The Conch Connection

Gold coins, Spanish galleons, notorious pirates and fortunes lost beneath the waves—few places in Florida inspire maritime legends quite like Key West. Some of those stories are firmly rooted in history. Others have grown taller with every retelling. Together, they reveal how geography, dangerous reefs and centuries of seafaring shaped the island visitors know today.

Traveling aboard Key West Express offers a fitting introduction to that story. As the ferry crosses the Gulf toward Key West, you are following waters that once carried Spanish treasure fleets, merchant vessels, naval ships, fishermen and the occasional pirate.

It has been a few harrowing weeks in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.   Through the kindness of friends, strangers, neighbors, first responders & utility workers, everyone has united to make Key West whole again.  On October 1st, Key West officially reopened to welcome all to this island paradise.  

UNIMAGINABLE CUISINE AND KOOKY CULINARY CREATIONS 

Food trucks are no longer found only at carnivals and fairs.They no longer sell plastic wrapped pre-made sandwiches to construction workers. They are not just set up outside your local hardware stores, so weekend do-it-yourselfer's can grab a quick bite.

Our Best Picks for that Most Important Meal of the Day! 

When vacationing anywhere, breakfast is a treat most ordinarily don't have time to savor in our busy day to day lives. Vacationing on Fort Myers Beach, Florida and trying to decide which tempting option to start your day can be tough with so many delectable possibilities. These are the top five that we all agree on.

Go Once and you’ll be HOOKED!

Key West is the ultimate Florida fishing getaway. One of Key West’s most notable novelists, Ernest Hemingway, was an avid fisherman. Key West is one of the most popular game fishing areas in all of North America, attracting visitors from all over the globe. The area also has some of the best spearfishing anywhere. Whether it’s snorkeling or SCUBA, grab your gear and get ready.

Like snowflakes, no two sunsets are ever alike. There is no shortage of places around the world to watch our favorite star sink beyond the horizon, igniting the sky with radiant hues that cast magic over the surrounding scenery. However, whether you are overlooking the ocean from beach, pier or boat….Florida offers some of the most spectacular places to view the vibrant range of colors that infuse the sky and shimmering sea – perhaps with a green flash, if you’re lucky.

Key West and Cuba are separated by roughly 90 miles of water, but their shared story has been unfolding for generations. Cuban immigrants helped build the island's economy, supported the struggle for Cuban independence and left a lasting mark on local politics, education, art, architecture, language and food.

That heritage is not confined to a museum display. You can experience it in a strong cup of café cubano, a historic building on Duval Street, a plate of roast pork and plantains, or the Spanish name many locals still use for Key West: Cayo Hueso. Arriving aboard Key West Express places you near the Old Town streets where much of this history unfolded.

Want to visit Florida in the summer, but worried about hurricanes….. statistically, there is an extremely low risk that a storm will impact your vacation.

Photo Credit: Piqsels

June was chosen for LGBT Pride Month to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which occurred at the end of June 1969. As a result, many pride events are held during this month to recognize the impact LGBT people have had in the world.

Florida Lobster.......

Every July the coastal areas of Florida are flooded with lobster hunters trying to get their share of this year's bounty. There are two Florida Lobster Seasons, the 2 Day Mini Season and the 8 month regular lobster season. The mini lobster season is always the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July. Make sure to always verify dates and regulations with Florida Fish and Wildlife. It begins at 12:01 am on Wednesday and ends at 12:00 midnight on Thursday.