Flash Back to the ’90s at Key West’s Fabulous Fantasy Fest
Each year, thousands of people head to Key West for the Fantasy Fest celebration, eager to don exotic masks and costumes and escape their real-world cares in a whirl of revelry. Set for Oct. 18-27, the festivities include lavish costume competitions, street fairs, masquerade parties, unparalleled creativity and the dazzling Fantasy Fest Parade.
Tempt Your Taste Buds at Small Florida Keys Eateries
Indigenous Florida Keys cuisine typically means fresh fish and seafood harvested from local waters, headlining nearly every restaurant menu. To tempt the taste buds, check out some small, off-the-grid and new-location eateries — including a Key Largo spot with “toes in the sand” sunset dining — that Keys locals favor for their flavors.
SMART Ride Cyclists Pedal to Paradise During Annual Fundraiser
Each year bicyclists navigate the entire Florida Keys island chain, along scenic Overseas Highway and Heritage Trail routes, during the 165-mile Miami to Key West trek known as the SMART Ride. Now in its 18th year, the event has raised an astounding $12.5 million for AIDS service organizations in Florida and the Keys.
Jordan Budnik: Steward of the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center
Jordan Budnik is the executive director of the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center in Tavernier, a nonprofit facility that takes in over 900 native birds in need of rehabilitation every year. Driven by a lifelong fascination with avian species, she’s passionate about advocating for wildlife and encouraging people to protect the environment.
What’s In a Name? In the Middle Keys, Plenty!
A popular Florida Keys boating and family destination, Marathon and the Middle Keys consist of small islands with names as colorful as their nightly sunsets. They include Boot, Knights, Hog, Vaca, Stirrup, Crawl and Little Crawl keys — plus Pigeon Key, East and West Sister’s Island, Deer, Fat Deer, Long Pine and Grassy keys.
Fantasy Fest to Captivate Revelers with Masquerades, Costume Contests and More
Great news — Fantasy Fest is a go for 2021! Revelers can enjoy over 50 costume contests, masquerades, parties and performances during the high-energy annual event, though traditional large-crowd highlights aren’t taking place to protect against potential coronavirus spread. This year's popular masking and costuming festival entertains partygoers from Oct. 22 through Oct. 31.
Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden Presents … Scarecrows!
Visitors to the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden might spot scarecrows peering out from among the 15-acre habitat’s plants and trees during a lighthearted exhibit of recycled art creations. The “Scarecrows in the Forest” exhibition features figures crafted from natural and recycled materials by local artists, students and other community members.