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]]> http://www.keyscaribbean.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2575 0 http://www.keyscaribbean.com/blog/?p=2573 http://www.keyscaribbean.com/blog/?p=2573#comments Thu, 23 May 2013 14:38:07 +0000 suzanne http://www.keyscaribbean.com/blog/?p=2573 Read More]]>  

TASTE…

It’s hard to imagine any other place in the country with fresher and more delicious food options. While visiting you can feast on fresh fish cooked by world-renowned chefs or roadside casual dining.  Your whim is your wish while dining in the Florida Keys! For my “tasty” recommendations this week, see below:

The Upper Keys:

In Key Largo and Islamorada, where KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts & Marinas has two exclusive locations,

Mariners Resort Villas & Marina and the Historic Tavernier Inn

LORELEI RESTAURANT & CABANA BAR
Phone: (305) 664-4338
Mile marker 81.9, bayside
Overseas Highway
Islamorada ,  FL  33036

MR. C’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM
Phone: (305) 453-4256
Mile Marker 98.9, in the median
Key Largo ,  FL  33037

The Middle Keys:

In the Middle Keys,  KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts & Marinas has the Village at Hawks Cay Villas on Duck Key, Indigo Reef Resort Villas & Marina and the Coral Lagoon Resort Villas & Marina vacation rentals in Marathon

PORKY’S BAYSIDE BBQ
View Website
Phone: 305-289-2065 *  Fax: 305-743-2844
Email: bma2818359@aol.com
MM 47.5 Bayside
1410 Overseas Hwy
Marathon ,  FL  33050

Come and enjoy our friendly island style atmosphere and good food everyday! Delicious Nightly Specials, Live Music Every Night, Half-Priced Drink Happy Hour everyday from 4-7pm and the coldest beer in the Florida Keys!
   

UPPER CRUST PIZZA, INC. – HOMEMADE ITALIAN DINING AT IT’S BEST!
Phone: 305-743-7100
Mile Marker 49
3740 Overseas Highway
Marathon ,  FL  33050

The Lower Keys:

In the Lower Keys, KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts & Marina has the Coral Hammock Resort Villas and Kings Point Marina & Condominiums vacation rentals

MANGIA MANGIA – Acclaimed Pasta Cafe
Phone: 305-294-2469 *
Email: mangia-mangia@hotmail.com
900 Southard Street
Key West ,  FL  33040
Family style Italian cafe with abundant portions of fresh homemade pasta & low prices! Critical Acclaim from Zagat, Fodors & Frommers. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since ’94. Off Duval in quiet Old Town, cozy tropical patio; a locals favorite!

CAMILLE’S KEY WEST RESTAURANT
Phone: 305-296-4811 *
Email: camilleskeywest@bellsouth.net
1202 Simonton Street
Key West ,  FL  33040
For over 20 years, Camille’s Restaurant has been a standard on our island. It’s a funky restaurant/eatery. A combination of a Soho Cafe and “a place where everyone knows your name.” The locals here love the place-always a good sign.

 These are some of my favorite tastes in the Florida Keys for this week.  If you’re coming down to visit and stay with us at the KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts & Marinas in our vacation rentals, take advantage of our “taste-y” dining suggestions!

Visit our blog daily!

]]> http://www.keyscaribbean.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2573 0 http://www.keyscaribbean.com/blog/?p=2570 http://www.keyscaribbean.com/blog/?p=2570#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 14:10:52 +0000 suzanne http://www.keyscaribbean.com/blog/?p=2570 Read More]]> Activities & Opportunities for Seniors in the Florida Keys

Activities & Opportunities for Seniors in the Florida Keys

Travelers at any various stages of “seniorhood,” whether it’s near retirement or post-retirement, can discover and enjoy events, attractions and elements of interest in the Florida Keys.

This page is intended to provide practical tips and as well as spotlight some of travel opportunities for senior travelers.

Getting Here – One of Florida’s Scenic Road Trips

The Upper Keys:

In Key Largo and Islamorada, where KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts & Marinas has two exclusive locations, Mariners Resort Villas & Marina and the Historic Tavernier Inn

Great Outdoors

Enjoy free films, presentations about Florida natives by master gardeners, unique annual events and plant auctions. Volunteers also are welcome at each organization.

Marathon Garden Club
305-743-4971
5270 Overseas Highway (MM 52.7), Marathon

Big Pine Key Botanical Society
Lord of the Seas Church on Key Deer Blvd., Big Pine Key
305-849-2986 for meeting times

Upper Keys Garden Club
Francis Tracy Garden Center
MM 94 bayside, Tavernier
305-453-4799

The Middle Keys:

In the Middle Keys,  KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts & Marinas has the Village at Hawks Cay Villas on Duck Key, Indigo Reef Resort Villas & Marina and the Coral Lagoon Resort Villas & Marina vacation rentals in Marathon

Learn, Volunteer & Stay Connected

Pottery, Art Classes, Crafts

Saturday morning classes available at Matecumbe Studio Gallery, $40 for two hours, 10 students maximum, for any experience level.
Instructor: Samantha Decker-Hoppen
Students learn to turn clay into coffee mugs or bowls, then learn techniques in texturing, carving and design application.
Monday evenings and private classes also available.

Key Largo Library periodically offers free art classes, 101485 Overseas Highway (MM 101.4). Supplies provided. Wednesdays

Florida Keys Quilters meet the first Saturday of each month at the Key Largo Library community room, 101485 Overseas Highway (MM 101.4). New quilters welcome. For more information contact call Mary Lou Wilkinson at 305-852-1183 or e-mail tsledd@gate.net.

The Lower Keys:

In the Lower Keys, KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts & Marinas has the Coral Hammock Resort Villas and Kings Point Marina & Condominiums vacation rentals

Where to Play

Arts & Culture

From Key Largo to Key West, the musical and performing arts flourish with enticing performances.

Visitors interested in literature can find both history and inspiration in Key West.

Visual artists can be found literally from one end of the Keys to the other.

The Florida Keys are home to South Florida’s only nonprofit, independent film multiplex, and lovers of classics can revel in an annual Humphrey Bogart Film Festival held each May in Key Largo.

Jazz lovers can enjoy poolside tropical gardens, a wine bar that is open to the public and jazz in the garden Sunday evenings, at a Key West hidden gem, The Gardens Hotel, a historic boutique property at 526 Angela St.

These are some of my favorite experiences this week in the Florida Keys. If you’re coming down to visit and stay with us at the KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts & Marinas in our vacation rentals, share your favorite experiences with us in the comments section of our blog…

Visit our blog next Thursday with updated experiences in the Florida Keys…

]]> http://www.keyscaribbean.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2570 0 http://www.keyscaribbean.com/blog/?p=2567 http://www.keyscaribbean.com/blog/?p=2567#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 14:49:17 +0000 suzanne http://www.keyscaribbean.com/blog/?p=2567 Read More]]> The Keys are busy this time of year with many choices in activities! Dolphin Championships, Triathalon and Theater in Key West – among other activities- this weeks happenings in the Florida Keys!

The Florida Keys / May 24 – 26

Florida Keys Dolphin Championship

This new, Keys-wide dolphin challenge is to pay out $15,000 to the first-place winner, and cash and prizes are to be awarded in 36 other categories. Among the first 200 teams that register for the tournament, the team who catches the tournament’s largest dolphin over 55 pounds is eligible to win the 24-foot-long SeaHunter boat. Registration/weigh-in locations include Buzzards Roost and Garden Cove Marina in Key Largo, Plantation Yacht Sales in Islamorada, Tarpon Creek Marina and Restaurant in Marathon, Boondocks Grille and Draft House in the Lower Keys and Dante’s Restaurant at Conch Harbor Marina in Key West. Registration is $600 per team.
Contact: Mike Weinhofer 305-395-3474
Email: fishnkw@aol.com

Marathon / May 25

MaraTri7, a Marathon Triathlon

Beginning at 8 a.m. at the west end of Sombrero Beach, nearly 100 triathletes are to set off for this family friendly event that has become a fundraiser for Marathon High School athletic teams. MaraTri7 is open to teams and individuals. The race begins on Sombrero Beach. When the start whistle blows, all racers dive into the ocean, swimming parallel to the Middle Keys’ best beach. Then racers run out of the water to their bikes, riding off for a loop around the Sombrero Golf Course. Upon their return, racers don their running shoes and race down local streets, returning to the finish chute between palm trees and cheering fans. MaraTri offers two distances — a traditional sprint distance of a half-mile swim, 13.6 mile bike and 3.1 mile run and also a “minisprint” that is half that. Visit the website for registration costs and details.
Email: maratri2011@gmail.com

The Upper Keys:

In Key Largo and Islamorada, where KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts and Marinas has two exclusive locations -Mariners Resort Villas & Marina and the Historic Tavernier Inn

Islamorada / May 19 – 22

Outback Golden Fly Invitational Tarpon Tournament

Special flies, accurate casts and a bit of luck are the recipe for winning this prestigious challenge, using only a tournament-furnished tippet not greater than 16-pound test. Eligible tarpon must measure at least 48 inches in length to earn release points, and weigh at least 70 pounds for weight points.
Contact: Betsy Bullard
Email: fishnfever@bellsouth.net

The Middle Keys:

In the Middle Keys, KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts and Marinas has the Village at Hawks Cay Villas on Duck Key, Indigo Reef Resort Villas & Marina and the Coral Lagoon Resort Villas & Marina vacation rentals in Marathon

The Lower Keys:

In the Lower Keys, KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts and Marinas has the Coral Hammock Resort Villas and Kings Point Marina & Condominiums vacation rentals

Key West / January 01 to December 31

 Gay Key West Trolley Tour

Enjoy a fabulous tour of Key West…with a twist. A gay twist that is! Get a unique tour of Key West and learn about our colorful history that includes the famous and the infamous. Departs from the City Hall Parking Lot, located on the corner of Angela and Simonton. Tickets $25. Can be purchased ONLINE or at the trolley, our G&L Visitor Center (located at 513 Truman), and many of our distinguished gay and lesbian guest houses.

Key West / April 6 – November 30

Key West Fishing Tournament

More than 40 species of fish are targeted during these months, with divisions for men, women, junior anglers (ages 10 to 14) and Pee Wees (under 10 years old). In an April kickoff event, anglers target 15 species and $5,000 in cash prizes is split between the top anglers.
Contact: Rob Harris 305-295-6601
Email: director@keywestfishingtournament.com

Key West / April 30 – May 25

Red Barn Theatre presents: Oklahoma Smith and the Pantheon of Annihilation

Parody, adventure and humor abound in this original action adventure as famed explorer Oklahoma Smith and his trusty sidekick set out to find the lost “Book of the Dead” and save the world. The plot twists and turns as each major decision in this “choose your own adventure” is decided by the audience. Visit website for show times and tickets.
Contact: info@redbarntheatre.com
Email: 305-296-9911

Key West / May 4 – July 31

Key West ART Garden

Come enjoy large outdoor masterpieces made by local artists. Each piece is crafted from recycled materials and fits into the natural beauty and backdrop of the Gardens. On Saturday, May 4, an opening reception is planned, to highlight the special exhibit which runs through July; meet the artists and enjoy a self-guided tour, refreshments are to be available; free entry to the opening reception, set for 3-5 p.m. Located at 5210 College Road.
Contact: 305-296-1504
Email: kwbgs@kwbgs.org

Key West / May 23

Key West Turtle Museum Free Lecture Series

Learn how integral sea turtles have been to the Florida Keys and how a booming industry sowed the seeds of its own collapse. In coordination with the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, the lecture is to be presented in the Key West Turtle Museum, located at the Key West Bight, starts at 7:30 p.m.
Contact: 305-294-0209
Email: director@keywestattractions.org

Key West / May 31 – June 1

Yamaha Dolphin Masters Invitational

In this challenge headquartered at Key West’s Historic Seaport, more than $13,000 awaits the angler scoring the highest total combined weight of three dolphin catches. Many additional prizes await other top anglers, and there is no limit on the number of participating boats.
Contact: John Stuempfig 305-304-7674
Email: wave.whacker@hotmail.com

These are some of my favorite happenings this week and next in the Florida Keys. If you’re comig down to visit and stay with us at the KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts & Marinas in our vacation rentals, share some of your favorite experiences with us …

Visit our blog next Monday with updated happenings in the Florida Keys…

TASTE…

It’s hard to imagine any other place in the country with fresher and more delicious food options. While visiting you can feast on fresh fish cooked by world-renowned chefs or roadside casual dining.  Your whim is your wish while dining in the Florida Keys! For my “tasty” recommendations this week, see below:

The Upper Keys:

In Key Largo and Islamorada, where KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts & Marinas has two exclusive locations,

Mariners Resort Villas & Marina and the Historic Tavernier Inn

KEY LARGO CONCH HOUSE RESTAURANT & COFFEE BAR

Phone: 305-453-4844 *  Fax: 305-453-4814
Email: info@keylargoconchhouse.com
Mile Marker 100.2 Oceanside
Key Largo ,  FL  33037
Featured on the FOOD NETWORK. Award winning coffee! Local seafood & vegetarian entrees. WiFi HOT spot! Pet friendly! Private parties and catering available. Open 8am daily

SNAPPER’S RESTAURANT
Phone: (305) 852-5956 *
Email: snappers139@hotmail.com
139 Seaside Ave.
Key Largo ,  FL  33037
Snapper’s offers an eclectic menu of the freshest seafood prepared with Caribbean, Mexican, & Asian flavors. Daily specials based on fresh local fish. Alfresco oceanfront dining for a casual lunch, romantic dinner, or night with the family.

The Middle Keys:

In the Middle Keys,  KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts & Marinas has the Village at Hawks Cay Villas on Duck Key, Indigo Reef Resort Villas & Marina and the Coral Lagoon Resort Villas & Marina vacation rentals in Marathon

HERBIE’S
Phone: 305-743-6373
MM 50.5 6350 Overseas Highway
Marathon ,  FL  33050

BURDINE’S WATERFRONT CAFE
Phone: 305-743-5317
1200 Oceanview Ave.
Marathon ,  FL  33050

The Lower Keys:

In the Lower Keys, KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts & Marina has the Coral Hammock Resort Villas and Kings Point Marina & Condominiums vacation rentals

MARGARITAVILLE CAFE
Phone: (305) 292-1435 *  Fax: (305) 294-9147
Email: kwcafe@margaritaville.com
500 Duval Street
Key West ,  FL  33040
Margaritaville is just the kind of place you’d expect to be cruising home from when you “blew out your flip flop & stepped on a pop-top.” Guests looking to escape from mundane & expected restaurants can have an authentic Key West experience here.

http://www.fla-keys.com/clickreg.cfm?lid=4412&cid=26

PAT CROCE’S RUM BARREL
View Website
Phone: 305-292-7862 *
528 Front St
Key West ,  FL  33040

The Rum Barrel evokes the aura of a 17th-century tavern in the heart of Old Town Key West. It features a collection of over 100 rums, an exclusive menu by Chef Patrick Dunn, live nightly music, and a rooftop Quarterdeck overlooking downtown Key West.

These are some of my favorite tastes in the Florida Keys for this week.  If you’re coming down to visit and stay with us at the KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts & Marinas in our vacation rentals, take advantage of our “taste-y” dining suggestions!

Visit our blog daily!

]]> http://www.keyscaribbean.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2553 0 http://www.keyscaribbean.com/blog/?p=2550 http://www.keyscaribbean.com/blog/?p=2550#comments Tue, 14 May 2013 17:36:54 +0000 suzanne http://www.keyscaribbean.com/blog/?p=2550 Read More]]> Florida Keys Attractions

The Florida Keys are teeming with activities and things to do for visitors of all ages and interests. Your time in the Keys can be as action-packed and thrilling or relaxed and low-key as you desire. You control the pace of your vacation.

Adventure-seekers can test the water, and their skills, on a fishing charter for prized game fish. Get up close and personal with tropical fish on a snorkel trip, or dive to explore a ship wreck on the ocean floor. Visit local art galleries and museums and shop for unique gifts. Feast on fresh seafood at fine restaurants and hang with the locals, or just hang on a hammock suspended between two palms. Simply unwind and let go with the outgoing tide. You will be, after all, on island time.

You can browse attractions by location or by type.

The Upper Keys:

In Key Largo and Islamorada, where KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts & Marinas has two exclusive locations, Mariners Resor t Villas & Marina and the Historic Tavernier Inn

Browse all Key Largo Attractions

Browse all Islamorada Attractions

The Middle Keys:

In the Middle Keys,  KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts & Marinas has the Village at Hawks Cay Villas on Duck Key, Indigo Reef Resort Villas & Marina and the Coral Lagoon Resort Villas & Marina vacation rentals in Marathon

Browse all Marathon Attractions

The Lower Keys:

In the Lower Keys, KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts & Marinas has the Coral Hammock Resort Villas and Kings Point Marina & Condominiums vacation rentals

Browse all Lower Keys Attractions

Browse all Key West Attractions

These are some of my favorite experiences this week in the Florida Keys. If you’re coming down to visit and stay with us at the KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts & Marinas in our vacation rentals, share your favorite experiences with us in the comments section of our blog…

Visit our blog next Thursday with updated experiences in the Florida Keys…

The Keys are busy this time of year with many choices in activities! Stone Crab Season, Theater in Key West and musical performances and an Conch Republic Days!- among other activities- this weeks happenings in the Florida Keys!

The Florida Keys / October 15 – May 15

Stone Crab Season

Those succulent claws, brought to shore fresh daily from the waters surrounding the Florida Keys, will drip with mustard dip on the chins of hungry locals and visitors. A series of food festivals during the season celebrate the sustainable seafood resource throughout the Keys.

The Upper Keys:

In Key Largo and Islamorada, where KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts and Marinas has two exclusive locations -Mariners Resort Villas & Marina and the Historic Tavernier Inn

Islamorada / May 15

History of Diving Museum presents: ROVs, Uses of Remotely Operated Vehicles in Salvage and Research

The History of Diving Museum at MM 83 continues the free, “Immerse Yourself!” series, to begin at 7 p.m., with a special event: ROVs, Uses of Remotely Operated Vehicles in Salvage and Research, presented by Jon Cole. Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) have been used in salvage operations and scientific research all over the world. ROVs are used by oceanographic institutes, the military and scientific organizations to collect data and objects from the deepest depths of the ocean. Jon Cole will discuss projects involving ROVs and manned submersibles and how they have led to significant historical and scientific discoveries including the discovery of the Titanic, new marine species and underwater hydrothermal vents. The Museum is open daily from 10am-5pm. Extended hours on the night of the program until 7pm. Enjoy the Museum’s exhibits before the event.
Contact: 305-664-9737
Email: Courtney@divingmuseum.org

Islamorada / May 16

Morada Way Arts & Cultural District presents: Third Thursday Art Walk

Showcasing the fine arts, music and culinary nuances of the Purple Isles, the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District features national and local artisans who are showcased in galleries at Morada Way between mile marker 81 and 82 – formerly named Industrial Road – as well as “culinary art” and live music from 6-9 p.m. In addition to individual artists, participating galleries include the Redbone Gallery, Gallery Morada, Pasta Pantaleo Signature Gallery and Bluewater Potters. Free admission. Art Walk is held the third Thursday of each month.
Contact: 305-664-9100
Email: moradawayarts@gmail.com

Key Largo / May 16 – 19

Key Largo’s Original Music Festival

Enjoy the food, entertainment and ambiance of Key Largo during this singers and songwriters event. Featuring “on the water” venues, unique entertainers and local musicians. Presented by the Upper Keys Business Group.
Contact: Sue Finney 305-394-3736

Key Largo / May 17

Ocean Life Lecture Series: Exploring Coastal Wetlands From Space

Presented by the Friends of Key Largo Cultural Center, Dr. Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm will discuss how wetland ecosystems are changing over time and space, and the integrated research and education activities being conducted in the wetland ecosystems of the Everglades and the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve in Mexico. Free and open to the public, the popular Ocean Life Series runs from 6-8 p.m. at Murray E. Nelson Government and Cultural Center, 102050 Overseas Highway (MM 102). Meet and greet at 6 p.m., program begins 7 p.m.
Contact: Linda Kaplan, 305-396-7000
Email: linda@fklcc.org

Islamorada / May 19 – 22

Outback Golden Fly Invitational Tarpon Tournament

Special flies, accurate casts and a bit of luck are the recipe for winning this prestigious challenge, using only a tournament-furnished tippet not greater than 16-pound test. Eligible tarpon must measure at least 48 inches in length to earn release points, and weigh at least 70 pounds for weight points.
Contact: Betsy Bullard
Email: fishnfever@bellsouth.net

Islamorada / May 20

Matecumbe Historical Trust presents: “Ponce de Leon: Adelantado de La Florida”

In recognition of the 500th anniversary of Juan Ponce de León’s arrival on Florida’s east coast, guest speaker Dr. Robert L. Gold is to address the topic of “Ponce de Leon: Adelantado de La Florida” in the May lecture presented by the Matecumbe Historical Trust. Ponce de León’s convoy of explorers was the first group of Europeans to document such a landing and give a name to Florida – La Florida. Dr. Gold is a Professor of Latin American History and the author of two books and more than two hundred articles, columns and reviews on Florida history. His specialty is Spanish Florida in the colonial period. Social begins at 6:30 p.m., at Island Community Church, MM 83. The lecture is free and open to the public.
Contact: Barbara Edgar 305-393-0940
Email: barb1201@bellsouth.net

The Middle Keys:

In the Middle Keys, KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts and Marinas has the Village at Hawks Cay Villas on Duck Key, Indigo Reef Resort Villas & Marina and the Coral Lagoon Resort Villas & Marina vacation rentals in Marathon

Marathon / May 2 – 18

Marathon Community Theater presents: Moon Over Buffalo

A diva actress is barely tolerant of her philandering semi-alcoholic husband in this raucous farce about a dysfunctional theatre troupe at the Erlander Theatre in 1953 Buffalo, N.Y. Mishaps and confusion arise when they hear famed film director Frank Capra may attend a show to possibly cast the two in movies. Will they get the audition and give a performance of a lifetime? Find out in this fast-paced funny backstage comedy by Ken Ludwig. Check website for show times and tickets.
Contact: 305-743-0994
Email: gm@marathontheater.org

Marathon / May 13 – 17

Faro Blanco Invitational Tarpon Tournament

This popular angling challenge with a 27-year history of fish tales and foolery helps fund the Ronald McDonald Summer Camp program for disabled youngsters. Captains are drawn during the kickoff event, and anglers fish with a different captain each of the three days of fishing, in what is a hugely popular tournament format.
Contact: Bob Traa 609-645-1840 ext. 115

The Lower Keys:

In the Lower Keys, KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts and Marinas has the Coral Hammock Resort Villas and Kings Point Marina & Condominiums vacation rentals

Key West / January 01 to December 31

 HYPERLINK “http://www.gaykeywestfl.com/featureevent.cfm?id=16″ \t “_blank” Gay Key West Trolley Tour

Enjoy a fabulous tour of Key West…with a twist. A gay twist that is! Get a unique tour of Key West and learn about our colorful history that includes the famous and the infamous. Departs from the City Hall Parking Lot, located on the corner of Angela and Simonton. Tickets $25. Can be purchased ONLINE or at the trolley, our G&L Visitor Center (located at 513 Truman), and many of our distinguished gay and lesbian guest houses.

Key West / April 6 – November 30

Key West Fishing Tournament

More than 40 species of fish are targeted during these months, with divisions for men, women, junior anglers (ages 10 to 14) and Pee Wees (under 10 years old). In an April kickoff event, anglers target 15 species and $5,000 in cash prizes is split between the top anglers.
Contact: Rob Harris 305-295-6601
Email: director@keywestfishingtournament.com

Key West / April 25 – May 19

Key West Fringe presents: Conch Republic (The Musical)

“Key West Characters: A Mini-Festival” is a theatrical explosion of history and humor! Three brand-new plays based on the true tales of amazing real-life island residents including a musical about the birth of the Conch Republic, hitting our shores. That’s right, the story of those historic moments in April 1982 when Key West declared its independence from the United States. It’s a rollicking musical tale of the Conchs taking on the Feds in one of the greatest PR stunts ever. The music and lyrics are by Gayla Morgan and the book is by Monnie King. The stage director is Randi Reams with Gayla Morgan as music director. CONCH REPUBLIC (The Musical!) will run at 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays at Kelly’s Caribbean Upstairs, 301 Whitehead St. Dates are April 25, 28, May 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19. Tickets are $35 at KeysTix.com
Contact: 305-296-4761

Key West / April 30 – May 25

Red Barn Theatre presents: Oklahoma Smith and the Pantheon of Annihilation

Parody, adventure and humor abound in this original action adventure as famed explorer Oklahoma Smith and his trusty sidekick set out to find the lost “Book of the Dead” and save the world. The plot twists and turns as each major decision in this “choose your own adventure” is decided by the audience. Visit website for show times and tickets.
Contact: info@redbarntheatre.com
Email: 305-296-9911

Key West / April 30 – May 18

Waterfront Playhouse presents: Deathtrap

A successful writer of Broadway mysteries struggles to overcome a “dry” spell, and he’ll do just about anything to be back on top. Full of twists and turns and heart-stopping shocks, the devilishly clever Deathtrap is the longest-running comedy thriller on Broadway. Showtimes 8 p.m.
Contact: Box Office 305-294-5015
Email: Box_Office@waterfrontplayhouse.org

Key West / May 17 – 18

11th Annual Harry S. Truman Legacy Symposium

Key West’s political history is highlighted in panel discussions, a reception and tours of the Little White House where Truman spent many working vacations during his presidency.
Contact: 305-294-9911

Big Pine & the Lower Keys / May 17 – 19

20th Annual Original Big Pine & Lower Keys Dolphin Tournament

More than $35,000 in cash and prizes awaits anglers.The angler who catches the tournament’s largest dolphin can take home a guaranteed first prize of $7,500 cash and a trophy. If the winning dolphin weighs more than 50 pounds, an additional $20,000 is awarded for a total of $27,500. While dolphin is the only species of fish eligible for cash awards, rods and reels are also to be presented for the heaviest wahoo and tuna caught. Presented by the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, the tournament is set to kick off Friday, May 17, with a 5 p.m. final registration party featuring hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. A captains meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Entry fees are $150 for open and $50 for youth.
Contact: 800-872-2411
Email: executivedirector@lowerkeyschamber.com

Key West / May 18

3rd Annual Anchors Aweigh Fishing Tournament

Fish for Dolphin, Wahoo, Grouper and Snapper. Cash prizes for heaviest fish, $2500 for heaviest Dolphin. All proceeds benefit Anchors Aweigh Club, a 12-step recovery center in Key West, and a 501-c-3 corporation.
Contact: Pete Thomas 305-509-7244

Key West / May 18

Discovery Saturday Educational Series: Humongous Hurricanes

Presented by the Florida Keys Eco Discovery Center, this family-friendly and educational series invites kids in kindergarten through fifth grade from 10-11 a.m. to play games and make crafts while learning about a new topic of interest and the marine ecosystems of the Keys. Discovery Saturday is held the third Saturday of every month. Pre-registration is recommended. The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is located at 35 East Quay Road on the Truman Annex waterfront in Key West. Admission is free and free parking is available.
Contact: 305-809-4750

These are some of my favorite happenings this week and next in the Florida Keys. If you’re comig down to visit and stay with us at the KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts & Marinas in our vacation rentals, share some of your favorite experiences with us …

Visit our blog next Monday with updated happenings in the Florida Keys…