Welcome to Key West!
Here's something fascinating!
In February 2021, Key West was the #1 tourist destination in the United States!
Amazing when you realize that this island - key is, but a four mile long and a mile and a half wide at it's widest point (no, it's not two miles wide) would be the #1 tourist destination for February 2021, in the U.S.
Of course, this was caused by several factors, but all were routed in COVID 19, and the icing on the cake being a very favorable warm, tropical climate.
As I write this, it is June and summer is knocking on the door. As of May, Trip Advisor rated Key West #5 in all U.S. vacation destinations for 2021/2022. Pretty impressive for a little island with a population of 23,342.
The simple fact is, Key West is rocking!
I have talked with several business owners and they are all saying the same thing: Their businesses are running 30% - 40% higher than this time, not last year, but this time in 2019!
I spoke with one of the managers where we play, saying that I hope things maintain the level. He replied to me that he was out with several friends who are managers at several of the larger hotels in town. They all told him that they are booked solid through August! Summer used to be the “slow season”.
Also, bear in mind that this business upswing thus far is without the cruise ship business, who have not been back since March of last year.
Many new visitors have arrived. The general consensus is that they absolutely love Key West! As a performer, many tell me how grateful they are to hear live music.
Live music is a cornerstone of Key West. It's a very, very large portion of what makes up the culture and identity of this town.
Of all the venues in Key West that have offered live music, at this point, I know of only one that is no longer offering live music. At the moment I understand, they have no plans to bring it back. Like everyone else, they are doing a bumper-to-bumper business. I do hope it dawns on them that having live music is fertilizing Key West's culture! I will add that it is one of my favorite places to play. Hopefully, they will come around! Fabulous management and staff as well.
However, as I say, Key West is going through a boom at the moment. I think everyone, both visitors and locals are thrilled about it!
My personal feeling is to see how we're doing a year from now, in June 2022. That will be the litmus test.
Please check out my new book:
"Time Traveler II - The Further Adventures of a Time Traveling Key West Bartender"
Available at Amazon!
