Savor the Keys This Thanksgiving: Feast, Fun & Island Flair 🌴🦃

Dear Road Trippers,

Happy Thanksgiving! 🍂🦃 Whether you're celebrating in paradise or dreaming of your next escape, today is about reflecting on what we’re thankful for—and we’re especially grateful for you, our amazing readers.

This week’s newsletter is all about Thanksgiving in the Keys: where to enjoy a festive feast, how to celebrate island-style, and fun activities to keep your holiday weekend packed with adventure.

1. Turkey with a View: Where to Feast in the Keys

• Louie’s Backyard – Key West
  A local favorite, Louie’s offers Thanksgiving with a fine dining twist. Their holiday menu includes turkey and all the fixings, but you’ll also find fresh seafood options like grilled snapper and lobster risotto. Enjoy your meal overlooking the turquoise waters of the Atlantic.

• Sunset Grille & Raw Bar – Marathon
  This Keys icon pairs traditional Thanksgiving fare with unbeatable sunset views. Opt for the turkey dinner or go island-style with coconut shrimp and conch chowder.

Pro Tip: Call ahead for reservations—holiday dining in the Keys fills up quickly!

2. Island Drinks to Pair with Your Feast

What’s Thanksgiving without a festive drink in hand? Here are a few tropical cocktails that bring the Keys spirit to your holiday:

• Key Lime Margarita
  A refreshing twist on the classic margarita, this cocktail combines tequila, fresh key lime juice, and triple sec with a salted rim. Perfect as a pre-dinner treat!

• Coconut Rum Punch
  Mix coconut rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and a splash of grenadine for a fruity, island-inspired cocktail that’s as vibrant as a Keys sunset.

• Pumpkin Colada
  Give the traditional piña colada a seasonal spin by blending coconut cream, pumpkin puree, rum, and a touch of nutmeg. It’s like Thanksgiving dessert in a glass.

• Dark ‘n Stormy
  A mix of dark rum and ginger beer with a squeeze of lime, this classic cocktail offers a warm, spicy kick perfect for cooler evenings in the Keys.

Pro Tip: Most restaurants and bars in the Keys, like Hogfish Bar & Grill or Morada Bay Beach Café, have signature cocktails that reflect the island spirit. Don’t hesitate to ask for their seasonal specials!

3. Thanksgiving Traditions in the Keys

Thanksgiving in the Keys comes with its own special flair. Here’s how the holiday feels uniquely tropical:

• Stone Crab for Thanksgiving? Yes, Please!
  While turkey is the star of the show across the country, many locals in the Keys celebrate Thanksgiving with a seafood twist. Stone crab claws, spiny lobster, and mahi-mahi often grace the table. It’s a delicious way to celebrate the season with flavors fresh from the sea.

• The Lighting of the Bight
  Last night, the crowd counted down the seconds for the official Lighting of the Bight, illuminating the Key West Harbor Walk of Lights and the iconic Fishing Buoy Christmas Tree. The dazzling display will continue nightly through December 31, adding a festive glow to the heart of Key West. Make sure to stroll the harbor to take in this magical sight!

4. If You’re Looking for Things to Do This Weekend…

The Florida Keys are buzzing with activities that add a tropical twist to your holiday. Here’s a list of favorites to make your weekend unforgettable:

• Holiday Dining at A&B Restaurants: Enjoy a holiday meal at any of their four waterfront restaurants in Key West, featuring fresh seafood and incredible views.

• Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square: Head to Mallory Square for Key West’s world-famous sunset celebration, complete with street performers, artists, and breathtaking views.

• Explore the Key West Historic Seaport: Stroll along the harbor, take in the holiday lights, and check out the crab trap tree and buoy tree, local symbols of festive cheer.

• Learn Key West’s History: Take a tour of landmarks like the Hemingway Home and Museum, Key West Lighthouse, or the Truman Little White House for a deep dive into island history.

• Pedal Around Old Town: Rent a bike from WeCycle and explore Key West’s charming architecture and hidden gems. Rentals are available by the hour or day, making it a convenient way to see the island.

• Soak Up the Sun: Enjoy Key West’s "fall" weather at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park or Smathers Beach for sunbathing, swimming, or picnicking in paradise.

Here’s to another incredible weekend in paradise!

5. Make Thanksgiving Memorable: Island Adventures

Why not add an adventure to your Thanksgiving celebration? Here are a few ideas:

• Take a Sunset Cruise
  Nothing says "Thanksgiving in the Keys" like ending the day on a sunset cruise. Several companies, like Fury Water Adventures in Key West, offer special Thanksgiving evening sailings.

• Relax on the Beach
  Trade sweaters for swimsuits and spend Thanksgiving lounging on Sombrero Beach or Bahia Honda State Park. A turkey sandwich on the sand beats a stuffy dining room any day!

• Visit the Turtle Hospital in Marathon
  Thanksgiving is about giving back, and a visit to the Turtle Hospital is a great way to celebrate the season. Learn about their efforts to rescue and rehabilitate injured sea turtles, and meet these incredible creatures up close.

Thanksgiving at Home? Bring the Keys to Your Table!

If you’re celebrating at home, why not add a touch of the Keys to your Thanksgiving meal?

Key Lime Glazed Turkey Recipe

• Combine fresh lime juice, honey, and a dash of soy sauce to create a sweet and tangy glaze.

• Brush it over your turkey in the final 30 minutes of roasting for a tropical twist.

Conch Fritter Appetizer

• Whip up a batch of conch fritters to bring an authentic taste of the islands to your table.

Key Lime Pie for Dessert

• No Thanksgiving meal in the Keys is complete without a slice of this tangy classic. If you’re in a pinch, grab a pie from Kermit’s Key Lime Shoppe to-go!

A Special Thanks to You

This Thanksgiving, we’re especially thankful for you—our readers and fellow road trippers. Your love for the Florida Keys and passion for adventure keep us inspired every day.

As you enjoy today’s festivities, whether you’re in paradise or far away, remember that the spirit of the Keys—warmth, community, and a touch of fun—is never too far.

Stay tuned for next week’s newsletter, where we’ll share the top holiday events in the Keys to help you plan a festive December road trip!

With gratitude and sunny skies,
Brian

Florida Keys Road Trip Team