3rd Annual Key West Brew Fest

If there is one thing Key West is notorious for, it is the love of a good party.  It only makes sense that we would have a festival that celebrates homemade beer!  Over the Labor Day weekend, August 30th – September 3rd 2012, join in on the 3rd annual Key West Brew Fest.   Events included are beer dinners, beer brunches, happy hour parties, pool parties, late-night parties, seminars and the Signature Tasting Festival Event.  The Southernmost Hotel Collection has teamed up with the Key West Sunrise Rotary of the Conch Republic to host Key West BrewFest.  All proceeds to benefit the Rotary Club and their charitable efforts.  Try tasting over 150 beers in one weekend!  Visit the Key West BrewFest Hospitality Suite located at 1319 Duval Street, Southernmost Hotel in the USA conference room for tickets, memorabilia, event info and more! Open Thursday and Friday 9am – 5pm, Saturday, Sunday and Monday 9am – 2pm! Visit http://www.keywestbrewfest.com/.

The Grotto keeps us save from Tropical Storm Isaac

The News on TV blasts warnings and shows repeated footage of devastation from former massive hurricanes in other places making us all tired of the hype.  Not that we are not respectful of Mother Nature and the fury she can create, but our little island has been through a variety of storms and a tropical storm brings wind and rain, but not much to worry about.  And, it is a well known fact among locals that The Grotto at St. Marys, a small area where candles are lit in honor of the storm asking the Virgin to keep Key West safe, has protected us through numerous storms of varying degrees.  Owners Paul and Dean headed to the Grotto the day before Isaac descended on the island to pay their respects.  It is a place of silence and gratitude and also a place where community members, of a variety of faiths, can meet in unison, understanding the volatility of living on a little rock in the ocean and the grace by which we do. The Storm is passing now, it was mild and cooling. Key West sends thanks to our Grotto.

Fast Buck Freddies Pop Up Art Gallery

The time had come for the notorious Fast Buck Freddie's to close it store. The historic department store has been open on the heart of Duval St. for 37 years, and closed this July.   Locals lamented the passing of the store, mainly because they so enjoyed the fabulous window displays that would rival any on Sax 5th Avenue.  However, true to the local spirit of our little island, the owner, Tony Falcone, generously offered the vacant space to local artists, allowing many of our most talented artists a venue to display their art.  It's a treasure-trove for arts lovers.  The, now art gallery, is laden with a variety of art, from sculpture, to oil paintings, watercolor, acrylic, batik, photographic art, local books and the list goes on.  On Sunday August 19th stop by the store chat with and listen to talks by more than a dozen area authors. Among those who will sign their works or present short readings: Mandy Miles' newly released 'Only In Key West'; 'Mick Murphy' mystery writer Michael Haskins; ; David Sloan 'Key West Bucket List' and 'Ghosts of Key West'; Jonathan Woods 'Bad Juju & Other Tales of Madness and Mayhem', among many more. It is worth a visit to get the flavor of our eclectic and unique island.  Fast Buck Freddie's is located at500 Duval Street.

2nd Annual Capt Tony Festival

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — The second annual Captain Tony Days festivities, recalling the late Key West bar owner and former mayor renowned for his colorful life, is set for Wednesday through Saturday, Aug. 8-11.  The lighthearted festival commemorates "Captain Tony" Tarracino, who owned the island's legendary Captain Tony's Saloon, 428 Greene St., for nearly 30 years. A former charterboat captain, gambler and reputed gunrunner, he served as mayor of Key West from 1989 to 1991 and died in 2008 at age 92.  Tarracino's life inspired a film titled "Cuba Crossing," starring Stuart Whitman, and the song "Last Mango in Paris" by internationally acclaimed recording artist Jimmy Buffett.  The festival is to kick off at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, with a party and Captain Tony Trivia challenge at the Smokin' Tuna Saloon, 4 Charles St.  Captain Tony Days is to be represented with a booth at Saturday's Key West Lobsterfest street fair, set to take place from noon to 11 p.m. in the 100 through 500 blocks of Duval Street. Plans call for Tarracino family members to be on hand to meet the captain's fans, share stories and display their artwork. For more information visit: fla-keys.com/keywest and enjoy the festivities.

Key West Lobster Fest!

Just as the dog days of summer roll in and locals begin to tire of the summer heat, we are reminded of why we love summer in the Keys.  Lobster season!  This upcoming Friday August 10th begins our summer celebration of the fine crustacean and the opening of Lobster Season.  Lobster Fest is a great street party filled with music, arts, lots of beer and, of course, Lobster.  Friday night, after sunset, revelers will take to Duval Street and do the 'Duval Crawl', a bar hopping walk along the main strip. Participants receive an offical Lobster Fest T-shirt, souvenir lanyard and drink specials.  Only $18 per person, all proceeds go to the Key West High scholarship fund.  Saturday, August 11th is the huge and delicious street fair.  From Noon to 11pm the lower end of Duval Street will be filled with arts, crafts and a variety lobster meals.  Music starts at 1pm and goes into the night. For more information and a schedule of events go to :
http://www.keywestlobsterfest.com/Schedule_of_Events.html    Relish in the joy of this delectable Caribbean Crustacean.  Hope to see you there!