Happy New Year!
We are sold out for New Years, but we have a few openings headed into 2011. Book now for your Key West getaway!
If you have never visited the Keys in January you are definitely missing out! Restaurants are running great specials and the bars are hopping with live music all about town. The tuna are biting along with sailfish, dolphin fish (mahi mahi), Wahoo, grouper, yellowtail, mackerel, permit, African pompano, tarpon, and bonefish! Join some of the great fishing competitions and come home with a great fish tale for all your friends. The month is full of events to keep you busy and entertained such as writing workshops, theatrical plays, garden shows, concerts, home tours, cultural and historical festivals, wine tastings, and art gallery shows! Or take a page from the locals’ way of life handbook and just enjoy a restful day while strolling the streets and popping into all your favorite places. Relax on the wonderful beaches throughout the Keys or take one of the many tour boats headed out to the back-country island sandbars, and just hangout in the pristine waters that surround the Florida Keys.
Check your calendar now and plan an escape while our perfect island weather is at its best!
Let us help make your reservation today and capture a few more of those perfect summer days down here in the Keys.
The wonderful weather is here… we wish you were too!
Everett, Tim, Kim and Carl
Compass Realty Rental Staff
Things to do and other happenings:
New Years Celebrations about Key West December 31, 2010!
The Southernmost City celebrates with a conch shell drop at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, 201 Duval St.; a descending 6-foot red high heel shoe carrying drag queen Sushi at the Bourbon Street Pub/New Orleans House complex, 724 Duval St.; and a pirate wench descending from a tall ship mast in the island city’s Historic Seaport.
Contact: (305) 296-2388, (305) 293-9800, (305) 292-3302
New Year’s Eve revelers can expect to combine “bubbly” with “balmy” in the Florida Keys, raising champagne toasts at celebrations along the island chain as subtropical breezes rustle the palm fronds.
While New York City is famed for its Times Square “ball drop,” Key West is to stage three widely differing takeoffs on that New Year’s Eve tradition as midnight approaches Friday, Dec. 31.
The arrival of 2011 is to be heralded on the island’s Duval Street with the “drop” of a gigantic manmade conch shell, the symbol of the Florida Keys, to the flat roof of Sloppy Joe’s Bar, 201 Duval. Thousands of spectators gather for the annual gala, emceed by a rooftop host and featuring a countdown to midnight recorded on a huge clock. At midnight, the shell descends and cheers erupt. Live music on Sloppy Joe’s indoor stage is to round out the revelry. For more information, call 305-296-2388, ext. 121, or visit sloppyjoes.com.
Key West revelers also can welcome the New Year with Sushi — not the seafood sensation, but a sensational diva who has adopted its name. Female impersonator Sushi headlines the 14th annual celebration at the Bourbon St. Pub/New Orleans House complex, 724 Duval St. Wearing a dazzling gown and perched in a super-sized red high heel, Sushi is to be lowered from the balcony of the complex as the new year arrives. Performances by renowned female impersonators kick off the merrymaking. For more information, click call 305-293-9800.
For piratical partiers, the action is headquartered in Key West’s Historic Seaport. At midnight, a winsome pirate wench is to descend from the top of a tall ship’s mast as cannon blasts welcome 2011. Scallywags in attendance also can expect live music, dancing and festivities at the Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St. For more information, call 305-292-3302 or visit schoonerwharf.com.
The Ragbirds ~ New Years Eve at Sunset Pier
Led by the energetic and fiery front woman and songwriter Erin Zindle, who skillfully switches between violin, mandolin, banjo, accordion, and percussion, in addition to singing lead vocals (all while dancing!) The Ragbirds musical roots are firmly embedded in the soil of rhythm, ancient and new, incorporating Americana, Gypsy, Celtic, and Latin influences with drums from all over the world, mixing African poly-rhythms and Afro-Cuban tumbao, over sometimes rock, hip-hop or reggae style drum-kit, all designed to get people both listening and up and dancing! Show starts at 9pm
January 06 to January 16
29th Annual Key West Literary Seminar
The seminar’s 2011 topic is “The Hungry Muse,” and will explore food in literature through a diverse program of readings, conversations, lectures, and panel discussions. The Seminar, held at the historic San Carlos Institute, includes two separate four-day sessions. Former Gourmet editor Ruth Reichl delivers the keynote address at the first session, January 6-9, 2011; keynote honors for the second session, January 13-16, 2011, go to longtime New Yorker writer Adam Gopnik. Space is limited; advance registration is strongly recommended; fee of $495 includes all events.
Contact: 888-293-9291
January 07
The Studios of Key West presents: Livingston Taylor
Part of TSKW’s Old Town New Folk Concert Series. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at door. Showtime 8 p.m.
Contact: 305-296-0458
Email: elena@tskw.org
Key West Gallery on Duval and Southard presents World Famous Artists Bill Mack and Gary Welton from January 7th to 12th.
Please join us for a return engagement with Bill Mack and special guest artist Gary Welton. Artist and innovator Bill Mack will showcase his latest relief pieces, the Original Hollywood Sign Project, and Original Paintings and Sculptures. Gary Welton will be presenting a selection of his new originals on both paper and canvas for your enjoyment.
Friday January 7th
Saturday January 8th
Tuesday January 11th
Wednesday January 12th
Key West Gallery
601 Duval Street Key West, FLorida 33040
(305)292-9339
Ragnar Relay Race from Miami to Key West, 2011 is officially sold out.
Participants registered for any Ragnar Relay in the 2011 series will have first priority to register for Florida Keys 2012.
This 190 mile adventure-fest will push you and 11 pals as far south as you can go in the continental U.S.. Starting in Miami and finishing in Key West this relay offers runners a unique opportunity to run, ocean side, across the southern end of the state of Florida. Along the way you will run across multiple bridges including the Seven Mile Bridge, hopping from Key to Key, passing through popular destinations such as Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon Key & Big Pine Key. The race (and your stamina) wraps up in the tropics of the southern most city in the continental U.S.A., Key West.
AN EASY 200-ish
Almost anyone can run in this relay race…if you train. During the relay, each team member runs three legs, ranging between 3 and 9 miles and varying in difficulty. So, from the elite runner down to the intermittent jogger, it’s the ideal relay for anyone in search of an unforgettable adventure.
How do you get from one exchange to the next? Each team is allowed two support vehicles. The first vehicle will drop off the first runner, drive ahead a few miles, cheer the runner on, and provide them with water, snacks, and plenty of love. That vehicle will then drive ahead to the first exchange point to drop off the second runner and pick up the first runner when that leg is complete. They will repeat this pattern for six legs until they hand off to their second vehicle. This leapfrogging pattern will continue all the way to the finish line.
http://www.ragnarrelay.com/race/floridakeys?utm_source=URL&utm_medium=GRS&utm_campaign=FK
January 13
Waterfront Playhouse presents: “Randy Thompson and the Stars of Aqua Idol”
The concert will feature the contestants who participated in the singing competition to raise funds for the Waterfront at Aqua Nightclub on Duval. Randy Thompson heads up the evening featuring grand prize winner Michael McCabe, along with Amy Ray, Traci Reynolds, Bill Heller, Gayla Morgan, Valerie Carr, Yoa Hardardottir, Denis Hyland, Vincent Lopez, James Warren and Timothy Dahms. Showtime 8 p.m.
Contact: 305-294-5015 Box Office
January 14
Fight Night in the Keys
The sporting challenge features spectator attractions including Key West’s typically balmy January weather and the chance to view big-name boxing in an open-air waterfront setting at Mallory Square.
Contact: David Johnson 305-292-0486
Email: 4747@bellsouth.net
January 15 to April 15
This stunning art exhibit showcases the work of leading contemporary sculptors at West Martello Tower, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden. Visit Web site for more information.
Contact: 305-295-2800
Email: info@sculpturekeywest.com
11th Annual “No Name” Race 5k Walk/Run January 15, 2011
BIG PINE KEY, Florida Keys — The 11th annual No Name Race 5k Walk/Run is set to take place in the Lower Keys Saturday, Jan. 15, benefiting the Domestic Abuse Shelter of Monroe County, Fla.
The 3.1-mile race begins at 8 a.m., presented by the shelter and coordinated by the Key West Southernmost Runners Club.
The event is based at the Old Wooden Bridge Fish Camp on Big Pine Key, where walkers and runners start and end their trek. Race participants twice cross the No Name Key Bridge, a concrete span that replaced a wooden bridge decades ago.
Awards await the top male and female finishers in age groups ranging from 9 and under to 70 and older. A post-race celebration with refreshments and prizes is planned.
Pre-registration is Friday, Jan. 14, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Centennial Bank, 200 Wilder Road, Big Pine Key, just off U.S. 1 bayside. Final registration is at 6:30 a.m. race day at the Old Wooden Bridge Fishing Camp.
Packets also can be picked up Saturday morning beginning at 6:30 a.m. at the race site.
Cost to enter is $20 per person in advance or $25 after Jan. 13. For entrants under age 15, registration is $10 per person.
The event is a fundraiser for the domestic abuse shelter, whose mission is to reduce the incidence and impacts of domestic and sexual abuse by directing victims to appropriate programs and services.
Event information: www.domesticabuseshelter.org (click “Happenings”) or 305-743-5452
6th Annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival January 15, 2011
Fresh Florida Keys seafood and the commercial fishermen who harvest it are to be celebrated Saturday, Jan. 15, during the sixth annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival.
Presented by the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association, the family-friendly festival is set for 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Key West’s Bayview Park, located at Truman Avenue and Jose Marti Drive. Admission is free.
The seafood festival’s menu features fresh grilled Florida lobster, Key West pink shrimp, fried fish, stone crab claws, deepwater golden crab and more — including favorite dishes such as savory conch chowder, conch salad, sweet flan and Key lime pie.
All seafood is to be prepared and served by local fishermen and their families. Soft drinks, beer and wine also are to be available for purchase.
In addition, plans call for entertainment by local musicians, with Amber Leigh as the headline performer. Other attractions include activities for children and an appearance by the Key West Comparsa Dancers.
Vendor booths are to offer arts and crafts portraying the fishing community and marine life, as well as other items handcrafted by local artisans. Attendees also can explore on-site information booths and educational exhibits.
Proceeds from the festival are to benefit the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association and scholarships for college-bound Keys students.
January 16
Impromptu Concerts presents: The Scarborough Trio
This unique combination of flute, bassoon and piano has been delighting audiences across the country with their distinctive sound and engaging performance. The concert is at 4 p.m. in beautiful St. Paul’s Church on the corner of Duval and Eaton Streets in Old Town Key West. Tickets are $20 and may be obtained in advance online at keystix.com or at the door the day of the performance. Those 19 and younger are admitted free of charge.
Contact: 305 296 1520 ext. 1
January 17 to January 21
Premier Racing presents: Key West Race Week 2011
Nearly 300 racing yachts compete for class championships in this international midwinter sailboat regatta presented by Nautica.
Contact: 781-639-9545
http://www.premiere-racing.com/keywest11/pages/KW11_home_page.htm
January 21
The Studios of Key West presents: Susan Warner
Part of TSKW’s Old Town New Folk Concert Series. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at door. Showtime 8 p.m.
Contact: 305-296-0458
Email: elena@tskw.org
January 21 to January 23
Key West Harbour King Mackerel Tournament
Big king mackerel migrate to the waters around Key West each winter, and a fittingly large prize awaits the winner of this challenge. The angler who weighs in the heaviest mackerel, also known as kingfish, is to go home with $10,000.
Contact: Lee Murray 305-296-0364
Email: lee@murraymarine.com
January 22 to January 23
Key West Half Marathon Run
The 13th annual Key West Half Marathon takes place on a flat, fast 13.1-mile half-marathon course through Key West’s Old Town and scenic waterfront area. Entry fee $45, $50 day of race.
Contact: Barbara Wright 305-296-7182
Email: bwpromo3@bellsouth.net
January 22
The Studios of Key West presents: Libby York in Concert
The secret life of a jazz diva is center stage. Part of the Cabaret Concert Series. Tickets $20 in advance, $25 day of show. Performance begins 8 p.m.
Contact: 305-296-0458
Email: elena@tskw.org
Waterfront Playhouse Gala
Saturday, January 22, 2011
7:00-10:00 PM
Home & Garden of Stephen Selka
744 Windsor Lane
Key West, FL 33040 (305) 394-7445
The Annual Gala Benefit for the Waterfront Playhouse to be held at the beautiful home and gardens of Stephen Selka at 744 Windsor Lane.
January 23
The Key West Pops Orchestra presents: Leading Ladies of Broadway
Meet the Leading Ladies of Broadway. Highlights from five classic America musicals: Mame, Funny Girl, The Music Man, Gypsy and La Cage aux Folles. Tickets $30, $50 and $75. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. at Tennessee Williams Theater.
Contact: 305-295-7676
January 26 to January 27
Key West Travel Writing Workshop
With veteran travel journalist Bob Fisher as guide, discover how to shape and market your writing, whether it be for a travel memoir or a book, short articles or material for an app, in the Key West Travel Writing Workshop. The price is $300, including the classes, individual tutoring, lunch both days, and a seat (value of $30) at the Key West Food & Wine Festival’s Wine Tasting Seminar on Friday, January 28. (Members of The Studios pay just $275.) Class size limited to 16 students.
Contact: 305-296-0458
Email: bobharu@aol.com
January 27 to January 30
Second Annual Key West Dulcimer Festival
Attendees can take workshops in hammered and mountain dulcimer, guitar, steel drums, pennywhistle, banjo, autoharp and other instruments from a stellar performing and instructing staff. The four-day festival is to be held at Hurricane Hole Marina, MM 4.5 oceanside.
Key West Food and Wine Festival Jan. 27-30
Food and wine enthusiasts can savor sunshine, standout dishes and stellar vintages during the second annual Key West Food and Wine Festival, set for Thursday through Sunday, Jan. 27-30.
Scheduled events showcase local chefs’ culinary flair, indigenous Florida Keys ingredients, premium wines from around the world and offbeat “foodie” fun like bowling with coconuts.
The enticing “first course” is a barefoot evening beach party Thursday, Jan. 27, featuring island cuisine, wine and music beside the Atlantic Ocean at the Southernmost Beach Café.
“Entree” highlights include a grand wine tasting at former president Harry Truman’s restored Little White House, now Florida’s only presidential museum, pairing fine wines with entertainment by Key West Symphony musicians.
Festival attendees can find a mile of temptations at Duval Uncorked, a stroll down Key West’s renowned Duval Street from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic, with appetizing forays into restaurants, bars, galleries and boutiques.
Shrimp fanciers can feast at the Seafood Shakedown, a culinary competition spotlighting the Florida Keys’ prized pink shrimp and other seafood. After attendees taste and judge contestants’ dishes, the winner earns the title of Shrimp King or Queen.
The festival of flavors also features a wacky afternoon of coconut bowling and sampling coconut treats at Blue Heaven Restaurant in historic Bahama Village, a traditional Key West shrimp boil at the funky Hogfish Bar & Grill beside the shrimp docks and a “bubbles and madness” champagne brunch at Azur Restaurant.
Additional festival menu items include an outdoor wine market, informative food and wine seminars, the Master Chef’s Classic and neighborhood wine strolls.
Exclusive VIP passes are available covering admission to multiple festival events, or attendees can purchase tickets for individual events.
Festival information: www.keywestfoodandwinefestival.com
Key West visitors information: www.fla-keys.com/keywest
or 1-800-LAST-KEY
January 27 to February 12
Waterfront Playhouse presents: Glengarry Glen Ross
In a cutthroat world where tough times call for tough measures in a Chicago real estate office, four hungry backstabbing salesmen peddle questionable investments in a top dog contest. Showtime 8 p.m. Directed by George Gugleotti Winner of the 1984 Pulitzer Prize 2009 Tony Nominee for Best Revival of a Play 1984 Tony Award for Best Play “Crackling tension…ferocious comedy and drama.” -The New York Times
Contact: 305-294-5015 Box Office
Anne McKee Artists Fun Auction
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Location: Fort East Martello Museum
3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd.
Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 294-1241
The Anne McKee Artists Fund of the Florida Keys, Inc., is a not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to provide project based, short term, monetary grants to qualified, serious artists in need of financial assistance and/or greater public recognition, who have demonstrated individual artistic excellence and an ongoing commitment to the area cultural community. The next Anne McKee Fine Art Auction, conducted by renowned New Hampshire auctioneer Charlie Bailey Gates, will take place Saturday, January 29, 2011 at Fort East Martello Museum 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West. Viewing: 7 PM, Auction: 8 PM
January 29 to January 30
26th Annual Key West Craft Show
Juried artisans and crafters display their talents at a popular show on lower Whitehead and Caroline Streets in historic Old Town.
Contact: 305-294-1241
Email: kwartctr@earthlink.net
American Red Cross Florence Spottswood Humanitarian of the Year Gala
Saturday, January 29, 2011 thru Monday, January 31, 2011
6:30 pm
Marriott Beachside
3841 N. Roosevelt Blvd.
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 296-4033
Fundraising dinner dance to benefit the Florida Keys Red Cross
January 30
Key West Master Chef Classic
Local restaurants vie for top honors in three categories; appetizers, entrees and desserts. Participants get to taste all the food made at this event while judges pick the winners. More details to follow.
Contact: 305-294-9526, ext 25
And here is a website with a whole list of music and events:
http://eventful.com/keywest/events/categories
New friends
Here is a new company that is handling baby equipment rentals as well as personal concierge and shopping services:
http://www.babychicksrental.com/
So bring the whole family to rest and relax in our one of a kind tropical vacation rental!