randypape

what are some must see spots along the way during our drive from ft.lauderdale to key west. also we're staying in a house, any suggestions on where to buy food to stock up along the way once we get to the keys? we will be eating in some of the places recommended on this site but not everyday and night.

thanks
Randy

bookhall

First, Publix and Winn Dixie stores are in Key Largo, Marathon and Key West. Not sure about Islamorada.

A quick "see" list:
--Alabama Jack's, a neat, funky bar. Take the left onto Card Sound Road just after Florida City.
--The original "African Queen" at the Holiday Inn in Key Largo.
--The Wild Bird Refuge at about MM95, on the right.
--Sombrero Beach. Turn left at the K-mart in Marathon. Might be the best beach in the Keys.
--On the left, before you start on the 7-mile Bridge, check out a tour to Pigeon Key.
--Bahia Honda, about MM 37. Might be the best state park in the Keys.
--You'll see signs when you're in the Key Deer area. If it's cool, might want to take a quick look on their home turf. Slow down here--you don't want to hit a deer, or, indeed, get a speeding ticket.

There are many other sights, but these are some of the high-spots.

Postal

Eat a pizza at No Name Pub on Big Pine Key (follow the signs to No Name Key). Snorkel Looe Key (boat required) off Big Pine Key. See the sunset celebration at Mallory Square in Key West. If you like seafood, eat at Mangrove Mama's at mile marker 20.

randypape

thank you very much for the replies to my questions , your info will be very helpful.
take care
Randy

CarolB

I think bookhall's list is GREAT. If I might embellish:

You should see the reefs. Snorkel if you can (you don't need to be a good swimmer) or take a glass-bottom boat. Pennekamp (Key Largo) or Marathon/Bahia Honda/Big Pine Key. Pennekamp also has a cute aquarium.

If you like birds and are willing to spend some time pre-Keys, drive into Everglades Nat'l Park to the first big stop. The Anhinga Trail is spectacular.

According to the Winn-Dixie web site there's a store on Big Pine Key in addition to the ones bookhall listed.

buckeyemom

The Winn Dixie in Key Largo isn't that great. A better choice would be the Publix there.

CF

I luvvvvvvvv Publix. The Chicago rolls from their bakery are awesome.

GatorLadyUSA

Wow Randy! That is a looooooong drive! Been there and done that. It's real pretty once you get on to the Seven Mile Bridge. I'm from New Orleans and we just don't have water that blue here! It's a beautiful sight!

randypape

thanks again for the replies everyone
Randy

dwooddon

If you have a choice of vehicles, take the one with the highest seating above the road. I've driven the length of the Keys twice-once in a sedan and once in a large pickup. I was amazed how much more I could see of the passing scenery in the pickup. Much of that highway is very flat and in the sedan, I often could not see more than a few feet off the side of the road.