Reef Relief Celebrating 25 Years

Celebrate on the beach and support the great efforts of Reef Relief in Coral Reef conservation. We now know how essential the coral reef ecosystem is to our natural fisheries, tourism and our very survival as humans. Started in 1987, Reef Relief will ring in 25 years of coral conservation and its dedication to improving the coral reef ecosystem of the Florida Keys at Salute on the Beach, March 31, from 6-10pm. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Special musical guest Howard Livingston and the Mile Marker 24 Band are to provide entertainment. It is a fabulous night of chatting with locals and visitors, dancing under the stars and celebrating our unique and life sustaining eco-system. All proceeds benefit Reef Relief Programs.For more information call 305-294-3100. See you there!

'Best of the Best Winners' for 2012!

Pamela Lanier is a recognized travel expert and offers travelers a complete guide to Bed & Breakfasts. Every year travelers from around the globe vote on their favorite Inns.

The Mermaid & The Alligator wants to thank each and every guest that voted for us as 'The Best of the Best' for 2012. Pamela Lanier's Bed and Breakfast Directory, www.lanierbb.com, recently announced its 2012 winners for the 'Best of The Best' inns in North America. Voted by travelers worldwide, The Mermaid & The Alligator was awarded not one, not two, but three of the 'Best of the Best' categories, from among 8500 North American inns and guesthouses. You voted us as having the 'Best Cup of Joe for 2012', having North America's 'Best Gardens' of 2012 and ranked us 6^th in the 'Top Ten Innkeepers of the Year'. Whether it is the directly imported Costa Rican coffee, ground fresh each morning, the lush tropical gardens, or the friendly chats over wine in the afternoon, the awards show us that we really stand out among inns and Mermaid visitors cherish us as a special place. In 2011 we were proud to have been awarded the 'Best Vegetarian Breakfast' and 'Best Mascots' and now we can proudly add the 2012 awards as grand achievements. Thank you to all!! To visit Pamela Laniers site, go to http://www.lanierbb.com/

Cuban Cultural Exposition and Hot Havana Nights

Join in on one of the hottest events of the year, dance to sultry dynamic Cuban musica, sip on a minty mojito and enjoy island life under the stars. The Botanical Garden hosts its annual Hot Havana Nights, Friday March 23 at 5:30pm. VIP guests (tickets are limited so call ahead) will enjoy an authentic Cuban dinner and open bar from 5:30 – 7:30pm in the beautiful Waterfall Courtyard. During which their senses will be tantalized by a vivacious Tropicana Show by award winning Cuban musicians Manuel Cruz & Tropical Dreams featuring Dayami. Beginning at 7:30pm, wear your dancing shoes and gather at the Lakeside Terrace to enjoy Havana Soul, the steamy Cuban Orquesta. Mojitos, full bar selection, and light fare will all be available for purchase to fuel your dance fever. Bring home a piece of Cuba with our silent auction of unique Cuban art work, jewelry and crafts. VIP Dinner and Show: 5:30pm – 7:30pm, $100 non member, $85 member/General Admission: 7:30pm – 11pm $30 non member, $25 member. For more information call 305-296-1504 or visit http://www.kwbgs.org/events.asp.

Floriday Keys Ocean Festival

The southernmost island chain's vibrant marine environment is to be celebrated with live music, artistry, kids' activities, educational exhibits and more during the third annual Florida Keys Ocean Festival, set for Saturday March 24, noon to 6 p.m. More than 30 exhibits are to spotlight the Keys' conservation efforts and the work of nonprofit organizations, and a like number of marine artists, craftspeople and vendors plan to showcase their wares. Free admission, free parking at the Florida Keys Eco Discovery Center, on the Truman Waterfront. For more information visit: http://www.keysoceanfest.org/ Its a great way to learn about what makes our islands so unique and essential to the marine environment.

The Boat Show: Artwork Exhibition

If there is one think we love in the Keys, its boats! After all, it is the best way to explore our diverse chain of islands, go fishing and enjoy the waters. This Friday March 2 the Gato Building on Simonton Street is hosting a reception from 5-7 pm to celebrate the opening of a new art exhibit: The Boat Show: A Members' Exhibition. The artwork features the work of local artists and will boast a variety of different mediums and types of boats. The exhibition is part of the Art in Public Buildings Program and is designed ot offer an opportunity for local artists to exhibit their work beyond a traditional gallery space. Refreshments and parking are free and not only is it worth it to see the amazing diversity of artists and talent that Key West holds, but the Gato building itself is a national treasure. It was one of the great cigar making factories that supported the booming cigar making industry in the Keys and is a stunning architectural structure. After taking in the Art at The Gato, join in on the upper Duval Art Walk that begins at 6pm and enjoy a chilled glass of wine and the tropical breezes while you meander through the unique Key West galleries and boutiques of upper Duval Street. Start your weekend in style, see you there! And if you want to go back for more, or you miss the opening, The Boat Show Exhibit will be at the Gato Building until March 27th.