JULY 2021
AMSTERDAM'S CURRY MANSION NEWSLETTER!
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THE KEY WEST CRAZINESS CONTINUES!
Wow, it sure is getting hot outside! It's heat like this that lets us know we're heading into hurricane season, rather, festival season! That's right - midsummer is when things really get going with festivals down here in Key West: Hemingway Days, Tropical Heat, Lobsterfest, Womenfest, Brewfest, a couple of fishing tournaments and maybe even a Poker Run all before Goombay and Fantasy Fest in mid-October! We're breaking a sweat just thinking about it all!
One of the craziest things to happen lately is recovery of sunken treasure! Divers from Mel Fisher's found gold and silver coins while diving the Atocha, 400 years after it wrecked. CLICK HERE to read all about it. If you really want to indulge your treasure hunting spirit, visit the Mel Fisher Museum or go on a wreck dive with Southpoint Divers while in town - check out our THINGS TO DO page to make reservations or stop by the front desk for help.
We're always ready for a vacation (that's why we live here) and expect you are too! Since we definitely want to see you this season, please take a look at our room availability and book as soon as you're ready! With limited flights and international travel available, Key West has been in demand and we've sold out several months in advance. We're anxious to see you again, so don't delay - CLICK HERE TO CHECK ROOM AVAILABILITY!
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FROM PHIL'S DESK:
SUMMER IN FULL SWING!
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The Key Lime Festival is over!
I know, I know - we've been talking about it for two months already, but we really do love that Festival! Any chance to see Beth Ann dressed up as a Key Lime Cutie is a good one! Plus, I got to show off my citrus related dad jokes in last month's newsletter - let me know if you want to read some more!
Even though it's only mid-summer, we are anxiously looking forward to the season ahead. Why? Because Fantasy Fest will be here in October! Our opportunities to dress up in full costumes, complete with wigs and make-up, have been few and far between over the past 16 months and we are ready! This year's theme is a good one - take a look at the banner below and email us if you have any ideas. You know we love to decorate the whole mansion, so the bigger and more dramatic, the better!
We hope all our guests are healthy, safe and making the most of your summer - cheers to you all!
Sending my best from Key West,
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Our #1 Key West native's spot to share her tales and extensive knowledge of the Southernmost City's history!
A New Tradition Comes to the Curry Mansion Inn!
There is almost nothing that I like better than a party and when you add a theme, costumes, and the possibility of a field trip – well, that’s just the cumin in my ropa vieja!
In 2001, I got the opportunity to travel to France to follow in the footsteps of a literary legend and Key West icon – Ernest Hemingway. It was a lifelong dream of the Toppino brothers Paul and Brother, but the icing on the cake for me was my daughter was at the university in Salamanca that summer and could meet us in Pamplona for the fabled festival that Hemingway brought to the world in “The Sun Also Rises”. Returning home we vowed that we would keep the spirit of the Sanfermin alive celebrating each month with food and wines of the region until we could return; but like with most things in life other events took precedence.
Fast forward to 10/10/2010, our interest in all things Pamplona was renewed and once more we celebrated “on the steps”; 11/11, 12/12, etc. until 7/7 and another festival. On Saturday, July 23rd 2011 we made our first public appearance as a Peña and the rest, as they say, is history. Dressed in festival attire of red and white we gathered on the front porch of the Curry Mansion Inn to view the promenading Papas run with the bulls. We grew restless waiting, it’s not entirely clear how it was decided, but we blocked Caroline Street and turned the bulls and Papas into the driveway. There was some confusion, but it is now tradition for the Papas to run the “La Curva” of the Curry Mansion.
This year we celebrate the 20th anniversary of our trip and 11th anniversary of the Turning of the Bulls, during Hemingway Days from July 22 - 25!
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The Hemingway Papas dress as Peñas and run with the bull along "La Curva" of Curry Mansion during Hemingway Days. |
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The Mansion is decorated and ready to welcome the Papa Peñas for the 11th anniversary of this celebratory event! |
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Zach Taylor won this year's competition, but Jeffrey Peters and Patrick Lanier are our in-house Papas! Photo by Jeffrey Peters. |
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CURRY MANSION PAPAS! |
This year is the 40th Annual Hemingway Look-alike Contest and we've got two of the finalists staying with us!
Congratulations to Jeffrey Peters and Patrick Lanier for placing - may next year be your winning year!
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Ernestina, Juana and Oscar celebrate together at the 2019 PRIDE parade! |
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So many of you have been staying with us for a long time and we know seeing friendly and familiar faces is the thing you most enjoy - and that's why everyone loves Ernestina! She has been part of our Curry Mansion family for over 20 years!
Ernestina has been in Key West for 25 years and is a lady about town; you've probably seen her working out or running along the beach - it's not unlikely you'll catch her out dancing on the weekends! Her kids are grown now and live just a quick flight away in Tampa, but Ernestina loves it here in the Southernmost City. She believes Curry Mansion is the best place to work and says, "I'm in a good place and don't want to change!" We agree with her completely, and wouldn't be here without the love, dedication and partnership she shares with us every day!
Be on the lookout for Ernestina and say hello the next time you stay with us!
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JUST FOR FUN POLL: Last Weekend in Key West, I Would Have Been...
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Participating in the Hemingway Sunset 5k & Paddleboard Race!
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Cheering on the Peñas from Curry Mansion's Front Porch!
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Hootin' & Hollerin' for the Papas at Sloppy Joe's!
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Reading "To Have and Have Not" With My Feet in the Pool!
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