ATTITUDES ABOUT LATITUDES

FLYING SOUTH FOR THE WINTER If you haven’t looked into Allegiant ights heading south out of the Concord airport you are missing out. A ordable is an understatement, especially if your travel dates are exible. When researching this article, I found a round trip to Ft. Lauderdale in January for around $150! Once you’re in Ft. Lauderdale, options abound; but I highly recommend renting a car and driving the 190 miles to Key West.

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LESLIE OGLE, EDITOR OF LAKE NORMAN WOMAN MAGAZINE AND PART-TIME FLORIDA RESIDENT, SHARES SOME LOCAL FAVORITES AND FINDS.

ISLAND HOPPING Adventure is the name of the game as you picnic, shop, swim, and snorkel your way down the picturesque chain of tropical islands known as the Florida Keys. When you get to Key West, be sure to attend the sunset celebration at Mallory Square … it is well worth it! Key West is a unique con uence of history, climate, food, natural beauty, cultural diversity, architecture, and unabashed romantic appeal—all of which can be witnessed at Mallory Square.

GETTING ANCHORED On either side of your trip, you’ll want to check out Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. Just about 20 miles from the Ft. Lauderdale airport, this delightfully eclectic beachside haven is a great place to unwind. A peaceful laidback community, it also masks some nostalgically rowdy vibes. It de nitely has an island feel and caters to both the family and those who may want to imbibe a bit.

FINS UP! Margaritaville Beach House Key West brings the Margaritaville state of mind to Florida’s southernmost point, with spacious suites and guest rooms, contemporary amenities, and gracious service. Located just a few steps from Smathers Beach, the resort gives guests full and easy access to a gorgeous stretch of sand, turquoise waters, and a wide array of beach activities. e Tin Cup Chalice Bar & Chill restaurant provides full-service poolside dining, while other o erings include a 24-hour tness center, on-site provision shop, poolside entertainment, daily refreshments, kids’ activities, lawn games, and hammocks dotted throughout the grounds. ere is also a shuttle to take you to all the island’s attractions.

PERFECTLY QUAINT YET CHIC Located just feet from the beautiful Atlantic at Lauderdaleby-the-Sea, e Beachside Village Resort has all you need to rest and regroup. e South Beachesque hotel o ers fashionable, well-appointed suites, beautifully scaped pools and courtyards, as well as kayaks, beach chairs, and bikes for your use. It’s an easy walk into town, or the hotel’s complimentary golfcart shuttle will be happy to give you a lift. And be sure to check out the Even Keel on historic A1A … the Adult Grilled Cheese is crafted with homemade bread, brie cheese, and blue crab— then topped with apricot purée. Nothing on the menu disappoints!

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE While “ e Duval Crawl” and other rambunctious celebrations have made their mark on Key West, there is more to Down Island than drinking rum and tequila. ere are awardwinning restaurants, Spanish galleon treasure museums, historic forts, and shipwrecks to dive. e Truman Little White House is here, and Hemingway enjoyed (and dodged) his notoriety when he moved into his Key West home, building the high privacy wall that encircles the house today. His famed 6-toed felines still roam the property, seemingly unaware of the curious tourists who seek a glimpse into the past. w 48 DECEMBER 2022 . lakenormanwoman.com