Ten Interesting Facts about the Southern Flying Squirrel of the Everglades

The Everglades National Park is best explored by the airboat tours in the area. The unique landscape of the Everglades National Park spans over 1.5 million acres. There are many creatures that call the Everglades National Park home. One of these is the Southern flying squirrel. Here are some interesting facts about these little creatures.

1. Southern flying squirrels are the smallest tree squirrels that inhabit the Everglades national Park. They are mostly found among the hardwood and pine trees of the Big Cypress National Preserve. They make their nests in trees such as hickory, oak and walnut and also depend on them for food.

2. The average flying squirrel weighs about 2-4 ounces and is around 9-10 inches in length. They are greyish brown in color with white underbellies. They have black rings around their huge eyes. They also have a furry fold of skin that extends from their front paws all the way to the back. This skin allows the squirrel to glide from one tree to the other.

3. Southern flying squirrels mostly feed on nuts and seeds and are carnivores by nature. They love eating acorns, nuts, seeds, fungi and lichen. They also have been known to prey upon bird eggs, insects and carrion.

4. When nuts and acorns are bountiful, the Southern flying squirrel will collect them and hide them away throughout their home range for another day.

5. They make their nests in the hollows of trees or old woodpecker holes. Sometimes only a single female and her young will occupy a nest, while at others, an entire colony of females and their offspring may also inhabit it.

6. Southern flying squirrels mate twice a year so females can birth two litters per year. Each litter has about 3-4 babies. Baby squirrels are helpless for about 40 days after they are born. They are weaned 5 weeks after birth and are allowed to leave the nest soon after this.

7. Southern flying squirrels are capable of making a variety of sounds, most of which is not audible to human hearing. They make a peculiar sound which sounds like a 'tseep'. This is a call of foreboding, warning or an alarm to other squirrels in the area. They also make chittering and chuckling sounds.

8. Southern flying squirrels are nocturnal in nature and are rarely seen during the day. They are arboreal and spend most of their time atop trees. They use their tails as rudders as they glide from tree to tree.

9. Unlike most other animals, the female Southern flying squirrel tends to be more territorial than the male. They are seen actively defending their nesting areas from other squirrels and predators. The habitat of some males tend to overlap, in which case they will co-inhabit the area in question.

10. Southern flying squirrels do no hibernate but are known to nest together in groups to keep warm.

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Lakes and Waterways of the Everglades National Park

The unique natural ecosystem of the Everglades is a habitat conducive for the existence of several species of animals and birds that may be seen on the airboat tours. This ecosystem is made up of an amalgamation of many different habitats.

Mother Nature in Her most Primitive Form

The marshy wetland landscape of the Everglades National Park provides a fabulous habitat for over 40 species of mammals, 350 species of birds and 27 species of snakes and many other endangered and threatened creatures. The landscape of the park spans over 1.5 million acres and over one third of that is covered with water. There are several lakes and waterways that make up this marshy wetland. Here is some information about these water bodies.

1. Paurotis Pond

Paurotis Pond is located around 10 miles north of Florida Bay. It gets its name from the paurotis palm trees that are found in the area. This pond is a peaceful, scenic lake that only hand propelled crafts like canoes or kayak are allowed to ply.



2. Nine Mile Pond

Nine Mile Pond is a brackish water body where fresh and salt water mi. It offers truly magnificent views, with vast shallow marshes replete with spiky sawgrass, mangroves and tree islands. There are many close-knit mangrove tunnels that form canopies over the water. You will see much of the park's wildlife like the alligators sunning themselves on the banks, the wading birds foraging for food and many more. The trail is rather shallow and sometimes impassable during the dry summer months of February and March and is also known to be infested with bugs.

3. Mrazek Pond

Mrazek Pond is situated just south of Nine Mile Pond. It is a great place for wildlife sightings, especially during the dry season, which sees several species of birds feeding here. There are many varieties of freshwater fish like bluegills, largemouth bass, golden shiners, sunfish, yellow bullheads, and Florida gar that live in the waters of the pond and act as food for the wading birds that visit.



4. West Lake

West Lake is one of the largest water bodies in the interiors of the park that is located just north of Florida Bay. This brackish estuary is surrounded by mangroves and acts as a habitat that is conducive for the survival of many species of crustaceans and fish. West Lake has a rather popular canoe trail that runs along its south bank.

5. Eco Pond

There are many spots along the Everglades that are great for bird watching, but Eco Pond is worth a special mention. It is located along the southern part of the park, close to the Flamingo area visitor complex. Winter is the best season to catch a glimpse of the birdlife that can be found concentrated along Eco Pond. Birds such as the wood stork, anhinga, ibis, great white herons and more can be found here. Many other wildlife can also be encountered along the grassy banks of Eco Pond.

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The Thrilling two-fold Everglades Adventure

The Florida Everglades are situated on the outskirts of Miami. There are many ways in which tourists can enjoy the thrilling Everglades adventures. One of the most exhilarating Everglades tours Miami is the two-fold adventure which comprises of a hummer escapade and a luxurious airboat safari. It is one of the most lavish Everglades wilderness treats that you and your loved ones can experience!

Your Choice, Your Vacation

Tourists may note that airboat tours of the Everglades can be a private affair or a group tour. The two-fold hummer adventure and luxurious airboat safari is however a private tour. Tourists will be picked up from their hotel doorstep before the tour commences. You can also use the services of a shuttle to get between Miami and the Everglades.

The twin adventure of the hummer excursion and the opulent airboat trip includes the following perks:

The Hummer Adventure

The two-fold adventure of the sawgrass wetlands usually commences with the hummer adventure. The sight of the magnificent and powerful machine will get your adrenaline pumping and set the tone for the rest of the alligator tour. The hummer easily makes its way through the shallow swamps of the Everglades. The mud will splash around in all directions. However, none of that will affect the passengers as they will be comfortably seated in their air-conditioned ride. You will get to check out the lush vegetation, the breathtaking scenery, and the diverse wildlife. Tourists can also ask the driver to stop at different locations in the sawgrass marshes. You can get down from your hummer and capture the beauty of the unique ecosystem with your camera. The driver will also stop the vehicle at a safe distance from the alligator habitats, so as to allow you to get a good view of these magnificent beasts.



The Luxurious Everglades Airboat Safari

If you thought that the hummer adventure was an experience of a lifetime, then the airboat safari will exceed your expectations manifold. You will get to travel aboard a lavish air-conditioned fan boat, which will speed across the shallow waters of the Everglades wetlands as if it were skating on ice. Tourists will neither feel the adverse effects of the sun rays, nor will you be bothered by the mosquitoes and other insects. Guides will accompany the tourists during the tour.

They will offer interesting and interactive narration during the entire trip. The guides will also point out numerous Everglades attractions such as Indian camp sites, old Indian villages, and the tiny tree-covered islands called hammocks. You will also be served a light lunch on board the airboat. It is as if you are having your own private Everglades picnic!

Later, the captain will stop the airboat at various locations at the Everglades. Tourists will get to see big and small alligators, a variety of bird species, and other local wildlife. Have fun!

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Things to do When You Visit the Ten Thousand Islands

The Everglades National Park has so much to offer visitors like canoeing, kayaking, airboat tours, camping, bird-watching – the list is endless. The unique landscape of the Everglades National Park spans over 1.5 million acres, of which over one third is covered with water. There is so much to see and do here in this wilderness paradise. As you begin to explore the Everglades National Park, you will come across much evidence that points to just how replete this land is with unique ecosystems and natural resources. Take the Ten Thousand Islands for instance. There is just so much interesting things that these tiny islands abound with.

About the Ten Thousand Islands

As the name suggests, the Ten Thousand Islands are a group of tiny islands in the Gulf of Mexico that are surrounded by clams beds and covered with dense mangrove forests. Most of these islands rest in the Everglades National Park. Despite the name, the number of these small islands stands only in the hundreds. The Northern region of the Ten Thousand Islands lies in the Ten Thousand Island National Wildlife Refuge while the Southern portion is in the Everglades National Park. Almost all the Ten Thousand Islands are uninhabited by humans. The largest island Chokoloskee Island has a population of about 400 residents today.

Things to do in the Ten Thousand Islands

The Ten Thousand Islands are a place that abounds with pristine wilderness and natural beauty. There are many activities one can enjoy in these islands.

1. Boating

Boating in the Ten Thousand Islands can be a challenging but fun activity. Plan ahead of time and plan well, as exploring this wilderness by water requires you to. You will be at Mother Nature's mercy while you're there so it's always good to be prepared. Always choose two routes before you set out in case you are not able to use one. Take in account the season that you will be boating in and take along necessary items to combat weather conditions. Get guide books, maps, nautical charts, a compass and other travel plans to navigate your way through the wilderness. Take winds, tides, your capabilities and capacity into account while planning an itinerary.

2. Kayaking

The landscape of the Ten Thousand Islands offers great opportunities for exploring at your own pace at water level by canoe or kayak. While the airboat tours or alligator tours that ply on a fan boat in the Everglades are a fun experience, there is nothing like ambling along the water on a canoe or a kayak, witnessing the wildlife up close. The tour operators may include people who carry their own gear to the park or ones that provide guides and equipment.



3. Photography Tours

The spectacularly beautiful landscape of the Ten Thousand Islands offers much scope to take absolutely breathtaking photographs. Try your hand at photography with the photography tours available here. Remember to bring a waterproof carry-bag to keep your camera dry.

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Six Exciting Things to do in Little Havana

Little Havana is a Latin-inspired Republican district in Miami. The vivacious Hispanic culture is evident is pretty much everything around Little Havana – the people, the food, the music, the fragrance of Cuban coffee, the murals and so much more! One of the very important attractions in Miami, Little Havana's eclectic art galleries, vibrant boutiques and quaint little sidewalk cafes are sure to lure you in. Here are some fun things to do when you visit Little Havana.

1. Catch a Show at Teatro Avante

The magnificent architecture of the Teatro Avante should not be missed by anyone who has an eye for eclectic beauty. It features classical and contemporary Latin performances and is also host to the star-studded annual International Hispanic Theatre Festival of Miami.



2. Sample Cuban Cuisine at Versailles Restaurant

A popular landmark at Little Havana is the iconic Versailles Restaurant which serves up Cuban delicacies like boliche, lechonasado, fritas, chicharrón, cubanos, and traditional croquetas. Don't miss the delectable but strong 'cafecito', the syrupy Cuban espresso or the famous Café Cubano.

3. Be a Part of the Viernes Culturales Street Party

Coincide your Miami excursions to Little Havana on a Friday night where you can enjoy free entertainment with the Viernes Culturales celebration which passes through the downtown area. This Latin-styled street party has live music, dancing, food vendors, and street performances spanning the entire evening.

4. Have a Picnic at Maximo Gomez Park

The Maximo Gomez Park is colloquially called 'Domino Park' because of the amount of board games like chess and dominoes that are played here every day by Cuban locals. You can spend an entire afternoon here at the park. Pick up a take-away from a nearby restaurant, grab a good book along the way and you're all set!



5. Visit the Cigar Rolling Room at El Credito Cigar Factory

In the rolling room at the El Credito Cigar Factory you can watch hand-crafted cigars taking shape right in front of you! Watching the expert cigar rollers effortlessly create the famous Cuban cigars is a great experience. The El Credito Cigar Factory is the oldest cigar factory to be operating in the United States of America. It has an exclusive collection of cigars that come in 23 signature sizes, including El Rico Habano, La Gloria Cubana, El Credito International, and Serie R to name a few.

6. Walk around Calle Ocho

Many Miami city tours will take you to Calle Ocho which has some of the best Cuban restaurants serving up delicacies like fish croquetas and shrimp tortillas. Check out the art galleries, fruit stands and little cafes that line the street. Don't miss the Walkway of the Stars also called Little Havana Paseo de las Estrellas where there are tributes to many Latin-American celebrities like Celia Cruz and Gloria Estefan. There is also a memorial park housing monuments to Cuban heroes like Antonio Maceo and Jose Marti.

Little Havana's vibrant and pulsating scene is bound to set the mood for your vacation. You can visit the sights and sounds of Little Havana through a Miami bus tour or a Miami boat tour.

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Birds of the Everglades

The Everglades airboat tours or fan boat tours may be a fine attraction but watching the beautiful winged creatures that call the Everglades home unlike anything else. If you have arrived from Miami to the Everglades by a shuttle to witness nature in its purest form, this is the place for it!

1. Anhinga

This water bird is also known as the American Darter or the Water Turkey. It doesn't have oil glands like most other birds so when it goes fishing, its feathers become wet. It can be found in the freshwater ponds or swamps of the Everglades feeding on fish and insects.



2. Bald Eagle

The endangered bald eagle is a bird of prey and also the national bird of the U.S. It has a distinctive white head with brown body feathers. They prey on small mammals, rodents, and fish.

 

3. Roseate Spoonbill

The spoonbill is a water bird with a distinctive spatula-like bill and a rich plume of pink feathers. Its feathers acquire this pink hue from the scarlet colored crustaceans it feeds on in the Everglades swamps. If you go on an alligator tour, you will find these spoonbills feeding along the swamp banks.

 

4. Red-shouldered Hawk

The red-shouldered hawk has a brown upper body feathers with a reddish underbelly. They are medium-sized birds that soar over the marshlands of the Everglades. They hunt small amphibians, mammals, reptiles, and fish.



5. Great Blue Heron

The great blue heron is a wading bird that is commonly found in the wetlands. They have a wingspan of over 6 feet and stand about 3 to 4 feet tall. They seem to be rather slow-moving creatures but can strike like lightening at the sight of prey.

 

6. Snail Kite

This endangered bird is found in the tropical marshlands of the Everglades all year round. It is the only hawk known that feeds primarily on snails. It has a wingspan of about 45 inches. They have a white-tipped tail with sooty brown feathers.

 

7. Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow

Yet another endangered bird native to the Everglades is the Cape Sable seaside sparrow. It is nicknamed the 'Goldilocks bird' because it is extremely picky about the conditions of its habitat. The transformation of their habitat is causing sightings of this bird to become few and far between.

 

8. Red-cockaded Woodpecker

The red-cockaded woodpecker is a medium-sized bird also on the endangered species list. It has a black and white color with white flecked crowns. Males may have a red patch in the center. They feed on insects.

 

9. Piping Plover

This tiny shore bird is sandy colored and about the same size as a sparrow. They are a protected species often found along the shores of beaches or sandbanks of marshy water bodies.



10. Wood Stork

The wood stork is a large wading bird found in the Everglades. It is characterized by its bald head and thick down-curved bill. It is the only stork to breed in the United States and does so during the dry season in the Everglades when fish is easily available.

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Reasons to Go Fishing in Key West

While snorkeling in Key West may be a much sought-after activity, all of Florida is called the 'Fishing capital of the world'. The geographical conditions, natural resources, crystal clear water, and conducive weather all year round make fishing in Florida and the Keys that surround it, such a fabulous pastime.

Make it Happen Today!

Fishing in Key West is a great sport for people of all ages to enjoy. There are many different types of fishing trips you can choose to go on. Here are some reasons why Key West is a fabulous fishing destination.

1. Fishing in Key West is a great way to enjoy the open ocean while you get an opportunity to catch some challenging and remarkable marine species. The spectacular natural beauty of the Keys have attracted ace angler for decades now.

2. When you go fishing you can explore shipwrecks or even glide by the exquisite coral reefs, which are sure to provide you with a breathtaking and unforgettable adventure of a lifetime. Key West is a versatile and truly remarkable place to enjoy a fishing expedition.

3. Key West has the world's third largest living coral reef which is home to many exotic species of marine life. This makes Key West one of the best choices in the world for scuba diving, snorkelling and fishing. Not just that, the weather in Key West is so perfect almost all year round, that you can enjoy an incredibly wonderful fun day in the sun angling.

4. Many species of fish inhabit the waters of Key West like mackerel, redfish, jacks, and snook. With the right guide and boat you could get a fantastic opportunity to see and catch these fish. Some charters also offer shark fishing expeditions. Whether you're an experienced angler or a novice, Key West will offer you a truly remarkable fishing experience.

5. Being in the great outdoors, breathing in the fresh air of the wilderness and being active is sure to have many health benefits. Most of us are used to a sedentary life with minimal activity. Fishing can help you burn away those unwanted calories and improve your quality of life.

6. Fishing in Key West is a serene, calming experience. Spending a day casting for jacks and snook while you see the aquamarine waters extend for miles and miles, as seagulls soar over head is a truly wonderful feeling.

7. If you are travelling to Key West with your family, try light tackle fishing which is a great way for the whole family to spend a fun day out on the water and then enjoy some delicious fish for dinner that you've caught yourself.  You may catch kingfish, deep water sailfish, tarpon, cobia, tuna, ceros, snapper or wahoo.

8. Key West is famous for the amount of ships that sunk here. These wrecks make for a great location for activities like snorkeling in Key West and a great fishing spot where you can find schools of amberjacks and permit swirling around the underwater ruins.

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Creatures that Inhabit the Pine Rocklands of the Everglades National Park

The marshy wetlands of the Everglades National Park can be viewed through the airboat tours that ply in the area. During these airboat tours and a general exploration of the park, you will encounter many wonderful types of landscapes, each more unique and different than the other. One such unique terrain is the pine rocklands of the Everglades National Park. Here are some interesting facts about the many species of wildlife that inhabit the pine rocklands of the Everglades National Park.

About the Pinelands

Pinelands are also known as 'pine rocklands' and are characterized by forests that root in the park's exposed limestone substrate. Slash pine canopies line almost the entire tough terrain. There are many indigenous specie of flora that grow only here. Fire is an important factor in the growth of the pinelands as it clears out the hammocks that would normally overpower the delicate pineland seedlings. The pineland forests are largely open with just a bit of shade. Most of the vegetation here grows close to the ground so it is very easy to see far into the distance.

Pineland Wildlife

There are many species of wildlife that thrive in the dry habitat of the pine rocklands of the Everglades National Park. Here are some creatures you will come across in the pine rocklands of the Everglades National Park.

1. Florida Black Bear

The Florida black bear is found in the heavily forested areas of the Everglades National Park. It was on the endangered species list by was taken off in 2012 as its conservation was successful.



2. The Florida Panther

The Florida Panther is a member of the big cat family. The panther has adapted itself to hunt and at times, even swim in the freshwater of Big Cypress in the Everglades National Park. It inhabits the hardwood hammocks and the dry pineland forests. The favorite food of the Florida panther is the white-tailed deer. It is also known to feed on wild hogs, armadillos, rabbits, and birds.

3. The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker

The red-cockaded woodpecker is approximately the same size as the common cardinal. It has black and white feathers with bars its back. The habitat of the red-cockaded woodpecker includes mature pine forests that are at least 80 years old. It is the only known woodpecker in North America that excavates and roosts in living trees. Other woodpeckers build their homes in dead trees.

4. The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

This snake is the largest rattlesnake in the world. The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is considered to be the most poisonous snake in North America and can be seen in the pine rocklands of the park.



5. The Eastern Coral Snake

The Eastern Coral Snake has yellow, red and black bands on its body. It has a black nose and will not bite unless provoked. One drop of venom expelled by the Eastern Coral Snake is enough to do some serious damage.

 

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Orignal From: Creatures that Inhabit the Pine Rocklands of the Everglades National Park

Ten Interesting Facts about the Reef Fish of Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is a cluster of seven islands made from sand and coral reefs and offers some of the best snorkeling in Key West. The park is famous for its bird and coral reefs in which many species of marine life thrive. Here are some interesting facts about the reef fish of the Dry Tortugas National Park.

1. One of the most popular attractions here at Dry Tortugas is the snorkeling. This remote island offers some of the most spectacular snorkeling opportunities in the world where you can see many species of colorful reef fish that are as vivid and vibrant as the reef that they inhabit.

2. When you go dive into the underwater paradise of Dry Tortugas, you will come across many fish darting in and out of the coral formations.

3. The coral reefs at Dry Tortugas National Park occupy a tiny space in the underwater marine environment but more than 25% of all marine fish species inhabit these rich reefs.

4. In this fierce environment there is always heavy competition for food and space. Therefore, the fish have learnt to adapt themselves to this challenging environment through superb survival tactics.

5. While open water fish have adapted themselves to the vast ocean by increasing the speed at which they swim through a streamlined torpedo shape that reduces friction while swimming, reef fish have learnt to adapt themselves to the confines of the reef in which they live so as to maximize maneuverability.

6. There are many angler fish that have flat shapes with which they can dart in and out of the small nooks and crannies of the reef with ease and change direction in the blink of an eye. There are other tiny fish that lodge themselves in the crevices of the reef with the help of sharp spines along their fins. These spines may be venomous too, to keep them safe from the many predators that roam the reef.

7. Due to lack of space, reef fish have adapted to be social creatures, often together when foraging, or to seek protection from predators. Unstructured aggregation of many different species of fish usually happens when they share a food source or a nesting site.

8. When reef fish swim and stay together due to social reasons but are still a bit unorganized, it is called shoaling. These fish generally stay within close proximity to the rest of the shoal, but also venture small distances in any direction.

9. When these uncoordinated shoals of fish become more organized and start swimming in the same direction in unison, it is called schooling. Fish belonging to a school are normally of the same age, size and species.

10. This school of fish move as if they are one entity. The space between each fish is uniform and they can even undertake complicated maneuvers and changes in directions swiftly and with ease.

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Mammals of the Everglades National Park

The unique subtropical ecosystem of the Everglades National Park is popularly explored by the airboat tours. This ecosystem is made up of an amalgamation of many different habitats where many species of endangered and threatened birds and animals thrive, and miles of nature trails, as well as amazing photography opportunities abound. There are more than 40 unique species of mammals that call the park home. Here are some who you can hope to bump into on your trip to the Everglades National Park.

1. Grey Fox

The grey fox has a strong neck, black-tipped tail, and can weigh up to 20 pounds. Sharp, hooked claws allow the grey fox to climb trees to reach food sources or to escape predators. They are solitary hunters that feed on birds, rodents, rabbits and voles and have been known to eat fruit sometimes too.



2. Raccoon

The raccoon is found in the marshes and forests of the Everglades. It uses its dexterous paws to catch crayfish, frogs, and other aquatic creatures. While on land, the raccoon feeds on bird's egg, insects and mice.

3. River Otter

The river otter is a slender semi-aquatic mammal that is found in the Everglades and other parts of Florida. It hunts during the day or night for turtles, crayfish or other freshwater creatures. It breeds once a year during winter or fall.



4. Florida Marsh Rabbit

Marsh rabbits are the only species of rabbits that are found in the Everglades National Park, in the Gulf and Atlantic coastal plains, along beaches, estuaries, shorelines, marshes, swamps, logs, ponds, rivers, lakes and streams. They thrive in marshy, lowlands and are commonly found near permanent sources of water. They are known to be good swimmers, often diving into the marshy wetlands to avoid being captured by predators. They are nocturnal in nature and are most active at dusk or dawn. They are solitary as well, preferring to forage on their own.

5. White-tailed Deer

White-tailed deer are the smallest species of North American deer and are found all the way from the cold regions of Southern Canada to the tropical climates of Florida. They adapt well to almost any habitat and are herbivorous, feeding mainly on plan materials such as stems, young tender leaves, twigs, alfalfa, and sometimes acorns. They have also been known to feed on mushrooms fruit, and agricultural crops like soybean and corn if they can find any. White-tailed deer are the largest source of food for the elusive and endangered Florida Panther. They are found abundantly in the swamp, marshy habitat of the Everglades National Park and the pine rocklands and hardwood hammocks of Big Cypress National Preserve as well.

6. Florida Panther

The elusive Florida panther is an endangered animal that resides in the Everglades swamps. These big cats can weigh up to 160 pounds and feed on the waterfowl, mice, deer, wild boar, and hares.

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Orignal From: Mammals of the Everglades National Park

Top Six Gay Events in Key West

There is a lot more on offer in the tropical island paradise than just snorkeling in Key West. Key West is known as the Mecca of gay-resorts with so many gay-friendly inns, hotels, and activities. This has made the island a favorite among the LGBT community for years now. So matter what your sexual disposition, you are bound to find something on offer in the diverse, multicultural Key West. Here are the island's six most fun gay events to check out.

1. Gay Key West Trolley Tours

The trolley tours are one of the most popular tours in Key West and now here's one with a twist. This trolley tour is specially designed for members of the LGBT community to take in the colorful culture and history of the island. These gay trolley tours depart from HTA Angela Depot which is at the corner of Angela and Duval at 4pm every Saturday evening. The tickets are about $25 and can be purchased online, at any distinguished LGBT guesthouse, or at the trolley itself.

2. Gay Spring Break

If you're in Key West during March and April, you can partake in gay spring break which is specially designed for LGBT students to let their hair down on the beautiful beaches of the tropical island or at one of the many gay-friendly clubs, pubs and bars around. This festival is sure to be a fantastic celebration you will remember all your life.

3. The Headdress Ball

The annual Headdress Ball is an official event of Fantasy Fest and takes place in October. This contest is loaded with Key West's characteristic over-the-top entertainment, and the amazing live acts of many of the drag performers on the island. Contestants at the over the top Headdress Ball are judged from the shoulders up. Great fun to be part of.



4. Key West Pride

The Key West Pride is a 5-day long celebration unlike any other that you will ever see. It is the best place to show your pride for the LGBT community, with people from all walks of life, coming out in support. The festivals motto is 'One Human Family'. There are amazing opening parties and closing parades to witness so get here on time. The Key West Pride is takes place in June.

5. Tropical Heat

The hottest event for men on the island is Tropical Heat. It is 4 days of adult oriented entertainment and all-male themed parties. The tropical island of Key West is sure to exude some tropical heat your way during this festival. All the LGBT-friendly guesthouses fill up really fast during this festival so be sure to book well in advance.

6. Womenfest

This R-rated festival has been designed for gay women to go wild in Key West. There is a wide array of activities here such as competitive bull riding contests, wild pool parties, live music, comedy shows, films, dance clubs, women-only water excursions and much more.

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About My Blog

This blog is meant to be a resource for visitors to South Florida, but to understand how I get my information it's probably best you know a little about me. My name's Mike Stanley and I live in Islamorada, FL at the moment. I've lived in Miami previously, in the neighborhoods of South Beach and Coral Gables. Years of living in the South Florida area has conditioned me to always keep a look out for cheap food, events, and things to do. I, unfortunately, don't have a college degree, so money-wise I wasn't always well off. Living on a budget really helped me discover a new side of Miami that I never knew existed. My information is mostly experience based, although I do call up a buddy in Miami once in a while for an update, just to stay up to date with what's going on in the Magic City.

The reason I write about South Florida is because I care about the experiences people have in the southern part of the Sunshine State. I grew up and have stayed here almost my entire life for a reason and I'd like people to catch a glimpse of that reason. There's so much diversity that it provides a completely different vibe than anywhere else in the world. The mix of cultures is something, I believe, more profound than a pretty view or a hike you might experience elsewhere. Plus I love the beach and the ocean, so I'm a real advocate of the place. I'd like for everyone to have as great of an experience in South Florida as I have, even if it's only for a week.

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