If any one notice, the traffic yesterday was just about nil passing Founders Park, even though Island Fest was going on. You could actually get a good parking space at 12:45. I think everyone is waiting for today, just like I am. Today is not only Island Fest, but Taste of Islamorada, too. Taste of Islamorada showcases some of the best restaurants in the area. In years past, you purchased tickets at the ticket booth and used the tickets to purchase items. I don't know if they are still doing that or if you can by at each booth. I will know in about an hour. 04/03/2011

Come for the food. Come for the music. Come for the art. Come for the cars. Come for the fun, but just come to Island Fest this coming weekend at Islamorada's Founders Park, Mile Marker 87 bay side. Admission is free and the event starts at 10 AM until 5 PM both days. Thie Taste of Islamorada is on Sunday only. There will be kite flying, sand sculpture, hula hoop decorating, human hamster balls, sail boat lessons and more. This event is sponsored by the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce. To purchase property in the Keys go to my website and search for Islamorada Properties. For more information on the event visit www.IslamoradaChamber.com       03/29/2011

124 Gulfside Drive, Plantation Key, IslamoradaIt truly is amazing...  the dynamics...how...great a course correction we have seen in the last few years. The part that really gets me is how quickly fortunes (both literal and figurative) have changed.   This week I have seen all to well the havoc that the economy and subsequent housing fiasco have created in the upper tier of homes.  Homes and owners that were once thought to be immune from such catastrophes.  This week, I joined on of my associates as we were viewing a $2.6 Million foreclosure that had sold in the 4s.It's been a rough road.  One that I know many of my clients and quite a few colleagues have had to endure.  But ...we are fortunate, fortunate to live in a Country where possibilities are almost endless, where the human spir... 03/29/2011

It's this Weekend!!! Island Fest returns for its 20th celebration, Apris 2&3, on the beach at Founders Park in Islamorada.  This year featuring "Taste of Islamorada", music, games, crafts and even a vintage cruiser show.  Thers's always something fun to do in The Keys! I will be there, volunteering for the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce!   Put the experience and expertise of The Conchquistador to work for you! For more information on the outstanding real estate opportunities that exist in the Keys, call me at 305.439.7730 or email me at DropAnchor@TheRealEstateConch.com. 03/29/2011

One of my true passions is Florida Keys History.  The stories of the brave Men and Women that braved the elements (and mosquitoes!!) in the late 1800's and early 1900's are truly inspiring.  The Matecumbe Historical Trust in conjuction with the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce and Island Community Church present this fascinating presentation by the Monroe Country Historian, Tom Hambright.  Please join us!!    Put the experience and expertise of The Conchquistador to work for you! For more information on the outstanding real estate opportunities that exist in the Keys, call me at 305.439.7730 or email me at DropAnchor@TheRealEstateConch.com. 03/28/2011

We all use different types of advertisement, and even different venues within the same type of advertisement. The big question is, how do we know where the business comes from if we don't want to or are uncomfortable asking where they found us? There are four methods I use. 1. Different phone numbers. I have two cell numbers, my business home line and two toll free numbers. All push to my cell phone, but I can still tell where the call originated. You can put different phone numbers on different ads 2. Different websites. I have about 10 different websites and the ability to create more if needed with very specific website addresses, if needed. You can use a different website in each ad, with a link to your main website. It also helps you target market your leads. 3. Different e-mail ad... 03/28/2011

We went out to lunch today since it was Hubby's day off and when he gets a day off he gets pretty much what he wants. Today we went to Zane Grey Lounge, which you will find inside the Bass Pro Shop in Islamorada at Mile Marker 81 bay side. It is right next to the Islamorada Fish Company, which is usually to busy to get a seat very quickly. We have been here several times. Hubby ordered the fresh tuna salad on greens and I had the tuna poke, which is tuna pieces with seaweed salad and won ton chips that had a chili sauce on them. (Next time go easy on the chili sauce) I also had a Virgin Mary with a LOT of personality, Hubby had a Kendal Jackson Chardonnay. We had a great lunch AND they offer a locals discount. 03/27/2011

April 15th is the date for the 2011 Fur Ball. It is being held at Holiday Isle. This is the second annual event to raise money for Caring 4 Cats. Caring for Cats is a Keys leader in spay and neuter programs and a refuge for cats who have lost their homes. Some are abandoned, some are sick, some are surrendered by their families. Come by the Kitty Cottage and find the perfect companion for you and/or your family. There is a  hansom fellow fostered by us and is looking for a forever home. We are calling him Tanner. He is a very sweet boy and has been declawed. Here are some reasons you may not want this cat. He comes when you call him. He doesn't flip out when you turn on the garbage disposal. He knows how to use a cat door. He likes to sit in your lap. He doesn't jump on the kitchen coun... 03/27/2011

I LOVE MAGIC!!! And down here in the Keys, we have one of the very best Magicians I have seen in quite sometime.Michael Trixx features his hi energy Rock/Magic show at a variety of venues here in the Upper Keys, with a standing gig at Gilbet's, sundown on Saturdays.  He is definitely someone to keep your eye on.Tonight he is at the Lor e Lei in  Islamorada.  If you are down here today.  Take my advice and check him out, and enjoy the show, so you can say I saw him when....Ready to make some real estate disappear???  Put the expertise and experience of The Conchquistador to work for you! For more information on the outstanding real estate opportunities that exist in the Keys, call me at 305.439.7730 or email me at DropAnchor@TheRealEstateConch.com. For a quick Search of available Propert... 03/25/2011

Venetian Shores is really Heating up! As one of Islamorada's most in demand communities, Venetian Shores is always tops on everyone's list.  Only minutes from Miami, yet a world away.  As, a Venetian Shores Specialist and as the Venetian Shores Community Sponsor On ActiveRain.com, I enjoy keeping my clients up to date with the latest available properties and real estate news, as well as recently closed properties.  109 Stromboli Drive,  Plantation Key, Islamorada  Great Price for Islamorada's most in-demand neighborhoods! Description: Beautiful concrete home located in desirable Venetian Shores offering large 1bd/1ba with kitchen and living area down and 3bd/1ba up with wet bar, large screened porch and sundeck, hurricane impact windows throughout, garage, concrete dock with davits. 4 B... 03/25/2011

No, I don't have a dog, but I like dogs. I went to encourage Lillie to run really fast, which she did. She is an Irish Setter, so she is not one of those little fast dogs. She carries 80 lbs and moved around the track in under 12 seconds. We were all very proud.   I eat a Gyro. I was going to be good and have a chicken kabob, but those gyro's looked so good I couldn't resist. I did a turn around the grounds. There was a lot of interesting food and lots of rescue sites including Huskies, pugs and Goldens. First, give blood. They will even have a pet sitter while you do it. We are at a critical level right now and need your help. After that, stop by Tast of the Keys, right near the give blood sign and they Gyro place. They will temp you with a taste of some fabulous chocolate. After the t... 03/19/2011

It is true, I have know about this for a while, but every new endevour requires that the kinks be ironed out before it can be great. I know the folks at Morada Bay know what they are doing for lunch and dinner, but I figured I would give them some time to get Breakfast down pat. I have to believe by now they have their ducks in a row, so consider joining them for Breakfast 7 days a week from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM. As you would expect from Morada Bay, they are serving the best of the best to include Island style Benedict with fresh lobster and crab and Bloody Mary's and Mimosa's. For additional information call 305-664-0604. To buy a property near there, visit my website! 03/19/2011

Coral Harbour Club in Islamorada, in the Fabulous Florida Keys, has a reputation for having outstanding social events. Thursday night was no exception. 67 people consumed 54 pounds of corned beef along with cabbage, carrots, potatoes and a wealth of appetizers ranging from sauerkraut and corned beef dip to razor clams. Desserts ranged from home made chocolate cookies to Maddie's home made cheesecake ( a piece of which is sitting in my fridge awaiting consumption) The entertainment committee has been informed that some people that come to our events as guests of residents are not interested in purchasing in Coral Harbour because "they can attend all the events" while not living or staying at Coral Harbour Club. This type of comment has raised the question as to whether we are doing ourse... 03/19/2011

Today is the day for Peace, love and Paws as Marr-Velous Pet Rescue once again organizes Woofstock at Founder's Park in Islamorada, in the Fabulous Florida Keys.   The event "runs" today from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Referred to as "an all day musical mutt mingle", the event will raise money for Marr-Velous Pet Rescue.   There are numerous events including a blessing of the pets, a talenT contest, comstume contest, a lure course and more. Stop by! The event is everyone. Food and drink will be available. 03/19/2011

OK, so down here in the Keys we have some incredible and notably quirky events...Fantasy Fest, Conch Republic Days, Hemingway Days, Pirate's Fest, and now we can add one more that is sure to cause a few to howl....WoofStock!!! A Day of Peace, Paws, and Music!Obviously inspired by the iconic 60's festival Woodstock, Woofstock is now in its second year and is already a much anticipated annual event, that takes place at Founder's Park on Plantation Key and features some great local talent including my favorite local band, The Birthday Gang.The brainchild of MarrVelous Pet Rescues and Adoptions, the standout charity organization headed by our firm's Broker, Joy Martin, and run by some of my friends and colleagues, who do an outstanding job fostering abandoned Pets as they find them new home... 03/18/2011

Those of you who follow my Blog, know that I love breakfast joints.  The more rustic the better.  Today, I found a new one that I have been hearing some great things about.Kev's Cafe, located at the Famous or even Infamous Bud n Mary's Marina is a fun little treasure.  They are also one of the few restaurants that consistently has lionfish on the lunch menu!How great is it to start your day sitting by the water watching the Captains, Mates, and seafaring warriors prep to do battle on the seas while enjoying your tasty Breakfast Wrap and coffee??? I have been frequenting Bud n Mary's since I was a kid, so it's fun to revisit this Keys Institution in a new context. Kev's Cafe is Located Oceanside at the Southern Tip of Upper Matecumbe Key. Check it out and tell them the Conchquistador sen... 03/16/2011

Did you know that Islamorada has its own Art District???         Join us this Thursday, March 17, from 6 - 9 for our "Third Thursday Walkabout" in the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District on the Old Highway between Kaiyo Grill and Green Turtle Inn.  There will be visiting artists in and around our galleries. We're offering some "new" entertainment for your viewing, and MA's will have al fresco dining! The Morada Way Arts & Cultural District's Third Thursday Walkabout returns on Thursday, March 17, 2011 with an expanded list of venues.  Joining our Walkabout this month is the Islamorada Moose Lodge which will be hosting additional artists to complement the area galleries and restaurants.  Wood Campbell of ICE (Islamorada Cultural Events) will be on hand to provide a unique cinematic exper... 03/16/2011

April 15th is a great day and not just because taxes are not due until 17th this year. It is the day of the 2nd annual Fur Ball in Islamorada, in the fabulous Florida Keys.   The Fur Ball is $30.00 per person and is Keys casual. It is being held at Holiday Isle and is benefiting one of my favorite charities, Caring for Cats, also in Islamorada. These people are the best. They not only take care of cats, they also adopt them out and neuter them. I'll be at the Fur Ball, I hope to see you there. 03/13/2011

I don't know if the Keys is just weird or these festivals go on in other places and all these promoters just move them from place to place.   Ahh, I just answered my own question by Googling it. Yes, Woofstock is everywhere, as is my favorite, the Fur Ball.   As you probably figured out, Woofstock celebrates dogs. I will leave the Fur Ball for another post. Next weekend, March 19th is Woofstock in Islamorada's Founders park from 11:00 AM to 7 PM. It is such a big event that there is an entire 2 page spread of events and vendors in the Keys Sunday paper this week. In the paper you will find the list of entertainers, including one of my Tippy Top favorites, Michael Holler. at 4:00.   There are many events and contests, canines are welcome as long as they can play well with others. Forgott... 03/13/2011

286 S Coconut Palm Blvd, Plantation Key, Islamorada Today's deal was sold by my friend and colleague her at American Caribbean Real Estate, Bill Belian, The Florida Keys Realtor Assn's Realtor of the Year! A fun, VERY Keysz Oasis located on a nice canal on Plantation Key in Islamorada. Description: Great ground level home in a great neighborhood! 2 bedroom 2 bath with a third room being used as an office but easily 3rd. bedroom. 100'of canalfront with davits and boat ramp. Private fenced! Beautifully landscaped...a real oasis! 3 Bedrooms / 2 bathrooms List Price; $ 549,000 / Sold Price: $500,000 Mile Marker 90 Bayside Plantation Key Colony Community View Detailed Brochure with Photos View Mapped Location   03/11/2011