In the heart of the Florida Keys stands the Rain Barrel Village, a remnant of the vibrant roadside attractions that stretched along U.S. 1 from Jacksonville to Key West. This colorful estuary on Islamorada island is far from ordinary, boasting an eclectic collection of colorful buildings that serve as a creative hub for artists and art vendors. For travelers darting along the Overseas Highway, the standout feature of this quirky artistic enclave is unmistakably Betsy, a humongous sculpture of a spiny lobster that commands attention.
A trip to Rain Barrel Village promises visitors a delightful exploration of island-inspired souvenirs, paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and handcrafted goods. Central to this vibrant community is the eye-catching Betsy, a 30-foot-tall, 40-foot-long fiberglass representation of a Florida Keys spiny lobster. Owners Sande Keil and her husband have infused the village with their passion for the Keys since purchasing a vacation home on Islamorada back in 1978. For them, acquiring Rain Barrel Village in 2007 was an opportunity not to just run a business but to breathe new life into its artistic essence.
Keil explains that the village, named in honor of the large cisterns that provided fresh water to the Keys, embodies more than a simple retail space. It exists to nurture a community of artists and artisans while allowing small business owners to carve out their niches. Emphasizing their commitment, she states, “We’ve poured love, hard work, and intention into the Rain Barrel. We’ve created something that reflects who we are.”
Although the community of artists forms the soul of Rain Barrel Village, Betsy remains the radiant face that draws visitors. As one of the most photographed locations in the Keys, second only to the iconic Southernmost Point Buoy in Key West, Betsy offers irresistible roadside allure. Jennifer Cullen, the property manager and owner of a souvenir shop called the Tipsy Octopus, acknowledges that Betsy’s charm stops travelers in their tracks on their journeys to Marathon or Key West. “People love to take pictures with her,” she adds.
Crafted by artist Richard Blaze in 1985, Betsy was initially commissioned for a local restaurant that ceased operations before the sculpture’s completion. After a brief period at Treasure Village, she found her permanent home at Rain Barrel Village in 2009. Visitors lured in by Betsy will find a cluster of small shops, a garden area, and two inviting cafes to explore.
This allure even drew Megan Stennes and her family back in April, ensuring a visit to Rain Barrel on their return to Palm Beach Gardens, captivated by the unexpected discovery of the charming shops. William Purser, owner of Sculptured Glass and a two-decade resident of the village, shares his artistic creations with visitors eager to witness his craft, shaping molten glass into delicate Florida Keys wildlife figurines. “It’s a type of place, if you’ve been here once, you’ll probably be back,” he assures.
Meanwhile, Judith Chesher, owner of Art on a Whim, showcases the diverse works of around 30 Keys artists, drawing from the uniquely vibrant spirit of the region. She emphasizes, “It’s a good atmosphere. The thing about the Keys is you don’t usually get hassled. Just don’t break any real serious laws, and you don’t have to wear shoes.” As such, Rain Barrel Village continues to foster an ever-evolving artistic community united by their shared creative passions.