Bugging OUT

Lobster fever ignites at Lobsterfest


N INTRODUCTORY NOTE: IF YOU’RE OF THE OPINION THAT “real lobster” has two big ol’ pinchy claws and is properly pronounced “lobstah,” then this article may not be for you. If, however, your crustacean preferences are a little more liberal, allow us to enlighten you on the clawless wonder that is the Florida spiny lobster — a delicacy so prized […]

The tale of East & West Martello



Key West may celebrate itself as the southernmost point in the United States, but during the Civil War, Key West found itself defending its coastal borders against those dastardly enemy ships representing … the South. Yes, despite its location at the very bottommost edge of the nation, Fort Zachary Taylor — the city’s massive coastal Navy fortress — had already […]

OFF OFF DUVAL

The most traveled and visible street in Key West is only the beginning, the surface, of what the town has to offer. Ask the locals about their favorite spots, stroll through quiet neighborhoods or down alleyways off Duval and you’ll begin to dive deeper into the quieter, more diverse and less readily apparent offerings. Here are eight spots you might […]

MAP IT OUT

Getting around Key West

1. Southernmost Point  The corner of South Street and Whitehead Street www.southernmostpointwebcam.com The city of Key West erected this now-famous concrete buoy in 1983 to denote the southernmost point in the continental United States. 2. Conch Tour Train 303 Front St., Key West 305-294-5161 or 888-916-8687 www.conchtourtrain.com The Conch Train has been winding its way through the streets of Key […]

BARTENDER OF THE WEEK

Key West’s sweetheart bartender Erin Wagoner


Twenty-some years ago, Erin Odom was watching the house band at a small dive bar in Key West called Boston Billy’s where she worked as a waitress, when she met the young aspiring guitarist playing that night, Carl Wagoner. Today, that bar is called the Smokin’ Tuna Saloon, and they both work there to this day, she as the assistant […]

Its namesake never saw it, but Audubon House still worth a look



It’s midway through the tour of Key West’s stunningly pretty Audubon House and Tropical Gardens that the truth comes out: John James Audubon — famed naturalist painter, whose lifelike paintings of bird portraits line the walls of the museum — never actually lived in the Audubon House. But don’t let this spoiler keep you from visiting; indeed, a visit to […]

KEY WEST CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SPECIAL EVENTS Comedy Key West presents Kyle Grooms Aug. 9 and 10, 8:30 p.m. The BottleCap 1128 Simonton St. www.bottlecapkeywest.com Animal Farm Open House Aug. 12, 1 p.m. Monroe County Sheriff’s Animal Farm 5501 College Road The Smart Ride Aqua Idol Fundraiser Aug. 14, 6:30 p.m. Aqua Nightclub 711 Duval St. www.aquakeywest.com Summerish fun movie series: Idiocracy Aug. 15, 7 […]

KEY WEST HAPPY HOUR GUIDE

  Alonzo’s   700 Front St. 4-6:30 p.m. Half-price appetizers www.alonzoysterbar.com Aqua  711 Duval St. 2-6 p.m. $5 well drinks, $3.75 domestic beers www.aquakeywest.com Bagatelle   115 Duval St. 4-6 p.m. Half-price drinks $5 appetizers www.Bagatellekeywest.com Blackfin  918 Duval St. 4:30-6:30 p.m. $7 menu www.blackfinbistro.com Blue Macaw Island Eats and Bar  804 Whitehead St. Every day with live music 4-7 p.m. $3 […]

CAUGHT IN KEY WEST THIS WEEK

KEY WEST GALLERY GUIDE

For a comprehensive guide and map to Key West’s finest art galleries, visit www.keysarts.com/artist_ connections/ gallery_ guide.pdf. SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEK: The Gallery on Greene 606 Greene St. Peter vey Ongoing www.galleryongreene.com 305-294-1669 SALT Gallery 830 Fleming St. Kreg Kelley Ongoing www.saltislandprovisions.com 305-517-6088 Key West Art and Historical Society Custom House 281 Front St. That’s Outrageous – The work of […]