Key West’s funky, eclectic flavor will be amplified during Fantasy Fest 2010 when the Florida island destination is transformed into this year’s theme, “Habitat for Insanity,” Oct. 22 -31, 2010. The over-the-top extravaganza will entice participants to leave their cares behind in exchange for a fantastical escape. During the 10-day long festival, revelers can party in more than 40 masquerade balls, costume contests and celebrations with a dazzling parade with large floats and costumed marching groups being the Fantasy Fest highlight.

A Royal Coronation Ball kicks off festivities on Oct. 22 when the king and queen of the “habitat” are crowned. A Goombay street party in the Bahama Village neighborhood is scheduled for Friday and Saturday of that same weekend and celebrates Key West’s Caribbean roots.

Additional festivities include the “Diagnosis Psychosis” Headdress Ball (Tuesday) with prizes for best masks, feathered turbans and other cranium covers; Pretenders in Paradise costume competition (Thursday) when entrants will don glittering costumes and dance under the stars; Fantasy Fest Street Fair (Friday), an ideal time for Key West vacationers who did not bring Fantasy Fest attire can pick up a feathered mask or just enjoy food and libations followed by the Masquerade March through Key West’s Old Town.  Monster’s Ball, a rowdy toga party, tea dances, sensual after-dark soirees and exuberant themed costume contests top off Fantasy Fest celebrations.

If vacation time is limited, plan your Key West Fantasy Fest trip around the Captain Morgan Fantasy Fest Parade in Key West’s historic downtown on Saturday, Oct. 30. Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to gather around for a spectacle which usually includes Caribbean bands, fantabulously decorated floats including a 40-foot mechanical shark, and feather-bedecked marching groups. Being Key West, be prepared for other visual surprises.

The complete Fantasy Fest event schedule can be found at www.fantasyfest.net or call 305-296-1817. Be sure to let us assist you in finding the best value lodging in Key West during your fantastical vacation.

Image Source: Screen Shot of Official Fantasy Fest Website

Hey foodies! This one’s for you: wine, spirits, food, celebrity chefs all set in funky and tropical Key West during the Inaugural Key West 2010 Bacchanalia June 10 – 13, 2010. Portion of the proceeds from the Key West 2010 Bacchanalia support finding a cure for breast cancer. “…because a pair is a horrible thing to waste…raising money for the breast cancer cure.”

Sure, this four-day event includes wine tastes, celebrity chef cook offs, and tastings but just these culinary events have a quirky Key West twist. Here’s a sample of what visitors to enjoy during Bacchanalia 2010:

• Dive then Dine the Vandenberg: Advanced divers can explore the Vandenberg wreck in Key West’s azure waters. Or, non-divers can snorkel the reefs and spot colorful fish and admire the reefs. Later on in the day, head over to the Celebrity Cook-Off when Bravo TV’s Top Chef star Jeffery McInnis (Season 5) challenges Hyatt Key West’s executive chef, Greg Lopez.
• Mad Max Milk Run: Travel through Key West like superhero Mad Max chugging back shots of milk at various points to raise awareness for the breast cancer cure. Collect raffle tickets for prizes at the free Rums of Puerto Rico Grand Tasting Village.
• Free Rums of Puerto Rico Tasting Village: Sample fresh seafood, wine and spirits and vote on the Best Burger in the World competition. The afternoon (Saturday and Sunday) will include music from both live bands and DJs. Admission is free and tasting tickets will be sold.
• The Mad Mixologist Mixes the Perfect Mojitos: During this interactive session, Mark Drobiarz, the Mad Mixologist, shows attendees how to make the best Mojitos ever. The class takes place at the Hard Rock Cafe.

There’s much more to see and do during the Key West 2010 Bacchanalia (June 10 – 13, 2010) so check out the event’s site for ticket information and after that, book your Key West vacation accommodations with Resort Rentals International.

Bank of America has partnered with more than 100 museums across the U.S. in the “Museums on Us” program. Here’s the deal, the first full weekend of each month through 2009 and into 2010, Bank of America cardholders with an ATM, credit or check card receive a free general admission.

This is a great opportunity to check out a museum in your backyard during a “staycation” or when tripping across the country on summer vacation. Museums are participating in some of our favorite vacation destinations. The Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk (adult admission is $7) is something to do when vacationing in Virginia Beach. Nearly 40,000 objects spanning nearly 5,000 years of history are housed in the Italianate-style building facing the Hague Inlet of the Elizabeth River. Check out the world-renowned glass collection, expansive photography program, Art Nouveau furniture along with the comprehensive survey of European and American painting and sculptures and art representing African, Asian, Egyptian, Pre-Columbian and Islamic cultures.

Or, if flying into Miami for a vacation in Key West or to take a cruise, check out the Miami Science Museum (adult admission is $18). The South Florida museum provides fun, interactive and educational exhibits focused on science and technology. Innovative exhibits are changed out every three to four months, offers wildlife and planetarium programs and holds special events throughout the year.

There are at least 100 more museums we could describe but we’ll let you check out the Bank of America Museums on Us site here to find a museum near you. Remember, this offer is valid the first full weekend of each month. Being a Bank of America cardholder definitely has its benefits.