| Vol. 5, No. 9 |
Travel News From The Florida Keys & Key West |
July 2009 |
|
|
Each summer, the gateway to the Florida Keys transforms into a food and wine lover's paradise. Key Largo's culinary experts are stepping up to the plate to present nearly 30 tasty food, wine and spirits events Friday, July 31, through Sunday, Aug. 9.
A festival kickoff is set for July 31 with four refreshment-filled TGIF events: a happy hour and wine extravaganza, seminar about the history and preparation methods of the modern-day martini, fajita and margarita fiesta, and a "crustacean creations" event featuring wine paired with delicious king crab and snow crab.
For more delicious details and a full festival schedule, click here.
|
|
|
 |
|
Dive an Awesome Threesome
Among the string of notable shipwreck sites that stretches from Key Largo to Key West is an "awesome threesome" for advanced- and wreck-certified divers. To see why they're making a splash, click here.
|
|
|
Adrenaline Adventures in the Keys
Thrill seekers who want 365 days' worth of sun, surf and sea can get their blood pumping in the Florida Keys both above and below water. Immerse yourself in adventure by clicking here.
|
|
|
Mel Fisher Days to Celebrate Key West Legend
The 24th anniversary of shipwreck salvor Mel Fisher's discovery of the sunken Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha is to be commemorated July 16-19 during Mel Fisher Days on the island the late salvor called home. For more festival information, click here.
|
|
|
ARTS & CULTURE
Ernest Hemingway's decade of residence in Key West ended late in 1939, but his literary legacy lives on — both in the island city and in the annual Hemingway Days festival. Click here to begin celebrating Key West's rich literary tradition.
|
|
|
DIVING
Disposable waterproof camera, $20; scuba dive in warm clear water, $60; taking pictures while watching corals "have sex" during the dive trip, priceless. Click here for the inside story.
|
|
|
FISHING
Anglers targeting marlin and other fish are to compete for $50,000 in guaranteed cash prizes in the 2009 Drambuie Key West Marlin Tournament, scheduled July 22-25. Reel in more information by clicking here.
|
|
|
"KEYS VOICES"
Sandy Moret has been fly fishing almost all his life, and the passion and drive he brings to teaching and advancing the sport is unequaled. To get to know Moret, the owner of Islamorada's Florida Keys Outfitters, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 4
in Big Pine &
the Lower Keys
|
Big Pine & Lower Keys Fourth of July Celebration
Live music, food, cold beverages and games for adults and kids are planned at this free family-friendly event. Gates open at 5 p.m., fireworks at nightfall. Contact CeCe at (305) 766-8467.
|
|
July 7-9
in Islamorada
|
Florida Keys Outfitters/IGFA Inshore World Championship Tournament
Tournament winners from around the world are to compete for one of the most prized angling trophies. The tournament features inshore fishing for permit, tarpon, bonefish, redfish and snook. Visit the event's Web site for details. Contact (305) 664-5423 or e-mail flkeyout@bellsouth.net.
|
|
July 11-12
in Islamorada
|
Free Historical Weekend Bicycle Tour
Mark Terrill leads this free historical monument bike tour Saturdays and Sundays in July & August from 10 a.m. until noon. Bikes are available for rental, or bring your own. Contact (305) 879-0390.
|
|
July 11
in Big Pine &
the Lower Keys
|
25th Annual Underwater Music Festival
A submerged songfest for divers, snorkelers and the occasional mermaid emphasizing reef preservation, to be held at Looe Key Reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Call (305) 872-2411 or click here.
|
|
July 21-26
in Key West
|
29th Annual Hemingway Days
A celebration of the legendary author's work and lifestyle features literary readings, a theatrical premiere, short story competition, fishing tournament, Sloppy Joe's Look-Alike Contest, party commemorating Ernest's July 21st birth and more. Click here for details.
|
|
August 3-7
in Marathon
|
Pigeon Key Marine Science Camp
Kids ages 7-18 have a unique opportunity to join a marine science camp while in the Florida Keys and participate in snorkeling, scuba, fish ID, learning about marine habitats and more. E-mail pigeonkeyed@aol.com.
|
|
August 6-9
in Key Largo
|
Wreckfest 2009
Key Largo is the perfect venue for advanced divers through "wreckaholics." The event offers wreck diving plus a roster of topside activities. Contact Chris Brown at (800) 966-DIVE, e-mail info@silentworldkeylargo.com or click here.
|
|
August 7-9
in Key West
|
Key West Lobsterfest
Festivities include Friday's Lobsterfest Duval Crawl, a street fair and free concert Saturday, and Sunday's lobster brunch. Contact (305) 294-2000 or click here.
|
|
August 11-13
in Key Largo
|
'Citizen Scientist' Coral Restoration Workshops
The two-day event includes two evening lectures and two half days of diving in the Florida Keys. Lectures provide an overview of how the Coral Restoration Foundation is restoring coral reefs in the Florida Keys. Contact (800) 4-AMORAY, e-mail amoraydive@amoray.com or click here.
|
|
Sept. 23-27
in Marathon
|
Florida Keys Birding & Wildlife Festival
At the peak of the fall birding season, this event includes presentations, field trips focusing on education and conservation as they relate to Keys birds and wildlife, and an environmental fair. Contact (305) 872-0774 or click here.
|
|
|
|
This e-mail address was subscribed to this newsletter by the recipient on www.fla-keys.com.
To unsubscribe from this monthly newsletter, click here.
|
