Thanks Jimmy!

What a great treat! Jimmy Buffet made a grand appearance in Key West and thrilled all the Parrot Heads and local fans alike. A block of Fleming and Duval was closed and the Jimmy Buffet rocked the crowded street. The parrot heads are now leaving and Key West is reading itself for our Super International 31st Annual World Championships Power Boat Races! All this week the super fast boats will be zipping around the island preparing for the Races. The first of three races is on Wednesday Nov 9th. Ask our concierge for more information or if you would like to be out on the water watching the speeding water jets, its truly amazing!

Florida Travel & Life Magazine writes about The Mermaid.

It may seem odd to be on a tropical island for the holidays, away from the snow and ice, casually strolling around shops in shorts and a T-shirt looking for that perfect gift. Well, the Nov/Dec 2011 issue of Florida Travel & Life has an informative article detailing the unmistakable and dynamic holiday spirit that thrives in the Keys.(See Tropical Cheer, pg 52, http://www.floridatravellife.com) We are proud to say that The Mermaid & The Alligator B&B is individually noted in the article, as an Inn that celebrates the holidays wholeheartedly, decorating with charm and exuberance. The author notes that ' A life size stuffed Santa wearing a Hawaiian shirt relaxes in a hammock between two palms' and the co-owner Dean Carlson states that 'Santa disappears on Christmas Eve and is back the next day holding a cocktail'. The author also writes that she was so charmed by the Inn on her first visit that she booked a future stay.
It is exciting to be featured in a holiday article because it is true; we truly love the holidays in the Keys. The Mermaid & The Alligator starts decorating after Thanksgiving and the whole month of December is filled with holiday festivities. Join in on the holiday spirit and the tropical cheer of the islands and plan your December getaway. And, thanks to Florida Travel & Life for praising The Mermaid & The Alligator in your holiday issue.

Parrot Heads in Paradise

The November winds are starting up, bringing cool air and lots of parrots! 'Parrot Heads' from all over the US and Cananda make their way down to our little tropical isle to join in on the 20th annual 'Meeting of the Minds' Parrot Head Convention. The convention is ostensibly to enjoy and celebrate Jimmy Buffet, his creativity and island music. But truly the power is in the essence of his words and the stories and life styles he sings about. His stories tell the true magic of Key West, the reason people love to visit and the reason people never leave. He tells of the people that escape from the reality of the 'real world' and find their place here, people that could fit in no where else. He tells of modern day pirates and people who have suddenly discovered that living in the moment is what life is all about. Songs of cold margaritas in open air bars, songs of broken hearts and lost youth. Jimmy Buffet may come to visit the island that inspired him to write his best songs, every year there is rumor that he will show up. Either way the Parrot Heads will come and celebrate life, living in the moment and the island of Key West. Of course icy Margaritas are in the picture too. Although most of the events are closed off to the non-parrot heads among us, you cant help but enjoy seeing the droves of seemingly 'normal' beings with big parrot headdresses on. Also, great music will be featured at numerous popular bars. 'If they weren't all crazy they would go insane'