Fed up with winter? Airtran is having another sale, so why not escape to Key West! Of course, there are some black-out dates, but we’re sure you can work around them. Click here for all the details.
You have only 2 days to act — it’s all over after February 17. Be sure to call us for room availability before booking your flight because The Tropical Inn is enjoying a really busy “season”!
This just in from the Innkeepers Association, last chance notice, act today!
It’s amazing how the price of air travel to Key West has changed over the past year!
AirTran is currently running a sale on tickets to Key West that you might want to share with your e-mail lists, on your Facebook page, or with your friends and family.
Round-trip tickets to and from Key West are $268 (plus taxes and fees) from most major U.S. cities. Travel from some cities is even less: Atlanta is $238 round-trip while Orlando is $168.
Tickets must be purchased before February 8th and have to be used by March 16th.
http://www.airtran.com/sale/EYW.aspx?saleID
I’ve been telling you about the Key West Food & Wine Festival, coming up the last weekend of this month. Now let’s focus on its premier event: Duval UNCORKED. More specifically, Duval UNCORKED at The Tropical Inn, featuring gourmet wine-infused cheesecakes by Anna Toole-Hutchens, the genius behind SaborAM, in Naples, FL. We here at the TI are so excited to be hosting a stop on this incredible showcase of fine wines, sophisticated food, and beautiful venues!
Since I really can’t say it better, I’m hoping that the folks over at the KWF&WF won’t mind if I lift their own description, word-for-word, about the event: “Key West’s famous Duval Street will be electric as the Key West Food and Wine Festival hosts “Duval UNCORKED” tantalizing revelers with a mile long wine tasting, food sampling and shopping extravaganza. This Key West Food and Wine Festival party promises to be the event that can’t be missed. Duval Street’s chic boutiques, funky shops and fine galleries will flow with a large selection of wines from famous wine regions while the neighborhood’s best restaurants will be serving samplings of their signature dishes. Toasting, tasting and shopping will be infused with the gusto of Key West’s personalities, performance artists and other sexy and sophisticated spectacles.” (Click here for a montage of views from last year’s event.)
Anna with culinary cronies, Executive Chef Rick Boyer of The Inn at Biltmore and Michel LeBorgne, VP of New England Culinary Institute
Now a little info about my dynamic entrepreneur friend, Anna Toole-Hutchens, the owner of SaborAM. Anna’s passion for art, creativity and cuisine, bolstered by formal training at the New England Culinary Institute and a gastronomical career developed under the guidance of internationally renowned culinary talents, has served her well through decades of experience as both executive and personal chef to some of the most discerning palates in the world.
The story of how Anna’s cheesecakes came about is one of unexpected inspiration, as is so often experienced by the creatively gifted. She was one day enjoying a companionable moment with friends at an al fresco cafe in Manhattan when she noticed a chocolate shop across the street. Dashing over to make an impromptu purchase, she returned to the table with a selection of bittersweet confections, the perfect compliment to the Champagne and cheese plate they were sharing.
During her return trip home to North Carolina, her imagination soared, as she reflected on the magical combination. What culinary delight might be concocted to recapture the experience?
After years of fine tuning, one day in her cozy Cashiers cottage, Anna’s determination was rewarded. From a preservative-free combination of quality ingredients and culinary vision, the first of her spectacularly indulgent line of cheesecakes was perfected!
One thing led to another, as they say … the “seal of approval” from the executive chef of Asheville’s exalted Biltmore Estate … a spotlight on CBS Sunday Morning’s feature segment, “Chasing Down the Best Cheesecakes” … an inquiry from “For the Gourmet” … then Williams/Sonoma … and, ultimately, that bastion of luxury, Neiman Marcus … where her cheesecakes were featured in its prestigious 2010 Holiday catalog.
What’s next for Anna? She is soon to be interviewed by Wine Enthusiast for a feature article. And, of course, there’s that fabulous event in Key West, “Duval UNCORKED”. Don’t miss the chance to meet her and savor a sample of her uniquely silken-textured, mousse-like creations at The Tropical Inn on Saturday, January 29!
We’re participating in one of the signature events, “Duval Uncorked”, of the Key West Food & Wine Festival, coming up the last weekend in January. And I’ve been asked to be the guest writer for the December issue of the Festival’s newsletter. Following is a sneak preview of the article.
Be sure to reserve your room and buy event tickets early! Last year was the Festival’s inaugural event and it sold out. This year looks even more promising. Click here to check it out: Key West Food & Wine Festival.
As the owner of a Key West bed and breakfast, I’m occasionally asked what to expect of a stay at The Tropical Inn. Those new to the B&B experience sometimes think it means questionable standards, lack of privacy, and forced mingling with other guests. Not so! Each establishment is regularly inspected and must adhere to the same health and safety standards as hotels and resorts. And how much you choose to interact with the hosts and fellow guests is exactly that: your choice. Your privacy will always be respected.
When visiting Key West, not to stay at an inn (here, we interchangeably call them “bed and breakfasts”, “B&Bs”, or “guesthouses”) is to miss an integral part of the history, culture, and character of the island. Offering most, and often, more, of the amenities expected in a traditional hotel, the typical Key West bed and breakfast exudes island style. It is smaller — and therefore, far more intimate — than larger accommodation choices. A B&B stay is a distinctive brand of hospitality; not just a pretty room, but a comprehensive travel experience.
Inns range from simple and economical to sophisticated and lavishly indulgent. Each is a highly individual lodging establishment, offering guests unique accommodations in a variety of sizes and styles — an enjoyable alternative to the “one size fits all” hotel.
The ambience of each reflects the personality of the owners who, as often as not, are also the hosts. Architecture and decor is indicative of the innkeepers’ personal taste rather than the standards of a remote corporate office. Some are gated compounds, further contributing to a sense of comfort, security and serene privacy. No chain hotel can rival the character of a gracious old home, drawing its personality from its history, unique appointments, lovely gardens with pools and hot tubs, and individually designed accommodations, many of which have private outdoor areas that allow interior and exterior spaces to seamlessly blend.
At a B&B, expect a more casual, relaxed and friendly attitude than is usually found in institutional hotels. You won’t find elevators, room service, or a porter to carry your luggage. Instead, you’ll be shown about the property and invited to make yourself at home, partaking at your leisure of all the amenities provided to enhance your stay. Breakfast is included in your room rate. Enjoy it on your private patio, in the shade of a wide veranda, or in a secret garden nook tucked away amidst riotous tropical foliage.
Key West Innkeepers love what they do and are genuinely eager to make your stay the best it can possibly be. They’ll gladly attend to your requests and share with you all the island’s “best kept secrets”.
Most inns are located in Old Town, within easy walking distance of all you have come to see and do. Sightsee, shop, enjoy water sports, or party, assured in the knowledge that the quiet relaxation of your beautiful home-style accommodation is conveniently located just a short distance away.
When attending the Key West Food and Wine Festival, make the event all the more memorable by enjoying the hospitality of “that great little B&B” that perfectly suits your own personal style.
Junkanoo Band
Whew. Goombay Weekend this year seemed to be one of the most heavily-attended in recent memory! Honoring Key West’s earliest settlers, Bahamian residents who migrated across the water in the early 1800s to help colonize the fledgling American seaport, the annual Goombay street festival is a celebration of the cultural connection between Key West and the Bahamas. Highlights included a Junkanoo band leading costumed marchers in a parade down Duval Street, a 2-day street fair, and nonstop entertainment by popular Bahamian, South Florida and Keys musicians and bands.
Goombay’s high energy level was a fitting kick-off to Key West’s 31st. annual Fantasy Fest, the Southernmost City’s 10-day masking and costuming gala, running now through next Sunday, Oct. 31. What began as a rag-tag and humble respite from the doldrums of the tourism “off season” is now a highly-organized, internationally-known event representing a $30-million annual infusion to the Keys economy.
Fantasy Fest 2010 King Chris and Queen Anne
Concurrent with Goombay, the Coronation Ball on Friday night saw Key Westers, Chris Elwell and Anne O’Shea, crowned king and queen of Fantasy Fest 2010. They earned their crowns by raising the greatest share of more than $207,000 for the Keys’ AIDS Help organization. That sum was accrued through a series of non-stop parties and fundraising events spanning the past couple of months, staged by a field of royal contestants.
Not for the timid, Key West’s annual blow-out – this year’s theme is “Habitat for Insanity” — will entertain an anticipated 70,000 visitors with over 40 masquerade balls, parties and costume competitions for the adventurous and creative, bold and bawdy. The excitement builds each day, leading up to the festival’s two peak events: the masquerade march through the streets of Old Town on Friday and Saturday night’s grand parade down Duval Street, the island’s main drag.
Read more about it online at http://www.fantasyfest.net — then start making plans to join us for next year’s festivities. The Tropical Inn is strategically positioned right at the mid-point of Duval Street, so it’s the perfect base for all that is Fantasy Fest, and a “ringside seat” for the parade. Reservations for FF 2011 open on November 1, so be sure to reserve early for the best room selection!
There’s a new state health inspector in town. And he’s rigidly by the book. Not something we see a lot of here in laid-back Key West, but when we do, the Coconut Telegraph starts to buzz.
Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation bans dogs from public restaurants and bars. However, the law is rarely enforced. On February 15, the new inspector cited and fined Schooner Wharf Bar for “critical and repeat violation for allowing non-service animals on the premises.”
In a separate sue-crazy incident that aggravates the situation, a Massachusetts tourist who tripped over a dog at Turtle Kraals four years ago was awarded $18,000 for injuries and suffering by a jury this April. In a welcome but uncharacteristically equitable turn of events, the owner of the restaurant/bar was only held accountable for half, negligence being placed equally on the patron. But the 50-percent decision was enough for Turtle Kraals owner, the Southernmost Restaurant Group, to ban dogs from all six of its Key West eateries.
Key West is perhaps the most dog-friendly town in America. And The Schooner, particularly, has a long-standing tradition of patrons hanging out with their pooches, enjoying the salty breeze off the Bight while sipping a cool one, listening to music and, in general, just soaking up the pure Key West ambience of the place. So entrenched is this tradition that the watering hole’s slogan is “Hang with the Big Dogs”, and there is even a song called “Schooner Wharf Bar Dog”.
Not to be daunted, Schooner Wharf owners and patrons – in fact, the whole Historic Seaport neighborhood, and extending to the local community at large – have rallied, paw-in-hand. There’s a loophole in Florida’s “doggie dining” regulations that was signed into permanent law in 2006. Known as the Dixie Cup Clary Local Control Act, it allows cities and counties to override the legislation by adopting a local ordinance. With the sponsorship of one of our City commissioners and the support of all the others, right down to the Mayor, a new ordinance that would legalize the long-standing practice of allowing dogs at open-air Key West restaurants may soon mean that Fido and Fifi will be, once again, taking their well-behaved people out for some quality bonding-and-brew time at their favorite hangouts.
The ordinance will be voted on tomorrow night at the Key West City Commission meeting. Assuming its easy passage, a few simple rules will be required to be followed by the hosting establishments. Among these are a special City permit that requires proof of at least $1 million in liability insurance. Most prudent businesses carry that as a matter of course, so no big deal. Conspicuous signage will have to be posted, advising of the wisdom of regular hand washing (Big Brother, protect us from ourselves …) and sanitizer must be provided.
Dogs will be required to be leashed and won’t be allowed in laps or on chairs. They’ll be “carded” for a current license or rabies tag … and their owners will have to carry the corresponding paperwork, to be produced upon request (eye roll, here …)
Long may the Paper Toting Pooches rule!
70 miles west of Key West lies a cluster of keys that are the true end of the chain of islands known as the Florida Keys (you thought it was Key West, didn’t you?) Upon discovering them in 1513, Spanish explorer in the New World, Ponce de Leon, dubbed the westernmost islands Las Tortugas, “The Turtles”. “Dry” was an admonition to mariners noted on navigational charts, warning that there was no fresh water to be found there.
Elevated to National Park status in 1992, the history of the Dry Tortugas began in 1825 with the construction of a light house at a strategic spot amidst the rocky shoals, on Garden Key. In 1846, construction began on what was to become the largest brick structure in the western hemisphere, a part of the US chain of coastal defense forts known today as Fort Jefferson. Covering eleven acres of Garden Key’s sixteen, it remains incomplete today. Construction went on for over 30 years, plagued by materials and logistics problems and Yellow Fever epidemics. During the process, the rifled cannon was invented, rendering the fort obsolete because its thick walls could then be penetrated. With this development, construction was abandoned.
During the Civil War, the fort was used as a military prison for captured deserters. It was there that the four men convicted of complicity in President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination were held, including the infamous Dr. Samuel Mudd. The Army ceased operations at “Fort Jeff” in 1874.
In the early years of the twentieth century, the cluster of keys became a wildlife refuge. In 1935, Fort Jefferson was proclaimed a National Monument, encompasing 100 square miles of geography, both above and below sea level.
Today, May 10, Key West Seaplane Charters begins flying to the Dry Tortugas. It has been two years since a former company offered a similar trip. This is a most welcome return of service, as it is arguably the most exciting attraction in Key West. Half and whole-day trips are offered. The inaugural flight is underway as I write this, and we have Tropical Inn guests on board. I can hardly wait for their return, to hear their review!
The flight out takes about 45 minutes. Skimming along just above the water, everyone has a birds eye view of denizens of the deep as they go about their daily life. You’ll spot rays, sharks, sea turtles, and pods of dolphins in the crystal clear waters. There is even a sunken ship resting on the ocean floor that you’ll fly over. Landing and takeoff is exhilarating, and a unique experience for the uninitiated.
Once on land, you’ll have ample time to explore the fort, either on your own or with an interpreter who will fill you in on its history. Then gear up for snorkeling, as you venture below the ocean’s surface for some amazing sights of the underwater world in the surrounding environs.
This trip is primo. You just gotta do it!
It’s almost here! The weekend that Nashville moves to Key West! April 28 – May 2, The Key West Songwriters Festival will return to Key West for its 15th annual event. Every year, it gets bigger and better. For those in the know, this unassuming festival has become one of Key West’s signature events, with the ranks of dedicated followers vying for the best rooms in town far in advance.
This year’s festival features over 100 songwriters performing their own material at venues all over Old Town, many outdoors and most free of charge. Live music and salt air is a naturally intoxicating combination, but when it’s infused with the exuberance of the songwriters themselves, sharing their creations as they were conceived — straight from the heart — Key West takes on an energy that’s hard to describe. These are the lyrics you hear on the radio, intimately presented with all the passion that inspired them. Sounds sexy, doesn’t it? It is.
Come join us for a long, mellow weekend of sun, song, tropical breezes, and free-flowing libations. The Tropical Inn is sold out except for one room. Be the lucky one to nab it.
OK, I promised you a blog about the Key West chickens – sometimes referred to as “Gypsy Chickens”. Didn’t think it would be so soon, did you? Neither did I. Blame it on creative enthusiasm. I’m on a roll.
Awhile back, we had a newlywed bride that came to the office at The Tropical Inn, almost in tears. She had planned the perfect honeymoon, choosing our most private accommodation, the Pineapple Hideaway. But she wasn’t happy.
Never mind the rose petals on the bed, the chilled champagne in the bucket, and chocolate-dipped strawberries awaiting her arrival. Never mind the romantic private patio garden with Jacuzzi-for-two under the stars. Never mind, for crying out loud, the excitement of being a newlywed!
What she hadn’t planned on were the chickens (specifically, the roosters). They had awakened her and her new husband each morning at some hour before they planned to be up. And she considered that decidedly un-romantic.
It’s estimated that there are 2,000-3,000 chickens roaming this little two-by-four spit of coral rock that we call home. I can only wonder how she missed that fact when planning what one would presume to be the most important vacation of her life. I mean, aren’t brides all about detail? Didn’t that fact give rise to the term, “Bridezilla”, into which they transform when all things don’t go exactly as choreographed?
How did she miss this little bit of information?
Anyway … about the chickens. Ever visited other Caribbean islands, where not only chickens — but dogs, goats, and other assorted livestock — run wild? Don’t know about you, but my first experience with that, I considered to be part of the local color … the stuff you travel to experience. “You won’t see that back in Peoria”, as we are fond of saying.
There is no denying that tourism — the major industry of Key West — has benefited from this funky bit of island culture. The chickens have become iconic – another of the many attractions in Key West. In fact, of all the restaurants in Key West, one in particular – Blue Heaven — has made the chickens a decided draw. There, they roost in the spreading branches of almond and Spanish lime trees over the tables during dinner and peck away under them for fallen morsels at breakfast.
Today’s Gypsy Chickens are descendants of domestic fowl brought over the high seas by settlers in the 1800’s. Rumor has it that theirs is a heritage of prize fighting game cocks. Or maybe their lineage can be traced to simple backyard coops, where they were kept for eggs and an occasional Sunday dinner.
Whatever their origin, these scrappy critters are completely self-sufficient — and amazingly streetwise (NEVER have I seen one that has met their demise there!). Some consider them an invasive species, feasting on indigenous lizards as they forage through lovingly nurtured gardens. Others recognize the role they play in keeping the local insect population under control.
Over the years, their population has expanded, and in 2004, they became the subject of controversy bordering on war between those who consider the birds a part of Key West’s historic character and those who view them as a nuisance and just plain want them gone. In a move that might be called an “only in Key West” solution, the city hired a local man to serve as “official chicken catcher”. He was to capture and deport the birds to a free-range farm on the mainland. Amid speculation that the birds were secretly being killed, local pro-chicken factions tampered with traps and otherwise interfered with the round-up. The chicken-catcher position was soon dissolved.
This saga brings to mind another bit of local color: while you are here, and you get a craving for some really great fried chicken (not feral, of course), do what the locals do (heads up — insider tip coming!): head for the nearest Dion’s gas station. Yes, gas station.
Really. That’s where you will find the best, lip-smacking, eat-it-outta-the-bag-on-your-way-home chicken. This stuff would bring tears to the eyes of that white-haired, soul-patched, Kentucky gentleman who made “finger lickin’ good” a catch phrase.
Trust me here … when in Key West, get your chicken fix at Dion’s.
Hmm. That was a little disjointed train of associative thought. Whatever.
We love the Key West chickens. Some don’t. Sorry they don’t get it.
Key West has a long tradition of welcoming all of its global neighbors and the acceptance of diversity that comes with it. The “live and let live” attitude of its inhabitants is the foundation of the official City philosophy, “One Human Family”.
Only, Key West being what it is, this compassionate attitude extends beyond the human, to “all creatures great and small”. Here, even the animals are equal. Case in point being the free-ranging chickens and cats.
But this is about the cats. More on the chickens in a future blog.
The island is populated—some would say overpopulated—with feral cats, who roam the island at will, finding sympathetic residents to feed and dote on them. Many have adopted multiple households and daily follow a culinary circuit of dependable handouts – a feline progressive dinner, if you will.
Kittybooger's notched ear: proof of membership in the TNR sorority!
The success of Key West’s no-kill animal shelter is largely attributable to the community’s trap-neuter-return (TNR) program. To prevent too many unwanted kittens, the females are methodically trapped, spayed, and released with a notched ear to indicate their new reproductive status.
Kittybooger was in residence when Allen and I moved into the Varela Street compound. Our next door neighbor told us of capturing her for the TNR program, along with a litter of kittens, as they camped out under our then-vacant house, shortly before we arrived. Ever since, we have fed her but she has never allowed us close enough to touch.
On a Home Depot run yesterday, there in the garden shop was a flourishing pot of catnip, amongst the usual springtime offerings of starter pots of chives, lettuce, and tomatoes. Having never been owned by a cat before, so not really knowing what to expect, Allen brought it home for Kittybooger as a treat.
She reveled in the few leaves tossed on the pool deck for her investigation, becoming instantly delirious. Her eyes glazed over as she wallowed rapturously around in the sunshine and shredding greenery, oblivious to all but the intoxicating high she was experiencing. As night fell, the plant was added to a tabletop garden of potted kitchen herbs on the porch, little further thought being given to it.
The party's over.
This morning’s walk to the front gate to fetch the newspaper revealed quite a surprise! Kittybooger had apparently had a nocturnal foray into the “herb garden”, and completely trashed the pot of catnip. I guess we’re going to have to put the remnants into a hanging basket to allow it to recover. From now on, we’ll be administering Kittybooger’s recreational drugs in more controlled doses!
