By Jennifer Ciotta

A yearly event for Frost aficionados is the Robert Frost Poetry Festival held on the tropical island of Key West.  It was here that the poet wrote his famous The Gift Outright, known for being read at JFK's inauguration ceremony.  Events include: haiku readings and workshops; presentations from Frost scholars and award-winning poets; and a pre-festival night that includes poetry readings, wine and cigars.  Impromptu readers are more than welcome to try their hand at haiku, while others may enjoy smoking a fine cigar and listening to the works of guest poets.

The festival is held at The Key West Heritage House Museum and Robert Frost Cottage.  The main house is stunning with its mint-green exterior flanked by lush gardens and low-hanging palm trees, thus giving the tourist a true Caribbean experience.  The house's interior holds the family heirlooms of Frosts friend Jessie Porter, who was a Key West conch or in other words, the queen of hospitality and preservation on the island.  Miss Jessie's famed guests were Gloria Swanson, Sally Rand and Tennessee Williams, and of course Frost himself, writing in the garden every winter.  Perhaps the garden is the most spectacular site, boasting the Margaret Lang Orchid Collection, which includes over 200 kinds of these vivid blossoms.  A gurgling fountain and brick hearth, dated back to 1832, add to the ambience as well as the looming trees. 

Other special events besides the festival occur year-round.  Daily walking tours are provided with The Orchid Lady.  She recounts stories and facts to tourists as they stroll through three gardens.  The scent of the flowers in bloom is reason enough to take the tour.  Travel writing workshops are held in the winter by the executive editor of Frommer's.  Two full-day sessions include morning and afternoon classes, and a third day is for completing assignments.  The first Sunday of every month is dedicated to budding poets, holding an open microphone night in the gardena very Frost-esque experience.

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