The 5th Annual Lighted Bike Parade

If there is an excuse to decorate bikes and ride through the town ringing bells, we will do it.  Join in on the "The Third Annual Key West Holiday Lighted Bike Parade".  It is a great night to experience our little island and the small town character we love.  The Parade will leave from Bayview Park on Truman Ave at 6:30pm Wednesday December 18.  It is a grand affair with family and friends gathering to ride through the town waving and cheering to friends, coworkers and people they may know....or not.  Decorate your bikes, yourselves if you wish and come out and have holiday fun island style.  The event at Bayview Park starts as early as 5pm, departing at 6:30.  The event works to benefit the charities of the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition, so bring an unwrapped toy to go to a happy child who will love it.  Our one and only KW Police Department will escort the parade that will travel through sections of NewTown, Old Town and of course, Duval Street! The parade will conclude at approximately 8:00 pm at The Conch Republic Seafood Company, located in Key West Bight. Decorate, decorate, decorate." See you there!

The Lighted Boat Parade

If there is one thing we know how to do in Key West, it is..celebrate!  With the Holiday Season in full swing there is a never ending list of events that keep us in the holiday spirit.  One such festivity is the Lighted Boat Parade, an eclectic motley crew of boats all decked out in holiday cheer.  From kayaks, to lobster boats to classic schooners, any boat is game.  The parade takes place this Saturday December 15th at the Key West Historic Seaport.  The judges chairs' will be in their traditional location, the Schooner Wharf Bar.  The Gerald Adams Elementary school 'Steel Your Heart Band' kicks off the festivities at 6:00 p.m. with a set of holiday tunes, followed by The Doerfels, an incredibly talented family including young kids to young adults, who sing more Christmas favorites.  The Boat Parade starts at 8pm and will cruise along the Historic Seaport, Mallory Square the Westin Docks and swing back around past the critical eye of the judges in Conch Harbor.  Join in on all the fun, it is truly a classic Key West holiday tradition and one not to be missed!

ART! Key West! 2013

ART! Key West! is back again! This will be the second annual ART! Key West! a three day festival that embraces the artistic and creative essence of Key West.  The festival features the best and freshest artists of our island city and venues alongside veteran and legendary established artists and galleries that have become the very fabric of art in Key West. Highlights of the island-wide, art festival include Giants in the City, a display of monumental inflatable sculptures at Key West's Truman Waterfront, and the unveiling of murals by selected artists in nine massive windows of the landmark Custom House Museum, 281 Front St. In addition, teams of Key West artists are to create large-scale street murals in five locations during the festival. Performance art, sculpture, interactive art, and musical performances are scheduled into the lively and coordinated art walk. Don't miss the the opportunity to join in on the artistic experience in Key West.  The festival opens Friday, November 29th and runs through Sunday, December 1. For details Contact: Marky Pierson 305-619-2275 or Email: luckystreetgallery@gmail.com.

Second Annual Key West ChalkFest 2013

Key West Art In Public Places Board presents ChalkFest 2013.  This performance art extravaganza was a success last year and is sure to be bigger and better this year. It is quite an extraordinary show where the public can watch the artist each day, go from a box of chalk and a 10x10 concrete square, to an outline, and then to a masterpiece.   The ChalkFest artists will begin creating their works on Thursday November 21 and must finish by noon, Saturday November 23. The judging will then begin, followed by a presentation of awards at approximately 2pm.  From 10 am to 6 pm each day, the public is invited to experience the art in progress as local and visiting artists use colorful chalks to transform the walkway into a series of individual artworks. Sunday November 24 is open to the public for viewing.  The ChalkFest is to take place along the promenade adjacent to the USCGC Ingham Museum at the Truman Waterfront.
The Artists consist of professional Chalk Artists, to locally renowned artists such as Rick Worth and 7th and 8th grade students from the Key West Montessori Charter School. 

The public is invited to bring a picnic and experience this performance art as it unfolds. ChalkFest is sponsored in part by Ibis Bay Beach Resort and is a pet-friendly event. Bring your own four-legged friend or meet a new one; adoptable critters from the Florida Keys SPCA will visit ChalkFest Saturday morning. Other Saturday events include a Key West Montessori Charter School bake sale and a kid’s creativity area for any children who wish to chalk. Come and join in the fun, socialize, eat, wander and enjoy the creative spirit of Key West. For more information on ChalkFest, visit artinpublicplaceskw.com or contact Michael Shields at (305) 394-3804 / javastudios@gmail.com.

Second Annual Key West Film Festival

The first one was such a success that a second one is to follow.  If you love storytelling, film artistry and Key West, then the KW Film Festival is for you. This four day event runs Wednesday Nov 13- Sunday Nov 17. The festival showcases films that exhibit excellence in storytelling, and features screenings and special events hosted at landmark venues throughout Key West, including the Tropic Cinema and San Carlos Institute. The mission of the Key West Film Festival is to showcase films that capture Key West’s essence: Creativity, Diversity, Sustainability, and Beauty. The four-day program includes a multitude of unique films from varied genres, styles and dramatic categories as well as social events with filmmakers, actors and film lovers. To get more information, ticket prices and schedules visit http://kwfilmfest.com or Contact: 941-527-9385.

33rd Annual Key West Super Boat Races

Super Boat teams from around the United States and the World are ready to compete in the running of the 33rd Annual Key West Super Boat World Championships November 3rd through 10th in Key West, Florida. This ultimate competition of the biggest and fastest boats in offshore racing will be like no other race that has come before. The backdrop is set and high performance offshore teams will be ready with 3 days of racing starting Wednesday, November 6th at 10:00 am.  There is no other offshore racing event in the world that compares to the Key West event. Raceboats, drivers and throttle-men travel great distances and many come from other countries to compete, it’s truly an international event.  Even if you did not come to the Keys for the Power Boat event it is quite a sight to behold.  Many voyeurs head to Ft. Zachery Taylor and picnic on the beach while watching the boats zoom by.  If you want a 'close up and personal' view of the super boats, you can book a seat on one of the numerous trip-boats that take you out and position you at the end of the race course straight. You will have a one mile view of the super boats approaching at full speed and watch in awe as they make their turn and take off at high speed along the other parallel one mile straight. For those that want to watch the race while sipping on a cocktail, many harbor front resorts offer special-event menus and seats with a view.  Race Days are November 6th, 8th and 10th from 10am to approximately 3pm.  Talk to your concierges for detailed information and visit http://superboat.com/2013-key-west-schedule/ for schedule of events.

Super Heros, Villans and Beyond

A giant black, yellow and red buoy with "90 miles to Cuba" painted on the side, will decorate the first float of this years Fantasy Festival Parade. Scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct 26. The parade goes from Southard Street,down Whitehead, cutting along Front, where it reaches the main masses for a nearly mile-long march down Duval. The buoy is the perfect perch for this year’s grand marshal, endurance swimmer Diana Nyad, who made international headlines Sept. 2 when she became the first person to swim from Cuba to Key West without a shark cage. As the island dons itself in festive revelry, dressing up to the theme of this years "Super Heros, Villains and Beyond", locals love to cheer on their own Super Hero, Diana Nyad. Inspirational and zany enough to earn island respect, locals are thrilled to have her lead the parade.
Join in on the night of island fun, Mardi Gras style.  Parade Day starts with a 12noon Street Fair, followed by the Grand Parade and on into the night with sexy balls, sassy fundraisers and costumed night owls.  Eat, Drink and be Merry....see you there.

Goombay 2013!

Opening up the week of Fantasy Festival is the kick-off festival, Goombay.  This street fair celebrates our Afro-Caribbean essence and is a party like no other.  This upcoming weekend Friday Oct 18th and Saturday Oct 19th from noon until 10pm join in on the Goombay festival and warm up for the week to come. Goombay sets up around Petronia Street in Bahama Village, just off Key West’s legendary Duval Street. The event features African art and crafts, jewelry, local art vendors and delicacies from a variety of cultures and countries. Make sure to try local Caribbean fair like the delicious Conch Ceviche, or Ginger Beer and if you are lucky you may find the Bahamian candy lady who sells candied ginger from her front stoop.  Shop around, talk to people, enjoy the laid back nature of our island and dance the the live music ranging from reggie to rap to gospel. See you on the street!

Ahhhhh....October

October is a special month in the Keys.  It is the month that begins our upcoming season; restaurants, inns and shops open their doors wide after taking a September hiatus.  Locals can see the end of hurricane season and each day they wait to feel the cool northern breeze push down and blow away the thick humid air.  Renewed and refreshed the island anticipates the return of the 'snow birds', the opening of our theater season, the events and festivals that wake up the city from its languid summer state.  Now is the time to call to reserve for the winter season.  Each month offers a delightful array of events and each is special in its own way.  October kicks of the season with the notorious Fantasy Festival, November zooms with Parrot Heads and Boat racers, December is the holidays in the Keys (and it is truly a beautiful time to visit), January brings sail-boaters, February brings Art Festivals, March is Conch Fest and the list goes on.  Call us at the Mermaid & the Alligator and talk to us about, events, dinning, theater, poetry slams, midnight sails and whatever you might think of.  We stand by to answer your questions and help you plan your perfect Key West vacation. 

Caya and Havana take the cake.....

It is a well known fact that guests remember our pups, Caya and Havana more than they remember any of the staff!  A woman named Gayle wrote us a letter telling us how she loved our dogs and she had not even stayed with us yet! Geri responded with the following letter which we are sharing with the 'Mermaid Groupies' who would appreciate the descriptions of the pups as well as Geri's way with warm words and welcoming.....

Dear Gayle:

Thank you so much for your sweet letter.  We really appreciate that you took the time to write it.  Our pups are full of personality and never fail to charm our guests.  They have their serious jobs to do, like bringing in the newspapers in the morning--all 3 of them--for which they get 3 cookies.  During breakfast they are busy entertaining guests, wrestling with each other for the joys of tearing up a coconut or gaining possession of a dear but tattered toy. 

Havana likes the squeakers in them, while Caya likes to rip them out!  The rest of the day is spent taking well-deserved naps between greeting newly-arrived guests, well, at least Caya gets up for that.  Havana is our older girl and a bit larger, so she really values her rest time.  'Round about 3:30 even Havana rouses in anticipation of dinner at 4:30.  Sometimes she can't wait and comes to the office to find me.  She sits  straight up and doesn't take her eyes off of me as she paws the shelf right next to me to get my attention. 

Caya loves to play and is always trying to entice one of us with a pull toy to follow her out to the front yard.  One of us usually gives in. Two tosses and she's on to something else--a blade of grass or the smell of the leaves.  So, who has whom trained here?  Caya's also the industrious one, having learned early how to open the door latches both incoming and outgoing.  Often we'll find her propped up on her "elbows" in front of the doors she's just opened, just watching people walk by the house.  It's so cute the way the soft breezes will gently blow back her feathery ears. 

They certainly are two fun girls to be with all day.  Maybe one day you'll be one of our guests and you'll get to meet them.  I hope so.

Thanks again for writing,

Yours truly,

Geri
Concierge/Guest Services

Snorkeing/ Kyaking in the Keys Waters

September in the Keys is steamy, hot and really hot.  It is the time of year when many locals close down for their summer hiatus and get off 'the rock'.  Yet this is the best time of year to enjoy the waters and explore the unique eco-system the keys has to offer.  The water is crystal clear, calm and deliciously warm.  The best way to take advantage of the keys waters is to book an Eco-trip on a boat. There are numerous sailing and motor vessels that take visitors out to the reef for a snorkel adventure, a kayaking trip through the mangroves, providing all gear, food, a knowledgeable crew and beer and wine for the trip home.  Danger Charter is a popular eco-trip that our guests always love.  They not only offer the snorkel/kayak combo trip, but they also educate the guests on the unique Eco-system.  Another, smaller boat the Java Cat offers the same amazing trip and takes only  6 people, so is personalized and friendly.  Talk to your concierges, Geri and Rebecca and ask them to help guide you to an adventure in the clear Florida Keys waters.  It is an experience you will not soon forget.

Fine Wines and Cheese...enjoy September!

Visitors that venture to our lovely island in September often relish the slow pace and the available tables at favored restaurants.  However, it is also the month where many business owners take their summer hiatus and close down shop for a month, leaving visitors wondering where they can go and enjoy the 'locals scene'.  A well known secret among locals is that the Gardens Hotel not only has an amazing garden but an outdoor bar with select wines and premium liquors.  To add to the fine ambiance the Gardens Hotel offers, Thursday- Sunday, 5pm-7pm is Cabaret Night, where local musicians take to the hotel's grand piano entertaining and delighting.  Open to the public, it is an elegant way to spend a September evening sipping wine in the summer heat surrounded by the tropical foliage. www.gardenshotel.com
If you enjoy wines, cheese and conversation while you watch the world go by, Vino's at 810 Duval Street is Key Wests newest wine bar.  They feature fine wines, select cheeses and a cafe type setting looking over Duval. www.vinosonduval.com  Relish in the sweltering heat, fine wines and your vacation. See you there!

4th Annual Key West BrewFest

This is an event for the beer connoisseur and those that just like beer! The 4th Annual Key West BrewFest runs over Labor Day weekend, August 29th – September 2nd 2013. More than 150 beers and micro-brews are on to be tap at this "tasty" annual event.  Events from beer dinners, beer brunches, happy hour parties, pool parties, late-night parties, seminars and the Signature Tasting Festival Event are some of the great activities on tap. The Southernmost Hotel Collection has teamed up with the Key West Sunrise Rotary of the Conch Republic to host this festival of ales. All proceeds to benefit the Rotary Club and their charitable efforts. Come and join in of the revelry and try tasting over 150 beers in one weekend! For more information and BrewFest schedule visit:/www.keywestbrewfest.com/ or call 800-354-4455.

' Strings at The Studios' August 16, 8pm

As the island slows to a languid pace amid the tropical heat of August, and locals head for shade in the heat of the day; once evening arrives people venture outside seeking camaraderie and fun.  The Studios of Key West is presenting Classical Guitarist Martina Krause on August 16, 8pm. Martina Krause, originally from Czech Republic, is a graduate from The Music Conservatory of Prague and has made Key West her home since 2002. Krause collaborates along with Leigh Pujado to present “Strings at The Studios,” a blending of music alongside the Key West Contemporary Dance Co.   A brilliant musician and performer don't miss this true Key West opportunity.  Take an evening stroll to our Key West Armory, 600 White Street, sip on a glass of chilled sauvignon blanc while enjoying classical guitar music waft through the thick night.  The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets atre $20, and available online at www.keystix.com Visit www.dancekeywest.org for more information.

KEY WEST LOBSTER FEST 2013

A celebration of our favorite crustacean. Come and join in the fun and eat lobster and more lobster. A challenge to catch and lots of fun to eat enjoy lobster bisque, lobster ceviche, lobster tail, lobster on a stick, lobster frittata and the list goes on. Aug 8-11, Events include a Thursday night lobster boil, Friday night Duval Crawl (immediately following sunset, join hundreds of party people for a stroll down Duval Street), Saturday Street Fair featuring art and crafts vendors, lobster-inspired culinary creations and a free concert, and a luscious lobster brunch on Sunday. The festive feast celebrates the start of the Florida Keys lobster season.  Locals and visitors alike take advantage of the calm summer waters and the annual migration of the Spiny Back lobster.  For more information and details visit: http://www.keywestlobsterfest.com

Reef Perkins and Michael Haskins Book Signing, 4 PM

Key West is renowned for its pirates, smugglers, drug runners, beatniks, mysfits and adventurers.  Many believe that this history was in the past, and that Key West is now only home to shop owners and cruise ship vendors..........however, our little island city is still alive with Key West characters that have helped make the islands reputation simultaneously sweet and sordid.  Take the opportunity to meet two of Key Wests current day rouges.  This upcoming Saturday, July 27 at 4pm, head down to the Smokin' Tuna Saloon, 4 Charles St, and meet the notorious Capt. Reef Perkins and the noted mystery author Micheal Haskins.   Perkins will debut his newly published Sex, Salvage & Secrets, a colorful memoir of his life as a Vietnam combat veteran, experimental diver, smuggler, prisoner & Key West salvage captain. Haskins will be dishing up To Beat the Devil, the latest installment in his Mad Mick Murphy Key West crime thriller series. Join in on the locals soiree where tales of the island will abound and laughter and wine will flow. For more information and details contact robertadepiero@bellsouth.net. See you there!

33rd Annual Ernest Hemingway Celebration

Discover why artists from around the world have chosen Key West as their home and inspiration. The 33rd Annual Ernest Hemingway Celebration opens Tuesday July 16-21,2013.  Whether composing novels in his Whitehead Street writing studio or fishing for big game in local waters, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway left a powerful legacy in Key West. His zest for life, literary accomplishments and enduring affection for the island he called home throughout the 1930s are to be commemorated during the annual Hemingway Days celebration.

Scheduled events include a look-alike contest for stocky white-bearded men resembling Hemingway, readings and book signings, an awards ceremony for the renowned literary competition directed by author and Hemingway granddaughter Loriane Hemingway, a commemoration of the 114th anniversary of Ernest's July 21 birth, a museum exhibit of rare Hemingway memorabilia, a zany "Running of the Bulls" and a three-day marlin tournament recalling Hemingway's devotion to the deep-sea sport.

During his Key West residence, Ernest Hemingway wrote some of his most enduring works and spent his leisure hours fishing and socializing with local and literary cohorts. Each year, fans of his writing and exuberant lifestyle come together for Hemingway Days. Join in on the fun and discover the reason why artists from around the world have chosen Key West as their home and inspiration.  For more information visit: sloppyjoes.com/index.php/look-alike-contest.

Key West Gathers to Celebrate July 4th on the Water.

The waters surrounding the Florida Keys are to sparkle and pop during Independence Day celebrations in the island chain as families gather for beach-side barbecues, parades and on-the-water fun that coincide with spectacular fireworks shows.  Locals stroll down to the White Street Pier to take in the spectacle and others continue the annual tradition and head to " The Casa". Key West's 28th annual July 4 picnic to benefit Hospice of the Florida Keys and the Visiting Nurse Association is to take place at the luxurious Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club, 1500 Reynolds St. (Higgs Beach), overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The celebration is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. with fireworks starting at 9 p.m. courtesy of the Key West Rotary Club.
The traditional buffet offers hamburgers, hot dogs and all the fixings for $25 per adult, $10 per child (free for children younger than age 3). General admission (no meal) tickets are $10. Free watermelon, popcorn and cold drinks, live music, a silent auction and lots of children's games round out the fun-filled family festivities.
And for an elegant alternative, attendees can choose reserved beachfront seats with first-class service and a lavish buffet. Tickets for the "best seats on the beach" section are $125 per person.
So however you choose to celebrate "The 4th", the little island city will be bustling with families, friends and visitors gathering to enjoy the fireworks extravaganza celebrating Independence Day. See you there!

'June is Bursting out all Over'

The languid hot, steamy days of June remind us that summer is in full swing.  And although the Island moves a little slower and the heat of the day keeps even the iguanas in the shade, Key Westers continue to celebrate island living.  This upcoming Saturday June 22, starting at 7:40am is the 'FKCC Swim around Key West' event.  If you are up early, taking in the sunrise and an early morning Con Lech,e do not be surprised to see throngs of swimmers gliding through the waters, racing around the entire island. The 12.5 mile swim is an annual event and locals and visitors alike join in to cheer on the swimmers. Anyone can participate in the event. All ages and all levels of swimmer are welcome to sign up and swim around our island.  For Registration and Event Details visit: http://www.fkccswimaroundkeywest.com/
And lastly, after you have completed your swim around the island it is time to go home and don your Fairly Wings and Mystical Garb and join in on the party of the season.  Saturday evening, June 22 from 5pm- 11pm is the Midsummer's Night Dream and Spectacle.  A night of artistic expression, music, feasting, dancing, singing, and theatrical antics celebrating the art and artists of the Keys. The Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden hosts the events and proceeds go to benefits the Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden. Admission is $15 for adults; children under age 12 are admitted free.  Don't miss a true Keys Party, filled with laughter, love and magic!  Talk to your concierges Geri and Rebecca for more details and directions. 

Viva 500: The Hidden History of the Dry Tortugas

In celebration of the 500 years since Ponce de Leon's discovery of the Americas, a series of archaeological lectures is planned at the Eco Discovery Center from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday June 22.  The lectures are sponsored by the Florida Public Archaeology Network.  FPAN is dedicated to the protection of cultural resources, both on land and underwater, and to involving the public in the study of their past. Regional centers around Florida serve as clearinghouses for information, institutions for learning and training, and headquarters for public participation in archaeology.  We are proud to host a FPAN lecture series here on our little island of Key West.  The following is a list of the lecture series:

“Las Tortugas in the Age of Sail” - Melissa Memory, National Park Service

“Mysteries and Medicines in 1513” - Michele Williams, Florida Public Archeology Network

“Echoes of the Past: Historic Graffiti at Fort Jefferson” - Sarah Nohe, Florida Public Archaeology Network

“Archaeology of the Dry Tortugas in 10 Objects” - Sarah Miller, Florida Public Archaeology Network

“Archaeological Surveys of New Ground Reef and the Slave Ship Henrietta Marie” - Corey Malcolm, Mel Fischer Maritime Heritage Society

Once you get to know Key West and its people you will soon know why us locals believe that Key West is the Isle of Youth that Ponce de Leon discovered. Learn about the history of discovery and exploration and head down to the Eco Discovery Center on the Saturday, June 22.  The Center is en route to Ft. Zachery Taylor so plan on going for a swim at the beach afterwords at Key West prettiest beach.  Talk to your concierge Geri and Rebecca for detections and for more information visit: http://www.flpublicarchaeology.org

Its Raining...but you are still on vacation!

                          
Our hurricane season has opened and before we could say June 1st we are rained out by our first tropical depression of the season.  Tropical depression aside, don't let the rain ruin your Key West holiday.  You are still on an amazing little island in the middle of the Gulf Stream with lots to do and see.  In fact the tropical rains cool down the sweltering heat and make walking around in the rain pleasant and rather romantic too.  Take the opportunity to visit Key West sights you may have never thought of and discover the local charm of the island.  Of course one great rainy day activity is to visit our independent cinema, the Tropic Cinema. A small town theater with great flicks, wine, chocolate, popcorn with (real butter), it is a fine way to spend a rainy afternoon.  Ever walked the beach in the rain?  Head to Smathers beach in bare feet and clothes that can get wet and take a leisurely stroll down the beach.  The salt air whipping around you, the scent of the sea in your nose it is truly an invigorating experience.  Meander through the West Martello Museum, it is an old fort filled to the brim with Key West history, facts, archives and memorabilia. One can easily spend the whole day engrossed in history.  Art galleries are abundant in Key West and offer something for every taste and decor.  Only a few blocks from the Mermaid is the Old Town Pottery studio that is well worth the visit.  Unique pieces of island inspired art created by Adam and Kelly.  The pieces are truly stunning.  You may be able to watch them do their work right there if you walk in at the right time.  Food, food and food.  Rain or shine Key West boasts amazing restaurants in all different settings. Feast and enjoy the culinary aspect of our island.  So much to do and so little time.  Talk to your concierges Geri and Rebecca and let them guide you to some rainy day must-see stops.  Don't let the rain, rain on your parade!