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| Vol. 6, No. 11 |
Travel News From The Florida Keys & Key West |
September 2010 |
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Expect Key West's habitual eccentricity and offbeat flavor to intensify radically during Fantasy Fest 2010, themed "Habitat for Insanity."
Set for Oct. 22-31, the uninhibited extravaganza entices attendees to abandon real-world cares for a fantasy escape on America's southernmost island. The annual 10-day festival offers more than 40 masquerade balls, costume contests and celebrations, culminating in a dazzling parade of large-scale floats and costumed marching groups.
Events kick off Friday, Oct. 22, with a Royal Coronation Ball to crown the king and queen of the high-energy "habitat." Key West's Caribbean roots are celebrated that same weekend, with Friday and Saturday's Goombay street party in the historic Bahama Village neighborhood.
To immerse yourself in the insanity, click here.
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The Lowdown on Key Largo's Local Landmarks
Key Largo may be the dive capital of the world, but it's also filled with land-based spots where visitors can dive into the Keys experience — no wetsuit required. Click here to get the lowdown on Key Largo's local gems.
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Stone Crab Season to Open Oct. 15
Starting Oct. 15, succulent stone crab claws harvested from Florida Keys waters will grace restaurant menus throughout the island chain. Whet your appetite for this lip-smacking renewable resource by clicking here.
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ARTS & CULTURE
Known for the musical sound of water lapping the shore, the Keys also feature a flourishing live music scene fueled by local and visiting talents. Ready to rock? Click here.
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DIVING
Marine scientists with Key Largo's Coral Restoration Foundation are offering voluntourism-minded divers a chance to aid in reef conservation during planned coral restoration dives Oct. 19-21. Click here for participation information.
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FISHING
Steeped in a community's tradition of giving and organized by dedicated volunteers, the Marathon International Bonefish Tournament is celebrating its 51st annual event Sept. 16-19. Discover the historic angling challenge here.
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"KEYS VOICES"
He stands only three feet tall, but Robert the Doll is internationally renowned for his mischievous deeds, receives letters and e-mails from all over America and has more than a thousand Facebook friends. To "meet" the unusual icon, click here.
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Sept. 4, Oct. 2
in Big Pine &
the Lower Keys
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Pet Patio Party
The first Saturday of each month, Boondocks offers a unique experience for pet lovers to share cocktails while their pets mingle and play in kiddie pools. Dogs, cats, birds, snakes and even three-toed sloths have visited the pet-friendly patio. Other attractions include raffles, specials and pet-only menus. Boondocks is located at mile marker 27.5. Click here.
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Sept. 7-12
in Key West
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Womenfest Key West
Thousands of singles, couples and groups of women are expected to flock to Key West to immerse themselves in activities ranging from women-only snorkeling and watersports excursions to late-night dance parties. Click here.
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Sept. 15
in Islamorada
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History of Diving Museum Free Lecture Series
This month's free seminar is to be themed "Adventures in Underwater Exploration," presented by Eric Smith and starting at 7 p.m. inside the museum, located at mile marker 83. Click here and immerse yourself in the fun.
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Sept. 17-19
in Key Largo
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Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge
Entering its 10th year, the challenge requires anglers to fish for trout and redfish. Proceeds benefit local Rotary scholarships and Take Stock in Children, a statewide scholarship program for children in grades 7-12. Click here to register.
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Sept. 22-26
in Marathon
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Florida Keys Birding & Wildlife Festival
Set for the peak of the fall birding season, this event includes presentations, Keyswide field trips focusing on education and conservation relating to Keys birds and wildlife and an environmental fair. Click here.
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Sept. 24
in Big Pine &
the Lower Keys
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Guided Walks at the National Key Deer Refuge
Join a guided refuge trail walk for birders and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. Meet at the National Key Deer Refuge Visitor's Center, located in the Winn Dixie shopping plaza. Participants caravan to the scheduled trail site. Call 305-872-0774 to join.
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Sept. 25
in Marathon
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Florida Keys Swordfish & Deep Drop Tournament
A tournament newcomer, this boat challenge consists of fishing for swordfish during daylight hours and making deepwater drops for snowy grouper and tilefish. The challenge raises money for local scholarships. Click here.
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Sept. 25-26
in Islamorada
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Herman Lucerne Memorial Tournament
Up to 100 anglers compete for snook, tarpon, redfish, sea trout, snapper, bonefish and black drum against the backdrop of Everglades National Park. The tournament is a qualifying event for the 2011 IGFA Inshore World Championship. Click here to register.
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Oct. 21-24
in Key Largo
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Key Largo Pirates Festival
The legendary pirate Black Caesar "returns" to Key Largo amid three days of costume contests, a walk-the-plank event, rum tasting, booty hunt, pirate show, thieves market, underwater poker and more piratical fun. Click here for details.
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Oct. 22-23
in Key West
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Goombay World Famous Street Festival
The rich Caribbean tradition that flavors Key West's culture is to be celebrated during the 30th annual Goombay Festival. The exuberant street party showcases island arts and crafts, music and food in the heart of Key West's historic Bahama Village neighborhood. For details, click here.
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