Keep Love Alive In The Keys

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Okay, this is where you need to drop all pretense and just have FUN. Not only is Robbie's a marina, but the business has one party boat, one offshore boat and a recently acquired snorkel boat in addition to backcountry captains and fishing guides. The owners strive to make it more of a tourist attraction/destination within Islamorada, by adding eco-tours and a cultural environment - they bring in artists on the weekends. Robbie's is a place where you come in and you feel you've stepped back in time to the Florida Keys of the past. As for the fishy residents, the beloved tarpon they have been hand feeding for over 30 years, they're part of the family just like a dog or cat might be. For a couple bucks you can get a bucket of bait fish and drop it into a 100-pound tarpon's mouth - watch your fingers! Robbie's Marina is located at mile marker 77.5 bayside in Islamorada.

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Kudos to the late "Miami Herald" editor John Pennekamp for helping to create the first undersea park in the United States.

Key Largo's John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, established by the state legislature in 1961 to protect the miracle of America's only living coral reef, allows access to abundant underwater wildlife, large brain, staghorn and elkhorn coral formations and a four-foot barracuda who likes to be photographed.

Only a 90-minute drive from Miami, Pennekamp is incorporated in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, a 2,800 square nautical mile span of coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove swamp on both sides of the Keys island chain, Florida Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.

One of the park's most popular dive sites is the nine-foot bronze statue that rests in 20 feet of water. The statue is a replica of the "Christ of the Abyss" statue in the Mediterranean Sea and was donated to the Underwater Society of America in 1961 by industrialist Egidi Cressi. It is also referred to as "Christ of the Deep."

Underwater enthusiasts can take a reef adventure on a glass bottom boat, snorkeling or scuba diving. If you're not into the underwater scene, John... read more

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Braza Lena is an authentic Churrascaria or Brazilian steakhouse that offers a continuous dining experience. Between 16 cuts of meat, an extensive "salad" bar - which has everything from soups to salads to shrimp - and a to-die-for dessert tray to choose from, you will never leave this restaurant hungry. An attentive staff keeps a watchful eye on you as your green ("Yes, more") and red ("No, thanks") table markers alert them to bring another serving of the seasoned, delectable meats. You can even sample pork, chicken and shrimp skewers. The 20-layer chocolate fudge cake, well, take it home if you cannot fit it in at dinner!

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For the ultimate adventure vacation, spend a day or two at this resort. Formerly an underwater research laboratory, its one unit consists of a single bedroom and a galley, room for up to six people. Sitting atop pillars in the ocean floor, guests swim under the structure and through a four-foot-by-six-foot "moon pool." Room service delivers breakfast, lunch, and daily newspapers in waterproof containers. It is advised to book reservations early.

Our Local Expert Says:

THE photo opp at sunrise and sunset

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Although this isn't a traditional attraction, it's the only way you're going to get to Key West, and it's also one of the wonders of Florida. While it falls a bit short of seven miles, this amazing span bridges the Middle and Lower Keys and has nearly 40 expansion joints. As you cross, with the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, you can see the Old Seven Mile Bridge, now on the National Register of Historic Places.

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The Dolphin Research Center, mile marker (MM) 57 bayside on Grassy Key, specializes in behavioral research and maintains liaisons with university research programs and independent scientists around the world.

Founded in 1984 as a not-for-profit teaching and research facility, the center and its staff have received numerous conservation awards for the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured marine mammals. With human attention and kindness, the animals return to good health and provide fun-filled programs that educate visitors about dolphins, sea lions and the environment.

Dolphin Encounter is the center's swim program, or visitors can try DolphinSplash, a wade-in program that offers the opportunity to get waist deep in the water with the dolphins. Hands-On Training, Meet the Dolphin and Paint With A Dolphin offer a wide range of interactions.

New in 2011, the facility also features a water recreation "sprayground" for families. Visitors can initiate whale, manatee and dolphin sounds while splashing through sprays of water that shoot out of marine and island-themed figures including a super-size dolphin tail. Perfect for kids of all ages!

The Dolphin Research Center is... read more

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Locals appreciate that they can get good, inexpensive food here in a town filled with tourist traps. Off the beaten track, this great Chicago-style pasta place has some of the best Italian food in the Keys. The family-run restaurant serves superb homemade pastas of every description, including one of the tastiest marinara sauces around. The simple grilled chicken breast brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with pepper is another good choice. You wouldn't know it from the front, but there's a fantastic little patio dotted with twinkling pepper lights and lots of plants. While you wait for your table, relax out back with a glass of wine -- this place is said to have the largest selection in the Keys -- or homemade beer.

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Kona Kai Resort, Gallery and Botanic Gardens is located at 97802 Overseas Highway at mile marker 98.

This non-smoking, two-acre resort offers simple yet comfortable rooms that do not include telephones. The lush, landscaped grounds provide a soothing environment for those who want to escape from it all.

Resort amenities include a Jacuzzi, artificial beach, lounge chairs, and hammocks. The friendly staff can arrange sightseeing tours to various locations. To add to the local flavor, the resort displays work by local artists in its lobby and office. During the high season, the resort requires a four-night minimum stay.

Key Largo guests can also find tropical refreshment and refinement on the grounds. The boutique property, which features an exclusive gallery devoted to fine art, recently unveiled one of the first ethnobotanic gardens in the southeast United States.

Kona Kai's philosophy is to enrich, enlighten, educate and enhance the enjoyment of guests. Resort owners Joe and Ronnie Harris have partnered with a resident botanist to conduct formal tours, presentations and events within the gardens. All are designed to showcase the elegant, unusual plants that help people become... read more

Description:

For the ultimate adventure vacation, spend a day or two at this resort. Formerly an underwater research laboratory, its one unit consists of a single bedroom and a galley, room for up to six people. Sitting atop pillars in the ocean floor, guests swim under the structure and through a four-foot-by-six-foot "moon pool." Room service delivers breakfast, lunch, and daily newspapers in waterproof containers. It is advised to book reservations early.

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Michaels is a casual restaurant that serves up scrumptious seafood, pastas and beef in pretty surroundings. The chef, Michael Wilson, has won several awards for his cooking, and manages the restaurant along with his wife Melanie. The atmosphere is casual but classy - you can dine by the little fountain in the garden, or in the elegant dining room. If you feel like a drink, avail of the full bar or the extensive wine list.

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Before you head back home, be sure to make your way to the corner of Whitehead and South streets. Why? Because geographically it is the southernmost point of the United States. You'll know you're in the right spot by the posted sign proclaiming the site's fame, and by the street vendors selling souvenirs and conch shells. Believe it or not, standing here you are closer to Cuba than Miami; from here, it is 150 miles north to Miami and only 90 miles south to Cuba. If you are so inclined, hang out until the evening, as this is also a great place to watch the sun set.

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Located by the historic Key West waterfront, this open-air marketplace and entertainment complex is a great place to start or end your visit to Key West. Known for its magnificent sunsets, the area is also home to many shops, including Shell Warehouse, Key West Sponge Market and Caribbean Cargo. The Square also features daily entertainment, which includes guitar music, juggling, and animal performances. Local sightseeing tours also depart from the Square. Call for additional information.

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Rise above it all with the help of the folks at Parawest. This exciting activity combines the thrill of skydiving, the tranquility of hot-air ballooning and the whoop-de-doo of hang-gliding with the adventure of parasailing. After you are harnessed into a parachute, a speedboat takes off, causing you to rise in the air. The eight-minute flight includes a freefall and a dip, so don't eat a big meal before you try this. On the longer 10-minute flight, you'll rise about 600 feet up in the air.

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This gallery belongs to the world's premier marine artist, Wyland, who is a painter, sculptor and muralist. His love for whales, dolphins and marine creatures can be seen in his graceful brush, bronze and other creations. Artists featured here, besides Wyland himself, are Michael Maiden, John Pitre, Guy Harvey, Milan, Jim Warren and many more. Check out the Oggetti glass collection from Murano and the amazing marine-life bronze sculptures by Wyland. This is one theme gallery where animal lovers can immerse themselves!

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There are few experiences more impressive and memorable than watching a tall-masted ship as its white sails unfurl, heading toward the horizon. You can be part of that experience on a romantic day or night expedition aboard the Western Union, a 130-foot schooner. Adventures are daily and custom charters are available. This impressive craft is moored at the Schooner Wharf in the historic district. This ship is the official tall ship of Key West and features a variety of daily cruises at varying prices. Reservations required.

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Nestled amid blooming bougainvillea on a lush slice of the Gulf, Louie's remains one of the most romantic restaurants on earth. It's off the beaten path, which makes it even more romantic. Famed chef Norman Van Aiken of Norman's in Miami brought his talents farther south and started what has become one of the finest dining spots in the Keys. As a result, this is one of the hardest places to score a reservation: Either call way in advance or hope that your hotel concierge has some pull. Try the sweet and sour sweetbreads with sticky rice, or the grilled chile-rubbed Berkshire pork chop that is to die for. After dinner, sit at the dockside bar and watch the waves crash, almost touching your feet, while enjoying a cocktail at sunset. You can't go wrong with the fresh catch of the day, or any seafood dish, for that matter. The weekend brunches are also great. And a ritual for many in Key West are sunset cocktails at the oceanfront Tiki bar. If you can't stay for dinner, go for lunch; this is one dining experience you won't want to miss.

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If you're a dolphin lover, then this is like a dream come true. Here's your opportunity to get up close and personal with the beautiful mammals. Enroll for the organized tours; you can even swim or snorkel in the dolphin filled waters. And while you're at it, you might even spot pelicans, herons, gulls, and ospreys flying around.

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The restaurant defines the idea of a perfect meal to the tee with it's exotic 'Floribbean' (a combination of Florida and Carribean) cuisine, ornately done up interiors, and elegant ambience. To accentuate the experience you have a choice of sitting indoors and enjoying a candle-lit meal or on one of the terrace tables, which overlook the sea. Internationally recognized executive chef of the restaurant, Anthony Keene, gives you unique dishes like Fresh Lobster with Mahi carrot ginger puree, which is a specialty and others like Whole Roasted Florida Lobster or Skillet Roasted Chicken. Roasted Lamb Loin with Yogurt Basmati Rice is an overt example of the Asian cuisine here. Apart from that the restaurant also offers a full bar, weekend brunches and has piano, jazz and guitar music for entertainment purposes.

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Located right in the middle of crowded Old Town Key West, this place is an "island in the stream." Owner Nancy Forrester has somehow managed to face down the pressure of development and the tree-tearing fury of hurricanes in order to keep this 30-year-old garden pristine and magnificent. Here you will see the tropics in all its foliage glory with exotics such as orchids nestling in branches, huge ferns, bromeliads, red ginger, pink heliconias and a "sunburn" gumbo-limbo tree. Some plants are rare and endangered; others are extinct in their original habitats. A group of exotic birds resides among the lush foliage.

Bring a picnic lunch and tour the onsite art gallery, as well. Admission fee.

The entrance is on Free School Lane, off the 500 block of Simonton Street between Fleming and Southard streets.

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Visit Spa Terre if you want to pamper your body from head to toe. Located inside the Little Palm Resort, this spa uses natural oils, herbs, and essences extracted from flowers to give guests the ultimate relaxation experience. Avail of the various massages, facials, and body and skin treatments on offer. Terre also provides special reflexology and aromatherapy services as part of the day and overnight packages. If you are in Torch Key on a honeymoon, don't miss the exclusive spa treatments for couples.

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Every evening visitors and residents gather to this strip of sand on the Atlantic to watch the sun slide into the sea. At other times of the day, you'll find families and visitors spreading out picnic lunches or relaxing in the shallow waters and soft sands for a soak and some sun. There are five picnic areas here but the expanse of beach is limited to 300 yards. Still, it's a nice place to be to chat with locals and out-of-towners.

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This strip of sand is one of the best-known beaches in Key West. Named after a former governor, it is just west of the airport and, at two miles long, it is the island's longest strip of silica. This beach is an excellent choice if you have children. With plenty of parking, restrooms, concession stands, chair rentals, picnic tables, watersport rentals and more, everything you need to have a great day in the sun is right at hand. The beach was hit hard by a hurricane in 1998, but it has recovered well and is flourishing once again.

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This Duval Street spot is as popular for its sangria and well-placed patio as it is for the "Floribbian" cuisine. The conch fritters are an excellent starter, or try the lobster dumplings with Key lime sauce. Cuban coffee pork is a tenderloin rubbed with flavorful coffee beans and roasted. The house special is gulf shrimp served with mango barbecue sauce and a side of roasted corn salsa. Smart-casual attire. Reservations suggested for groups.

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Aboard a seaplane equipped with pontoons that allow it to rise from the sea into the air, you fly to Dry Tortugas National Park and historic Fort Jefferson. These seaplanes are able to fly at low altitude so you can spot marine life and see a shipwreck or two. When you arrive on the island, you can go snorkeling and explore the fort. Full-day, half-day and camping trips are available at varying prices.