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| Vol. 6, No. 4 |
Travel News From The Florida Keys & Key West |
February 2010 |
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Beginners, avid paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for personalized kayaking and camping expeditions in the Keys can now paddle with the people who quite literally wrote the book about it.
For years, husband-and-wife writing team Bill and Mary Burnham have chronicled their outdoor travel adventures. They also spent three years as kayak guides in Key Largo, and during that time were inspired to explore the 111-mile Florida Keys Paddling Trail by kayak.
Their circumnavigation sparked the development of a seasonal series of customized kayaking trips that communicate their passion and knowledge of the islands, landing spots, camping spots and "paddle-friendly" lodging and restaurants.
Paddlers participating in their excursions explore their endurance and limits, camping each night and enjoying it in true Keys fashion — snorkeling coral heads, pulling up to an empty beach for lunch and listening to the Burnhams' tales of the Keys' intriguing history and unique natural world.
Begin paddling in paradise by clicking here.
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Key West Puckering up for Conch Shell Contest March 6
Maybe major rock stars aren't abandoning their electric guitars to play conch shell concerts, but fans of the fluted, pink-lined shell are puckering up for a rocking test of skill in Key West. To preview the "Conch Honk," click here.
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Civil War Era to Come Alive at Fort Taylor
The roar of cannon fire and the sight of soldiers in Civil War uniforms are to greet visitors at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Feb. 26-28, when the annual Civil War Heritage Days festival transforms the fort into a mid-1860s encampment. Step back in time by clicking here.
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'Come for the Run, Stay for the Sun' in Marathon
A weekend-long event for runners and walkers, the annual Sombrero Beach Run typically attracts families of all ages, and even international participants from Canada, Germany and Trinidad and Tobago. For details, click here.
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ARTS & CULTURE
Since 1969, the Middle Keys Concert Association has brought high-quality musical performers from around the world to perform in the Keys and at local schools. For the tuneful details, click here.
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DIVING
Dedicated to collecting, preserving and displaying artifacts relative to diving and its heritage, the Florida Keys History of Diving Museum is fast becoming a valuable educational resource through its free lecture series. Immerse yourself in the details by clicking here.
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FISHING
Fifteen target species and $5,000 in cash prizes are to be key figures in the Key West Fishing Tournament's Kickoff 2010, set for March 12-14. "Angle" for details by clicking here.
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"KEYS VOICES"
For 30-some years Bill Becker, news director at Lower Keys—based U.S. 1 Radio 104.1 FM, has provided a soothing, authoritative presence that appeals to Florida Keys listeners. To meet the "voice of the Keys," click here.
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Through
April 16
in Key West
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Sculpture Key West
This stunning art exhibit showcases the work of leading contemporary sculptors at West Martello Tower, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden. Click here.
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Feb. 6-7
in Marathon
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16th Annual Pigeon Key Art Festival
Discover extraordinary work by 85 acclaimed artists at Marathon Community Park, mile marker 49, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 per adult and free for kids under 12. Other attractions include free parking and shuttle service, kids' corner, food vendors, live music and art raffles. Click here.
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Feb. 8-13
in Big Pine &
the Lower Keys
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Winter Star Party
Approximately 650 astronomers from around the world gather to view southern constellations, comets and stars in the Lower Keys' clear night skies — virtually the only place in the continental U.S. where they can be viewed. Lectures, programs and workshops round out the event. Click here.
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Feb. 12-13
in Key West
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50th Annual Key West House & Garden Tour
Tour a series of elegant and unique homes in Key West. Proceeds help benefit the Old Island Restoration Foundation. This house and garden tour offers a rare opportunity to see inside some of Key West's magnificent, charming and tropical residences. Click here.
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Feb. 13
in Big Pine &
the Lower Keys
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Habitat for Humanity Benefit Concert
Country-rock troubadour Jerry Jeff Walker headlines a musical extravaganza set for 1-9 p.m. at Lazy Lakes RV Resort on Sugarloaf Key, off U.S. 1 at mile marker 20. Also featuring other national and regional favorites, the event benefits Habitat for Humanity of Key West and the Lower Florida Keys. Click here.
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Feb. 19-21
in Islamorada
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Florida Keys Fly Fishing School
Learn fly fishing in saltwater with world-class instruction in a fun and no-pressure environment. Two-day schools present a unique opportunity for beginners, experienced anglers and couples. Click here.
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Feb. 24
in Key Largo
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"Delicate Balance of Nature" Free Lecture
Jenny Litz of the National Marine Fisheries Service Marine Mammal Program reviews behavior, population status and use of bottlenose dolphins as indicators of ecosystem health in South Florida waters. Sponsored by Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock State Park, this free, one-hour lecture takes place in the park's visitor center at mile marker 102.5 oceanside at 7:30 p.m. Click here.
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Feb. 26
in Key Largo
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Annual Garden Walk
Visitors can stroll among and view native plants and lush landscaping, while getting ideas for tropical gardening, during the annual Garden Walk presented by the Upper Keys Garden Club. Click here.
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Feb. 26-28
in Marathon
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National Pig Days
This three-day barbecue, pig roast, music fest, silent auction and social extravaganza draws locals and visitors alike. The main attraction is the wildly exciting royal racing pigs cheered on by howling spectators. Children's games, beverage tents and evening shows round out what has become a major annual event and fundraiser for a local charity. Click here.
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March 20
in Islamorada
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16th Annual Bay Jam
This music and art festival features local and guest artists performing on the shores of Florida Bay at the TIB Amphitheater at Founders Park, mile marker 87 on U.S. 1. Click here.
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