So many fun events are happening in the next few months. Here are just a few of our favorites to get your creative imagination jumping. We still have rooms available and our rates are terrific!

Poker Run, September 16^th to September 19^th

The 38th Annual Phil Peterson’s Key West Poker Run is not to be missed if you ride, or just want to soak up some biker culture. Usually over 10,000 motorcyclists, and enthusiasts, come out to enjoy the  Run, the people, and the beautiful Florida Keys. Along the ride there are multiple stops to draw your hands, enjoy contests, bikini bike washes, food, drinks, and so much more! You don’t want to miss this incredible ride!

We will have a welcome happy hour at Lighthouse Court from 4-7on Friday the 17^th and provide complimentary rags to keep your chrome dust free and looking sharp. When you stay with us you’ll be able sleep close to your bike and be near all the action on Duval.

Fantasy Fest, October 22^nd to October 31^st

Our biggest party of the year in Key West is Fantasy Fest where this year’s theme is “Habitat For Insanity” and it’s definitely going to be fun! The event takes place over 10 days from October 22 through October 31, 2010. We have many repeat guests that come every year for this event, and we hope to meet some new visitors this year too. Key Lime Inn, Chelsea House and Lighthouse Court require a minimum 4 night stay for any reservations that include Parade Night. Albury Court requires a 3 night stay for any reservation that includes Parade Night. Merlin Guesthouse is already sold out for the event.

We still have availability for the early event dates that start with Goombay Festival the weekend of Oct 22  and go thru Wednesday of Fantasy Fest week. We have special rates for this week and no minimums apply.

One of our favorite events is the Masquerade March on Friday night, Oct 29th.  The March is a walking parade for anyone who wants to join, either in costume or not. The parade starts at the cemetery and takes two different routes to Duval Street. Luckily, we have hotels on both routes! The southern route goes past Chelsea House and the northern one goes past the Merlin Guesthouse. At both hotels we set up a bar that serves our fabulous rum punch. At Merlin Guesthouse, Cindy is going to make hers with a southern twist and at Chelsea House, Abby will make hers with Jamaican spices. We will have a D.J to get everyone dancing and body artist, Amanda, will have her ‘paint shop’ set up at Chelsea House on Friday from 12-3 and at Lighthouse Court on Saturday from 12-3 before the FantasyFest Parade.  Guests interested in setting up an appointment can call the hotel for more information. All of the Historic Key West Inns are located within walking distance of the Fantasy Zone.

Powerboat Racing in Key West – November 7^th to 14^th

The 30th Annual Key West World Championship Race takes place in Key West in November.   If you haven’t seen powerboat racing before, you will not believe the excitement from the roar of these boats racing through the harbor.  The viewing stands are right in front of the action.  The Key West race is the culmination of a year of racing for the teams.  You will see the biggest, the fastest, and the best.

Race Village, with the Wet Pits, Dry Pits, and race viewing, is at the Truman Waterfront on the western shore of Key West.  All of the Historic Key West Inns are located within walking distance of Race Village. Race week begins with a parade of Superboats down Duval Street on Sunday, Nov 7.  Race days are Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, Nov 10, 12, and 14.

Albury Court and Lighthouse Court offer a 5 Night Superboat Race Package that covers all the race days. The package includes lodging (Wednesday thru Sunday), entry to Race Village for the 5 days, daily continental breakfast, and 2 complimentary “Wet Pit” cocktails from the Lighthouse Court pool bar (a short stroll from Race Village).

5 Night Superboat Race Package: Lighthouse Court $875               Albury Court $795

Lodging is available at all of the Historic Key West Inns for Powerboat Racing.  Key Lime Inn and Lighthouse Court require a minimum 4 night stay during the event. Albury Court, Chelsea House and Merlin Guesthouse require a 3 night stay during the event. Please call the hotel directly to make your reservations for the Race Package. All other bookings can be made online, by phone or email to the hotel, or with your travel agent.

Call 800.403.2866 or visit our Reservations page

It’s another beautiful day here in Key West. 

We are officially under a tropical storm warning for “Bonnie”, but there is nothing going on in our corner of the earth as of 10am EDT Friday July 23.  Last night on my drive home to Big Pine Key, I spotted a Miami Channel 4 satellite truck headed down to Key West.  Those Miami reporters love to stand on Duval Street with their rain slickers on and tell the world how Key West is bracing for another tropical event….  I guess they made the trip for nothing this time.  On my commute back into Key West this morning I passed the Channel 4 truck again… on their way home to Miami where the “storm” actually went.

Bonnie looks like a quick rain event for Miami at worst.  It’s already inland over Miami this morning and is moving fast to the northwest.  It will be past Florida and into the Gulf of Mexico by this afternoon.  In Key West we’re getting nothing but our usual beautiful, balmy breezes!

Julie

Reporting from Key Lime Inn, 725 Truman Ave, Key West.

I have to say that it is really beautiful here today and the forecast for this 4th of July weekend will be perfect!  Great celebrations all around.

Here is a new video which shows the current underwater conditions for swimming, snorkeling, diving and fishing off our island waters. Last week, some divers were swimming with the turtles.

VIDEO OF THE WEEK | This is the Underwater World of the Florida Keys!

This Sunday marks July 4th 2010, and what a day it should be! Hopefully even after your relaxing days on the water, you will still be left with a sliver of energy to enjoy the festivities the fourth should bring: great friends, good food, and of course, a smokin’ fireworks show come nighttime.  Once again the Key West Rotary Club will be providing a dazzling fireworks display from the White Street Pier on the south side of the island, over the Atlantic Ocean.  They usually begin shortly after sunset.

Bring your blanket and we’ll see you there!

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Our beautiful Florida Keys have not been impacted by the Gulf  Oil spill. The beaches are warm, the water is refreshing and perfect for a plunge, fishing is terrific, jet ski’s are flying and drinks are flowing!

Here is a video that was filmed June 12 – 13 which gives you a current view of  the area. Check it out here Key West is Still Your Favorite Vacation Place.

One of our favorite things to do is sail around our island waters.

Here is a wonderful description about a full-moon sail written by our favorite poet, Vicki, who is in the reservations department at Key Lime Inn.

” Full Moons inspire all sorts of activities in Key West. Duval Street Galleries host wine tastings and art openings, couples stroll the beaches hand in hand, and the kayaker’s don headlamps and paddle into the night, but this April full moon brought about a special treat. For this month’s full moon, Adirondack II, a gorgeous sailing schooner from Manhattan, hosted a full moon sail that departed from the Historic Seaport. As we set sail from this fascinating historic area of the island, the amber light of the moon was parting a patch of thin high clouds rising over the ocean. The crew and captain took this time to introduce us to the boat and its safety and convenience features, such as fully flushing heads, life jackets, and beer coolers. Throughout the sail the crew carefully attended each guest’s needs, providing a variety of cold refreshing beverages; including beer, wine and champagne. Despite a bit of ambient light from the shoreline, the captain provided a brief and interesting astronomy lesson, identifying the visible constellations and stars. Guests on board were able to view the planet Venus, the belt of Orion, the Big and Little Dippers and the Dog Star.

Rounding the jetty at the outer edge of the Historic Seaport, the wind picked up enough for the captain to cut the engine and have the crew hoist the sails. The Adirondack II cruised peacefully through the Gulf heading for the South Eastern tip of island toward Fort Zachary. For over an hour, the calm breezes of the Gulf eased our double-mast vessel through the night over smooth, glass-like waters. The lights of Mallory Square signaled our return to the civilized side of Paradise, and as we took the turn into the Seaport’s Harbor the melodies of the outdoor musicians wafted aboard, reminding us that with the night young and the moon full and high, the Key West adventure had only just begun . It was a night well worth howling for!”

We’ll see you soon!

It’s beach, fishing, swimming and water sports time in Key West! Besides gorgeous island weather, there are many fun things to do in May thru July. Don’t wait to make  your reservations at your favorite HISTORIC KEY WEST INN. For a limited time, we are offering our “Stay Longer – Get More” special, available at all five hotels thru July. Earn discounts and freebies for each additional night of your stay. Make your reservations today!

The Beautiful Beaches of Key West

The Florida Keys Are In a National Marine Sanctuary

This year we had a new team captain, Denice Suriner, our hotel events coordinator at Key Lime Inn. Her artistic interests include drawing and jewelry box making, inspiring her to include a silent art auction this year at our tent. She got donated paintings from several local artists, including one larger piece by Garth Holtkamp, one of our maintenance techs, and another donated by his fiancé Katie Hobbs. Abby Leamard, our Albury Court and Merlin Guesthouse manager was ‘womaning’ our tent, watching over the auctions and talking with the walkers. We all signed up for a walking shift and were able to cover all 24 hours!  Thanks to everyone who sweated out there for a good cause!

When you are planning your Key West wedding, Denice will be be happy to help you organize all the details to make your Key West wedding elegant, yet carefree.  Whether your wedding is large or small, grand or simple, or if you just need accommodations for your guests, she can help you plan an unforgettable event at any of our five unique hotels. You can contact Denice here for further information: denicesuriner@historickeywestinns.com

Here is a testimonial from a recent bride and groom :

“My husband and I had stayed at Lighthouse Court on our first vacation together and had a great time. So when it came time to plan our destination wedding in Key West, we wanted to have our guest stay at Lighthouse Court also. The Group coordinator for the hotels, Denice, was amazing. She helped out with way more than rooms. I bet I called 30 times while planning rooms and she was always very pleasant and eager to help me. When we arrived at the hotel, they helped us get our gift bags to rooms before all the guests got there.  All of the employees asked if there was anything I needed help with.  And you couldn’t pass an employee without hearing a hello; they didn’t make us feel like tourists. More like neighbors. All of our guests loved their rooms and the property. It has a wonderful location, right near Duval St., but away from all the noise. “

Key West House and Garden Tours

March 12 – 13th

Tour five elegant and unique homes of Key West. Proceeds help benefit the Old Island Restoration Foundation. Presented by 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.

Hot Havana Nights at the Botanical Garden

Celebrate Cuba Week finishes with the hottest event of the year, March 13. This annual event has returned to the Garden with the sounds of Havana Soul; enjoy mojitos, authentic Cuban food, original Cuban art, live auction and more. This HOT benefit always sells out so make your reservations early!

Fight Night in the Keys

March 20th

A Key West boxing tradition dating back to Ernest Hemingway’s days on our island with a series of evening bouts in a harborfront ring at Mallory Square. Fight Night in the Keys has seven matches slated, highlighted by a 12-round fight for the WBC international heavyweight title featuring defending champion Odlanier Solis.

Blue Angels Air Show

April 10 – 11th

Rock and rumble with the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration team and the Blue Angels, as well as aerial demonstrations by military and civilian performers, and static military and vintage aircraft. Free admission to Naval Air Station.

World Sailfish Championships

April 13th – 17th

With a guaranteed top prize of $100,000, the prestigious sailfish challenge draws top teams and benefits the Don Shula Foundation for Breast Cancer Research, Camp Boggy Creek for youngsters with chronic and life-threatening illnesses, and other national and local charities.

Conch Republic Independence Celebration

April 16th – 25th

It’s the 28th Anniversary of the celebration whose slogan is “We Seceded Where Others Failed.” With activities ranging from 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.

Key West Symphony Master Concert No.1

The final concert of the symphony’s twelfth season will feature pianist Christopher Taylor who is back by popular demand to perform the beautiful Prokofiev’s Concerto No 2 for Piano and Orchestra. The symphony will also play the haunting music of Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis and the jubilant Beethoven Symphony No 5.

Key West Songwriters’ Festival

April 28th – May 2nd

The 15th-annual showcase of musical magic features 100 of America’s foremost performing songwriters, with 30 concerts staged in intimate, audience-friendly island settings.

We’re planning on going kayaking these next months. Our favorite time is sunset when the night herons are wading at the shoreline for their catch and the color of the sky is shifting between the purples, oranges and reds of our Winter nights.   We have great rates now on our beautiful rooms and look forward to your visit with us soon. Come stay with us and head out for an adventure!

We also like to go snorkeling from a kayak. The waters are so shallow and clear that you will be able to see the fish and coral in brilliant color!

Flats fishing is also excellent from a kayak and they can be rigged easily. Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit are abundant in the flats and backcountry and the water is clear and shallow so that you will be able to see them swimming towards you.

Kayak Fishing in the Keys Backcountry Flats

Come join us this Sunday February  7, 2010 at the Lighthouse Court Pool Bar for our SUPERBOWL XLIV party where we’ll be watching it on our  52″ flat screen. The bar will be serving 2 for 1 margaritas until Half Time, and happy hour will be extended until 10:30. We’ll also have some free chips and dips for munching. It all kicks off at 6pm !

Our Beautiful Sunset

Happy 2010! We hope you had a wonderful holiday season. We definitely did and are looking forward to all of the fun things to do that are upcoming. Here are some of our favorites.

January 16th

Florida Keys Seafood Festival

You can bicycle to this event at Bayview Park.  This is a family-friendly event that starts at 11:00 and includes local fresh Keys seafood, drinks, marine-related crafts, kids activities, and live music. Free admission makes it a must-do.

January 18 – 22

Key West Race Week 2010

Nearly 300 racing yachts compete for class championships in this international sailboat regatta. It’s really exciting to watch aboard a boat. There are many charters that will be going out.

Come Bike on Our Beaches

January 28-31

Key West Food and Wine Festival

This movable feast is a delicious gourmet experience. Our Key West chefs use indigenous ingredients to create sparkling dishes that you will definitely enjoy. The event starts with the beachfront Kick-off your-Flip-Flops-Barefoot-Beach Party.  Here you can enjoy island seafood, margaritas and jazz. It’s a fun time.

Another favorite is ‘Duval Uncorked’ on Saturday night, Jan. 30th. This is a mile-long wine tasting and food sampling party  accompanied by the Caribbean Queen Junkanoos.

January 30-31

Juried artisans and crafters display their talents on lower Whitehead and Caroline Streets in historic Old Town. For more info please call 305-294-1241.

Civil War Re-Enactors in Key West

February 25-28

Civil War Days Re-enactment Days

This event takes place at Fort Zachary Taylor, a National Historic Landmark which was on active duty status from 1861-1947. You can participate in the artillery, infantry, cavalry, navel and marine units. There will also be military parades, sea battles with schooner ships, and other interesting things to do during this unique historical event.

February 27- 28

Old Island Days Art Festival

The 45th annual juried fine art show is set on lower Whitehead Street in historic Old Town. The highly acclaimed show features oil paintings, watercolors, sculpture, photography and other offerings by artists from around the country. There are usually many things here that we want to buy and we usually go home with at least one new piece!

Looks like we’re going to be busy in the next few weeks. What fun! Come join us soon. We look forward to having you stay with us.