Fresh From Key West, Trending Cocktail, Soothing Skin Balm, Interiors and More Fun
Here’s what’s fresh from Key West, Florida including and easy spicy cocktail, soothing skin balm, cool renovated Key West hotel, our first annual fishing tournament and the comfortable hotel where we are staying. We have been down here for the week with friends (two with boats), snorkeling, fishing (lobster season just started) and just having fun.
So naturally, this post is Key West inspired as it’s Sunday Faves time with Annie and Cindy.
Key West Nice/Reasonably Priced Hotel – The Capitana
We like this place with the helpful staff, Gulf views, free breakfast and pretty pool.
My son took this photo of me writing this post from our room.
On our balcony…
wide brimmed hat (love how sturdy it is and has the strap to keep it on in wind/boating) • polarized sunglasses • Summersalt bathing suit, sold out but here are similar. I like that it has a seam at the waist which makes it more flattering, comes in long torso too. • Quince lightweight linen pants • J. Jill Leather Sandals
Travel Aids: Soothing Skin Baum And Travel Robe
Our friend Australian friend, Julz, recommended this Surfer’s Salve skin balm to Terry and me. It’s very soothing and great for sunburn or bug bites. I like the packaging.
Our hotel did not have robes so I was glad I packed this Quince silk robe that my sister gave me. It takes up very little room in your suitcase.
Simple Trending Cocktail – Chilled Rosé With Frozen Jalapeño Slices
Our friend, Tori served this Rosé wine with a few ice cubes and frozen jalapeño slices. So simple yet fun and spicy.
Florida Lobster Fishing
The regular season started on August 6 this year.
The red flag there means beware of divers in the water. The Gulf water is so pretty! I didn’t catch any fish but I loved observing them while snorkeling.
Terry measured the lobsters and fish that the others caught. Those that were too small were thrown back into the water. Fortunately, we had enough lobster tails for dinner, grilled with butter thanks to Mark. And Woody made a dish of Lobster Risotto that was shared too.
The First Icebox Invitational Fishing Tournament
Julz and Billy (pictured with Howard below) created the tournament rules. There were prizes like Super Bowl Fish Tournament rings.
Top prize (trident and medallion) went to Alison for most lobster and fish caught. The winner had to be present (and we had some top contenders that had to leave early–oh well).
For the “Awards Ceremony”, Howard and I hosted a cocktail party at the Capitana Hotel’s McKee’s Tiki Bar on the beach. The friendly catering manager, Melanie helped us organize it.
We had tropical drinks like ” Captain My Captain” (spiced rum, coconut water, a splash of pineapple juice on ice and pineapple garnish–I want to make this at home before summer is over).
And appetizers like lobster quesadillas and conch fritters.
Key West Interiors At La Concha Hotel
We also stopped by the La Concha Hotel for lunch and to check out the interiors. It’s a vintage 1912 hotel with fresh new interiors.
Notice the terrazzo flooring? It’s back.
I had the ceviche which was loaded with minced jalapeño (too much) but the key lime pie was cooling! We came back here to the bar on Friday night for some salsa dancing. So fun.
Here is an Instagram reel of our Key West time.
Do you have any good memories of Key West?
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Let’s see what my friends have discovered this week:
Tried the wine tonight with the jalapeno peppers. What a nice change to a glass of wine. Will be doing this more often.
I think it’s nice once it a while. 🙂
Looks like a really enjoyable trip, Mary Ann. I wilted in May when I visited Key West, so I can’t imagine I’d survive August there (though we did not snorkel or even enjoy our hotel pool — must return for a more relaxed visit!).
All looks beautiful. I’ll be making that rum and pineapple cocktail once summer hits here. I LOVE terrazzo, want to put it in our bathrooms so much.
It’s a good look. Everything comes back it seems 🙂
My husband and I visited Key West a year ago in May. We loved it but it was unseasonably HOT. We were intrigued with all the chickens running around! Super fun place!
Yes, the chickens are so colorful.
I love Key West! Have stayed at La Concha. Funny story. We were on a tour of Ernest Hemingway home . And we’re walked by a urinal , Hemingway “ borrowed” from Sloppy Joe’s after a night of partying. He took an olive jar, added a drip house and used the urinal as a pool that recirculated the water.. a member of the tour must have been thirsty as she dipped her hands in the urinal to get a cool drink of water. You should have heard the gasps! The tour guides professionally explained the story behind the urinal. We laughed later about the cool drink of water. Good tour. F you ever go, ask about the penny cemented in the swimming pool. Hemingway was a character.
Yes, I know about the penny. Hemingway said his ex-wife just left him with “one red cent.” 🙂 We took the tour too
Love the gorgeous polydactyl kitties…
Hi Mary Ann,
What a fantastic time you all had and I love hearing about the fishing competition and that gorgeous hotel!
Lovely summer memories!! Have a wonderful week Mary Ann.
YOU have a wonderful week, too, Francesca! True…great memories.
Mary Ann! What a fun trip! I love that Tommy took that photo of you outside working! That is so sweet! The rosé with a few ice cubes and frozen jalapeño slices! How fun does that sound! Must try! You look ahhhhhmazing in those Quince linen pants! xx
I love you in your Garnet Hill linen pants on your post today, Annie!
MA! You’re truly living your best life and I’m here for it. What fun in Key West! Your hotel looks gorgeous and I suppose everything is gorgeous down there with the crystal clear water and white sand. Love both cocktail ideas … I’ll freeze some jalapeño slices today! xo
I’m not sure I will be putting jalapeño slices in my rose all the time but it was a fun experience, Juliet.
How fun! I like the rose with jalapenos idea though I am not sure I could convince Steve of this! I don’t think I have ever been to Key West! I am just curious why you guys go when it is soooo hot! Is it better fishing?
Well, it’s hot in Atlantic Beach, too! And lobster season just started…prices are good now, too, in Key West. With all the water it just feels fun.
Mary Ann,
What a cool trip to Key West! It is wonderful to have a great group of traveling companions.
It’s been too long since we visited the Keys and I am putting it at the top of my upcoming winter destinations list. As Floridians It is so easy to ignore the amazing travel destinations right at our back doors.
Rosemary
I know…there is a lot to do in Florida, Rosemary. Just have your sunscreen handy!
We used to go there, we live in Miami Beach, but we were in the more tacky area! We said the best thing to see in Key West was the town in our rear view mirror. But now reading this post I think we will plan a winter trip, better book that hotel now!
We’ve stayed at the “La Tee Da” establishment numerous times because of location/DuValSt, restaurant AND ir’s beautiful. We’ve been back to Hemington House, Lighthouse & Butterfly Conservatory. We’ve eaten too many Key Lime pies to count!!!
I only had Key Lime pie once this trip, Franki. I need to go back! Great name for a hotel 🙂