As we say goodbye to 2012 and hello to 2013, the events here in Key West are not slowing down.
Actually, they are starting off with a run. The Ragnar Relay Race takes place this Saturday, January 5th. This race is an overnight relay race made up of six to twelve person teams. Each person on the team runs three legs of the race that vary in difficulty and distance. Over the course of the race, which spans from Miami to Key West, runners will cover about 200 miles of road. For those of you participating in the race, good for you! For those of us not that brave, please make sure to be careful driving with runners on the road. And be prepared for some driving delays, as there are 500 teams participating this year!
Another huge event that comes to Key West this month is the Literary Seminar. Several writers come to Key West and hold a seminar exploring a particular theme; this year’s theme being “Writers on Writers”. The seminar runs from January 10th to the 20th. If you have not signed up for the seminars by now, you will miss out this year as these sessions sell out months and months in advance. But you may still be able to join in some of the other seminar events, or at least sneak a peak at some of the visiting writers like Billy Collins, former US Poet Laureate.
But my favorite January event is the Seafood Festival which will be held on January 19th. Admission is free and while the entertainment, activities, and shopping are all fun, the seafood is the real star. Fried Fish, Grilled Spiny Lobster, Stone Crab Claws, Pick ‘n Peel Key West Pink Shrimp, Smoked Fish Dip with crackers, Fried Clam Strips, Lobster Bisque, and Conch Fritters, Conch Chowder & Conch Salad are all on the menu. Land Lubbers so not despair, as they will also have hamburgers and hotdogs for sale along with flan, ice cream, and key lime pie. And to wash it all down coffee, beer, wine, sodas, and bottled waters are all available too. FYI, my absolute favorite dish here is the conch fritters, which I normally do not enjoy but these are amazing!
To see what is happening on the island during your visit, check out our Key West Events Calendar to see other upcoming special events. For more information about the fun side of Key West… things to do and see in our island city, go to our Key West Web Site.
Before deciding where you are going to eat while visiting Key West, be sure to read my other restaurant reviews; check out our restaurant review section of this blog as well as our restaurant reviews.
Feel free to Email Me if you have any questions about Key West!!
Island Genn – Your Key West Concierge
