When people think of Key Biscayne they often think of tranquil white sand beaches, lush tropical gardens and an ecclectic array of fine dining. While that is all true, Key Biscayne comes to life when the sun goes down. 

The advantage Key Biscayne residents have is that all nightlife is just a short walk or golf cart ride away. There are many choices when it comes to your evenings on the island, ranging from the intimate beach experience to the all night party in true Miami style. 

Inspired by typical Latin culture, most restaurants encourage guests to stay and enjoy cocktails and a fun atmosphere after dinner at many island eateries. If you are in the mood to shake your hips and sip tropical drinks, make a beeline through the iconic lobby of glittering chandeliers to the Ritz-Carlton hotel’s Rum Bar. In the mood for something quieter? Bury your feet in the sand in the hotel’s Dune bar and savor the island beach bar atmosphere. If however you are looking for something a little more high energy, Key Hole Bar is a place to let your hair down and dance until the wee hours to DJ’s and live music talent. They also feature all sporting events and a signature drink to match.

The fact that you don’t have to drive off the island to find a great party makes Key Biscayne a prime locale for living or vacationing. With all the nightly events, great people and the evenings free of driving, the temptation to party on Key Biscayne is all too much to resist!

Key Hole 
200 Crandon Blvd suite 101
www.keyholekb.com

If you love wine and good company, you should know that every year here on the island takes place the Annual Rotary Wine & Food Fest. The 2013 event will be the 9th edition and will present thirteen varietal wines from the New World that will compete against wines from the Old World to earn recognition as “Best of Show” in each class.

The categories this year will be:

WHITES:

• Champagne vs. California Sparkling
• Loire Sauvignon Blanc vs. Napa Valley Sauvignon
• French Burgundy vs. California Chardonnay
• Austrian Riesling vs. Ohio Riesling

REDS:

• Bordeaux vs. Napa Valley Cabernet Savignon
• Italian vs. California Merlot
• French vs. Argentinean Malbec
• Bordeaux vs. California Cab Franc
• Italian Primitivo vs. California Zinfandel
• Spanish vs. California Tempranillo
• Rhone vs. Washington State Syrah
• Italian vs. California Sangiovese
• Burgundy vs. Oregon Pinot Noir

Shari Gherman, President of the American Fine Wine Competition and the Gold Medal Wine Tour, will be the event's wine director again this year. The wines will be paired with food tastings from an array of outstanding Miami restaurants.

The 9th Annual Key Biscayne Wine & Food Fest will be held on Friday, November 22nd 2013, from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm at Fairways on the Key. The evening’s proceeds will benefit the Rotary Club of Key Biscayne Foundation (RCKBF) and its affiliated charities for adults and children.

More information here: http://www.keybiscaynewinefest.com

People sometimes ask me why I live on Key Biscayne. Though there are many things that I love about the Key that regards mostly to year-round residents (such as an A ranked school) there are other things that a visitor to our Island Paradise may also want to know about.

The Beach. I LOVE living next to the water, not only the one I can see but the one I can go swimming in. Most of Key Biscayne condominiums are either oceanfront or have access to a beautiful beach through one of several access points. The houses also have access through a Key Biscayne resident access park or through membership at the Key Biscayne Beach Club. 

Security. Key Biscayne is one of the few safe havens left. Sure, it is not perfect and there are petty crimes and teenage vandalism but even these are limited. I can walk around with my kids feeling safe. Since there is only one way in and one way out of the island, if I were a thief I would think twice about a major robbery here as I would probably get busted on the six mile Rickenbacker causeway that links the Key to Miami.

Child Friendliness. It wasn’t always the case, but a great number of families with young children live on the island. What used to be a snowbird/retiree community has slowly changed and today the island is filled with children. My kids see friends everywhere they go, and there are lots of activities to do with them right here.

Multicultural Yumminess. Walk around the Key and you will hear a variety of accents. People from all over the world come to live and visit making this a dynamic community. Our restaurant selection reflects this diversity and we count with a variety of types of cuisines: from a German Deli to an Italian Pizzaria to an Indian restaurant and beyond.

Nearby Miami. Even I can get cabin fever and need a little more city time. The great thing about Key Biscayne is that it’s a short drive away from Miami where we have access to award winning art galleries, and theater. I feel like I can get all of that culture, without having to sacrifice any of the small community living that I love.

So wether you are considering moving here or visiting here, Key Biscayne has a lot to offer. And if you join us, make sure you stop by KeyBiscayne.org and drop us a line as to what was your favorite thing about our island paradise.

Author: Cristina Ramirez

A Key Biscayne resident, Cristina writes about her life as a Latina,
Mom, and Triathlete balancing it all at TriathlonMami.com.

Follow her on Twitter, Facebook, or email her:

Key Biscayne is the premier bicycling destination in Miami-Dade County, and the Village of Key Biscayne is becoming increasingly bicycle-friendly. Bicyclists can find a variety of routes on the Key ranging from a fast-paced 15-mile round trip from the mainland and back to leisurely, family-friendly rides of just a few miles inside the Village or in one of Key Biscayne’s two parks.

You don’t need to look any further than the Rickenbacker Causeway to know why the Key is so attractive to bicyclists. In many ways the Causeway itself is like a linear park—with magnificent beaches and attractions along its entire length, not to mention some of the best views in Miami. For stronger, high-speed cyclists there’s a bike lane on the roadway beginning at the toll plaza and continuing into the Village all the way to Bill Baggs State Park.

For slower or less experienced cyclists, a separated bicycle-pedestrian path parallels the roadway, crosses the Bear Cut Bridge (more on that below), and continues into Crandon Park until it reaches the Village.

Key Biscayne’s two major parks, Crandon and Bill Baggs, both offer great bicycling, miles of beaches, and tranquil rest areas. Along the Bill Baggs bike route you’ll find two popular restaurants, the Boater’s Grill in No Name Harbor and the Beach Café near the historic lighthouse. Bike rentals are available on the Causeway and in Bill Baggs State Park, also at one of the Village’s three bike shops. In both parks pedal-powered four-passenger buggies can also be rented.

The Village itself is a great place for bicycling. As of December 2012, it’s steadily getting better. The reason: In late 2012 the Village Council agreed to apply to the League of American Bicyclists to recognize Key Biscayne as a “bicycle-friendly community.” A joint effort of the Village staff and Bike Key Biscayne, the Key’s local bike advocacy group, many improvements to make the Village more bike-friendly and safer for bicyclists of all ages are under way. They include family-oriented community bike rides, production of a Key Biscayne bicycle map, a Safe Routes to School program, and numerous provisions to make bicycling safer on Key Biscayne’s streets and roadways.

Be sure to check the Bike Key Biscayne group website for regular updates by visiting: www.BikeKeyBiscayne.org

Keep in Mind

Bicycling on sidewalks is allowed and even encouraged in the Village of Key Biscayne, particularly along Crandon Blvd. Please remember that bicyclists share the sidewalks with pedestrians, and courtesy is always appreciated.

The Bear Cut Bridge will be undergoing repairs and reconstruction until the summer of 2014. During that time, the County has promised to maintain bicycle and pedestrian access, but it may be less than ideal. All bicyclists crossing the bridge are encouraged to be alert to the needs of others using the provisional bicycle/pedestrian path. Particularly on weekends, it’s likely to be crowded and slow.

There’s a $2 toll for bicyclists entering Bill Baggs State Park. All bicyclists are expected to pay the toll. It’s not too high a price to help preserve and maintain one of Florida’s natural and historic treasures.

If you are coming to Key Biscayne with kids, a place to take them, where you will find lots of kids activities for all ages, is definitely Crandon Park. Aside from the amazing beach with shallow waters where kids can safely play, you can enjoy the following activities as well:

Carousel: This 30-horse Allen Herschell Carousel first started spinning in 1950. It reopened in 1998 after sitting idly in storage for 20 years. Volunteer artists from the New World School of Arts participated in the restoration and created horses, each with its own and beautiful design. It's quite fun and my kids love going there and choosing a different horse for each ride. Check the video below to watch the carousel spinning.

(Note: It is open only on weekends and holidays, from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm. Ah, did I mention that it costs only $1 for 3 rides?)

Seahorse fountain: A cute spray shower where toddlers can play and cool off in a hot day. Since its squirts, little ones love it and have lots of fun!

Roller Rink: A paved roller rink with guard rails where kids can play on their tricycles or roller blades. There are benches around the roller rink, so you can just watch the children from there.

Playground: Just near the roller rink, you will find a playground area, featuring swings, slides, etc - everything that kids will enjoy!

Biscayne Nature Center: The Crandon Park Visitors and Nature Center is your gateway to the Bear Cut Preserve, a 264-acre natural barrier island habitat. Guided tours and educational programs are offered year round for all ages. Children will enjoy the center's exhibit room and aquariums with different recreated underwater habitats. Self-guided nature trails are available with trail brochures at the Nature Center.

Heritage Tram Tour: Leaving from Bear Cut, and available upon request, this is a nice 45-minute long ride, specially when kids are tired of walking. It costs only $4 per person but requires a minimum of 10 people. The tram ride goes through the Bear Cut Preserve where kids (and parents) can learn more about Key Biscayne and its history.

Did you know you that after a wonderful stay on Key Biscayne you can travel lighter back home without having to carry all your luggage with you?  

Once you've enjoyed some sunny and relaxing days on our island, you don't want to live the trouble and stress of carrying your luggage to the airport, waiting in long lines to check your baggage, and when you arrive, instead of heading straight home, wait at the baggage carousel hoping the airline didn't loose your bags.  

You can avoid the inconvenience of carrying, checking and claiming your luggage at the airport by shipping your bags from Key Biscayne directly to your house. This is possible thanks to a local business, Key Postal and Business Center, that offers a luggage shipping service. They can even pickup your bags at your condo or hotel.

To learn more about this convenient service and to know the rates to your home, you can contact Mark at the Key Postal Services store by phone at (305) 365-0965 or by email at mail@keypostalservices.com.

Have a pleasant stay on our Island Paradise!