Activities In The Florida Keys

 

We arrived in Miami ready to travel along the Florida Keys. We had no problems finding our bags, and everyone who worked at the Miami International Airport was nice and helpful when we had questions. Once you're in Miami, pack your bags and friends and family in the car for a cruise through the Keys. Bring along a cooler with some refreshments, a few snacks, and pop in a Howard Livingston & the Mile Marker 24 Band's CD or Jimmy Buffet to set the mood as you set off on your dining adventure. (Yes, you can fly into Key West and find such a exciting mix of activities and attraction to enjoy, but then you'll miss the opportunity to meet many of the other Characters of the Keys.)

Mile Marker 79.9 - 106.5 - As you begin your journey through the Florida Keys you'll notice Mile Maker's along the way. These are the easiest way to figure out where you are and what you're looking for as you travel down the Overseas Highway towards Key West. This is also the best way to experience the Keys, and our first stop is around Mile Marker 80 where you can check into the Pines and Palms Resort. Start your trip by saying hi to Jim Bernardin when you check into the lovely Pines and Palms Resort at 80401 Old Highway in Islamorada, FL. It's a cozy place where the sunrises are sensational, and the hospitality is always welcoming.

In the morning, we picked up some snacks at the Midway Cafe, and then begin planning your adventure on the water with Captain Spencer Slate of the Atlantis Dive Center, Mile Marker 106.5 - 51 Garden Cove Drive in Key Largo, FL. Call ahead and speak to Capt. Slate or Lindy at 305-451-3020, and they can give you easy directions to follow to the Dive Center. The Atlantis Dive Center offers two dive charters daily to the John Pennekamp State Park and the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary. During our trip out on the boat Captain Slate let us view the sea life beneath us via the glass-bottom. It is amazing to see the changes in color according to the landscape. Captain Slate and his crew were exceptional at explaining all the gear and giving us tips to make the most of our snorkeling trip!

On our trip we loved meeting people who called the Keys home. Each person we met had a passion for the Keys just as Stacie Krupa does, which is evident in her gallery; the Stacie Krupa Art Gallery, located at Mile Marker 82.9 - 82935 Overseas Highway, Suite 1. Islamorada, FL. Her bright and bold works of art capture the spirit of the Keys and showcases her talent as an artist, which she had developed since the age of 10. Stacie Krupa is such a delight to speak to about the area, which she a very active in, and supports local programs to inspire others to explore their creative side.

Not far away is the Wild Bird Center at Mile Marker 93.6 - 93600 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL. This is also a great stop over along the way where you see the results of Laura Quinn's dedication to helping injured and orphaned birds, which led to her opening the Wild Bird Center when the number of birds became too many to handle behind her oceanfront home.

We've traveled quite a ways on our journey so far. We've met many of the spirited Characters of the Keys, and sampled an assortment of culinary delights, and we're not done yet. As you drive along the Overseas Highway there are many opportunities to take a day trip with one of the area guides or for outdoor sportsmen and women to drop a fishing line in the waterways. If you're in Marathon, around Mile Marker 49 you can find a local guide and go fishing, and the great part is after you've pulled in your catch of the day you can take it over to the Keys Fisheries, located at Gulf View Ave., and they will package it for you.

We've visited Fisheries in the past on our travels, yet this is the first time we had the chance to take a peek behind the scenes. The Keys Fisheries is a smooth running machine thanks to local fishermen and women, the dock hands, packagers, restaurant staff, and the rest of the crew.

Just a short distance away is the Tranquility Bay Resort, located at 2600 Overseas Hwy, Mile Marker 48.5, in Marathon. This is a beautiful resort offers fishing, snorkeling, diving, and water sports, as well as spa services, and all the amenities and comforts you would expect from resort. After enjoying all the recreation and pool side fun at the Tranquility Bay Resort relax in the evening and enjoy the sunset and a drink at the waterside bar, where you can also order appetizers and other menu selections. Save an evening to enjoy the delicious food at the Butterfly Café! I suggest the filet minion or daily specials; all menu items include the freshest ingredients. And, you must try a slice of the Key Lime Pie, which has a light fluffy cream topping, and is smooth and almost melts in your mouth!

To explore more local fishing holes and learn about the Key's history reserve a spot with Chris Robinson of Big Kahuna Charters (MM 21), who has been a fishing guide for 14 years. His knowledge of the Keys is extensive since he has lived here since the earlier 1970's. As a local, Chris will also know about the Key Deer that live in the Lower Keys. These are cute, big-eyed deer that are just as big as an average size dog. At the National Key Deer Refuge, located just down Key Deer Boulevard off U.S. 1 at mile marker 30.5 bayside you'll spot them in the early mornings or at dusk. We even spotted one running across the highway so be careful and watch your speed. Whether you want to explore the natural side of the Keys and learn more about the Key Deer or join a Big Kahuna Charter on your visit to the Lower Keys you'll have memorable adventure!

Now we come to our favorite part of the Florida Keys; Key West. Yes, there are tourist attractions, and it is a popular stop over for Cruise Boats, so there's always something to do while in town. We suggest starting your visit with an Old Trolley Tour that gives you an tour of the whole island, and you can get off and on to visit the sites you like. Key West is more than a thriving town for parties and sightseeing; it is home to some of our favorite Characters of the Keys. Among them is Will Soto, a spirited soul who also happens to be a amazing performer and Tight Rope Walker. Will and other performers, musicians, and artists are on-hand each evening for the stunning Sunset Celebration. every evening is a celebration in Key West as you'll find out when you visit the Sunset Celebration, and Will has been performing at it for over 30 years! Will is not only a amazing performer, he is also one of the founding members of the Key West Cultural Preservation Society, and a dedicated supporter of the arts in Key West.

 

By Melody Schubert and Leroy Worley

 

Getting There:

To explore more restaurants, attractions, events to enjoy, fishing destinations, and recreation options in the Florida Keys visit the Florida Keys and Key West Visitors Bureau website or call 1-800-FLA-KEYS.