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This humble blog was started to document our travels around the country during the summer of 2006, We have opted to continue updating it due to the requests from family & friends. Enjoy!

Friday, August 10, 2012

The Porch at Two


July 25, 2012

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Photobucket Livi

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The Porch at Two

Two years ago, a new bar was opened in downtown Key West by friends of ours that featured craft beers both on tap and in bottles as well as an extensive wine selection. Located in the old Porter Mansion on the corner of Duval and Caroline Streets, The Porch is in the heart of Key West, but set back off the street just enough that when you are there, it actually seems as if you are far from the hectic tourist masses that are in reality only a few feet away.

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The Porch quickly became a favorite with discriminating locals and educated tourists with its awesome selection of microbrews, fun and interesting staff and chilled out atmosphere. The owners, our friends Chris, Jamille and Keith created what has become one of the best hangouts in Key West and what is certainly one of our favorite places.

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For the past two years, we have spent many a happy evening with friends and out of town visitors at the Porch and we have really enjoyed the many fun and somewhat twisted special events and parties that the place has hosted.  The Porter Mansion has a storied history since being built in 1838 and is said to be haunted by the spirit of Dr. Porter and perhaps others, but I doubt the old place has ever experienced  anything like the shenanigans that happen at the Porch on any given night.

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Photobucket Stephanie & Michael

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The party to celebrate the second anniversary of the bar was no exception. To say that the Porch has a quirky sensibility would be something of an understatement. From the art that graces the walls, to the attitudes of the staff, to the crazy theme parties that the bar hosts, the place is unlike anyplace else in Key West, which might explain why it is a favorite hangout of the creative arts community. It is not unusual to have actors, artists, burlesque performers and even strippers all hanging out and letting their hair down after a performance or opening.

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Photobucket Kathy & Gae

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This party exemplified this as the place was decorated in birthday finery and the unicorns were in place. No really, the owners had brought a couple of small live unicorns to delight and entertain the crowd along with a bubble machine. The unicorns were on display in the courtyard to the delight of patrons, especially those who brought their children to the event.

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Photobucket Bruce

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The party lasted from late in the afternoon until early the next morning and was packed throughout the night with many locals including a large crowd of our close friends, all there to celebrate one of the coolest watering holes on the island. Kathy and I had a wonderful time.

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The Porch is a wonderful place and we want to congratulate and thank everyone there for two fantastic years and wish them many, many more successful years ahead. On any given night you may find Kathy or myself hanging out there with friends or guests. Hope to see you there sometime. Special thanks once again to one of Key West’s finest photographers, Nick Doll for some of the photos featured in this post.

Photobucket Jim & Joanna

Photobucket Kathy & Nick

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