Since this issue marks my first time writing the Florida Keys & Key West’s LGBT travel blog — providing tips and insights to regular, new and potential visitors to the island chain — it seems reasonable to begin with a little introduction.

Conch cottage Key West

New blogger Greg Tromba writes from his colorful cottage in Key West’s Bahama Village. (Photo by Rob O’Neal, Florida Keys News Bureau)

People often ask me why I chose to live in Key West. My reply is that I wanted a home with warm year-round weather, an LGBT-friendly community and the option to be automobile-free. I revel in the fact that I can walk and bike to most places on our island in my shorts and flip-flops — and it’s amusing to see the reaction of friends and visitors when I tell them I’ve never owned a car.

I’ve lived in the Keys now for over 13 years, earning the title of Freshwater Conch (pronounced “konk”) when I reached my seventh year of residency. (FYI, if you were born in Key West, you’re considered a Saltwater Conch.)

I share a beautiful “Conch-style” home in the Bahama Village section of Key West (named for its many original residents of Bahamian ancestry), with a retired gay couple who share my love for travel and adventure. Bahama Village is located in the Old Town area and covers 16 blocks. It’s just a short walk to the famous Duval Street.

Some of my favorite places to spend free time include the Bourbon St. Pub pool and tiki bar and the Island House Resort. The Bourbon St. Pub’s entire pool, Jacuzzi, and sundecks are open to the public at no charge, while the Island House offers day passes for only $25.

Guests at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory photograph two pink flamingos that live among the conservatory's hundreds of butterflies, exotic birds and lush plants. ( Photo by Mike Freas, Florida Keys News Bureau)

Guests at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory photograph two pink flamingos that live among the conservatory’s hundreds of butterflies, exotic birds and lush plants. (Photo by Mike Freas, Florida Keys News Bureau)

Both properties offer an easygoing, almost spa-like atmosphere that attracts a blend of island residents and visitors. You can meet new people while sipping on your favorite cocktail poolside, or just relax with a good book and work on your tan.

(If you’re visiting the island with family and friends and love the idea of an all-welcome harborside pool and bar, try visiting Dante’s Pool Bar & Restaurant located in the Conch Harbor Plaza.)

Although Key West offers great nightlife for the LGBT community, including many LGBT bars and entertainment venues, there is so much more to do while visiting our beautiful island.

One of my favorite places is the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. There you can walk among living butterflies from 50 to 60 species from around the world, as well as colorful exotic birds. The conservatory is an impressive glass-enclosed structure that’s climate-controlled for the butterflies’ sake. There’s also an amazing array of flowering plants, cascading waterfalls and trees.

Stoli cocktail winner Key West

Sean Fitzpatrick, a former Stoli Key West Classic champion, shows his enthusiasm as he creates his winning concoction. (Photo by Steve Panariello, Florida Keys News Bureau)

In the learning center you can explore butterfly anatomy, physiology, life cycle, feeding and the migratory world of the Monarch. You can also get a rare close-up view of a variety of live caterpillars feeding and developing on their host plants.

I really enjoy attending Key West’s many LGBT events throughout the year. One of them is Key West Pride held annually in June (June 7-11 this year). The event includes parades, street fairs, aquatic adventures, and so much more.

Pride coincides again this year with the annual Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic. The charity event is always popular, with its spectacular streetside competition for the best cocktail — and celebrity judges who have included Emmy Award-winning comedy writer and actor Bruce Vilanch and clothing designer Andrew Christian. LGBT bartenders from 16 cities across the U.S. and Canada will be competing.

During the contest’s finale on the island, $15,000 will be awarded to charity including $7,500 to the champion’s favorite hometown charity, $5,000 to a deserving Key West charity and $2,500 to the first runner-up’s favorite hometown charity. The 2017 champion will also win a trip to a yet-to-be-announced special Stoli event destination.

I’m looking forward to sharing more about my little slice of paradise with you in future blogs. Meanwhile, Happy New Year from sunny Key West!

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