Pam turned us on to Key West. This is our 3rd trip there to coincide with the Key West Holiday parade. We assume our position on the sidewalk in front of our favorite B&B, The Mermaid & The Alligator, and watch the 
holiday revelers pass by. Candy and beads are thrown from the floats bedecked with colored lights, church groups parade side by side with drag queens, cool cars, pirates and santas. It's an eclectic mix of people of all creeds and colors - a heart warming fun way to celebrate the holidays.
Afterwards, tradition dictates that we mosey down to La Te Da, for martinis at the Terrace bar. This year we imbibed while listening to the smooth melodies of Debra & Patrick. I don't know how to embed music into this blog yet - so you'll need to go to their web site to enjoy the tunes. Years past we have been fortunate to time our visit with the Holiday Christmas Tree of Hope, and Share the Wreath festivities, proceeds of which benefit AIDS Help, Inc. If you're lucky, you'll be able to catch a Cabaret show in state-of-the-art cabaret theater. The Crystal Room plays host to shows as diverse as reknowned female impersonators singing live to headline Broadway stars and comedians.
The Mermaid & The Alligator has been our choice of B&B for years. We've already made reservations for next year to come with our husbands - which should provide an all together different weekend experience! The owners, Paul and Dean, and their staff are consumate hosts. Plus, they are inveterate dog lovers. Their Flat Coat Retrievers take center stage; well, competing with the garden and historic Inn. It feels like home to us; we show up for breakfast in the garden in our p.j.'s and frolic in the hot tub after hours. Take a look at their web site for photos - that will convince you to go more than my words here. As are many establishments in Key West, this Inn is gay friendly.
Texans love our hot sauce, and we always go to Peppers of Key 
West. Here, belly up to the bar with a bucket-o-beer and sample firey concoctions until your mouth admits defeat. Our favorite 2 years running has been Key West Conch Cruiser Asian Marinade. Created in Mike's kitchen as Mike and Tom behaved like mad scientists (and drank a lot of beer) this sauce is Asian inspired with stuff like soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil and a bit of paprika and Cayenne. It can be used as a sauce or a marinade for chicken, meats and seafood. Mike's not there anymore, but the new folks there continue to make you laugh and give you personal attention.
We feel strongly that every Girl Friends Getaway include spa treatments. Prana Spa exceeded our expectations. I had the Prana Total Bliss facial which 
concludes with Shirodhara. This Aruvedic treatment consists of warm oil being poured over your forehead, or 'third eye'. It is profoundly calming.
There's also the bicycle rentals, Mallory Square performance artists, killer sunsets, fine restaurants too many to mention...and I'm not going to mention anything else because I want you to go there yourself. Call JBJourneys, and we'll be more than happy to hook you up with your Key West Girlfriend's Getaway!
