Senior Adventures

The Day Queen Elizabeth Visited the Florida Keys

On May 18, 1991, Queen Elizabeth II paid a visit to the Florida Keys on the Royal Yacht Britannia. Thirty-one years later, as the world mourns the gracious British monarch’s death, it seems only fitting to recall that day — and Her Majesty’s encounter with the unofficial queen of the island chain, Wilhelmina Harvey.

By |2022-09-14T18:23:07-04:00September 14, 2022|

‘Papa’ 2022 Joins Bearded Brotherhood of Hemingway Look-Alikes

There’s a new “Papa” Hemingway on the island where legendary author Ernest Hemingway lived for most of the 1930s. White-bearded Floridian Jon Auvil won the 2022 Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, the highlight of Key West's annual Hemingway Days. And Nick Henke of St. Louis earned top honors in the Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition.

By |2022-07-27T13:57:36-04:00July 27, 2022|

Hemingway’s Legacy: Papas and Prose in Key West

The bearded brotherhood of Hemingway Look-Alike Contest winners gained a new member July 25 in Key West, home of legendary author Ernest Hemingway for most of the 1930s. Zach Taylor, a 63-year-old white-bearded Georgia man, triumphed over 136 other entrants to win the contest that highlights the island city’s annual Hemingway Days celebration.

By |2021-07-28T12:04:50-04:00July 28, 2021|

Remembering Key West’s ‘Conch Ambassador’

For decades, Bishop Al Kee welcomed visitors to Key West’s Southernmost Point marker, acting as a smiling ambassador for the island. He sold fluted, pink-lined conch shells beside the iconic waterfront landmark, sliced open coconuts for those who wanted to drink the sweet coconut water inside, and cheerfully posed for innumerable visitor photos.

By |2020-09-16T16:02:43-04:00September 16, 2020|

The Unforgettable ‘Shine’

While the Florida Keys remain temporarily closed to visitors, it’s possible to stay connected by sharing Keys memories and stories of extraordinary people. People like “Shine” Forbes — a sparring partner of legendary author and 1930s Key West resident Ernest Hemingway — who was one of the island’s most unique links to the colorful author.

By |2020-04-08T18:17:26-04:00April 8, 2020|

Key West Museums Offer a Colorful Historic Adventure

Key West’s colorful history includes Spanish galleon shipwreck treasures and artifacts, famous artists and eccentrics, a cigar-making heyday, a vibrant past as a bustling seaport and even an eerie haunted doll. So it’s no surprise to find that cultural and historic richness preserved, spotlighted and celebrated in the island city’s many museums.

By |2019-08-14T22:58:02-04:00August 14, 2019|

Discovering ‘Secret’ Gardens of the Florida Keys

Hidden gardens, nurtured and enjoyed by Keys locals, protect and preserve rare and exotic trees, plants and flowers. And they’re open to the public, providing behind-the-walls access, during winter garden tours. Exploring these spots is a unique treat that lets visitors make a meaningful connection to the island chain’s natural world.

By |2020-04-07T13:16:14-04:00January 29, 2019|

Recording a Legend: “A Mother’s Love” by Coffee Butler and Cliff Sawyer

Coffee Butler is a Key West treasure. The 90-year-old musician recently released an album with vocalist Cliff Sawyer, backed by a cast of stellar Key West musicians -- a collaboration that has been called a Key West version of the phenomenal Buena Vista Social Club. In words and photographs, guest blogger Ralph De Palma chronicles the story of the album's release.

By |2018-11-28T18:42:17-05:00November 28, 2018|

‘Connect & Protect’ the Florida Keys’ Natural World

Through the Keys' new “Connect & Protect” program, visitors can help preserve the destination's priceless natural world while having meaningful and memorable vacations. The program spotlights eco-travel offerings, natural experiences, environmental attractions and adventures, simple pleasures and ways visitors can make a difference while exploring the islands from Key Largo to Key West.

By |2021-05-13T16:00:29-04:00September 12, 2018|
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