Rent Key West

It’s time to bedeck yourself in green and get Irish! Join in on Key West’s 32nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Bar Stroll. A St. Paddy’s day parade like no other, the stroll takes you into notorious Key West Bars starting at the Atlantic Ocean and taking you all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.

caroline@rentkeywest.com

This Saturday March 13th let the fun begin and celebrate the Irish in all of us; I mean, who doesn’t like green beer? The contenders all meet at the Southernmost Beach Café, at the South end of Duval Street and work their way down Duval stopping at 8 other bars and ending on the Gulf Side at the Schooner Wharf Bar. Gathering of the Irish begins between 11:00-12:00 and first beers are served at noon. Go a little earlier and have a delicious breakfast on the beach at the Southernmost Beach Café and prepare yourself for the stroll. You can purchase tickets and T-shirts, shorts and the like, this week at any of the participating bars, Tickets are $30. Some words of wisdom to all who dare take on the Bar Stroll challenge: don’t do all your drinking at the start of the parade, or you will never make it to the end! And one other word of advice; make sure to dress up, go all out, you’ll be glad you did! Oh….and one other word, this is the bad news…that Sunday morning, March 14, the clocks Spring Forward, which means you will loose an hour of sleep. Set your clocks forward before you start your stroll! For more information on the St. Patrick’s Day Bar Stroll visit www.stpatricksdaybarstroll.com.

Don’t forget the last Home and Garden Tour of the season, is this weekend, March 12-13. The tour features architecturally unique Key West homes and shows off their interior design as well as the gardens. www.oirf.org.

Our featured restaurant this week is Finnegan’s Wake, Irish Pub and Eatery. Not only does Finnegan’s have a selection of fabulous beers, to make any Irishman happy, they also have fantastic ‘pub food’. Nothing like a tall pint of Guinness and a plate of their Sheppard’s pie; great ambiance, great music and Daily Happy Hour from 4-7pm and 12-2am. Happy St. Paddy’s Day!

Closer to Cuba than we are to Miami, Key West loves our sister island of Cuba. In honor of this connection, we thank Cuba for the sumptuous food, the great art and of course the rhythmic Cuban music.

caroline@rentkeywest.com

Celebrating the Cuban/Key West connection, the Key West Botanical Gardens is hosting The Cuban Cultural Exposition March 7-13. Sunday March 7, 2-4pm come to the Gardens and view the intriguing photography of Cuban refugee vessels. Monday, March 8, 6-8pm come and learn how to make Paella. Tuesday, March 9, 6-8pm enjoy a presentation on A Cuban Botanic Experience. Wednesday, March 10, 6-8pm listen to compelling stories of Key West citizens and their early lives in Cuba. Thursday, March 11, 6-8pm come and take Salsa lessons and dance under the stars. Each of the weeks’ events are only $10. Culminating the celebration, Saturday, March 13, is the Hot Havana Nights party. 5:30-8:30pm eat a traditional Cuban dinner while enjoying the lively Tropicana show. 7:00-11:00pm Hot Havana Soul perform their renown Salsa beat on the Courtyard Stage, dancing encouraged. $100 for dinner and show, $25 general admission show only. The show will sell out so book today! keystix.com, or call the Garden at 305-296-1504 or email kwbgs@kwbgs.org.

Keeping in line with the Cuban theme, our featured restaurant this week is El Siboney, 900 Catherine Street. Family-friendly, affordable and casual this authentic Cuban restaurant is a favorite among locals. If you have never had plantains, or a hot steamy bowl of fresh Yucca, or Spanish rice smothered in black beans, you don’t know what you are missing! Hasta Luego!

Spring is in the air, floating in on the warm Caribbean breezes. The month of March is just around the corner and Key West is in full swing.

caroline@rentkeywest.com

The island is abuzz with the great shows coming up in March. Always…Patsy Cline , returns to Key West to rock your socks off. This wildly popular musical about the legendary singer Patsy Cline will be at the San Carlos Institute for 3 nights only; and it will be sold out! March 18-20 Tickets $55 and $45. Buy your tickets today, you can purchase them on line at http://www.redbarntheatre.com/ticketsalesfrm.html . Are you ready for the Full Monty? This show will literally knock their socks off! Waterfront Playhouse, www.waterfrontplayhouse.org , presents The Full Monty, March 1-20, and as word has it, this show is a must see! The comedy Shirely Valentine, March 3-27 plays at the Red Barn Theatre, www.redbarntheatre.com , and it too, can’t be missed! And what would life on an island be like without a Conch Shell Blowing Contest? On Sat. March 6th the Oldest House and Gardens hosts the Conch Contest. Come see our very talented Conch blowers (and some not so talented) and learn about our Conch Shell heritage www.oirf.org.

The last Home and Garden Tour of the season, March 12-13, features architecturally unique Key West homes and shows off their interior design as well as the gardens. www.oirf.org. This is a reminder... to pack your green shorts and your clover leaf hats and join in a St. Paddys Day party that can’t be beat. For the Irish among us as well as the ‘Wanna Be’s’, Key West hosts its 32nd St. Patricks Day Bar Stroll. Start at the Atlantic Ocean and drink yourself all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico. www.stpatricksdaubarstroll.com .

After taking in a great show, touring our eclectic island homes or drinking green beer, the time will come to eat. Our featured restaurant this week is Banana Café, 1215 Duval Street. This wonderful little French Bistro serves Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Each dish is lovingly prepared using quality ingredients, each dish speaking to the passion of French cuisine. Subtle flavors, savory sauces in a casual bistro setting, Banana Café is definitely one of Key West’s finest! Bon Appetit!

Such an eclectic and exciting island city, Key West offers something for everyone. If you haven’t already, today is the day to book your trip to the Keys.

caroline@rentkeywest.com

And with so much activity, one must eat! Our featured restaurant this week is BO's Fish Wagon. Located at the Historic Harbor, at 801 Caroline Street, this ramshackle, funky open-air shanty has the BEST fish sandwiches in town. Always fresh, caught by the local fisherman this is a 'fish and chip shop' like no other! And they have great music in the evenings too! See you there!

Fabulous February in the Keys! We hate to brag, we hate to boast, but the weather is wonderful, the rum is flowing and we have great events to attend.

paul@rentkeywest.com

February 19-21 is the Gardenfest Key West (Email: KWBGS@kwbgs.org). For all of you tropical plant lovers out there you will love this. South Florida’s top nurseries will show bromeliads, orchids, fruit trees, palms, tropical flowers and natives for the Botanical Gardens’ annual plant sale. Workshops, arts and crafts and docent tours will be offered. Free. Gates open at 9am.
<P>Not thinking of plants but thinking of food? Our featured restaurant this week is Santiagos Bodega, santiagosbodega.com. This cozy restaurant lies off the beaten track and offers a classy ambiance with a friendly neighborhood feel. The dishes are tapas style so you can order a variety of dishes and try them all. Time has been taken to perfect every dish so each one is delectable in its own way. One of my personal favorites is the Seasoned Grouper, so fresh , so tangy……..or perhaps the Lamb Patties…or….hope to see you there!<p>
Don’t forget to buy tickets for the fabulous Home and Garden Tour- www.oirf.org, your chance to visit some of our stunning island homes. Tour each home and view the creative renovations, unique interiors and tropical landscaping. Each tour features 5 private homes.
Friday, February 12, 2010 - Saturday, February 13, 2010
<p>Come and stick your toes in the sand!

Key West is a Winter Wonderland! Away from Winter! With lots to do...

paul@rentkeywest.com

Its about this time each year, as our northern neighbors are shoveling snow and stacking more wood, that Key West kicks into high gear and welcomes visitors who need some warm weather and warm hospitality too. The island bustles with activity as the little city of Key West hosts enumerable events. The restaurants create new dishes to lure the hungry, local artist sell their wares, boats are excitedly tugging at their dock lines and the sun sets every night, coinciding with our Sunset Festival. Winter in Key West is energetic, enticing and exciting! Here are just a few of the upcoming events for you to enjoy:

Key West Yacht Race Week presented by Nautica- www.Premier-Racing.com
Monday, January 18, 2010 - Friday, January 22, 2010
"Women Who Steal" at The Red Barn Theater-www.redbarntheatre.com
Wednesday January 13, 2010- Saturday, February 13, 2010
Key West Food and Wine Festival- Email: info@keywestchamber.org
Thursday, January 28, 2010 - Sunday, January 31, 2010
Anne McKee Artists Fund Auction-Email: info@annemckeeartistsfund.org
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Tropical Forest Topics Professional Speaker Series-Email: KWBGS@kwbgs.org Sunday January 24, 2010
"My Fair Lady" at Tennessee William Theater-www.keywestpops.org
Sunday January 24, 2010
"No Child" at The Waterfront Playhouse- www.waterfrontplayhouse.org
Tuesday, January 26, 2010-Saturday February 6, 2010
25th Annual Key West Craft Show- Email: kwartctr@earthlink.net
Saturday, January 30-Sunday to January 31, 2010
Home and Garden Tour- www.oirf.com
Friday, February 12, 2010 - Saturday, February 13, 2010
Civil War Heritage Festival- www.forttaylor.com
Friday, February 12, 2010-Sunday, February 14, 2010
"The Full Monty" at The Waterfront Playhouse- www.waterfrontplayhouse.org
Thursday, February 25, 2010-Saturday, March 20, 2010
Old Island Days Art Festival- www.keywestartcenter.com
Saturday, February 27, 2010-Sunday, February 28, 2010

During your visit make sure to head to Fort Zachary Taylor State park to see many creative sculptures. Sculpture Key West exhibits here and the show runs until Friday, April 16, 2010-Email:info@sculpturekeywest.com. And don't forget- Lobster season is open until Wednesday, March 31, 2010-Please contact www.floridakeys.noaa.gov for more information.

With so many activities, warm tropical breezes and a great variety of vacation rentals to choose from, the only question is: Why Not?

Spring Vacations in Key West!

sam@bookt.com

Spring in a great time to visit Key West!

New Years in Key West

chuma1138@gmail.com

New Years Eve is an Amazing time in Key West, Florida. People travel from all corners of the globe to join the celebration. Visitors have the option to see 1 of 3 spectacle traditions:

You have a choice of watching three things fall in key west:
1. Conch shell from sloppy joes
2. the bar wench at Schooner Wharf bar
3. the drag queen at boubon street pub

Spring in Key West

chuma1138@gmail.com

Spring is a great time to visit Key West. The weather is beautiful, the fish are running, and the sun is a shinning. Spring Events include:
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RentKeyWest.com - New Website Features!

chuma1138@gmail.com

Welcome to Rent Key West Vacations’ new and improved website! There are a ton of new and exciting features and links that will hopefully make your vacation planning a snap – you’ll be here in paradise before you know it! Whether you know exactly where and when you want to visit or you need a little help narrowing down the options, the site will help you to find the exact properties you are looking for, with a few simple clicks.

Want to stay within steps of historic Duval Street or be close to the beach? Are you planning to stay for a month or two? You should start with the “Property Finder.” This tool will allow you to browse through a selection of properties that fit your designated wants and needs, and shows you when a properties you are interested in are available. Know when you’re coming, how long your staying and how many rooms you need? Use the “Quick Search” drop-down menus to select your dates and specifications, including how much you want to spend, and we will provide you with a list of properties available for your stay and a convenient map showing where each property is located.

For our returning guests, or for those who are searching for a specific property by name, simply click on “Search Rentals” and enter the name (or part of the name) of the property you are looking for in the box that says “Headline” and leave the rest of the fields blank. The property you are looking for will be displayed, along with a calendar of availability. You can also find any exclusive deals in the “Search Rentals” drop-down menu, by selecting “Specials.” You just might find your dream getaway is waiting for you, and is more affordable than you ever imagined!

Once you have found the perfect property for your stay, simply click the red button that says “Book This Property Now” and you can make your reservation right there online! Or if you have any questions click on “Contact Us” and fill out the “Have a Question?” form, and we will contact you with an answer, and help you make a reservation. You can also call 1-800-833-7368, M-Sat, to speak with someone right away and make your reservation over the phone!

Once you have chosen your perfect place to stay, you may want to check out the “Area Information” link, to learn about all the fabulous things there are to see and do here in Key West! Also, keep checking the blog from time to time for new information on special events, new restaurants and many other exciting things going on around town!

If you have any comments or suggestions about the new website, please send them our way. We look forward to meeting you and helping to make your stay in paradise memorable and relaxing!