Historic Duval St. in Old Town Key West offers the best people watching, eating and drinking and, most importantly, the best shopping in South Florida. Everybody who comes to the island eventually gets around to cruising this street, where some of the most unusual and original shops offer something for everyone.
Anchored at one end by Mallory Square and at the other by the southernmost point in the United States, Duval Street’s boutiques and gift shops are as much of the local charm as the gorgeous sunsets.
Whatever you want to purchase is probably available somewhere on Duval & at almost any hour you want to do it. Though there are plenty of tacky tee shirt shops peddling items of questionable taste, there are dozens of fine stores selling the excellent work of local artists and craftspeople.
National chain stores such as Banana Republic, Coach and Express have moved in and satisfy some of the shopping needs in a town that does not boast even a single mall. More memorable, however, is Fast Buck Freddie’s – an amazing emporium of fine clothing, home decorations and gifts that townsfolk call the “Southernmost Bloomingdale’s” – with window displays that could compete with Tiffany’s.
Off Duval you will find Key West Hand Print Fabrics on Simonton Street with their colorful and locally produced clothing, and Key West Aloe on Front St. which has been making and marketing all-natural skin creams and cosmetics for over 25 years. One unique shopping destination on the waterfront is The Key Lime Shop which, as the name implies, makes and sells only items made from the legendary local citrus fruit. Caroline Street is another colorful Old Town street with eye-popping shops such as Local Color, Blue and Global Nomad.
If you are interested in original designs for your home, you must visit Glass Reunions on Duval Street. You’ll find the incredible work of noted stain glass artist Greg McDonald. Exquisite arts and crafts genre lamps found in few galleries worldwide.
A fresh take on a new collection of short plays by one of Key West’s favorite authors. Shel’s unique view of modern life, combined with his uncompromising artist’s skill, makes for another unforgettable evening of hilariously warped and unpredictable vignettes. A wide range of scenarios are played out with the biting wit and a sometimes twisted view of everyday life. The adult and playful work of Shel Silverstein returns to our stage in all its mischievous glory.
February 05 to March 08, in Key West
“Shel Shocked” at Red Barn Theatre
The theatre at 319 Duval St. is proud to bring back more of Shel Silverstein’s short plays. Contact: (305) 296-9911
KEY WEST, Florida Keys – In the 1930s, when he wasn’t writing, fishing or indulging at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, Ernest Hemingway often officiated boxing matches outside a small bordello near his Spanish colonial home on Whitehead Street.
That tradition is scheduled to return to Key West in a harborside series of bouts set for Friday, Jan. 18, at Mallory Square.
Dubbed “Fight Night in the Keys,” the seven-bout evening card is to feature a title fight and is slated for a live broadcast on ESPN 2’s “Friday Night Fights.”
“There is a very rich history of boxing in Key West,” said Si Stern, a Key West resident who manages several boxers. “When Hemingway lived here, there were a number of championship fights.”
Scheduled marquee events include Randall Bailey, a former two-time junior welterweight world champion, against Anthony Mora for the WBC Latin American Belt and Tarvis Simms versus a contender to be announced.
General admission tickets begin at $35 per person and cap at $165 per person for VIP seats that also includes parties and a pre-fight reception with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.
26th Annual Key West Literary Seminar
The 2008 topic is “New Voices: Where Have We Been? Where Are We Going?,” featuring workshops, panel discussions and receptions with nationally and internationally respected writers including Judy Blume, Edmund White, Billy Collins, and Junot Diaz. Contact: (888) 293-9291
Impromptu Concerts Presents The Philadelphia Brass Quintet
The band known for its wide repertoire, superb musicality, and humorous program commentaries comes to St. Paul’s Church, Duval and Streets, at 4 p.m. Contact: (305) 296-1520 x1
January 14 to January 15, in Key West
“Defending the Caveman” at Tennessee Williams Theatre
The hilariously insightful play about the ways men and women relate comes to the theatre at 5901 College Road, Stock Island, at 8 p.m. Contact: (305) 296-1520
January 18, in Key West
Fight Night in the Keys
Professional boxing returns to Key West’s Mallory Square. Seven matches are scheduled beginning at 7 p.m., to be televised on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights (broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET), including Randall Bailey versus Anthony Mora and Tarvis Simms versus Willie Gibbs. Tickets from $35 per person.
January 19, in Key West
3rd Annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival
This free, family-oriented event at Bayview Park is organized by the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen and the University of Florida in partnership with Monroe County. Contact: (305) 292-4501
Sculpture Key West
This stunning, contemporary outdoor art exhibit opens at the West Martello Museums on January 20, and expands to historic Fort Zachary Taylor on February 24. Contact: (305) 295-3800 Email:info@sculpturekeywest.com
January 21 to January 25, in Key West
Acura Key West 2008
Nearly 300 racing yachts compete for class championships in this international midwinter sailboat regatta. Contact: (781) 639-9545
January 23 to February 09, in Key West
“Tuesdays with Morrie” at Waterfront Playhouse
The true story of how a sports writer reconnected with his aging mentor is to be presented at the playhouse at historic Mallory Square. Contact: (305) 294-5015
January 24, in Key West
“Defying Gravity,” The Music of Stephen Schwartz
The “friends” from Stephen Schwartz & Friends are to perform works from the animated films Pocahantas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and The Prince of Egypt, and from the musicals Godspell, Pippin, and others. Contact: (305) 296-1520
January 25 to January 27, in Key West
Hog’s Breath King Mackerel Tournament
Anglers are to use fast boats to target the voracious king mackerel, also known as kingfish, for cash prizes. Contact: (305) 797-1117 Email:lee@murraymarine.com
January 26, in Key West
Anne McKee Artists Fund Auction
More than 100 artists are to exhibit and auction their work to raise money for the fund that provides project-based grants to Keys artists. Choose from original paintings, sculpture, photography, fiber art, ceramics and more. Viewing begins at 6:30 p.m., auction at 8 p.m. Admission is $25 per person at the door, including an open bar and gourmet hors d’oeuvres. East Martello Museum, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd. Contact: (305) 295-8383
January 26 to January 27, in Key West
23rd Annual Key West Craft Show
Juried artisans and crafters display their talents at a popular show on lower Whitehead Street in historic Old Town. Contact: (305) 294-1241
Book by Gavin Geoffrey Dillard Directed by Joy Hawkins
Musical Direction by David Troy Francis Choreography by Penny Leto
A howlingly funny musical taking the country by storm explores the lives of six dogs as they sing, dance and commiserate about all things canine. The score is a happy mixed breed of blues, salsa, country, and torch songs as each pooch recounts personal stories, filled with tenderness, aggression and humor of past and present owners and their desire to be loved and part of a family. A furry and fabulous tribute to human’s best friend, this show is on its way to NYC after Key West. David Troy Francis, creator of this sparkling new show, will join the Barn’s production as Musical Director and pianist. Don’t miss it, doggone it!
Key West Entertainment and Charters 
