Yahoo News 10 reasons why you should visit the Florida Keys in 2017
For a sun-drenched road trip filled with fun, sea and adventure, look no further than the sprawling waterways and mile-long bridges connecting the Florida Keys.
With the top down and wind in your hair, drive from thriving Miami to laidback Key West, where there’s an abundance of activities and picture perfect sights to behold.
Here are just 10 things to pique your interest…
1. Tropical paradise cottages at Island Bay Resort
The Keys are famous for their white sandy beaches, calm turquoise waters and friendly locals, you’ll find all these qualities and more at the Island Bay Resort in Key Largo, the first and largest Key you’ll hit from mainland Miami. The peaceful resort has 10 individually designed one or two bedroomed en-suite cottages, each with kitchenette, BBQ, private outside seating area and comfy beds to ensure a peaceful night’s sleep. A warm welcome awaits you from the owners, as does the private beach where you can relax by the water and catch some rays. After exploring the local area, make sure you’re back in time to watch the sunset from the resort’s very own pier.
Cottages start from $209 per night in low season; IslandBayResort.com
2. The Fish House, Key Largo
Family-owned for 20 years, The Fish House has to be one of the friendliest, tastiest and most popular restaurants in all of the Keys. Priding itself on using only the freshest ingredients caught by local fishermen, the food here is simple but oh-so good. Everything is prepared on-site, from the smoked Amberjack maturing in the backyard smokehouse to the skilled kitchen’s fish captain who ensures each fish is de-boned and prepped to the highest standard. The menu is full of tasty seafood dishes but the house special, ‘Matecumbe,’ is exceptional, combining fresh and zingy flavours with grilled fish of the day.
3. Key Lime Pie at Mrs Mac's Kitchen
If you’re looking for the best place to get yourself some good ol’ fashioned homemade Key lime pie, and let’s face it when you’re in the Florida Keys it would be rude not to, then head to Mrs Mac’s Kitchen. Sisters Paula and Angie work tirelessly to provide an award-winning menu of tasty dishes, including alligator tenders, local seafood and of course their showstopper – the Famous Key Lime Pie, which is as tangy, sweet and creamy as the menu suggests.
4. Take a rum tour
Steeped in local history and copious amounts of heavenly rum, the Key West First Legal Rum Distillery is, like its name suggests, the first legal rum distillery in the Keys. This unique and offbeat distillery is unlike any other you’ll find in Florida, the US and perhaps the rest of the world. This small but special rum maker has three decades of expertise employing a scientific process that embraces the natural resources of the vast waters surrounding Key West. Chef Paul produces a varied and exciting selection of rums that will form one of the most memorable parts of your trip, if you know your limits.
Guided tours are available at various times from Monday - Saturday and you’re encouraged to sample a good selection of the exclusive rums at the friendly hosted bar. Flavours include Key Lime, Glazed Pineapple and the exceptional Bad B**ch Spanish Marie, a frisky rum aged in old Pinot Noir barrels – perfect for those who love a bit of the red, just like Key West icon, Spanish Marie.
5. Casa Marina Resort
Situated at the southern most point of The Keys, Casa Marina Resort’s enviable location offers stunning views across its private beach and out into the Atlantic. If you don’t fancy the beach, then try relaxing beside one of the two immense pools, soaking up the sun and sipping on cocktails. Oozing Old Key West charm and peaceful serenity, this 1920s hotel offers contemporary amenities and modern rooms to ensure a magical stay and total relaxation.
6. Watch the sunset at Mallory Square
Geographically, the Florida Keys are the furthest south you can go in the United States, which means they’re in a prime position for a magical event that happens every single day – stunning sunsets. Mallory Square in Key West’s buzzing Duval Street area is the perfect place to get a cocktail, tune into the romance of nature’s best light show and watch the sun go down into the Gulf of Mexico. Locals and tourists have been coming here for years to enjoy the atmosphere: from around 5pm the streets fill with music, performers, artists and food vendors to ensure an unforgettable evening. Once the sun goes down head to Duval Street for all the shops, bars, restaurants, boutiques and drag shows you could wish for.
7. Dine in style at the Hot Tin Roof
No prizes for guessing where this restaurant got inspiration for its name – like Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams fell in love with Key West and was a regular visitor to the island. While there might not be any cats on the roof, there is plenty of excellent food served inside, from the outstanding plantain-crusted swordfish to the Latin roasted chicken. The menu boasts a unique culinary style dubbed “conch-fusion”, meaning it combines traditional Florida styles with Caribbean influences, all to delicious effect. In need of a refreshing tipple? Head straight for the “Inspired Cocktails” menu where you’ll find such delights as the gin based Sweet Bird of Youth and grapefruit vodka infused Red Devil Battery Sign. The restaurant is located in the heart of the Duval Street area and offers gorgeous views of the sunset towards Mallory Square.
8. The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum
Famed writer Ernest Hemingway first arrived in Key West in 1928 and it was here he completed his semi-autobiographical novel, A Farewell to Arms. By 1931, Hemingway and his wife Pauline had fallen in love with the island and decided to make it their home. The charming abode is now one of the most popular attractions in the Keys and has been lovingly restored to capture the original spirit the Hemingways enjoyed. The grand Southern exterior protects Hemingway’s eclectic collection of art, furniture and accessories, whilst the exterior grounds are a haven for plants, wildlife and a large ensemble of cats...
9. Stoned Crab
Specialising in locally caught seafood, Stoned Crab prides itself on serving quality wholesome dishes using only the freshest produce. The restaurant works closely with trusted fishermen from the Keys and its honest approach and commitment to provide high quality food means only the best catches of the day are served up. You’ll be spoilt for choice, but whatever you do, don’t leave without donning a bib and cracking open a few of the famous juicy stoned crab claws. The restaurant is also home to the Eco Bar where cocktails are made with freshly squeezed juices and all-natural ingredients, and the wines and spirits are organic/sustainably produced for a totally refreshing thirst quenching experience.
10. Water world
As you leave mainland Florida and drive onto the Overseas Highway towards the Keys, it’s hard not to be mesmerised by the stunning turquoise waters all around you. As blue the sky meets the light blue sea, you’ll be itching to rip off your clothes and dive right in! Thanks to the hot climate and warm waters, if you do decide to get your cozzie on you’ll be rewarded with beautiful coral reefs, colourful marine life and shipwrecks with many a tale to tell. With around 1,700 islands surrounded by crystal clear waters, this is a haven for all kinds of water-based activities, including snorkelling, scuba diving, jet skiing and kayaking.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park on Key Largo is a great place to start your watery fun. pennekamppark.com
For more information about where to stay, what to do and handy tips on all things Keys related, visit fla-keys.com
