If the images below are not displaying, click here to view this newsletter online.
|
 |
|
| Vol. 6, No. 1 |
Travel News From The Florida Keys & Key West |
December 2009 |
|
|
|
|
New Year’s Eve partiers unwilling to endure cold-weather festivities,
such as the traditional “ball drop” in New York’s Times Square,
can find exuberant celebrations and far warmer temperatures in the Florida
Keys.
In Key West, revelers can choose from three very different — though
equally lighthearted — takeoffs on the Times Square gala as midnight
approaches Thursday, Dec. 31.
In the island city’s Historic Seaport, New Year’s Eve combines
with a salute to Key West’s colorful seafaring heritage. Just before
midnight, a pirate wench is to begin her descent from the top of the mast of
a tall ship, to the accompaniment of cannon blasts and the liftoff of biodegradable
balloons.
She will complete her earthward journey as the clock strikes and 2010 officially
begins. Live music, dancing and festivities at the Schooner Wharf Bar are to
round out the seaport gala.
To check out other Florida Keys New Year’s Eve festivities, click
here.
|
|
|
|
|
Keys Theaters Take Center Stage
Florida Keys theaters are in full swing with casts serving up laughter, family-friendly
fun and heart-pounding action to performing arts enthusiasts from Key Largo
to Key West. To preview the offerings, click here.
|
|
Regattas
Bring Racing Action
to Keys
Sailors from around the world are to ply the Florida Keys waters in January,
harnessing the region’s warm wind and waves during two exhilarating regatta
challenges. Set sail for racing action by clicking
here.
|
|
|
|
ARTS & CULTURE
The Key West Symphony, a unique gathering of professional symphonic musicians
from around the United States, is to begin its 2009-10 season with a concert
featuring world-renowned violinist Cho-Liang Lin.
The curtain is to go up at 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 15-16,
at the Tennessee Williams Theatre. Click here for
details.
|
|
DIVING
Divers, snorkelers and Keys visitors can thank the late “Miami Herald” editor
John Pennekamp for helping to create the first undersea park in the United States.
Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was dedicated Dec. 10,
1960, and its 50th birthday celebration is being planned for 2010. Click here to dive into the anniversary.
|
|
|
|
FISHING
Two-time Super Bowl winning coach Jimmy Johnson is to combine two of his favorite
sports –- football and fishing -– into one event with the Gridiron
Greats Billfish Bowl in the Florida Keys. For kickoff information, click here.
|
|
"KEYS VOICES"
Nature and the water play a large role in the work of Lower Keys photographer
Valerie Fecher, so she often takes off in a kayak right from her property on
Big Pine to seek compelling images. To meet the island-inspired shutterbug
and longtime Keys resident,
click
here.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Through
Jan. 31
in Key West
|
A 1940s Christmas at the Little White House!
See a collection of World War II and 1940s Christmas decorations that bring holiday
cheer to former President Harry Truman’s Little White House. Also on display
is a collection of Christmas cards sent by presidents and first ladies to staff
and supporters. Museum admission is $15, with discounts for seniors and children.
Call (305) 294-9911 or click here. |
|
|
|
|
Dec. 5
in Big Pine & the Lower Keys
|
Big Pine & The Lower Keys Island Art Festival
Highlights of this holiday event include live music by local entertainers,
food, exhibits and booths featuring locally produced arts and crafts.
Festivities take place on the grounds of the Lower Keys Chamber of
Commerce, mile marker 31 oceanside. Call (305) 872-2411 or click
here.
|
|
|
|
|
Dec. 13
in Marathon
|
Key Colony Beach Boat Parade
Christmas lights on outriggers and displays on boat decks are part of the beautiful festivities during the Key Colony Beach Boat Parade, set to begin at the 7th Street canal. Open to all boats, the parade route visits canals and cuts, and passes city hall three times. Great viewing spots include the Sadowski Causeway at mile marker 53.5 and the area behind
city hall. Call (305) 743-7214.
|
|
|
|
|
Dec. 18
in Key West
|
Christmas Concert on the Harbor Walk of Lights
The free Christmas concert on the Harbor Walk of Lights anchors the 2009 Bight Before Christmas Holiday Celebration. Musical offerings range from bluegrass to reggae, while other attractions include the “Bite of the Bight” holiday food tasting, a raffle benefiting Just 4 Kids, photos with Santa and a free kids’ activity area. For a complete schedule of Bight Before Christmas holiday events, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
Dec. 19
in Islamorada
|
Keys Community Concert Band Presents “Musical Holidays Concert”
Florida Keys Community Concert Band presents its annual holiday performance at
Founders Park, mile marker 87 bayside, at 4 p.m. The performance is outdoors;
no chairs are provided and admission is free. Click
here. |
|
|
|
|
Jan. 2
in Key Largo
|
Orange Bowl Swimming Classic
Some of the best college swimmers in the country are to compete at Jacobs Aquatic Center, mile marker 99.6 oceanside, in a challenge that is part of the celebration surrounding the annual Orange Bowl college football game in Miami. Call (305) 453-7946.
|
|
|
|
|
Jan. 16
in Islamorada
|
Art Under The Oaks
Fine art and original crafts, a self-guided nature walk, specialty food booths,
children's arts and crafts and a raffle of items donated by the artists are
among the attractions. The event takes place at San Pedro Church Gardens, mile
marker 89.5 on Plantation Key in Islamorada. Click here. |
|
|
|
|
Jan. 16
in Key West
|
5th Annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival
Families come for fresh local Keys seafood, drinks, marine-related crafts, youth
activities and live music. The feast is set for 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Bayview
Park. Call Vicki at (305) 872-9026 or Dawn at (305) 292-4501, or click here. |
|
|
|
|
Jan. 23
in Big PIne
& the Lower Keys
|
6th Annual Big Pine Key Nautical Flea Market
All things nautical, live music, food and beverages characterize this family-friendly
event on the grounds of the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, mile marker 31.
Admission and parking are free. Call (305) 872-2411 or click
here.
|
|
|
|
|
Jan. 30
in Marathon
|
January Jamboree
The event is slated to be a smorgasbord of tropical
plants, "used treasures," a plant raffle and even baked goods and honey. Attendees can find Keys and South Florida native foliage, bamboo, palms, heliconias, orchids and rare tropicals. Call (305) 743-4971 or click here.
|
|
|
|
|
Jan. 30-31
in Key Largo
|
Key Largo Stone Crab & Seafood Festival
This tasty festival is to be chock full of fresh stone crabs, conch, local seafood,
music, entertainment and fun for the entire family. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8
p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. 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.
|
|
