By Kim Chalmers

Well, we survived 30 days in the Keys. It’s sad leaving, not only because we’ve had such a great time and think of things we will miss, like incredible sunsets and live music everywhere. But, it also marks the end of tank tops and flip flop season for us.

It’s 80 degrees and sunny as we head to Northwest Florida where it’s currently in the 50s.

Fantasy Fest 2025 theme was Bedtime Stories & Magical Monsters, but this year’s events were anything but a snooze fest.

Although, not technically part of Fantasy Fest, one of our Favorite Events is Tats for Tatas at Tattoos & Scars Saloon. This was their 4th year. It’s an awesome event that just gets better.

The heart of Fantasy Fest goes much deeper than the amazing costumes and body paint. The 10-day event raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity and is a huge boost for the local economy.

From the Zombie Bike Ride to the homemade bikini contest, street parades and pool parties, there was so much to do, day and night, we had to pace ourselves. Key West, especially Fantasy Fest, is a “Marathon,” not a sprint.

Highlights were 2 of our kids coming to visit with us. We spent an afternoon hanging out with living legend, Dave Wegman, and then there was a moment at Willie T’s when the musician played our national anthem and everyone in the bar stood up, took off their hats and Duval Street literally stood still. In 10+ years visiting the Keys, this was by far, my favorite moment.

People say Key West is known for their motto “One Human Family” and it’s definitely true. In Key West, it doesn’t matter where you’re from, how you got there, how much money you have (or don’t), the color of your skin, your political views, who you love or how you worship, everyone cares about each other.

Key West has the Best Vibes and the Happiest of Happy Hours, including drink and food specials, followed by the most Amazing Sunsets.

We were so excited to see so many of our friends and Thunder Roads Florida fans. You made our day!

There is a magnetism in Key West that draws us and each year, we tend to stay a little longer. Harpoon Harrys is my favorite for Breakfast and Bloody Mary. Martins has excellent food and happy hour specials along with great views of Duval Street. The Boat House also has fantastic food and Happy Hour Specials along with Spectacular Sunsets. Mo’s Creole and El Saboney’s are hidden gems that you don’t want to miss.

We put almost 200 miles on our bikes on this 2 by 4 island, but I rarely passed the Green Parrot without stopping for a Root Beer Barrel Shot and sound check at 5:30pm.

This was our first year being able to watch the Offshore Racing World Championship which was phenomenal.

The worst moment was watching a moped get hit and then run over by a SUV. The crowd rushed in and lifted the SUV off of the 2 riders, who appeared to have had mostly minor injuries. It was a stark reminder of why those on 2 wheels always must be more diligent.

From now on, at intersections, I’ll give myself a little extra space for a quick exit and be more alert than ever before.

We spent our last afternoon at the Heroes Bar, walking out at the exact moment when the First Responder Race Boat pulled up. It’s a cool bar, check out the top Floor and Balcony. If you stop by, tell them Kim from Thunder Roads FL sent you.

Fantasy Fest 2026
Theme: Iconic Musicals – Dates Oct 16-25, 2026

We’ve already made our reservations for next year. Hope to see you there.

P.S. Don’t forget your Reef Safe Sunscreen and Ride Safe.