Caribbean Travel Blog - RumShopRyan » Islands

Fort Zachary Beach, Key West – Island Lime Videos

RumShopRyan — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:37:40 +0000

In my opinion it’s the best slice of sand on Key West, Fort Zachary Beach is a quiet place to hide from the craziness the rest of the island is so famous for. Today’s Island Lime Video takes you for a walk on Fort Zachary Beach where the sun is shining and the turquoise feel good gently rolls on to the sand.

Most people head to the popular and easy to find Smather’s Beach. Smather’s is great in it own right, but the two beaches couldn’t be more different. Fort Zachary Beach is lined with tall thin pine trees, while Smathers is covered with Coconut Palms. Smather’s Beach is usually busy, has para-sailing and other beach rentals. Fort Zachary Beach is laid back, no jet skies, no bells and whistles–its just you, the waves and the park. The perfect place to get away from it all.

Watch this Island Lime Video and you’ll understand why this place is special.

Fort Zachary Beach, Key West

Don’t you wish you could just crawl through your screen and jump in that blue water? You’ll be able to if you join this September for the Conched in Key West Bar Crawl. A relaxing morning on this beach is the perfect medication for a long day of bar hopping on Duval Street.

Have you been to Fort Zachary Beach? What do you think is the better beach, Fort Zach or Smathers?

Cheers Castaways,
RumShopRyan

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Reminder: Key West Charity Bar Crawl

RumShopRyan — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:37:19 +0000

It’s time to sign up Castaways. The Conched in Key West Charity Bar Crawl is happening September 22nd and we want you there! Join me, Team Cocktail, Rum Connection, BigKahunaBrew and Coastlines & Tan Lines for a bar hopping adventure on the streets of Key West, all while raising money for an amazing charity–Reef Relief.

Date: September 22, 2012
Time: 2pm-? (as long as you can make it!)
Location: Key West, FL – Duval St.
Price: $30 (includes shirt, drink specials & charity donation)
Tickets: www.teamcocktail.com

Click on the Team Cocktail link above to get your tickets.

Last year was a huge success and this year is already shaping up to be bigger and better. It’s true! I’m not just saying that overused cliche to win your hearts! We are going to have a Friday night pre-party with live music, more crawlers joining us, more give-aways and more free drinks!

Key West Express

I’m also working with the Key West Express, the ferry boat that travels from Fort Myers to Key West, to have a little pre-pre-party on the way down. Why? Because getting there is half the fun! I’m working on getting discounts for all crawlers and we’ll probably have our very own drink named after us on the boat. How does the Conched In Key West sound? Flying into Fort Myers is cheaper than flying directly into Key West, so taking the boat down will not only be a great time, but also save you a little money. Leave me a comment below and let me know if you’re interested in taking the boat down.

Join the Bar Crawl Fan Page

Are you on Facebook? I think half the world is now on the social network now. Join the Conched in Key West Bar Crawl fan page so we can give you updates, and get excited about the event together. Click here to join the Bar Crawl Fan Page.

Join us on the southernmost island for a great time and a great cause. Helping protect the reefs is important to all of us island lovers and this is the perfect way to contribute.

Feel free to email me or leave a comment if you have any questions or would like to sponsor a bar stop.

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Cheers,
RumShopRyan

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Music: An Island State Of Mind In Key West

RumShopRyan — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:48:32 +0000

My favorite song on the new Pirate Sessions album is easily Island State of Mind. Its free flowing lyrics echo days of relaxing with a glass full of the island lifestyle. Rum filled drinks, bikini clad sun kissed beauties and spending time in an island state of mind, isn’t that the goal of every Castaway? This song definitely takes you there.

Key West, a place where it’s nearly impossible not to be in an island state of mind, put on its 17th annual Songwriters Festival a couple weeks ago. Over a hundred artist played on the island, but watching The Pirate Sessions perform on the Fury catamaran was the highlight of the 5 day music binge. At least it was for this self proclaimed scallywag.

The boat filled up, the band set up their equipment and the free beer, margaritas and wine flowed freely. Wouldn’t be much of a pirate party ship if it didn’t right? I picked out a good spot to set up shop and started shooting as the boat began its lazy jaunt out of the marina. What the camera caught was the bands first song, a cover of Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds that transitioned into their new Island State Of Mind. Five minutes in and the entire boat could tell this was going to be a kick as time with a rocking band, beautiful views and cold drinks.

Island State Of Mind – The Pirate Sessions

The guys put on a great show the entire night, and Hollywood couldn’t have created a better sunset. As the sky grew dark the music grew loud. People danced, people sang and every soul aboard was most certainly in an…island state of mind.

You can download the new Pirate Sessions album here.

Cheers!
RumShopRyan

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An Artistic View Of Key West

RumShopRyan — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:46:01 +0000

Artists have flocked to Key West for decades. I don’t know if it’s something in the water of the southern most island or the free flowing, anything goes vibe. Could be the heat, could be the rum, but something wears down ones inhibitions and forces the creative juices to the surface. Whatever the reason, Key Crazy is a place to let your creative side shine.

By no means do I qualify myself as an artist, and lord knows I can’t sing or play an instrument. But I did spend quite a few hours staggering around Key West shooting pictures, and when you fire off hundreds and hundreds of shots you’re bound to get a couple good ones. Below are a few shots that I tried to be creative with. If you like them feel free to pin them on Pinterest. If you think they suck, tell me. I’ll drink a Corona to get over the pain.

Key West Photos

Ahhh Key West. Even if you’re an analytical straight shooter without a creative bone if you’re body, this island will still find a way to inspire. It’s a special place.

Have a great weekend Castaways!
RumShopRyan

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Video – Gulf To Ocean, A Bike Ride Down Duval Street

RumShopRyan — Tue, 08 May 2012 11:46:19 +0000

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit in a bike basket and cruise down Duval Street? Sure you have, wouldn’t be a Castaway if you haven’t. Besides, riding in one of those baskets, legs flailing around, drink in hand, is actually pretty tame for Key West. (Do I legally have to say don’t do this?)

Below is a video of a bike ride down Key West’s Duval Street. From the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. No I wasn’t sitting in the basket filming with a drag queen peddling the bike, although I’m sure that’s probably happened. (I did ride in a shopping cart up an elevator one time in Key West, but I’ll leave that story for another time.) This time I was doing the peddling and the handy little GoPro camera was holding on to the bike basket for dear life. Enjoy the trip down Duval!

Bike Tour Down Duval Street, Key West

As you can see the street was pretty calm. This was shot at about 9:30 in the morning. The hungover partiers and daily tourists had yet to rise, it was a contrasting view of a street that normally pulses with life.

Background song is fittingly called, “Key West” by Robert McIntosh.

I’d like to thank Key West Express for sponsoring the trip and Rum Connection for a great bar hopping tour.

Cheers,
RumShopRyan

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Artists Performing at the 2012 Key West Songwriters Festival – Help Me Choose!

RumShopRyan — Thu, 03 May 2012 10:25:14 +0000

Today I arrive in Key West via the speedy, boat drink serving, Key West Express. The island is packed with singer songwriters ready to play their songs on the beach, hotels and historic bars of Key West. Problem is there are way to may artists to see. So how do you choose? Many of the performers I’m not very familiar with, so choosing is almost like throwing darts with a blindfold on.

Here is a list of all of the performers. Can you give me some suggestions on what acts are a must see?

2012 Key West Songwriters Festival Performers

See what I mean, so many to see so little time. I’m definitely catching the Pirate Sessions guys on the Fury catamaran sail and want to join the fun with Howard Livingston at the Southernmost Beach Cafe on Thursday night. Other than than that I’m not really sure. Help me out and tell me who I should go see.

Thanks Castaways!

Cheers,
RumShopRyan

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How To Travel To Cuba Tomorrow

RumShopRyan — Tue, 01 May 2012 13:07:52 +0000

Cuba, so close but it might as well be a million miles away. Cuba is like the pretty girl you want to talk to but can’t because you’re married. It’s like the fresh cookies your mom use to make, but if you went to grab one you’d get smacked with the spoon. It seems we always want things we can’t have. But in recent years, loopholes have been made that put this largest of the Caribbean islands within reach.

Caribbean blogger Bob Curley of About.com, has listed the ways that we Americans can visit Cuba legally. Wouldn’t it be great to immerse yourself into the Cuban culture, sip on Mojitos in Havana and walk in Hemingway’s foot steps? Of course it would! Here are some of the trips planned to Cuba that you can be apart of. (Below information by Bob Curley of About.com – Caribbean Travel)

Traveling to Cuba For Americans

(Note: Companies that actually run tours are listed first, followed by charter firms authorized to fly U.S. citizens into Cuba.)

Insight Cuba

Insight Cuba offers nine specialty tours of Cuba to U.S. travelers, including

Cuban Music & Art Experience (9 days, 8 nights)
Havana & Colonial Trinidad (8 days, 7 nights)
Havana & Scenic Pinar del Rio (8 days, 7 nights)
Bay of Pigs (8 days, 7 nights)
Havana Jazz Experience (8 days, 7 nights)
A three-night Weekend In Havana
Marabana Havana Marathon (Nov. 15-19, 2012)
Havana International Jazz Festival (Dec. 19-23, 2012)
Havana Biennial Art Exhibition (May 20-25, 2012)

Thanks for the list Bob!

Now who has a lighter? I’m going to puff on this Cuban Cohiba and go talk to a pretty girl.

Cheers,
RumShopRyan

(Photo from jazzfm.com)

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“The Beach” by – Chris Rehm, Performed At The 2011 Key West Songwriters Festival

RumShopRyan — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:39:32 +0000

Chris Rehm, A.K.A. Key West Chris–is a singer songwriter that’s been entertaining folks in South Florida since 1996. He has a diverse songwriting background and is a performer at the 2012 Key West Songwriters Festival.

Here’s a blurb from Chris’s website describing his love for the place he calls home…Key West.

In 2008, Chris moved to Key West, a place he’s always dreamed of living. His words say it best: “I appreciate all I’ve done and that has been awarded to me and I have no regrets whatsoever, about anything from the past.” He says with an easy smile. “However, I kind of wish I moved here years ago! I love this town and have no intentions of ever leaving!” Chris is a believer that there are certain geographic regions which stimulate the arts and creativity, more than others and Key West is one of them. “Here, sometimes the ideas come so quickly you can’t take them all in.” He may have something here. We know of a few writers over the years that felt the same way. Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams are two that come to mind. There really must be something in the air down there.

Watch as Chris performs his song “The Beach,” on the beach, at the Southern Most Hotel. Live music on the beach, it’s an atmosphere that’s hard to beat.

The Beach – Chris Rehm

If you’d like to see Chris at this year’s Key West Songwriters Festival, he will be performing with Misty Loggins at the Best Western Key Ambassador on Friday May 4th at high noon. I’ll be at this show, so if you spot me come say hi.

If you want to here more of Key West Chris, check out his album Shanghai’d and Marooned In Key West (Things Could Be Worse). The album has The Beach on it, along with songs like; Mile Zero, Cajun’s Got A Coconut, Beautiful Day Down Paradise Way, Sailing and others. All fun trop-rock songs that make great additions to your “Chill” playlist.

Cheers,
RumShopRyan

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Eleuthera, Bahamas Takes Center Stage

RumShopRyan — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:19:07 +0000

Have you ever seen a visual representation of something that’s so perfect no words are necessary to explain it? If you haven’t, you’re about to.

I saw a tweet from @VisitTheBahamas a couple days ago and it was a link to a video about Eleuthera. The video began playing and it instantly sucked me in. The music is perfect, the video shots are creative and attractive and it captures the vibe of the Bahamian out island better than anything I’ve seen.

It was made by a girl called Ragoon Girl. I don’t know much about her, but her skills and shooting and editing video are amazing. I think I’m going to ask for lessons! Here’s what her bio on tumblr read says…

All I want to do is float around in beautiful turquoise waters and melt into warm pink sand. And when I can’t, it drives me to eat and drink. Food and wine are wonderful things. But life at the beach is better. This blog is about my favourite things: travel, food & wine. I wish I was made of money so I could have more of my favourite things.

Sounds like a Castaway to me. Enough talk, here are a couple of her videos that will no doubt grab at your island heart.

Eleuthera, Bahamas

What do you think? An Eleuthera vacation just jumped on your radar didn’t it? Yeah, me too.

Have you been to Eleuthera, what is your take on the island?

Cheers,
RumShopRyan

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An Explosion Of Live Muisc is Decending on Key West

RumShopRyan — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:15:43 +0000

A week from now famous singer songwriters will fill the historic bars of Key West. So many artists that it will be literally impossible to see them all. Take a look at the schedule and you’ll see what I mean. The 17th annual Key West Songwriters Festival hits the Conch Republic with the force of a hurricane. A hurricane whistling sweet sweet music.

I’ve been excited about this festival for months now, but wasn’t going to be able to make it because of a planned trip to an island of a different name. Well that trip fell apart. No need to go into details because we Castaways are about the positive vibes. But that did free up my time and now the Songwriters Festival is a go!

Now I’m frantically trying to figure out all the details; what artists are playing where, do I take the Key West Express ferry or drive, and where the hell am I going to find a hotel. The hotel situation has me most worried. This is a pretty popular festival, and the island will be packed with people who have reserved their rooms months in advance. If any of you Castaways have any hotel hook-ups on island let me know. Otherwise I’m not above sleeping in my car and jumping into the waters off of Smathers Beach to clean up! Can’t be scared right, especially when you here who’s performing on a sunset cruise Friday (May 4th) night.

As I was reading through the schedule of performances, one caught my eye. As you know I’m a big fan of the Pirate Sessions crew, as are many of you. I was looking to see when and where they are playing, and it turns out they will be jammin’ on a Fury catamaran during a sunset sail. I’m not sure if epic is even the right word to use. Here’s a little taste of what it’s going to be like.

I interviewed Pirate Sessions a couple months ago, (interview here) and you can tell these guys like to have fun. There’s going to be some plundering happening on Key West harbor for sure.

If you’re going to be in Key West, don’t miss this. Here’s link to get tickets. Fury Sunset Cruise – Pirate Sessions.

Click here for the Key West Songwriters Festival Schedule.

About the Better Angels Key West Songwriters’ Festival Presented by BMI

(From kwswf.com) Celebrating its 17th year, The Key West Songwriters Festival is the largest festival of its kind in the world. Since 1997 BMI has been a charter sponsor of the festival and has helped it grow into both a tourist attraction and favorite of island locals.

The festival revolves around five days and nights of more than 20 free shows, staged at an array of the island’s most popular drinking holes and hot spots, where live music bliss introduces crowds to the faces, voices and stories behind the songs.

Diverse lineups featuring more than 100 top songwriters deliver rare, “Key West-only” moments: Informal adaptations of Nashville’s signature in-the-round acoustic showcases dominate much of the schedule, while an event-capping street concert adds an enticing Mardis Gras fillip to the mix.

Leave a comment below if you’re going. We all should jump on the Key West Express in Fort Myers (FL) and ride the waves down to Key West. I’ll buy the first round!

Cheers,
RumShopRyan

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