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!

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. “

Which Way Is This Parade Going?

It’s Saturday, the big parade day for Fantasy Fest.  The street fair is wrapping up on Duval Street to get the world famous ‘drag’ cleared for tonight’s parade.  The weather has been really beautiful (sunny, clear, 80 degrees or so) and there will be a full moon tonight.

Here is video from the Masquerade March and Fantasy Fest yesterday as the “southern route” passed Chelsea House.  The March is a walking parade for anyone who wants to join in, either in costume or not. The parade starts at the Key West 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 coveted rum punch.  This year we named our punch recipe our “fang banger”. We also had D.J.’s blasting tunes to get everyone dancing.

The Masquerade March is a free-style parade.  People just show up at the Key West cemetary around 5pm and start following the crowd in one direction or another..thats how you end up on the “southern route” or the “northern route” of the parade.  The groups are not always equal in size, so its a challenge for our teams at Chelsea and Merlin to anticipate how much punch to make….so we just make a lot!!!  We never have leftovers.  This year we made up about 55 gallons of rum punch.

Our Guests Go Out in Style!

We Got Soul!

Here's Denice Welcoming Guests to Key Lime Inn.

Our hotel guests generally start with our party, and then join the parade as it passes by and continues toward  Duval Street.  We had two great parties this year, one on Truman Avenue out front of Chelsea House,and one on Simonton Street, out front of Merlin Guesthouse.  We did something new this year, cooking up hotdogs at Chelsea House to hand out along with our punch,  so everyone had a little food to balance the booze.

The photos you are seeing and the video in this post are from the Chelsea House party. I was so busy shooting pictures on Truman, I didn’t make it to the Merlin party.  But, Abby (our Merlin manager) had a video camera there and shot these videos for our YouTube channel.  There are some great costumes!! I hope you enjoy them.  See you on Duval tonight!

Julie

Pink Pasties and Big Headdresses

The Crowd in Front of Chelsea House

Getting the Party Started with Fang Bangers and 'Dogs

Rum Punch in One Hand and ??? in the Other?

Come relax in our Key Lime Inn pool

February and March are a beautiful time of year in our Key West paradise because the suns rays are just warm enough to help you forget about any freezing winds back home, the sky is crystal blue, and the temperature in our pools is just right for relaxation.  Even the island’s favorite cat resident, Aurora,  is romping around town having fun. You can see what she did last night here.  Key West Six-Toed Cat Cam.

We know that the economic news has not turned around yet so we have responded by lowering our rates to make your Spring vacation break or romantic Valentine’s Day dreams beautiful this year. So come snorkel, sail, parasail, or swim in the beautiful waters off Key West. The weather is perfect for tanning.

Here is our events calendar for the next two months:

Cuban Cultural Expolosion       February 1 – 7

An entire week packed with Cuban-inspired entertainment and educational opportunities, culminating with Hot Havana Nights on the 7th. For the first part of the week, there will be lectures by local and regional experts to learn about the flora, fauna, art, architecture, food, and of course the gardens of Cuba. Cuban movies will be shown in the tropical setting of the Botanical Garden throughout the week. Celebrate Cuba Week finishes with the hottest event of the year. Dance to the sounds of Havana Soul while enjoying mojitos, authentic Cuban food, original Cuban art, live auction and more. This HOT benefit always sells out so make your reservations early! VIP Seating: $125, General Admission $75.
Lectures: $8 members / $10 non-members. Movies: $6 members/$8 non-members. Dates and lecture times TBA. For further info contact them at 305-296-1504 or go to their site http://www.keywestbotanicalgarden.org/.

Sculpture Key West          February 1 -April 18

Outdoor sculpture exhibition at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and West Martello Tower. Very cool, cutting edge sculptures made by artists from around the world. For more info visit their site http://www.sculpturekeywest.com or call 305-295-3800.

Valentine’s Day Weekend          February 13 – 15

Albury Court is the perfect place for a romantic Valentine’s Weekend

One of Cupid’s favorite places is Key West! Couples from all over the world have come to indulge in a romantic getaway at our hotels during Valentine’s weekend and right now our room rates are fantastic. If you want to create a surprise for him or her and have champagne, flowers or chocolates in the room or to make dinner reservations we will be happy to arrange that for you.  Nothing is more beautiful and memorable than a Valentine’s kiss on the beach during a Key West sunset.

Civil War Heritage Festival          February 13 – 15

Re-enactments, military parades, sea battles with schooner ships, and more await for this unique historical event. Other info can be found at 305-292-6850http://www.forttaylor.org/

5th Annual Key West Antiques Show and Sale           February 21 – 22

This is the only antiques show south of Miami! Over 30 dealers from around the US with a huge variety of antiques and collectables. Located at Fort East Martello. Benefits Key West Art & Historical Society.  For more info contact Gerri Sidoti 305-295-6616 ext 12  or their site http://www.kwahs.com/

“Bitch Slap” at the Waterfront Theatre February 25 – March 7

This play is a humorous look at why ultimate screen goddesses Joan Crawford (the Movie Star) and Bette Davis (the Actress) hated each other so much. The box office and further info can be found at http://www.waterfrontplayhouse.org/ or 305-294-5015

Spring Break in Key West          March 2 – 13

Scooters in Key West

The coolest place to be for Spring Break is in the hottest island paradise in the US! Key West has a laid back vibe that’s perfect for your break from all those lit and science classes.  The waters off our beaches are amazing for diving, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, wave running and swimming. Most breakers chill at either Smather’s or Higgs Beach during the day because they have the vendors that rent the jet-skis, catamarans, parasails and even the beach chairs and umbrellas. If you have time, you could take a trip to snorkel off the Dry Tortugas coral reef. Make sure you bring heavy-duty sunscreen because our sunlight is potent. Towards evening head off to to the local bars to soak in the nightlife. Afterwards come home to your hotel room for a rest before you start all over again in the morning.

Key West Fishing Tournament Kick-Off          March 13 – 15

Targeting multiple species, this annual challenge starts a season-long tournament that awards certificates for outstanding catches and prizes in a host of categories. Email the director for more information director@keywestfishingtournament.com or call 305-295-6601

It's cold up there!

It's wonderful here at our Key Lime Inn Pool!

Is it cold, snowy and miserable where you are and it’s just about driving you bonkers? If so, we have the remedy for you; January in Key West! Below we have listed some of the exciting events scheduled on the island for this month; everything from the Yacht Races and Fight Night in the Keys to Historic House Tours and both the Presidential Inauguration 2009 and SuperBowl XLIII big-screen television viewings. For our gay and lesbian travelers, be sure to check in with the Gay & Lesbian Community Center during your visit for other events and schedules.  So come join us, change your latitude, kick off your shoes and soak in the sunshine before you have to go back to the winter weather.

Here are the events listed by date. Just click on any of the titles for other information. We’ll see you soon!

Wild Women of Planet Wongo    January 1-17

This is a B-movie type, ‘galactic’ play about two astronauts and their robot who crash land on the planet ‘Wongo’ only to find that it’s inhabited by wild and zany women. It’s a musical self described as “boldly going where no musical spoof has gone before”. You can call them at 305. 296.9111or visit The Red Barn Theatre Box office from 1-6pm, Monday through Saturday, at 319 Duval Street.

Key West Symphony           January 9 & 10

The Key West Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Conductor Sebrina Maria Alfonso, has some exciting performances lined up for the season. This first one in the Master Concert Series showcases pianist Edward Pitts playing Shostakovich iano Concerto No. 1 and Beethoven: Symphony No. 7 This is a program change from what is listed on both the Symphony and Keystix websites. For tickets call 305.292.1774.

Fight Night in the Keys             January 16

Key West has a long boxing tradition beginning in the 1930′s and boasting such fans as Ernest Hemingway. This years’ seven-bout match is set to take place overlooking Key West Harbor at Mallory Square which makes it a unique chance to view big-name boxing in an open-air waterfront setting. The scheduled main event is between Carlos “El Indio” Quintana and Eromosele “Bad Boy” Albert. Quintana, a former WBO world welterweight champion, has a record of 26 wins and two losses. His competitor Albert boasts a record of 21 wins, two losses and one draw. For tickets please visit http://keystix.ticketforce.com/ordertickets.asp?p=373&backurl=default.asp

Sculpture Key West                       January 18 – April 18

Sculpture Key West is our annual juried exhibition of local, national and international contemporary sculpture that takes place every winter in Key West. This year the exhibition will take place at two locations: The West Martello Tower on Atlantic Blvd. near the White Street Pier and at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park at the end of Southard Street. Installation at the West Martello begins January 10, 2008 and will be completed by January 17th.  Installation will take place at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park from February 21-28, 2009. There will be an opening reception from 3-6 pm at the park on March 1, 2009. There are also two artist lectures scheduled; the first on January 16 and the second on February 27th. It’s always interesting to hear artists talk about the inspirations for their work.

Old Island Restoration Foundation Annual House & Garden Tours            January 16 & 17

Five beautiful homes are featured in this months tour. The Foundation was started in the 1960′s to promote the preservation and restoration of historically significant buildings. We adore visiting these lovingly restored homes and always find some fascinating history to boot! You can call 305. 294.9501for tickets and information.

Acura Key West 2009 Sailboat Races                   January 19 – 23

This international regatta presented by Nautica is back for it’s yearly race in our beautiful tropical waters at the Southernmost point of the U.S. Just envision yourself watching as the best crews from around the world sail up to the starting line and maneuver their way around the windward-leeward race routes. Our hotels Albury Court and Budget Key West are official hotel sponsors and are located just one block from the race headquarters and docks at Key West Harbour. You will also find many race teams and officials staying with us here at Albury Court and Budget Key West. So just tack and jibe your way to our hotels for the most convenient harbourside accomodations. We wish you fair winds and following seas and we’ll see you here soon.

Presidential Inauguration 2009             January 20

Come join us for the countdown to the Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama. It’s true that there are many inaugural events happening in Washington D.C. But why join the crowds in D.C or watch all the events  from home in the cold weather when you could be watching them here in the warm sunshine near our beautiful waters. On January 20th President-elect Obama will be sworn into office on the steps of the Capital and no matter what your political leanings are, this day promises to be an  exciting and inspiring event. You can see it all from the TV’s at any of our Historic Key West Inns and other viewing parties around town. You won’t miss any of the action and you’ll go back to winter weather with a January Key West tan that others will envy.

Super Bowl XLIII           February 1st

Don’t worry about missing the BIG game during your Key West vacation because not only will it be playing from all of our guest room TV’s, but there are several sports bars where you can enjoy the game on extra-large screens with other fans.

January is going to be packed with fun and there’s really no reason not to come and enjoy it with us; beautiful rooms, great locations, amazing prices. Hope to see you soon!

Sunset on the beach in Key West