karen gilmore

I will be traveling to the Fla Keys in mid-March with 3 other adults and one child. I have looked at several places to stay...but the Pines & Palms Resort in Islamorda, Fla has found itself at the top of my list with the freshwater pool, fishing, beach and deck with bbque grills for each unit. It also looks like it is within walking distance of dining and shopping, however, no one in our traveling party has ever visited the Keys... we are looking for some advise. Has anyone heard of this place? please help!!

J T Kirk

How long will you be there? How old is the child? I like Islamorada, and there are certainly some nice places to stay and eat there. I don't think, though, that it's a "walkable" place. The main drag, which is really the ONLY drag, is quite busy. Depending on how much time you have, I'd spend a couple nights in Islamorada and the balance of your trip in Key West. There is an infinite number of things to do in Key West and if you stay in Old Town, you can walk to nearly all of them. But if you just want to chill out, Islamorada is a great place to do it. I do hope you have a car, though, because you will want to explore the other keys. have fun.

karen

Thanks for the info...my child is six and loves the water, nature and exploring. We have decided to stay five days and plan on doing alot of nothing but I would like the option of eating out at least some. The website PinesandPalms.com stated that the resort is 8 tenths of a mile from the "Green Turtle" restaurant on the left. (ring any bells?) My father and mother are avid freshwater "fisher persons" ... I think it sounds perfect. We will be coming in from Miami airport so we will have to rent a car. Any futher comments or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

J T Kirk

Karen, I don't know the Pines & Palms. Green Turtle is an institution, however. Also,as far as restaurants, check out:
Marker 88
Papa Joe's
Dino's
The Cheeca Lodge has a nice restaurant, too.
bud & mary's is a nice marina and dive center.
make sure you check out John Pennekamp State Park at Key Largo. take one of the boat trips to the reef. Great snorkeling.

Larry

Karen: That's good advice and info from JT. Also, try the Lorelei for sunset viewing/drinks (don't be fooled by the big tacky mermaid they put out by the road, the place itself is very charming). Also, if you wanted to dance I might (usually) direct you to the Tiki bar at Holiday Isle, but it might be a little over the top with spring breakers in mid-March. As the captain pointed out, Islamorada is NOT a walking community, but since you'll have a car you won't have a problem, everything's just a very short drive. And absolutely plan on a day trip down to Key West.

karen

Thanks for all the info and great suggestions.

sandy

Karen,We've been to the Keys twice,last time in 1997. We planned to stay a couple of nights at Islamorada and the remainder at Key West. However, we fell in love with Islamorada and just visited Key West. Lots of great local seafood,snorkeling, relaxation and fabulous view. Key West is much too busy. We stayed at a newly opened Hampton Inn right on the beach. It was fantastic! Be sure to visit the Dolphin Research Center as you travel thru the Keys.