Key West’s 45th Annual Conch Honk, March 3

by Willy Volk on

We have The Lord of the Flies to thank for introducing the conch to popular culture. We have the Bahamas to thank for giving us conch fritters. But we have the Conch Republic to thank for inventing the Conch Honk. Now in its 45th year, the conch shell blowing contest is a way to celebrate the smooth, pink gastropod’s role in the Keys’ history. Centuries ago, Calusa Indians used the shells as communication devices, a practice sailors quickly adopted and shipwreck salvagers swiftly perfected.

Participants in the Conch Honk are divided into two groups: novices and “pucker pros.” Judged on the quality, duration, and loudness of their conch blowing, entrants are also scored on the, um, novelty of the sound they produce. Musical ability is not a requirement to participate, though experienced conch blowers can produce a deep, rich tone.

If you’re interested in tooting your own horn, the event is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 3, on the Sunset Pier at Ocean Key Resort & Spa, one of the best places in the world to grab a drink and watch the sunset, in my opinion. The competition is free to enter and free to watch. Conch shells will be available for purchase for those who do not have their own, and entertainment will be provided by Auwina Weed, a local celebrity and conch shell virtuoso.

Hitch50 Comes to a Finish

by Adrienne Wilson on

Remember Scotty and Fiddy? They started off about two months ago on a mission to hitchhike their way to the state capitals of all 50 states in 50 consecutive days. (Yes, even Alaska and Hawai’i.) Erik gave them some link love early on in their adventure and now that they’ve completed their fantastic voyage from state-to-state it’s time to recap. On October 10, 2006 the two young men headed off into the cold, dark, unfriendly land we know as the United States… Okay, that’s not true. They did head off on October 10, 2006 and I’m sure part of the whole thing was not only set up to score some free travel, but to show that there is a little kindness in the hearts of Americans everywhere for two men with extended thumbs. Now, whether or not they stuck out their thumbs or just prearranged every single ride, you’ll have to find out on your own by visiting the Hitch50 site.

They did spectacular job blogging the whole shebang which includes photos and video. I kept tabs on the fellas by text messaging, hoping to give them a lift at some point in their journey, but they moved a lot faster than I imagined they would. Their mission was successfully completed the mission on November 28, 2006. Way to go guys!

Florida’s Multiple Personalities

by Erik Olsen on

Look, I’m going to be honest here. I’m not a big fan of Florida. I know lots of good folks live there and there are likely lots of good places to see I’ve never been, but the fact remains I have been to many of Florida’s alleged “hot spots” and I have found them wanting. I spent a week in the Keys several years ago (cheesy!), I spent some days in Miami (scary!), and then of course, I’ve made a requisite visit to Orlando (the horror!) to visit Disney World. Please, help me out. What am I missing?

OK, I am being unduly harsh. This fact became rather more obvious once I read this piece over at New York Magazine about Florida’s many different personalities. It seems there’s ample history, fishing, food, sports, outdoors activities and so on in the orange juice state. Pretty much everything a gadling reader could ever want.

Did I mention the kitsch? I said cheesiness, which is kind of the same thing. Kitsch is sort of intentional cheesiness. New Yorkers love kitsch, so perhaps that why they called out the “unapologetically tiki-tacky Mai-Kai bar,” whatever that is (although judging from the picture, it doesn’t look half bad). I’ll bet it is absolutely great after about 16 drinks.

Anyway, to all you Floridians out there: I’m sorry if you feel hurt. I know I need to spend more time in your state. Someday I will. Maybe.

One Hundred Very Angry U.S. Cities

by Adrienne Wilson on

Why this list of angry U.S. cities makes me laugh – I don’t know? Could it be that Orlando, the very home of Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and Mickey Mouse ranks number one for some bizarre reason? Maybe it’s because my city (Tampa, FL) ranks 12 and the near by St. Petersburg, FL comes in second? So my first question is this – what’s up with all the anger Florida?

World Hum points readers to a fine piece from Men’s Health focusing on 100 very angry U.S. cities. The ranking was based off factors like percentage of men with high blood pressure, FBI rates of aggravated assaults, Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers on workplace deaths from assaults and other violence in addition to road rage. Whew! With all those ugly factors and Orlando placing tops on the anger totem, some of you may be a little afraid to see where your place of residence ranks. Others may not be so surprised.

Bicycling Shark Valley into the Everglades

by Adrienne Wilson on

Alligators are the first thing to come to mind when I hear Everglades. Following very close in second place would be visions of murky swamp waters infested with mosquitoes, so when I saw Shark Valley in the same headline as Everglades it was obvious to see why my curiosity would be piqued.

John Mc Namara invites visitors to the Florida wildlife area in a more intimate way than speeding through on a drive down I-75 or cruising the waters on an airboat. His suggestion as featured in Tropical Adventure is to take the 15-mile bike ride through Shark Valley. It costs $10 to cycle the path which actually leads you to the entrance of Everglades National Park and the author makes it a good point to mention how much wildlife, alligators, birds and scenery you’re bound to experience by going this route. His article is stuffed with really good info for first-time Everglades explorers and novice bike riders who want to explore Shark Valley. He offers tips like don’t touch the gators (which should be a no-brainer) and be prepared for the ever changing weather conditions in the Florida Everglades. Variable high temperatures, wind and unexpected thunderstorms should all be kept in mind. Considering the amount of physical activity you’ll be doing John’s notes become very important in knowing how you’ll find food or beverages. Those who wish not to complete the bike trek can hop on the Shark Valley Tram and see the area with a guide.

I’d totally make a day of it and go for the bike ride. Willy did a Hidden Gems piece on Everglades Airboat Tours which is also worth revisiting if you’re planning to see the area one way or the other. With that said I’d totally do, both! Now, are there any sharks in waters? I doubt it – just gator.