The crew at Captain Tony's.

by Shayne Benowitz

Dive bars. They hold a special place in the hearts of many. Come as you are, drink cheap, and have a great time. Although not always my cup of tea, I’ve definitely had some great times in the local dives. These classic Key West watering holes hit the spot when you want to kick back without care.

Stephen & Nicole trying to flip a quarter into the grouper's mouth.

Captain Tony’s

The site of the original Sloppy Joe’s where Hemingway used to hang is located right off Duval Street on Front. It’s a dark hole in the wall with pool tables, the occasional live musician, and walls lined with memorabilia. Named for a much-loved and somewhat infamous Key West character, Captain Tony’s is a great spot for some trouble. It’s one of Captain Westy’s favorites. We like to grab the benches around the unused fireplace and if we’re feeling frisky we’ll order up a round of the house specialty rum punch. They’re tasty with a distinct pineapple flavor and they come in cool souvenir cups!

Beers, peanuts, and dollar bills at the Chart Room.

Chart Room

This little hideaway is tucked into the Pier House Resort. It’s small, dimly lit, lacking ambiance, but flush with peanuts, free hotdogs, and a fun dice game. Things get silly at the Chart Room. Sit at a large round table with your friends and order up a round of Jack & Cokes or some bottled beers and play Ship, Captain, Crew. All you need is the dice and a bunch of dollar bills.

Ashley, Jill, & Shayne with root beer barrels.

Green Parrot

There’s nothing secret about the Green Parrot, one of the most loved and frequented bars amongst locals and tourists alike. Whether it’s live music on a Saturday night, midday beers, happy hour, or closing it down at 4am, the Parrot is always full of surprises. My favorite memories have been quieter nights with a good group of friends playing darts, drinking beer, eating popcorn, and of course a few rounds of root beer barrels!

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories and a daily dose of what’s cool around the globe visit her Wanderlust Website at http://web.me.com/shaynebeth.

Prowler Club: Annabelle, Marius, & Shayne.

by Shayne Benowitz

With summertime heating up, I’ve been dying to update my wardrobe. Fortunately, the Fury Surf Shack has got me covered. With three locations in Key West, there seems to always be something new. (more…)

The happy couple!

by Shayne Benowitz

It was a busy Wednesday morning when I walked into the Fury Surf Shack to check the numbers. The phones were ringing, boats needed to be set up, and customers were checking in. I noticed something sparkle out of the corner of my eye, and when I looked, Becky’s hand was outstretched flashing a shiny engagement ring while she answered a customer’s question on the phone. (more…)

A busy day on the parasail docks.

by Shayne Benowitz

There is no denying that this island has heated up in a flash over the last couple of weeks. While many lament the humidity and the sweltering sun, most of us at Fury are thrilling over ideal conditions on the water. Hot sun, cool ocean, soft breeze, calm seas, and unlimited visibility at the reef.

Working in the sun can sometimes act as an appetite suppressant, but we all need fuel to get through the day. This time of year, we’re craving cold, fresh, and filling treats and meals. There’s not always a lot of time, so we’re big fans of anything that’s mobile and delivery is a must. Here’s a quick guide to some Fury-tested and approved quick bites to take the edge off the summer heat: (more…)

The Atlantic Fury at sunset

by Shayne Benowitz

The fleet is complete again! After spending the winter months in a New Orleans boatyard, the Atlantic Fury has returned to her slip into the Key West sunset. The oldest catamaran in our fleet at 13 years old, the Atlantic went through a major overhaul. From the inside out, she’s a brand new vessel. (more…)

Happy Hour at the Conch Farm.

by Shayne Benowitz

During the University of Georgia’s Spring Break week this year, my little brother and his girlfriend came down for a visit. They had a great time relaxing on Smathers Beach, partying on Duval, and of course, the highlight of their trip was the Ultimate Adventure and the Commotion on the Ocean. While they were here, I was reminded of just how important it is for college kids to make their dollar stretch, especially when it comes to alcohol.

It’s always a deal at Fury where all of our trips include complimentary beer, wine, and wine spritzers, not to mention margaritas on the Commotion and Reef & Rita afternoon snorkel trip, rum punch on the Rum & Reggae sunset snorkel, and champagne on all of our sunset cruises. Once you get off the boat, there’s plenty of deals at bars around town. You’ve just gotta know where to go! Here’s a guide to the cheapest drinks on the island. Enjoy! (more…)

Fury Surf Shack's Duval Street facade.

by Shayne Benowitz

The doors are open! Stroll down the foot of Duval Street and you can’t miss her. The brand new Fury Surf Shack between Front and Green Streets is open for business. You’ll recognize the surfboard at the entrance, the iconic Fury logo, and the Key West Quiksilver destination t-shirts in the window. Inside this spacious new shop, you’ll find something for everyone. (more…)

The new facade at la Creperie.

by Shayne Benowitz

There’s been something missing in my life over the past year. For breakfast, I’ve grabbed a fruit parfait and coffee with coconut milk from Help Yourself or a bagel and cappuccino from the Coffee Plantation. Bad Boy Burrito and Cole’z Peace have been there for lunchtime deliveries. Upper Crust Pizza, The Café, and the occasional Chinese takeout have fed me dinner. But… I haven’t had my crepes!

(more…)

Colorful facade of the Cuban Coffee Queen.

by Shayne Benowitz

It’s a New Year! Change, resolutions, fresh starts, new perspectives. A new year is always invigorating and exciting. As 2009 turned to 2010, new hot spots in food and entertainment have sprung up all over the island. Key Westers now have exciting restaurants and a brand new local’s bar to patronize in the new year. So here it is, Fury Girl’s picks for the next big thing, the latest and greatest in Key West in 2010. (more…)

by Shayne Benowitz

The Key West and Caribbean Fury side by side at Ocean Key

This morning, when I arrived to the Ocean Key House to check in our customers for the Ultimate Adventure, my eyes did a double take. Docked in the marina was not one, but two Fury catamarans. I knew that the Caribbean Fury, our fourth catamaran had been in the final stages of completion over the last two weeks. I knew that Stephen, Chad, Zac, and Captain Chuck had sailed it from the boatyard in New Orleans where it was constructed to Key West this week, but this morning was the first time that I laid eyes on her. (more…)