Tag Archives: key west hotel
Goombay Begins Today!
A reminder to all our readers that everyone’s favorite Caribbean celebration, Goombay Festival, begins today! Head on over to Bahama Village (ask one of our Parrot Key front desk agents to direct you to Petronia St.) and start celebrating.
Every year thousands of people attend Goombay where they delight in the various offerings, including arts and crafts, delicacies from a variety of Caribbean countries, and live entertainment ranging from gospel to reggae. Start your weekend off right with a little Goombay flavor!
Walk on White
You might have noticed that our little Key West Hotel has a big art collection– we take a lot of pride in supporting local artists and always try to find time to visit the art events around town. Tonight we’ll be heading over to the Walk on White, a fun and laid-back event celebrating all the fantastic works of art on White St.
Why not take a leisurely stroll down White Street to see what artists have been up to… and while you’re at it, check out the open artist studios at the Armory & 610 White Street along with a special residency cottage open house at 607/609 Ashe Street! Enjoy free wine, light snacks and as much talk about “the painter’s intentions” as you can possibly stand.
Have fun out there!
Goombay Is Near!
Every year, our little island of Key West plays host to a number of exciting festivals– from pirates to speed boats, there’s a celebration to fit everyone’s taste. The biggest, and most popular, is of course our legendary Fantasy Fest– ten days of crazy costumed parading, partying and other debauched activities. But equally fun is the festival that marks the imminent opening of Fantasy Fest: Goombay Festival, a celebration of the tastes, sights and sounds of Caribbean culture. We impatiently await the opening of Goombay each year–a family-friendly festival that offers incredible food, music, dancing, performances and a true sense of community– and we’re so excited that it’s finally only a few more days away!
For two fabulous days beginning this Friday, October 19th, stroll down the length of Petronia St. and see how long your willpower lasts (ours usually gives in right around the time we see the first foodstall. Conch salad, anyone?) This festival, the end of which marks the official beginning of Fantasy Fest and all its crazy glory, is the perfect way to dip your toe into the Key West festival pool. We’re certain you’ll love it.
The festival runs all day and offers something for everyone. This Friday, be sure to head down to Petronia Street and learn all about Caribbean culture… we’ll save some Conch salad for you, if you’re lucky.
“Kid’s Show” Happening Today
Kids of all ages will be happy to hear that the annual “KIDS SHOW” is back! Today, Saturday, August 25th, from 10AM to 3PM, kids and their parents are invited to stop by the Double Tree Grand Key resort by Hilton for a day of games & nonstop fun, as a hotel ballroom is transformed into a a large indoor playground! This fundraising event brings local businesses and community organizations together to offer offer games, magicians, clowns, dancers, educational displays and more– all in the comfort of an indoor, air-conditioned ballroom! It’s a wonderful way for families to relax and play, with proceeds to benefit a good cause.
Tickets are $2 for adults and $1 for children, with proceeds to benefits the Wesley House Family Services, a local charity with a huge presence and heart here in Key West.
For more information call 305-304-1026.
Our favorite way to beat the heat here in Key West…
We’re used to a little humidity here at Parrot Key Resort. Summertime in the Florida Keys is a truly tropical affair, with daily temps ranging from sultry to flat-out sticky. We like to think that all that extra moisture keeps our skin looking young (and our air conditioning bills looking scary.)
But when the forecast says that the 70% humidity we’re currently weathering isn’t expected to break all evening, we pack a bag and head out. Out onto the water, that is.
Did you know that there are a variety of cruises for every price point that leave daily & nightly here in Key West? From big party catamarans with open bars and music, to intimate sailboats that bring you front row to one of our famous sunsets, there’s a boat for every taste, wallet and whim. Why not grab your family and head out on a 2-hour snorkle tour? Or tell the wife that the two of you are going dancing tonight…with an ocean breeze to go alongside that live band you’ll be swinging to. Kids will love a fascinating glass-bottom boat tour over the reef, while normally-sullen teens tend to go crazy for one of the Ultimate Adventure tours that include so many activities (parasailing, jetski-ing and a giant inflatable ice berg, anyone?) that they’ve been known to actually put down their cell phones for once. We’re especially fond of the champagne sailing trips that pair gorgeous wooden schooners with endless glasses of bubbly. The choices are endless.
Whether it’s a private dinner cruise for two or a $40 booze cruise for 50, Key West’s waterfront has a variety of ships with competitive pricing to satisfy any desire and budget. Just swing by our front desk and ask one of our friendly agents to help you pick which boat best fits your needs. And remember: no matter how hot it is out by the pools, it’s always cooler on the water!
Indiana Jones tonight at the “Dive-In”
You don’t have to walk far from your room to catch the classic flick “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark” — it’s playing at IBIS bay tonight for free! Head over to catch the 7:30pm showing and enjoy the various scowls of Harrison Ford as you sip a chilled beverage while floating in the pool. It’s the best way to spend a Thursday night we can think of! Walk down to IBIS Bay, located at 3101 N Roosevelt Drive, and remember: only Indiana Jones can pull off a bullwhip. The rest of us just look silly trying.
Parrot Key wins TripAdvisor Excellence Award
To those of you who are already big fans of our beautiful resort, you won’t be surprised to learn that TripAdvisor– the internet’s largest authority on hotel reviews– has awarded Parrot Key Hotel & Resort a Certificate of Excellence for 2012! We’re all very proud to share this with you, and want to extend a big thank you to our loyal customers and fans. It’s you who have taken the time to share your positive reviews of our beautiful hotel. We are so grateful that we have the best customers in the business! Celebrate this award with us today.
Today’s Weather at Parrot Key
It’s 75°F and partly cloudy right now at Parrot Key, but the sun looks like it is burning off the clouds and more blue sky is visible by the hour. The forecast looks like we finally are getting out from under the rain for at least a week, the weather is predicted to be sun and mid 70′s temperature until late next week. Sunset tonight is at 6:49 pm, and with the low laying clouds predicted for late this afternoon, should be spectacular.
Super Boat Races
The annual Super Boat speed boat races are once again returning to Key West for their 31st world championship race. From the 6th until the 13th of November the city will fill with massive boats and thousands of race fans. The boats will be on display from the 6th to the 8th from 9am-5pm at the Truman Annex, then from the 9th until the final race on the 13th live racing will commence starting at 10 am. Daily parties for the racers and fans will be held at various Key West locations until the final awards ceremony at the Marriott Beachside. This is one of the most anticipated yearly events in Key West and well worth a visit. Check out the schedule of events here, or check out the race coordinates here.
