Aside from the heat, I had pretty much the opposite experience as the previous reviewer (I ran this…read morerace in May 2019): My race started exactly on time. There were a lot of staff around at the starting line and at the aid stations to answer questions and help me fill my hydration vest. They also did have a small booth at the finish line selling T shirts, towels, buffs, and a few other race-related items. I also saw there was a little runner's general store (sold gels, tape, socks, etc) setup at the 50-mile start line. Overall, I felt this race was very well organized and just the right size to allow for the race day excitement without the over-crowding of your average marathon. I think this is a very good race for a first-timer, regardless of which distance you are running (this was my first 50-miler). The volunteers at this race are wonderful, caring, dedicated people. This is a road race, but has the friendly, fun atmosphere of a trail race. I ran this uncrewed without any issues (all I needed were a 2L hydration vest and a few gels and snacks to get me from one aid station to the next). The aid stations were always fully stocked when I went by. The heat and glaring sun were brutal; heat training and ice bandanas make the race much easier. Without the heat and humidity, this race might be a little too easy, anyway.

I have been running marathons for about 4 years now, and really enjoy running. Sure, there are…read moreplenty of days when I hate it, but I understand and can see that the long term goal is the goal, for lack of better terminology. My goal is to eventually qualify for the Boston Marathon but that will take time. I have run 7 marathons but never an Ultra. I signed up for the 50 mile race on this occasion. One of my customers was discussing his past life as an Ultra runner and it got me intrigued. I did some research and found that the Keys 100 is an ultra that gives back to the community by fundraising for several charities. I chose to run for the Cancer Foundation of the Keys and raised $2000! Now, about the race: I am giving four stars for everything. The race itself was great. Florida in mid May is hot so there is not getting around that. There were hydration stops every 10 miles so it is almost imperative to have a personal crew assist you. I was drinking tons of fluid (almost 4 gallons) during the race, but the hydration stops had Gatorade, tailwind, and other nutrition like cold baked potatoes, bananas, oranges, sandwiches, and some candies. The support staff were always encouraging, even during the 90 minutes of hard steady rain that blanketed the course in one of the wettest months in FL history. My reason for four stars deals with the lack of merchandise available to purchase after the race (absolutely none) and the lack of organization before the start of the 50 miler. The start crew was 45 minutes late to the start which made everyone rush around at the beginning. There was a mandatory class about safety that started very late and added some stress to the day. Overall, a great race with great staff. The course is very beautiful but very hot!! I doubt I will ever do another 50 miler but the 50K is a possibility.

In celebration of the founding of the Conch Republic in 1982, this is a week long event full of…read morefestivities, madness and mayhem. There will be the raising of the flag, drag & bed races, battle reenactments, arts and crafts, a pirate ball and more! Great fun for the whole family. The drag & bed races are a blast! Check the schedule at the website for a complete list of daily events. Ages: All ages

5 stars bc I booked my first Key west trip not knowing we were going to be smack in the middle of…read morethe annual Lobster Fest! Started off with Lobster Tacos... Then went to the stand to pick up freshly squeezed sweet as hell lemonade! (It was just missing Tito's vodka) Stopped at the Lobster Roll truck (nothing much here... except the waffle fries were hot and thumbs up) Freshly made donuts!! On those conveyor machinery thing... yes! Get these!! Ordered the lobster tail on skewer came w potatoes and corn on the cob! Very good! Then for dinner hit up Bagatelle's stand for their tempura fried lobster tail drizzled in honey. I ordered the combo which came with lobster Mac n cheese and a corn on the cob! Yum!!!!!

LobsterFest 2016 was packed with hungry patrons trying to get their hands on Anything and…read moreEverything Lobster! While we only attended the Duval Crawl with Booths lining the street. There is no Ticket Purchase you just pay per Lobster Items you would like. Held in August expect the weather to be sweltering. Put so many people on one street with Grills Fired up, you get Even More Heat! We walked the Duval strip looking at each Booth's Menu that they providing searching for the "Perfect" pick. There is a lot of different Booths to choose from and stands where you can purchase Alcoholic Drinks. The problem was that just about everyone offered the same Lobster Dishes. The majority being Corn on the Cob- Grilled Lobster Tail- Baked Potato... It might just be me but no thanks when it is already as hot as a Lobster Tail outside and with limited table seating you are eating on the street curb. Lots of other vendors were there selling Art, Jewelry, Pet Accessories, Key West Local Creations, and More! Also, don't forget your Lobster Hats, Ears, and LobsterFest Shirts! BRING CASH as Most Vendors & Booths ONLY Accept Cash! Overall, our group of four was not overly impressed with LobsterFest. More of a you've been there and done that.. Now Let's Drink!!!

WHAT A BLAST!!! Its similar to Mardi Gras but on a smaller scale but includes the same body…read morepainting and bead necklass wearing and throwing. This is a big October Halloween event in Key West and NOT for kids at all. Very cool parade on Duval Street. Most hotels mandate a 2 or 4 night minimum stay. Just be aware that restaurants and bars are extremely packed. A must try at least once for a really fun experience.

We ended up in Key West for Fantasy Fest by accident. We always go on vacation for my birthday,…read morewhich happened to be this week. I couldn't stop staring at people. Each night is a different theme nights. People dress up in risque costumes and body paint. They have parades and all sorts of things. I recommend coming to experience this at least once, unless you're a prude and easily offended. Then make sure you specifically do not come during this time.

My favorite event is the running of the bulls with all the papa look-alikes. The bull run starts on…read moreGreen St at the side entrance of Sloppy Joe's. Photo ops at every turn. The actual bull run is more of a bull walk, parade around a few blocks. The bulls are large wood carvings with wooden wheels the papa's push, pull and ride along the parade route. This year's event dates: Tuesday, July 21, 2015 - Sunday, July 26, 2015 TIP: It's smokin' hot this time of year. So make sure you have a visor and shades.

We woke up on a beautiful Sunday morning and walked over to this locals market. It is an open air…read moremarket that happens on select Sundays at Higgs Beach. This market features chefs, local artists and makers of food, crafts and art. It's not a huge market and parking can be a challenge but we all had a good time absorbing the good vibes. I really enjoy supporting local artists/makers and this was an opportunity to meet the artists as well. There was live music, drinks were flowing and we felt right at home. A fun way to begin your Sunday.

If you happen to be in Key West when the weekly artisan market takes place, head over for a stroll…read more Like most markets, it's a hodgepodge of food venders, clothes, jewelry, art, and the unusual. One booth was selling samosas. Although they were from India, they actually reminded me of the type I used to eat in Arabia. They were spicy, flavorful and had meat instead of just potatoes and peas which you often find here in the US. Another vender was an artist who paints. I saw his work at an art collective store on the main drag of Duval. It was nice to meet the artist in person. He also informed me that he can sell at a discounted price at this market whereas on Duval, he cannot. He will even add elements to his paintings that you request like your dog, cat, or another pet. I thought this was such a lovely gesture. I really wanted one of his bright yellow and red paintings of a rooster, but I really couldn't afford to spend anymore cash. There was also an informational booth about the wildlife rehabilitation center that was being renovated just steps behind the marketplace. There is quite an eclectic mix of goods. You won't be disappointed if you like to take your time to look, discover, and chat.

This was such an awesome event during fantasy fest! It happened on the day we arrived and we made…read moreit just in time to start! The costumes were fantastic! There was a group that had an espresso martini cart that they were handing out. I loved it! This is a must do event and also known as the locals parade!!

Seniors wearing only body paint: check People on thongs and…read morenothing else: check Westboro-church like protesters: check This and much more you can find on the annual Fantasy Fest parade that takes place in Key West every year around Halloween time. I have been to this event several times because my husband is from Key West and we visit the town around this time. We usually have a very entertaining time just sitting around and watching the crowd, I don't think this event is for children and I have rarely seen people bringing their kids but it's up to the parents. There is a lot of security and police during and after the parade and have always being safe the times we've gone. If you like what you see in the pictures people post then this event is for you.

WARNING: The first part of this review is a bit risqué and crude... but I assure you it becomes…read morecleaner as you read... I promise. "BOOBS"... big, small, perky, saggy, robust, droopy... "BUTTS"... round, flat, dimpled, firm, jiggly.... And yes... the occasional... "WIENER"... skinny, thick, long, short, mushroom like, turtle-necks... Truth is, in addition to partying these body parts of some of the first things people think of when they hear the words "FANTASY FEST". Some people even hear the words "KEY WEST" and immediately think of "FANTASY FEST". I would assume the main reason families don't bring the children to Fantasy Fest is because of the indecent dress code. Sadly though, most people have the wrong perception of Fantasy Fest all together... Most people (including those who have been to and those that have not been to Fantasy Fest) think this classic Key West festival is just two days... Just about anyone that is planning a trip looks for hotels for Friday and Saturday night with the belief that Friday is the Masquerade March down Duval Street (followed by a night of bar hopping and partying)... and Saturday night is the famous Street Parade down Duval Street (followed by another night of bar hopping and partying). What they didn't realize is that Fantasy Fest actually begins the Sunday before those events... and there are multitudes of organized parties open to the public, private parties for a fee (many for a good cause in mind), drinking and dining events and so much more.... Granted the Friday night Masquerade March and Saturday night's Street Parade are the highlights (AND LOADED WITH NAUGHTY BEHAVIOR), not all the events are inappropriate for children. That's right... many of them are NOT RISQUE; just one of many reason to bring your kids to Fantasy Fest ! And by far, my favorite event (APPROPRIATE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY) is the "PET MASQUERADE" ! Each and every year the Pet Masquerade takes place on the landscaped lawns of one of the finest hotels on the island, The Flagler Hotel... better known as the "Casa Marina Hotel". Basically the Pet Masquerade is a Pet Costume Contest that is held to benefit the LKFOA (Lower Keys Friends Of Animals)... the contest is broken down into four categories and each category has prizes for first, second and third place... The categories are: * * * Junior Division (all about the kids) * * * Most Exotic (not so much the kids but not crazy either) * * * Pet and Owner Look-Alike (quite funny to watch this one) * * * Fantasy Fest Theme (costumes that match that year's Fantasy Fest theme) Some of my personal favorites have been Bo Peep with her sheep (of course she was dressed as a sexy version of Bo Peep and her dogs were wearing sheep costumes.... another was Richie Rich and his dog Dollar (this little kid and his dog looked just like you'd expect from the old comic books; right down to the dollar sign spots on the dog)... and my ALL TIME FAVORITE was... Colonel Sanders carrying a chicken (his dog dressed like a chicken). And of course every year there are certain costumes you'd expect such as Wizard of Oz characters, all sorts of super heroes (like Superman and his sidekick Robin) and the ever popular 101 Dalmatians (Cruella de Vil with her kidnapped dalmatians). Ironically, everyone just thinks "dogs" and maybe "cats" but there are so many more species than you'd expect. Iguanas, ducks and snakes are not uncommon and sometimes make up some of the best costumes... I remember one year a kid has his pet iguana (maybe a lizard) riding on a miniature Harley Davidson motorcycle. Keep in mind when you choose your costume for this or any other Fantasy Fest gathering that NOTHING is "AVERAGE" in during Fantasy Fest... The costumes you see are, for the most part, over the top and very impressive. Just take a glance at some of the pictures I have uploaded. In addition to the kids having a great time watching and participating in this event is the Pet Masquerade is FREE TO ATTEND... You should keep in mind that the Pet Masquerade's popularity attracts quite the crowd BUT there is an option to pay $20 for VIP Seating... In most situations, I'd say "save your money, it's not worth the cost" but this VIP package is a bargain considering your twenty dollars includes VIP Seating, two drinks and five dollars of your VIP cost goes to the "Lower Keys Friends Of Animals" as a donation.

This is one of my favorite events. The artistic and creative costumes that people come up with for…read moretheir pets never ceases to amaze me. I f you like animals I think you will love this event.