'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!