GLADES SHADES & TAMPA
FUN ON THE BEACH TAMPA’S #1 BEACH CLEARWATER KEY WEST CHICKENS NOISY & COLORFUL Just like KEY WEST EXPLORE THE OCEAN TOP Visit Tampa’s Aquarium BEACHES10 IN TOP 5 FLORIDA Keylime Pies
February 2015 $5.49US #43110 SSSUE I EXPLORE THE GULF: HOT SPOTS FROM TAMPA TO KEY WEST Inspirational By Nature. GLADES SHADES ISSUE #43110& FEBRUARY 2015
EDITOR 4-9 FLORIDA EDITION ASH STAYT 10-11 DINING 101: FLORIDA MANAGING EDITOR NEAL PARR 12-13 TOP 10 FLORIDA BEACHES ART DIRECTOR 14-19 KEY WEST: ISLAND PARADISE M. WATKINS GROUP EDITOR 20 DINING 101: FLORIDA CONT. MANDY BEITZ
22-23 KEY WEST MARCH EVENTS WEB EDITORIAL DIRECTOR CRYSTAL DUTCHER
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS NICK HOOGERHYDE; AMANDA ARMSTRONG; ETHAN KISSEL; TIMOTHY SPRINGER; SHAWN WHITE; ANTHONY WOODWARD
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENTS LARRY GOSLIN; KRIS LEWIS; VICKI JEFFERS
EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE 1050 W BRISTOL RD, FLINT, MI 48507 (810) 766-4000
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR JALEESA DISTELRATH
MARKETING DIRECTOR M. WATKINS
MANUFACTURING BT GRAPHICS
For over 100 years, The Florida Keys & Key West have attracted O G R writers, artists, actors, dancers and musicians. Maybe it’s the A L Y E K water – warm, inviting and impossibly clear. Perhaps it’s the
sunsets, worthy of standing ovations. Then again, it could be
A the come-as-you-are attitude, a sense of freedom AD OR M LA that’s almost hard to put into words. IS
fla-keys.com/culture1.800 .fla.keys ON K ATH EY W MAR EST S BIG PINE KEY & THE LOWER KEY
MCTCU-8816 Culture Magazine 2014 Back Cover LO3 • November 2013 Then I head across Coronado Drive to Pier 60, quiet in the waking hours Clearwater Beach is USA Today’s with the studied casting of early anglers A-FOOT IN and the awkward begging of big-footed, Best Florida Beach Town! big-mouthed pelicans. By sunset, the TAMPA quiet will have dissipated to the festive t’s official! USA Today, the most Our beachside paradise blew the strains of musicians, the chatter of artisan Iwidely read newspaper in America, competitors out of the water as readers CLEARWATER vendors, the giggle of children on the has named Clearwater Beach the “Best tweeted or voted online at USAToday. playground and in the waves and the Beach Town in Florida.” Online voters com. “We are the best beach,” said sounds of folks having fun at the nightly confirmed what we’ve already known Mayor George N. Cretekos. “This is sunset festival. for a long time, Clearwater Beach is exciting for all of Clearwater and really BEACH Interspersed between accommodations, the best around! The readers made Pinellas County.” beach shops sell all the latest and most their voices heard loud and clear with USA Today also featured a great video crucial in sand toys and fashions, casual Clearwater emerging as the “clear of street artists at Sunsets at Pier 60 - a Avoid parking meters and traffic: eateries fill you with fresh seafood or winner” receiving more than 25% of wonderful event that takes place daily pizza and ice cream. the nearly 30,000 votes cast. Laura around sunset. Come find out what Explore Clearwater Beach on foot. Just north of Pier 60, a traffic By, the Travel Editor for USA Today makes our beach so special! roundabout spins you off the island or recently visited our beautiful beach and Footloose & Car-Free North of Pier 60, you’ll find small to the island’s north end along Mandalay reported on her findings - it’s a clear Avenue. Walk the sands past the Hilton Beach vacations should be free of the hotels and resorts such as the 16-room choice indeed! Clearwater Beach Resort for a quieter “The readers worries and kinks that come along with Barefoot Bay Resort and the 29-room Launched in January, the online beach scene. steering wheels and bucket seats. They’re Palm Pavilion Inn, which cater to peace- poll featured a selection of 10 Florida Return along Mandalay for a strip of made their meant to be barefoot and by-foot. seekers who come for the nautical Gulf beach towns handpicked by well-known shops selling resort wear and sea-themed Clearwater Beach is set up perfectly for a views on the island’s east side. beach expert, Stephen P. Leatherman voices heard gifts. The restaurants and beach bars at car-free, carefree existence, if only for an or “Dr. Beach.” His selections were this end tend toward finer fare. loud and clear oh-too-short time. Walk This Way made based on the places that best About a mile east of Pier 60 along The northernmost pearl in a string of My favorite place to walk on combined sand, surf and a welcoming with Clearwater Memorial Causeway, you can walk white-sand islands in the St. Petersburg- Clearwater Beach is around the city sense of community and it’s no wonder among the fishes, sharks, dolphin, emerging as the Clearwater area, it’s known for its wide marina. It’s like a shopping mall for water Clearwater came out on top. Located stingrays and sea turtles at Clearwater beaches and casual attitudes. Most of its sports. I go early and pick up brochures on Florida’s stunning Gulf Coast, our Marine Aquarium, a rehabilitation ‘clear winner’” beach parks and commercial district lie for everything from a parasail lift to a miles of sugar white sand beaches, facility for sea creatures. Take a trolley within a strip less than two miles long paddleboat dinner excursion or family stunning sunsets and tranquil turquoise tour and stay for some of the interaction and three blocks wide, easily doable on pirate-themed cruise. On the docks, waters are hard to beat. and feeding programs throughout the foot. Because there are hourly parking fishing charter captains busily ready their day. You won’t want to miss seeing fees on the beaches, you save more than supplies, Wave-runner renters cry out to Winter, the world’s most famous gas money by walking. you like hawkers on a Jamaican beach dolphin, who lost her tail in an accident, Bike rentals are readily available and a and the air disperses a scented mixture but is now healthy and swimming freely. trolley travels around and off the island, of salt, fish and boat fuel. A heady aroma for those with tired feet. for a Pisces water-lover such as myself, it evokes visions of high-sea adventure and Parking Zone aquamarine thrills. Both North and South of Pier 60 you’ll find most of Clearwater Beach’s hotels, mom-pop motels, cottages and resorts. The main ones - Best Western “A heady aroma Sea Wake Beach Resort, Holiday Inn Express and Shephard’s Beach Resort for a Pisces water all have fabulous views of the Gulf of Mexico and Clearwater Pass. And don’t lover such as myself, Sunset At Pier 60 is a daily festival that miss the new Hyatt Aqualea Resort, it evokes visions of operates 365 days a year. (Weather adjacent to Clearwater Beach, a bright permitting). Offering food concessions, colored Mediterranean-inspired resort. high-sea adventure busker entertainment, a cinema, Others hotels south of Pier 60 are and aquamarine craftiers and more festivities. Clearwater Beach is known for its sunset celebrations and many shops and scattered around main drags South Gulf- restaurants, but the beach is the main attraction. view Boulevard and Coronado Drive and thrills.” their side streets.
4 ■ Glades & Shades Glades & Shades ■ 5 TAMPA N the goal,tomake peoplewanttodive out theShark Swim recently. “And that’s manager Katie Edmiston, whotested to see,” saidaquariummarketing becauseit’sscuba certified, soincredible uninterested 7-footsharks. with alongpolenearthewell-fed and a timejustbelow guided thesurface, flotation devicekeepfourswimmersat stingrays andmore than1,600fish. barracudas,eels, tiger sharks, aseaturtle, in anartificial reef hometomassive sand gives visitorsanintroduction todiving and 3:30p.m. dailycalledShark Swim scubadivers.Aquarium, notjustcertified whole world. rare andendangered mammalsinthe in Florida, makingthisoneof themost How many FloridaPanthers? of Florida. adapted tothesubtropical environment Panther isasubspeciesofcougarthathas What istheFloridaPanther? very solitary animals. solitary very square milearea. Florida panthersare while femalesrangeover a70to80 range over anarea of200square miles, mixed swampforests. Adult malesmay pinelands, hardwood hammocks,and Where istheirHabitat? 6 ■ “It doesmake you wanttobecome A smallscubatank,regulator and 30-minuteexperienceat1:15 A new Only 80to 100panthersstillremain Puma The concolorcoryi. Florida Florida Panthers are usuallyfoundin swim withthesharks atFlorida ow anyone age9oroldercan Glades & Shades things getdicey. with toolsthat can beusedfordefenseif assured, aquariumpersonnelare there alone, theywilldothesame.And rest Basically, ifyou staycalmandleave them of divingwiththeocean’s predators. session tolearnthedo’s anddon’ts for visitorslookinginfrom thegallery. guests willbecomethemainattraction and otheranimals.That’s whenthe deep sidetojointhesandtigersharks tropical fishbefore heading over tothe stingrays, pufferfish,lobstersand off ontheshallow sideofthe reef with ocean.” That’s what we’re about. down there and becomeadvocates ofthe more, tobecomemore aware ofwhat’s prey are vegetation. drawntonew burned sitesfordaysasdeerandother to woodlandfires, andmaystaynear frequently cross roads. They’re attracted become usedtoman-madenoisesand springattack.Pantherslaunch ashort do up asclosetotheirprey aspossibleand preferred methodofhuntingistocreep hundredonly forafew yards, their most active atduskanddawn. developed senseofsmell.Panthers are hearing, butisthoughttohave apoorly its mostacutesensewithagoodof prefers nottoenterthewater. Sight is feet intoatree. It isagoodswimmerbut from theground uptoaheightof18 has great jumpingpower and mayleap Western Hemisphere except forman. distribution ofanymammalinthe The SuperCat! FLORIDA PANTHER The divers get a mandatory education The divers getamandatory The shark bait,er, guests,willstart run upto35mphbut They can The pantherisextremely agileand The panthershasthegreatest natural A the topthe 10aquariums by TripAdvisor. top aquariums 5kid-friendly and listed in byRanked Parents Magazine as one of the in Tampa one is truly of finest. the s aquariums go, The Florida Aquarium singled out,stalkedandambushed. prey forlongdistances.Instead, prey is are goodsprinters,panthersrarely chase with plentyofdeertohunt. While they small animalsare notashealthythose Interestingly, pantherseatingadietof armadillos andeven alligators. available, panthers willeatraccoons, preferred food,but,whentheseare not live prey. Deer andwildhogsare their 100 pounds.Panthers are builttohunt are smaller, rarely weighing more than the nosetotipoftail.Females can measure almost7feetlongfrom panthers weigh upto150poundsand Channelside Drive, seeflaquarium.org. in Tampa’s Channeldistrictat701 admission forthediver. to dive. Which includesaquarium extended tothosewithoutcertification. this isthefirsttimeprogram hasbeen ages 15andolder, withnoinjuries,but scubadivers,than 10years forcertified Dive With theSharks program formore saving wildcats from extinction. captive big cats and ending theabuseof leading advocate in for exotic cats, isa accredited sanctuaries of theworld’s largest The Great Hunter Big Cat Rescue, one Efficient istheword. Adultmale For informationabouttheaquarium, In total,itcosts$100perperson running its The aquariumhasbeen FACTS
stunning views from its rustic deck. fromstunning views itsrustic emphasizes fresh seafood andthosesame boardwalk. Upstairs, Sculley’s Restaurant Hut –its70-footbar sitsrightonthe view,a waterfront you can’t beatThe and sandwicheswithlive musicand or dinnerspot.For barfare, salads Boardwalk Restaurants Dig inatthedelicious you’re outontheir40-footcatamaran. on thewatersofBocaCiegaBay when their mission;you cankeepaneye peeled Dolphin Quest. Dolphin-spotting is for dolphins. Take adolphintouron practice turning,andkeepaneye out watercraft, seekoutquietcoves to you’re equippedwithalifejacketand must be14oroldertorent). Once multi-person craftsby thehour (you place where you canrent singleand deep-sea fishingcharters. rentals toparasailingexcursions and water, from boatandpersonalwatercraft boardwalk isfullofwaystogetonthe blue waterscallloudly. Lucky you: The Mexico withBocaCiegaBay, andthose on thepassthatconnectsGulf of Boat Charter Water Rentalor Sport Explore theGulf With a boats await. rentalswater sports andcruise on) thewater–fishingcharters, boardwalk for aview of(orride and casualfare alfresco, andhitthe the tin-roofed village, enjoy seafood Shop for classicFloridasouvenirs in easily turnintoafullday offun. and attractions, your visithere can more than100retailers, restaurants Boardwalk inMadeiraBeach. With check outJohn’s Pass Village & VILLAGE &BOARDWALK
Back atthevillage,scoutyour lunch John’s Pass Wave Runners isone John’s Pass Village &Boardwalk sits For abreak from thebeach, JOHN’S PASS
you’ll needto buy ticketsinadvance. mightbejustthething, and sunset cruise for how you’ll spendtheevening –a and berries. of theirwinescraftedwithFlorida citrus they’ll taste offer you acomplimentary hello tothefolksatFlorida – Winery souvenirs anddon’t leave withoutsaying and island apparel).art Stock upon Florida (picture shops,coastal surf Florida Boardwalk Stores Pick upKeepsakes atthe retail therapy. way backtotheboardwalk forsome premium makeyour scoops.Afterwards, and Kilwin’s sellyummy homemade the villageparlors—Sugar Daddy’s Treat yourself toicecream at one of watering hand-tossedpies. Restaurant, upmouth- whichserves fries, andDeLosa’s Pizza &Italian grouper sandwichandoutrageousyucca where you’ll delicious findaperfectly reggaedriftwood shacksporting colors Other great options: Walt’z Fish Shak, a While you’re there, make preparations Village retailers specialize inallthings
parade, treasure hu of thePass by pirates,plusthepirate family don’t wanttomissthe“invasion” after thehurricaneof1848,you andyour Celebrating thediscovery ofJohn’s Pass long event heldeachMay inJohn’s Pass. John LeviquePirate Days, aweekend Levique Pirate Days Event Have aBlastattheJohn your bestshot. any dolphins,now isthetimetogive it atop theship’s masts.If you’ve yet tospot the skull-and-crossbones flagflyinghigh into thebaywithafun-loving crowd and appreciate theexperienceofheading out Anyonecomplement theviews. can For theover-21 set,beerandwinecan hunts, face-paintingandpiratestories. gun battles,limbocontests,treasure aretwo-hour cruises exciting, withwater- friendly. For young passengers,the dailythatarecruises utterlyfamily- Pirate ShipCruises Enjoy SomeFamily Funon entertainments! Arrr! entertainments! Avast, landlubbers! Don’t missouton The Pirate Ship at John’s Pass operates
nt, andotherpiratical Glades & Shades ■ 7 TAMPA E wines, craftbeers andmicro-brews renowned restaurants, alongwithsavory delicious tastingsfrom thearea’s most Day beachgetawaycompletewith makes fortheultimatepre-Valentine’s Beach Uncorkedwest coast,Clearwater events onFlorida’sbeachfront culinary food &wineadventure. Beach UncorkedClearwater beachfront host themouthwatering4thannual Resort &Spa, andPublix Super Markets the Hyatt Beach Regency Clearwater House, theCityofClearwater, VSPC, craft beerfansandconnoisseurs.Bright epicurean oasisforfood,wine,spiritsand Beach istransformedintoan Clearwater T share ofchoicesfor Valentine’s Day in Village, you’ve definitelygotanample the Play 98.7 Bitter Ball atHawaiian Zoo orjustbeingbitterandsinglewith close with Wild atHeart Park atLowry in Tampa toseeingexotic animalsup romantic Valentine’s Day restaurants ROMANCE INST. PETERSBURG&CLEARWATER VALENTINE’S DAY ACROSS THE BAY 8 ■ Considered oneoftheforemost Beach Clearwater Glades & Shades deliciously decadentdays,as on February 7thand8thfortwo njoy thepre-Valentine’s Day buzz in Tampa. From diningat to doon Valentine’s Day here are plentyofgreat things UNCORKED rates are limited sobookearlyandextend Beach Uncorked. These special room exclusively forguestsofClearwater at theHyatt Beach Regency Clearwater exclusive pre-Valentine’s Day VIP rate taste budsandsoothingyour senses. and microbrews whiletantalizingyour this weekend ofworld-classfood,wine and winesthissideoffabulous.Enjoy white sandwhileenjoying thefinestfare unwind andwiggleyour toesinthesugar on Florida’s west coast,isyour ticketto the hippestbeachfront gastronomic event experts. producers, andculinary great localchefs,winemakers,spirits whip andwow guestsalongsidetheareas Nationally acclaimedchefswillwhisk, from more than100different wineries. beaches. Read ourguidetothebest boasts someofthestate’s mostbeautiful area. Clearwater the Tampa Bay totheSt. Petersburg this year, considertakingatripacross for anovel Valentine’s Day experience though. If you’re in Tampa andlooking areaa new withtheoneyou love, Tampa. Nothing isquitelikeexploring Stay for the weekend andenjoy an Beach Uncorked,Clearwater toutedas TheClearwater/St. Petersburg area A Food & Wine Adventure and Technology. of South Florida SchoolofHospitality from theevent willbenefitthe University weekends. Apercentage ofticketsales your Valentine’s celebrationover two the ticket price. Area parkinglotsare plentiful. Food, wine,and beersamplingisallinclusive in Clearwater. (Checkpg.10forideas). tapas restaurants inSt. Petersburg and French eateriestodeliciousSpanish restaurants rangingfrom romantic a numberofgreat Valentine’s Day to justthebeach,though.There are Day dateonthewater. jet skisforahigh-adrenaline Valentine’s 1,200 feetabove theGulf orrent some your boo on aromantic parasailingtrip awesome recreation options. Take Pete Beach offersome andClearwater time walkonthebeach. restaurant thentakearomantic night experience, dineatagreat Seafood For atriedandtrue Valentine’s Day overlookingscenery theGulf ofMexico. of restaurants great andsometruly then takeatriptoenjoy awidevariety beaches inSt. Pete andClearwater 2015 Your Valentine’s Day funisn’t limited If you’ve gotthedayoff,both St. alongside awide canal,whichishome of thestreet. Dodecanese Blvd. runs and restaurants thatlinebothsides is somanygiftshops,Greek bakeries, Dodecanese Blvd. free at Simone’s Gifts locatedat501 for alldayparking. You canpark for inpricefrom $3to$5 They vary Blvd, there are several parking lots. the World. it isstillknown asThe Sponge Capitalof whichbeganin1890’s.Industry Today, that iswell known foritsSponging Sponge Docks isaGreek community historic cityof Tarpon Springs. The do isheadfortheSponge Docks inthe HISTORY IN A TIME UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER W Plan tospendalldayhere, asthere When you turnontoDodecanese Coast, thefirstthingthey Birds cometotheNature hen mosttouristsorSnow come across kioskssellingtickets afew and ohsoyummy! bakeries andrestaurants are Greek owned cigars, andFlorida souvenirs. The oil lotions,andsoaps,clothes, jewelry, kinds ofsponges,seashells,natural olive sightseeing boats.Thegiftshops sellall to several shrimp, fishing,spongingand dramatic. night, lightingisvery helped toavoid copyrightissues. twin, oneby Victor Jorgensen -which Alfred Eisenstaedt, butonitless-known is notbasedonfamousphotographby since itwasdamagedby carcrash. aluminum version -andreplaced again, in Sarasota in2005,replaced laterby first one,styrofoam modelwasinstalled Diego, Pearl Harbor, Hamilton, France... There are ofthosearound few -in San and initsratherkitschyway, impressive. onHwy41.ItCauseway ismassive, Standing tall,rightbefore theRingling of Sarasota toSiesta Keys, you’ve seenit. As you walkdown thestreet you will It’s kindacooltowalkaround itat Interesting fact-Johnson claimedthat Created by Seward Johnson, thevery If you ever drove from businessdistrict Eisenstaedt. 14, 1945byphotographer Alfred (Victory over Japan Day)on August photograph wascapturedon V-J Day The historicblackandwhite Sponge Diver Monument THE SPONGEDOCKS IN HISTORIC TARPON SPRINGS someone. Allwith aGreek flair! or aromantic dinerwithyour special great for arelaxing daywiththefamily Sponge Docks. The Sponge Docks is atthe and entertainment Tarpon Springs there are sales,specialevents sidewalk tank. Amustseeanddo! shark feedsandhave astingraypetting Tarpon Springs Aquarium. Theydolive end ofDodecanese Blvd., there isThe playing intheGulf. When you reach the Wind Tours andspotsomedolphins Spongeorama LinesorThe Cruise Island gear. It’s aview! worth brings upaspongeinauthenticdiving sponger demonstrateshow hedives and that takesyou outofthechannel anda for boatsightseeingtours.There isone “Unconditional Surrender” Statue inSarasota,“Unconditional Surrender” FL. Every 2ndSaturday oftheMonth You canalsorelax aboard Glades & Shades ■ 9 GOOD EATS DINING 101: FLORIDA
TAMPA CLEARWATER KEY WEST FORT MYERS
Bern’s Steak House Cristino’s Frita’s Misto Bar & Grill 1208 S Howard Ave Coal Oven Pizza Cuban Burger Cafe 231 Del Prado Blvd Tampa, FL 33606 1101 S Ft Harrison Ave. 425 Southard Street Cape Coral, FL 33990 Clearwater, FL 33756 Key West, FL 33040 These elements have combined since Our specially built coal ovens cook A unique take-out dine-in Looking for an unforgettable dining 1956 to provide our guests with a pizza at over 1,000 degrees, and will establishment just steps from the experience? If so Misto Bar & Grill is unique culinary experience. Our prime have it to your table in a matter famous Duval Street. Cuban street food the place for you. You’ll love our wide steaks are cut to order, vegetables are of minutes! Slightly charred, nicely is served up from the outdoor mobile variety of choice cuts of beef, fresh fish grown locally on the Bern’s farm and bubbled crust, homemade sauce, fresh grill under one of Key West’s most and seafood, pastas and much more sourced from the finest purveyors, and mozzarella, and freshly torn basil are magnificent bougainvillea trees glowing prepared in a variety of culinary styles. our menu includes 21 choices of caviar. what have our Clearwater customers with twinkling lights at dusk. Tasty What is Misto? Meaning “diverse”, Each visit to Bern’s Steak House takes talking and coming back for more! beverages homemade flan, and baked Misto is a new (very old) concept of you on a gastronomic adventure that All of our menu items are made from goods are created within the adjacent a restaurant. Providing extraordinary defines Bern’s not as a meal but as an scratch, including our soups, ravioli’s and historic conch house under the close food, selection of wines; our restaurant experience. We invite you to join us and manicotti’s. Our gelato is homemade on scrutiny of local wild roosters. is known for its knowledgeable, experience Bern’s. premises along with all of our desserts. attentive service and great value.
Cont. pg.20
10 ■ Glades & Shades Glades & Shades ■ 11 Top 10 Florida
ake advantage of the Sunshine State’s surf, sun and sand at these top 10 beaches in TFlorida. With remote island getaways, big city beaches and family-friendly shores perfect for Beaches shelling and sandcastle-building, Florida promises a beach for every visitor.
10. Delray Beach 9. Clearwater Beach 8. Naples Beach 4. Atlanta Beach 3. Key West Beach 2. Palm Beach Delray Beach, at Ocean and Atlantic Clearwater Beach’s well-deserved The biggest dilemma when chilling on Relaxing is easy on Atlantic Beach: sand Paradise is located just off the coast of It may have more than 47 miles of Avenues is a charming village by the sea. reputation as one of America’s finest the pearly white sands in Naples is to soft and white as sugar, brilliant sunshine mainland Florida - and it’s called Key pristine beaches, it is the crown jewel of Each year, nearly 1 million visitors flock beaches has lured countless families and decide which way to look. On one side and azure waters abound. Atlantic Beach West. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Palm Beach County, Florida. It features to this family-friendly 2-mile-long beach couples to its broad, sandy shores and are the rolling waves, and on the other has heaps of small-town charm, it’s also is one of Florida’s most beautiful spots, some of Florida’s finest hotels, restaurants ideal for sunbathing, swimming and beachfront hotels. the gleaming mansions that make up just a short drive from Jacksonville. with sugary sand and tranquil waters. and shops, as well as some truly beautiful sandcastle-building. Millionaires’ Row. beaches. Definitely worth visiting! Captiva Beach Along with Sanibel, Captiva Island 1 shares the distinction of being 1 of Florida’s Shell Islands. Captiva is generally the spot to find the larger of the intact shells. Turner Beach, though not good for swimming because of fast currents, is the perfect spot for a shell-hunting #7 Sanibel Beach #6 South Beach 5. Siesta Key Beach adventure. Just be sure to leave any live Sanibel is a unique barrier island with South Beach is an international With so much to see and do, it’s almost shells on the beach or risk breaking the east-west orientation that differs from the playground offering non-stop nightlife, impossible to lie idle on Siesta Key. state’s strict shelling laws. At sunset, head typical north-south layout. Florida’s best sandy shores, unique architecture and Beach lovers flock to these silky shores to Captiva Beach at the end of Captiva coastline for gathering perfectly intact plenty of eye candy. to take advantage of the wide expanse of Drive to take in a spectacular sunset. shells in every shape and size. sand and the tranquil gulf waters.
12 ■ Glades & Shades Glades & Shades ■ 13 KEY WEST
KEY WEST AN ISLAND PARADISE
espite its relatively modest size, like scuba diving, snorkeling, deep sea flavor, Key West is the destination for KEY WEST FACTS Hemingway House was the isle of Key West, Florida, fishing, flats fishing, reef angling, sailing, you. Everyone who visits this coastal There are 42 bridges that offers so many fun attractions sea kayaking, parasailing, jet skiing, eco paradise has a great time; a visit to our connect Key West to the the first home in Key West Dthat vacationers often do not know excursions, and so much more. island oasis is the perfect remedy for the to boast such luxuries where to begin when arriving at this The charming town of Key West also typical work week blues. mainland of Florida amazing destination. Residents of this offers ample attractions on the island like After enjoying a day of sightseeing or as running water and a island paradise enjoy pleasant weather historic landmarks, museums, the Key snorkeling at a beautiful coral reef, you The third largest coral swimming pool. throughout the year. With warm, annual West Aquarium, and plentiful dining and can toast the end of the day by watching median temperatures remain around shopping options. the panoramic sunset from Mallory reef in the world is off the seventy-seven degrees and a low amount This island getaway also offers visitors Square or from the deck of one of our coast of Key West. Duval Street in Key West of annual rainfall; any time of the year is a selection of fine accommodations splendid catamarans: a perfect close to a is known as the longest ideal for a vacation in Key West. that can fit a range of vacation budgets, perfect day. street in the world, because But this island town is renowned for from opulent hotels and lavish resorts All of the sand on the more than for its idyllic climate; this to humble seaside bungalows. Key West beaches of Key West it runs from coast to coast. gateway to the Caribbean is home to a were shipped in from the conglomeration of interesting cultures. Caribbean. Key West has the highest This mix of different immigrant cultures “A visit to our average temperature in the has created an atmosphere of tolerance island oasis is the and openness that adds to the welcoming Because it can be accessed United States. It is the only spirit of the island. The town is pleased perfect remedy for city in the country that to show off its cultural diversity to by land Key West is known vacationers by celebrating its varied the typical work as the Southernmost city never gets frost. influences through annual carnivals and week blues.” in the country. It is closer ethnic festivities. to Cuba than it is to Miami. The Naval Air Station in Key West, Florida, has also become a Key West takes up most of world-wide destination for creative types, boasts a distinctive combination of the island. It was selected like musicians, painters, writers, and flavors in the preparation of its locally- Above: Down town Key West lights up with a People born in Key West are various performers. Ernest Hemingway, caught seafood. splash vibrant of colors at night. because flight conditions perhaps is Key West’s most well-known There are ample spots to enjoy a Below: The southern-most point located in K.W. called Conchs. former resident, was inspired by the refreshing beer or cocktail throughout are better in the Florida atmosphere of this beautiful island the isle. No need to worry about There are 3 Civil War forts Keys than anywhere else in hamlet. Its a muse for many. putting on airs while visiting this casual the US. There are so many great things to vacationland; our dining establishments located on Key West. do and sights to see in and around this only require that their clients dress island paradise that it can be difficult to comfortably and enjoy their meals. The original name for Back in 1889, Key West was select from the fantastic assortment of Whether you are seeking a vacation the biggest city in Florida. land-based and water-centric activities. spot to enjoy some vibrant nightlife, Key West was Cayo Hueso If you love to participate in water sports, pristine beaches and crystalline waters, meaning: Island of Bones. Key West offers visitors ample activities or some unique cultural and historical
14 ■ Glades & Shades Glades & Shades ■ 15 KEY WEST CHICKENS HUNTING FOR SHARK TEETH Colorful & Noisy : JUST LIKE KEY WEST Venice Florida Is The #1 Beach To Find Shark Teeth
KEY WEST ey West has a lot of off-beat when cock-fighting became illegal. charms, but one of my favorites The chicken population grew so large has always been the chickens. that in 2004, Key West hired a chicken KThe feral fowl that frequent the streets catcher to reduce the number. His work and alleys of Key West seem like the was controversial – plenty of people perfect metaphor for Key West -– cherish the chickens — and the post was historic, colorful, sort of wild, a little discontinued that year when he quit. One sign of how many chickens roam noisy and occasionally annoying. The chickens may have fans, but they Key West: The wildlife center relocated You don’t have to work hard to spot also have detractors. close to 1,500 last year, Britten said. And Key West chickens — you hear “They crow at all hours,” explained they’re still everywhere. them crowing and see them strutting Debbie Britten, a volunteer at the Key If you don’t see enough chickens on the everywhere. The colorful roosters and West Wildlife Center. “They’re like some streets of Key West, you can visit the Key the mother hens followed by lines of tiny of the people down here – they don’t West Wildlife Center, where dozens are chicks weave in and out of traffic and know when to quit.” caged awaiting transport, along with a through outdoor cafes all over town. Key To get rid of nuisance chickens, variety of injured wildlife receiving care. West residents call them gypsy chickens. residents can borrow a trap from the It’s free and you’re likely to see hawks, There have always been chickens in wildlife center and bring the captured pelicans, osprey, heron and egrets in and Key West. When people stopped the fowl there. The chickens are trucked around the cages. (Some of the former laborious process of turning live chickens to organic farms in Central Florida patients like to hang around.) into Sunday dinner many decades ago, monthly, where they are prized for their some backyard chickens gained their eggs and for their help with pest control. freedom. Other roosters were released (They eat bugs.)
am getting ready to go on my first literally sift the sand through like flour. Many people find that shark teeth are shark teeth dive in Venice, Florida Easy for a kid to do and a great way to more abundant on the new moon and next weekend. With the upcoming spend some time with a little friend. the full moon because the pull of the tide All About The Conch Shell Itrip, I thought it might be good to get a is stronger. I have no idea if this is true, CONCHA KNOW? Perfect for grandparents too! handle on what to expect and if possible, but I do know that after a storm or high uite simply the word Conch They lay on the sandy surface and with Another good place to look for sharks’ search out some of the best ways to get winds, there will be more teeth and more means “Florida Keys.” Well it their shell lightly coloured, they blend in teeth is at the water’s edge. I found a the shark loot. There are no set rules for shells in general on the beach. doesn’t actually mean Florida perfectly to sit and wait as a prey make great mako tooth about 10 years ago just Q finding fossilized shark teeth. I can only tumbling in the surf line. If you have Also, if you can find an area where Keys (It actually means “Shell” from a the mistake of coming past. tell you what I have tried. This is all on dredged sand has been added to a beach Greek word) but it SHOULD mean The problem now though, is although a lot of competition on the beach, this the beach. I will post later on diving for or near a beach, this is a great place to Florida Keys, as it is such a symbol of you can find them as mentioned above, might be your best chance of finding shark teeth. look for sharks’ teeth. the string of tropical islands stretching the state of Florida have set rules about teeth because you’ll see them before any Go to the beach at low tide, and look away into the waters from the mainland their removal from their waters, as quite other collectors have a chance. for tide lines – the lines of debris along of America. frankly they were over harvested terribly If any sandbars are visible at low tide, the beach. Walk the tide lines and look If you want to really impress your and were looking at becoming a thing of wade out to them. This is often a great for black triangles. These are the sharks’ friends with your in-depth knowledge of the past. place to find the teeth. As you’re walking teeth. While not all fossilized teeth are the Latin names of molluscs, then you through the water, feel the bottom with exactly triangular in shape, most are. your toes. Sharks teeth and interesting can tell them with confidence that the use, and it’s not hard to see why, as it was It will take you a bit to train your eye seashells are sometimes trapped between official name is “Strombus gigas” which plentiful and easy to get hold off. to only see the black objects. You may sandbars or between the sandbar and the is latin for “giant spiral shell”. It’s a bit harder to find these shells have sediment and stuff still stuck on shoreline. Becareful, they may be sharp! From the early days of its history, nowadays, but you can still do it if you the outside so be prepared to clean them If you’re at a beach that has clear, calm and fossils found show that it has been try hard enough as anyone with a snorkel later. If there are a lot of shells, scoop up surf, try snorkeling to search for shark around for sixty five million years, and or a bit of diving equipment, or just the a handful or bucketful and sift through teeth. I like to float in shallow water they keep on making an appearance ability to hold your breath for a long them for teeth. and lightly run my fingers through the Sharks average out to 15 rows of teeth in each whether it is as a succulent food supply, time should be able to get one. You might want to collect a pail of sandy bottom. This works awesome on jaw. Although most have 5 and then there is the a music instrument, a tool, jewellery or In the waters that surround the Florida bull shark that has 50 rows of teeth. shells and sit in your lounge chair while the west coast in Sarasota, Clearwater, St even a weapon of choice. Keys there a lots of shallow sandy areas you search through them.(or grab a Pete Beach. Be careful of sting rays or The natives of the Florida keys for over covered with turtle grass and that is cold frosty one!) I use a metal sifter and flounders in the sand. 3000 years have put the snail to great where these things like to live and feed.
16 ■ Glades & Shades Glades & Shades ■ 17 AT HEMINGWAY’S HOUSE TOURISTS COME FOR KEY WEST TOP KEY LIME5 PIES CULTURE — STAY FOR THE CATS The key to happiness might be as simple as a slice No one loved telling stories quite like Ernest Hemingway loved of key lime pie. But pairing that sweet treat with a telling stories. Like most grand storytellers, the writer also had trip to the Keys is the proverbial cherry on top. The a fervent affection for local legends, which is how he became topping is actually a bit debated: whipped cream or smitten with the idea of owning a six-toed mitten cat. meringue? As is the crust: graham cracker or pastry?
ack at the turn of the century, Hemingway’s Spanish Colonial mansion hours. (The most popular water bowl is #5 MIDWAY CAFÉ & COFFEE BAR sailors believed that six-toed cats, as though they own the place. the urinel as see in the picture above). For many years it was Manny and Isa’s key lime pie that was the ultimate. also called gypsy cats, were good “About half of the people who come The bookstore on the grounds was Their stand closed, but you can still get their pies -- along with a tasty latte -- at Bluck, and they wanted them aboard here come for the cats — not the originally intended to be an actual Midway Café in Islamorada. The pie comes frozen, so you can buy a whole one their ships. This led to an abundance architecture, not the literature, the cats,” bookstore, but it is really more of a or a thawed-out slice. It may not look pretty, but it is absolutely delicious. The of six-toed cats in porttowns like Key said Dave Gonzales, the house’s curator. gift shop, with at least half of the items filling can’t be beat. Its all West, Fla., in the thirties and forties. Hemingway named most of his devoted to cats. Pablo Picasso once Soon after Hemingway settled in Key original cats after famous people, and gave Hemingway a porcelain cat. The #4 FISH HOUSE about that West in 1928 and learned of this lore, that tradition continues today with shop sells $150 reproductions that are Everyone has their special Keys traditions. However, for many Miamians a stop he made it known around the ports Frank Sinatra, Olivia de Havilland, and constantly selling out. at Fish House is a necessity. As you make your way into Key Largo, the most and, more importantly, the bars, that he Truman Capote roaming the grounds. Here’s the added value of the cats — delicious matecumbe-style yellowtail, a giant cocktail, and a delicious slice of Key Lime Pie wanted a gypsy cat of his own. How does anyone even keep track of they make what could be an incredibly key lime pie always beckon. The meringue is slightly browned and features A captain named Stanley Dexter, 55 cats? Well, it takes a ton of planning boring tour for younger kids a little those perfect curls. trying to curry favor with the famous and a bit of ingenuity. Cats, unlike bit delightful. One recent TripAdvisor Key limes are the pink author, gave Hemingway his first six- dogs, can be relatively self-sufficient, review praised the cats as having saved #3 PEPE’S CAFÉ flamingos of Florida food, and toed kitten, Snowball, daughter of his but that doesn’t mean they don’t need the day for one dad. they are a celebrated part of own cat, Snow White. It does not take human care to stay healthy and robust. “We went to this with four kids, ages Pepe’s has a sign boasting it’s the oldest eating house in Key West, and this we local color. Key West, Florida, is two six-toed cats to produce another, Kitty inoculations are staggered. The vet 7, 10, 10 and 15. … One ten-year old actually believe! It was established in 1909, and of all the handmade desserts, famous for its fabulous key lime and soon Hemingway’s estate was home visits every Wednesday. sat on a bench for a minute and a cat the key lime pie is the most notable. It’s nice and tart, with a crunchy graham to more than 50 cats, many of them “Our cats are seen more in a year hopped in his lap and fell asleep. The crust and plenty of whipped cream. The charm of this joint adds to the pie, one of America’s best-loved with an extraneous digit. than a normal cat is seen in its lifetime,” other ten-year-old must have taken 100 sweetness of this pie. regional dishes. When asked why he had so many six- Gonzales said. The house goes through pictures of cats. I think she counted the Every restaurant in the Florida toed cats, the write replied simply, “One two tons of dry cat food a year, about toes on every cat. All in all, we ended #2 MA’S FISH CAMP Keys, and especially in the cat leads to another.” 60-80 pounds a week. There are nine up spending two hours here with no city of Key West, serves this Today, Snow White’s descendants food and water stations on the property, one complaining about let’s get to the In Islamorada you’ll find the most charming place. You can call it simply Ma’s. roam the lush garden grounds of and they are refreshed every eight to 12 beach.” It was a good day. It is as comforting as home, and the homemade key lime pie ($5) is not to be wonderful pie. There seems to be There’s a pretty strict no touching missed. The graham cracker crust has some crunch, the filling is tangy, and each a key lime pie for every palate, policy with the cats, unless they touch slice is topped with a mountain of sweet meringue. with numerous versions made you first. throughout the region. This pie is “You see people grabbing them and considered the official pie of the holding their paws so that their friend #1 KERMIT’S KEY WEST KEY LIME SHOPPE can take a picture. You can really sense Florida Keys. the cat’s frustration. They don’t want to Kermit’s has two locations in Key West, so you are never far away from a be restrained. So we have to have rules,” fantastic slice and baker Kermit Carpenter. He can greet you with a pie, fake Gonzales said. you out with a fake pie thrown in your face, or find other ways to lure you in. Still, cats know when you like them However, all of that is just the whipped cream on top. and are happy to leap purring into your When it comes to the pie itself, it truly is the best. It’s tart and rich, uses real lap with little provocation. key limes (not the Persian variety), and the graham cracker crust on the bottom is tops. But when he freezes it, puts it on a stick, and dips it in dark Belgian chocolate, you’ll fall in love.
Hemingway’s house in Key West, FL 18 ■ Glades & Shades Glades & Shades ■ 19 DINING 101: FLORIDA
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From. pg.11
20 ■ Glades & Shades Glades & Shades ■ 21 EVENTS 6TOP KEY WEST MARCH EVENTS
Mar 1, 2015 | Key West Artisan Market Mar 7, 2015 | 15th Annual Open Air Art & Music Affair Held one Sunday each month, this open air bazaar is filled with artists, authors, chef-made cuisine, Arts and craft ventors display their creations at one of Key West’s favorite watering holes. Live music craftspeople, performers and fresh produce representing the diversity of creativity, ingenuity and from local performers. locally made products of Key West. Time: 10am – midnight. Location & Time: 1111 Eaton Street, 10am – 2pm. For more information, call (305) 292-3302. Web: https://www.facebook.com/KeyWestArtisanMarket Phone: (305) 294-7994.
Mar 4, 2015 | Coral Grief: Fall of the Cities Beneath the Sea Mar 8, 2015 | I Like Ike, Songs of the Eisenhower Era Coral reefs are home to one of every four marine species known to science; and they are vital to Take a seat in the Bess and Harry living room of the Little White House as Bobby Nesbitt and Carmen maintaining Earth’s biological diversity. Unfortunately, these magnificent natural wonders are in Rodriguez perform hits of Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis, Frank Sinatra, and more. trouble. Nearly a quarter of the world’s coral reefs have been destroyed. If current trends continue, Time: Starting at 8pm we risk losing the rest by mid-century. But there is much we can do to preserve these “cities under Location:Truman Little White House the sea” for future generations… if we act now. FKCC’s renowned Professor of Marine Science Dr. Price: $60 Alex Brylske will present this powerful and timely message.
Mar 7, 2015 | 53rd Annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest Mar 13 – 14, 2015 | Key West House & Garden Tour
Prizes are awarded for contestants ability to coax sound from a conch shell by blowing into it like a Visit five Key West homes and tropical gardens. Transporation between homes is not included. trumpet. FREE to attend. Time: 4pm – 8pm. Location:Oldest House, 322 Duval Street. Price: Tickets are $30 and are available at http://www.oirf.org/page.php?p=tours For more information, call (305)294-9501. Call (305) 294-9501 for more information.
37th Annual St. PATRICK’S DAY SATURDAY, MARCH 14th, 2015BAR STROLL Valentine’s Day Special
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