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FLORIDA KEYS – PLANNING THE TRIP Where to Stay, Play and Unwind: A Few 919 Magazine Suggestions
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WHERE TO STAY, PLAY AND UNWIND
For the record, there are plenty of places to stay, play and unwind in the Florida Keys; in fact, it’s quite amazing. A big part of the Keys experience is exploring and finding funky, unusual and different spots – but here are some 919 Magazine favorites and suggestions.
KEY NOTE Key Largo’s Caribbean Club bar has appeared in movies, most famously in John Huston’s 1947 classic, Key Largo, starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall (the Gulf-side bar on the water is a big locals hangout, with local live music (and accepts cash only). The movie’s release created subsequent tourist attention for the island. Key Largo honors the man the American Film Institute named “America’s greatest male screen legend” with an annual Humphrey Bogart Film Festival.
BAKER’S CAY RESORT 9700 S Overseas Hwy | Key Largo | 305-852-5553 Tranquil escape – you actually may never want to leave the property. Completely renovated rooms and facilities. Top-notch amenities. Fish on the docks for free every morning (bait provided). Eat, drink, play or hit the water for Waverunner action. Protected beach area with swim platform – and sparkling family and adult private pools, with waterfall grotto. Friendly, accommodating staff.
MRS. MAC’S KITCHEN 99336 Overseas Hwy | Key Largo | 305-451-3722 Funky decor filled with donated license plates. A favorite with the locals, this landmark has a big menu featuring incredible home cooking, fresh fish and award-winning Key Lime Pie. All served up with a smile since the 1980s.
KEY LARGO CONCH HOUSE 10021 Overseas Hwy | Key Largo | 305-453-4844 Indoor and outdoor seating with a rambling wrap-around front porch. Dine on fresh seafood stuffed entrees and juicy steaks overlooking pretty gardens in this picturesque home.
KEY NOTE Islamorada’s luxurious The Moorings resort is favored among fashion photographers, including Bruce Weber.
NATIVES OF THE FLORIDA KEYS OFTEN REFER TO THEMSELVES AS CONCHS, AND FOR GOOD REASON: THEY HAVE BEEN DRINKING. – Dave Barry, Humorist/Writer
CHEF MICHAELS 81671 Overseas Hwy | Islamorada | 305-664-0640 Dimmed lights, soft music with a sexy vibe – and outstanding cuisine. This place offers locally-sourced seafood from the Keys’ waters and Florida farms. Chef Michaels is the place for special memories. Upscale, refined and a major destination on the culinary scene. Steaks, seafood, Florida Lobster and pastas all prepared in a variety of styles such as “Pontchartrain”, “Juliette” and more. Reservations are the “de rigueur” and just to drive that point home – the hostess stand is outside the restaurant, so don’t try to crash the place because you won’t get in.
THE HUNGRY TARPON/ ROBBIES OF ISLAMORADA 77522 Overseas Hwy | Islamorada | 305-664-8070 It doesn’t get more “Florida Keys” then a stop at Robbies. An eclectic outdoor village of shops overlooking crystal blue waters, visitors can watch the boats come and go while having lunch right on the patio at The Hungry Tarpon. Head over to buy a bucket of fish and feed the tarpon. It’s an exhilarating experience with massive fish jumping out of the water to grab their snack right out of your hand. ISLAMORADA BREWERY AND DISTILLERY 82229 Overseas Hwy | Islamorada | 305-440-2162 The team at Islamorada Brewery adds so much to the fun this place offers! You’ll find a huge selection of special, unique craft beers (many on draft), seasonal offerings and a new gin and tequila line (plus rotating “tap cocktails). Nice tasting room, gift shop and large backyard beer garden, complete with outside bar, fire pit and plenty of places to hang out.
This unqiue facility offers an expansive collection of artifacts and equipment exploring mankind’s quest for underwater adventure. The museum boasts the world’s largest collection of diving helmets. Learn just how far back diving goes – especially in the Florida Keys. Great video room presentation kicks off your visit, followed by self-guided exhibits and charming gift shop. It’s fun, and offers a break from the sun.
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TURTLE HOSPITAL 2396 Overseas Hwy Marathon | 305-743-2552 Get up close and personal with rescued sea turtles. Educational programs, tours and a special gift shop/educational center set over an expansive Gulf-front property. Originally built in 1949 as a motel, the structures are all CONCH TOUR TRAIN 501 Front St
brightly colored in “sea foam” green and house the staff, interns and visiting veterinarians. Believed to be the world’s only state-licensed veterinary hospital working for turtle treatment and care.
LAND’S END SUNSET SAIL AT SEBAGO KEY WEST 205 Elizabeth St | Key West | 305-294-5687 Sebago Watersports offers all kinds of water excursions. Snorkeling trips, sunset cruises (featuring bar and live music), and more. An experienced, friendly staff welcomes you aboard their catamarans and schooner vessels.
KIMPTON KEY WEST (Lighthouse Hotel) 902 Whitehead St | Key West | 305-294-5229 Built in the mid-1800s and located next to the famous lighthouse. The property underwent a major renovation resulting in a hip outcome with 10 “conch” buildings, while still in keeping with the “Old Key West Charm”. The resort offers a pretty pool, lush garden area with a lazy hammock and great poolside Happy Hour bar. Walk across the street to the Ernest Hemmingway House and other nearby neighborhood watering holes,
eateries and shops. Key West | 305-294-5161 A perfect way to get a quick look at some of the sites in Key West, with several get on/ get off spots. Drivers offer insights, history, tidbits and sprinkle in a little humor.
HALF SHELL RAW BAR 223 Petronia St | Key West | 305-849-0104 Situated on the waterfront, with boats bringing in today’s catch. Fresh seafood prepared your way: Fried, broiled and more, with all the fixin’s. Funky open concept with indoor/outdoor dining. Full bar, and a dedicated and caring staff who are like family.
SUNSET CELEBRATION AT MALLORY SQUARE 400 Wall Street Key West | 33040 A nightly ritual with a glorious view of the sunset overlooking the water. With a “street carnival” feel, visitors take in the music, entertainment with street performers and plenty of arts and crafts vendors with food and drink available. Mallory Square is a legendary staple of the Key West experience. KEY NOTE Florida Keys officials and businesses remind visitors that carrying and wearing facial coverings and practicing social distancing continue for the island chain to protect against the spread of coronavirus, despite the easing of some statewide restrictions.
HARRY S. TRUMAN LITTLE WHITE HOUSE 111 Front St Key West | 305-294-9911 Step back in time, for a little history – including original furniture and decor. This is a living museum where past and current presidents can stay in Key West for a retreat and conduct government business. Beautiful grounds (though no longer waterfront), and an official gift shop with many presidential souvenirs. Guided tours available.
OTHER SPOTS
KEYS FISHERIES 3502 Louisa St Marathon 305-743-4353
FURY WATER ADVENTURES 631 Green St Key West 855-831-5997
GRAND CAFE KEY WEST 314 Duval St Key West 305-292-4740
A&B LOBSTER HOUSE 700 Front St Key West 305-294-5880
CONCH REPUBLIC SEAFOOD CO 631 Greene St Key West 305-294-4403
ERNEST HEMINGWAY HOME & MUSEUM 917 Whitehead St Key West 305-294-1136
KEY WEST SHIPWRECK MUSEUM 1 Whitehead St Key West 305-292-8990
KEY WEST AQUARIUM 1 Whitehead St Key West 305-707-6195
KEY WEST BUTTERFLY & NATURE CONSERVATORY 1316 Duval St Key West 305-296-2988
For more information on planning a trip to the Florida Keys, visit fla-keys.com or follow on social media: Facebook: @floridakeysandkeywest; Twitter, Instagram: @thefloridakeys; YouTube: FloridaKeysTV.
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