Our High in the Lower Keys

Capturing True Florida Attitude, Fall is the Time to Go

Written by: Dave Kelly

Most folks think of “The Keys” and they think of partying in Key West. Or snorkeling in Key Largo.

But the Lower Keys offer so much more than that, and they dial in on that true Florida feel. The fall season is the time to go—smaller crowds and cooler weather—so we headed south to explore.

Loosely defined as the area between the Seven Mile Bridge and Stock Island, the Lower Keys consist of the islands joined by the twenty-five bridges on U.S. Highway 1 that span that area. Together, they represent an attitude of laid-back Florida that is often hard to find in our daily lives.

RELAXED, EASY-GOING AND SERENE

Our first stop was at The Lagoon at Grassy Key. Though technically a few miles north of the Lower Keys, The Lagoon at Grassy Key embodies all the attitude—relaxed, easy-going and serene. An area staple for over 10 years, it is the only licensed amusement park in the Keys. Bongos Beer Garden Café, run by Chef Andy, features homemade dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, including homegrown herbs and vegetables from onsite gardens. They also showcase twenty local craft beers. We eagerly sampled the Iguana Bait beer—a Kölsch beer brewed locally in Islamorada and made with Keys honey and hibiscus.

The centerpiece of The Lagoon at Grassy Key is Keys Cable Park, created for teaching locals and visitors alike a variety of board, wind and paddle sports. They have installed a cable system for wakeboarding, replacing the need for a boat to enjoy this unique activity. Their system is comprised of an overhead towing device used to pull riders across a body of water. It is an amazing way to feel the freedom of this growing sport.

Located just minutes down the street, Grassy Flats Resort and Beach Club is the sister property of The Lagoon on Grassy Key. It is a locally owned boutique watersports resort that provides breathtaking ocean views from rooms that overlook their private tropical beach. They offer kiteboarding lessons and fishing trips, and the use of kayaks and paddle boards is included in your room rate.

Home Base For Lower Keys Trip

Feeling invigorated from our wakeboarding lesson and local brews, we headed over the Seven Mile Bridge to Sunshine Key RV Resort and Marina, our home base for our Lower Keys trip. Located on 75 acre Ohio Key, this one-of-a-kind location offers adventurers the perfect Florida Keys environment. To that end, our destination was The Tiny House Village at Sunshine Key, an amazing collection of six “tiny homes” that offers a distinctive way to experience the beauty of the region.

The homes are full of personality and charm, making for the ultimate relaxation destination. Each cabin has its own name—ours was “Pearl”—she has a hot-pink exterior, sleeps three with a stair-accessible loft, and has an airy kitchen with full-sized appliances. Her bathroom has a huge shower, and an outside barbecue grill and picnic table extend her living space.

To top it all off, she has a private tropical beach area that is steps from her front door. A community swimming pool, clubhouse, and playground all add to the amenities, as does the onsite convenience store.

Tiny House Village at Sunshine Key is part of Petite Retreats, a division of Encore RV resorts and Thousand Trails campgrounds, which features more than 180 locations across North America. They have an unique collection of vacation accommodations, featuring tiny houses, cottages, cabins, yurts and more. We will be sure to check out more of these amazing sites in the future.

Less than five minutes away is Bahia Honda State Park, a 524-acre tract that is virtually uninhabited. Spanish for “deep bay,” the Bahia Honda area was a key location in Henry Flagler’s effort to build a railroad from Jacksonville to Key West in the early