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| Vol. 8, No. 5 |
Travel News From The Florida Keys & Key West |
March 2012 |
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What started as a community event has, more than 30 years later,
become one of the Middle Keys' most anticipated and sumptuous
weekends. The Original Marathon Seafood Festival, set for Saturday
and Sunday, March 10-11, features a feast of fish, shrimp, lobster
and conch for tens of thousands of seafood lovers.
Indigenous seafood such as mahi-mahi, Florida lobster, succulent
stone crab claws, plump pink shrimp and smoked fish are the anchoring
attractions of the area’s local commercial fishing heritage.
These local delicacies and more are to be available at Marathon Community
Park, mile marker 49 on the Florida Keys Overseas Highway.
Foods prepared according to secret recipes highlight the annual
munch-a-thon, and Keys chefs are to offer conch chowder, salad and
fritters as well as fresh oysters, clams and fried local fish. Save
room for sweets like Key lime pie, cakes, cool smoothies and icy
treats to top off the seafood extravaganza.
To whet your appetite, click here.
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Get a Clue at the Key West Mystery Fest May 4-13
The inaugural Key West Mystery Fest features a world-premiere play, notable authors,
interactive puzzlers for attending "sleuths," a chance to meet the
creator and writer/producer of television's "Monk," mystery
films and other themed events. Click here
for
clues to the fun.
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Island Fest Sets a Tropical Vibe in Islamorada
Live beachfront music, mouthwatering food and an acclaimed juried arts and crafts
show are sure to whet the entire family’s appetites for the 21st annual
Florida Keys Island Fest, set for March 31 and April 1. Head for the islands
by clicking here.
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ARTS & CULTURE
Painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelry designers, artists in glass and others
are to display their creative wares at the Florida Keys Art Guild's open-air
showcase in Key Largo. Click here for the show's specifics.
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DIVING
The Florida Keys are characterized by a deep appreciation and understanding of
the heritage of the sea. In Key Largo, one man is dedicated to exploring the
oceanic frontier and creating underwater habitats, while also making tremendous
historic shipwreck discoveries. Click here.
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FISHING
Elite anglers from around the U.S. and other countries are to battle sailfish
in Florida Keys waters April 17-21 during the 10th annual World Sailfish Championship.
For a preview of the angling action, click here.
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"PROFILES IN PARADISE"
David Feder, a trained engineer turned musician, has become a leader of Islamorada’s
cultural community — and works to enrich the lives of children through
exposure to the arts. Click here to
discover the musician "in tune" with
the Upper Keys.
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Through March 31
in Marathon
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Florida Keys Watercolor Society Art Show
The 30th annual show features 50 pieces by artists from Key Largo to Key West.
Art can be viewed daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and during the intermission of
the musical "Once Upon a Mattress" at Marathon Community Theater, mile
marker (MM) 49.5.
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March 13-22
throughout the Florida Keys
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“Century” 100-Mile Paddle: Key Largo to Key West
This annual paddling excursion is a "bucket list" trip of
a lifetime. Paddle 100 miles from Key Largo to the United States' southernmost
point. Click here.
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March 15, April 19
in Islamorada
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Morada Way Arts & Cultural District Third
Thursday Art Walk
The
monthly showcase of fine arts, live music and culinary nuances spotlights
several area art galleries and eateries between MM 81 and 82. Click
here.
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March 16
in Big Pine & the Lower Keys
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Artists in Paradise Inaugural $99 Fine Art Sale
At this unique show, up to 99 juried original pieces by Keys artists
will be on sale for $99 each. All proceeds benefit the Lower Keys’ Artists
in Paradise Gallery. The event is set for 7-9 p.m. Click here.
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March 16-17
in Key West
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52nd Annual Key West House & Garden Tours
Tour
five unique homes in Key West during this rare chance to explore some
of the island’s historic, charming and tropical residences. Proceeds
help benefit the Old Island Restoration Foundation. Click here.
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March 30
in Key Largo
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FKLCC Presents: Troy Anderson and the
Wonderful World Band Satchmo Lives!
Friends
of the Key Largo Cultural Center present a Louis Armstrong tribute
concert at the Murray E. Nelson Government and Cultural Center, MM 102. A
reception is set for 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20
at the door.
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April 8
in Key Largo
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Underwater Easter Egg Hunt
The
Easter bunny hosts this annual underwater egg hunt off Key Largo to benefit
Kids in Special Situations, a local charity for needy children. The egg-citing
contest is open to divers and snorkelers. Click here.
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April 15
in Islamorada
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18th Annual Bay Jam
This
music and art festival features local and guest artists performing
between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. at the TIB Amphitheater at Founders Park,
on the shores of Florida Bay at MM 87. Click here.
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April 20-29
in Key West
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30th Annual Conch Republic Independence
Celebration
With
activities ranging from a "secession re-enactment" to a wacky
bed race to a lighthearted sea battle featuring tall ships, the Conch
Republic's 10-day birthday party showcases the independent and eccentric
spirit that characterizes the Florida Keys. Click here.
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April 21
in Marathon
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31st Annual Seven Mile Bridge Run
An estimated 1,500 runners participate in the annual foot race across the longest
segmental bridge in the world. Click here.
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