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, 
Just like Key West, there is “something for everyone”, from funky coconut bowling to fine wine tastings designed to curl the pinkie finger of the most discriminating connoisseur.
The Southernmost Elves have been hard at work, cooking up a festive holiday season to banish the ghosts of all Christmases Past!
If you were lucky enough to be spending the Thanksgiving holidays in Key West, you perhaps joined the festivities to kick off the 2009 holiday season with the lighting of the Key West “Harbor Walk of Lights” at what we locals call “The Bight” and may appear on your map as “Historic Seaport”. The switch was flipped on thousands of holiday lights lining the Historic Seaport Harbor Walk, which runs for four blocks along the waterfront where Green, William, Margaret, and Grinnell Streets meet the Gulf of Mexico. The lights will sparkle on the water every night through New Years night.
Shortly after sunset, the Harbor Walk of Lights will become complete with the lighting of four Southernmost Christmas Trees, one located at each plaza along the Harbor Walk and one in the Key West Ferry Terminal. The smell of natural pines mingling with the tang of salty sea breeze is unique to a Caribbean Christmas.
If you’re “of a certain age”, you probably grumble about how much more meaningful Christmas used to be. You know, before TV commercials and internet ads moved the gifting frenzy to late summer. Back when everyone in town turned out to see the local high school band march down Main Street in the annual Christmas parade.
Sunday, December 6: Schooner Wharf Tree Trimming Party 5 PM
Saturday, December 12: Annual Lighted Boat Parade
Friday & Saturday, December 18 & 19: Holiday Historic Inn Tour 5:30 to 8PM
At the stroke of midnight, take your pick: the countdown lowering of the Giant Conch Shell at Sloppy Joe’s, the drop of the Pirate Wench from a 110-foot sailboat mast at Schooner Wharf, or the descent of local drag queen, Sushi, in the Red High Heel, in the 700 block of Duval Street. No matter the venue, don’t be surprised to see CNN cameras hovering! Key West has in recent years become a media darling, vying with New york’s Times Square, as Old Year meets New in the Conch Republic. 
Thirty-seven years ago, Phil Peterson came up with the idea of a poker run to boost the motorcycle business, and the Key West tourist trade during the slow September season. What started with 46 riders has grown to become South Florida’s biggest motorcycle party weekend of the year. Today, more than 10,000 riders from all over the U.S. enjoy this event. They rumble from Miami to Key West, enjoying the sunshine, ocean breezes, and riding on the many bridges that cross over the beautiful turquoise water.
Along the way, they make five stops and draw a card at each stop. The winner is the lucky rider who draws the best hand. This year, if you draw one of the top ten hands, you get a chance to play one round of Texas Hold’em at The Guy Harvey Bar & Grill, located on Greene Street, across from Sloppy Joes. The Round will begin Saturday Night at 11:00 p.m., featuring a winner take all, a brand new Sportster 883 Custom! The City of Key West blocks off an eight-block area of Duval Street. A bike show is held in front of Rick’s/ Durty Harry’s and Sloppy Joe’s Bar on Saturday. Locals, tourists, and bikers all enjoy the sights and sounds of this mini-Mardi Gras with its carnival atmosphere, music, food, cold Budweiser, and Cola-Cola.
Everyone benefits, because over the years, these bikers have brought millions of dollars to the Key West economy and charities like the Diabetes Research Foundation, and the Key West Sunrise Rotary Club, who have collected hundreds of thousands of dollars for their worthy causes. If motorcycles ever had a bad reputation with some people, this long-time charity event has gone a long way to giving riders credibility and respect.
