#1 Women's Event in US Swamps Key West

Visiting Florida this week?

It’s the 20-something anniversary of Womenfest (8-13 Sep.), so you’ll be in good company in Key West. About 3,000+ lesbians and their friends are expected to attend the festivities and pretty much take over the tiny island nation. (Key West is AKA the Conch Republic.)

The heralded event opens with a lunch honoring a movie star who’s just gone public with her lifestyle. Kelly McGillis (Top Gun) owns a unique restaurant and microbrewery in Old Town Key West, and she’s just come out of the celluloid closet.

Womenfest 2009 offers a wide range of activities guaranteed to appeal to a broad range of interests. Raucous clothing-optional pool parties, a sizzling dance club scene, sexy & competitive bull riding, and women-only water excursions promise to pique the interest of the more adventurous while film, live music, and comedy offer the opportunity to enjoy paradise at a slower pace.

Although I count Key West among my adopted homes, I have never been to Womenfest, even the year it began when I was marketing manager for a guesthouse. I had intended to be there this week – but at the last minute I got an offer I couldn’t refuse in Sydney. So press on without me, girls!