of Key West. Exhibitors will set up along Whitehead Street from Greene Street to Eaton, and on Caroline Street through the famous Presidential Gates into the beautiful Truman Annex. Set among historical attractions such as Audubon House, the Little White House and Mel Fisher Museum, the City of Key West closes two blocks of Whitehead Street and another block of Caroline Street to vehicle traffic for the show. Visitors can leisurely browse the beautiful displays of pottery, fabric, glass, wood, jewelry and other colorful handmade works by the selected artists. It is a lovely way to spend a Key West afternoon, meet new people and a perfect venue to get unique hand crafted gifts. The show is Sat and Sun, Jan 28 & 29 from 10-5. To see information on artists showcased at the show visit http://www.keywestartcenter.com/craft.html.

The Key West Food & Wine Festival

If there is one thing Key Westers love it is food and drink. Join in on the fun and celebrate our distinctive restaurants, great food, funky island atmosphere and eclectic wines that our island city has to offer. Showcasing our culinary community this festival is 4 food filled days of wining and dining. The kick off party is located on the beach (flip-flops or bare feet required), at the Southernmost Beach Cafe, Thursday, Jan 26, 5-7pm ($40 at the door). After wetting your whistle join in on any one of the various Neighborhood Strolls via the Old Town Trolley and meander through one of Key West's eclectic neighborhoods stopping at restaurants, sampling fine food and wine presented by award winning chefs($75 per person). Fridays events, Jan 27, are unbelievable. Italian food tasting, an Aquarium chin-dig, a wine and chocolate pairing or a yoga and smoothie on the beach. Saturday and Sunday follow suit, and offer amazing fresh seafoods, cheeses, wines and more. You can read all the details and choose which events you would like to participate in at: http://www.keywestfoodandwinefestival.com. It is a Key West extravaganza of taste and tropical charm. Please ask your concierge for more details and how to purchase tickets for any of the events. Eat well and be Merry!

Flagler's 100th Anniversary

The Overseas Railroad Changed the Florida Keys Forever

It was January 1912 when a Pullman sleeping car left New York City bound for Key West. Flagler's seemingly impossible dream of building an overseas railroad, connecting the little island of Key West to the mainland, had become a reality. On January 22nd at 10:30am, an 82 year old Henry Flagler accompanied by his wife, pulled into Key West via train. Once the island was joined to the 'real' world it changed the face of Key West forever. This year, throughout the Florida Keys, there are ceremonies and celebrations commemorating the 100 year anniversary of Flagler's audacious feat, and all the men and women that worked tirelessly in the mosquito infested sweltering mangroves to make his dream come true. This upcoming Sunday, January 22 is the Flagler Centennial Parade. The parade will begin at 1pm on Duval St., then head down from Angela St. making a left on Front St. and end in front of the Customs House Museum of Art & History. There, a re-enactor portraying railroad founder Flagler is to greet crowds and deliver portions of a speech Flagler made 100 years ago. Spectators can then attend the debut of the museum's expanded "Speedway to Sunshine" Over-Sea Railroad exhibit for a reduced museum admission rate of $5 per person. Take part in a slice of Florida Keys history and explore the makings of our island city. If you are interested in other Flagler commemorative events and celebrations throughout the year, visit http://www.flaglerkeys100.com/ for a calender of events.

Seafood, Seafood!

When in Key West, eat like a Key Wester! The 7th Annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival takes place this Saturday, January 14th, 11am to 8pm at Bayview Park. there is truly nothing like fresh Florida seafood. Local fishermen will be selling lobster, stone crabs, fabulously popular smoked fish dip, Peel and Eat 'Key West Pinks' (shrimp) and of course an island favorite, that harkens from our Bahamian heritage, conch fritters, conch chowder and conch salad. Add some flavor to your vacation, come and hang with the locals, eat like a king, groove to some great music and enjoy the variety of entertainers and fun activities. Admission is FREE, and it is a easy bike or strolling jaunt from the Bed and Breakfast. See you there!

Must see 'August: Osage County'

We have Mermaid & Alligator guests buzzing with excitement about the current Pulitzer prize winning play running at the Waterfront Playhouse, August: Osage County. It is a show not to be missed. This gripping, heart wrenching dark comedy takes you on a roller coaster of a ride. Made up of some of Key Wests' best performers, director, set designer and stage crew the show is of Broadway caliber and demonstrates the incredible talent we have on our little tropical island. Make sure to see the show! The show runs through Jan 14, show time at 7:30pm. Tickets are selling quickly. To purchase tickets go to waterfrontplayhouse.org. See your concierge for information on dinner choices before and/or after the show for your grand night of theater.