Short hop to Florida Keys
Feb 23rd, 2012, 08:21 PM
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Short hop to Florida Keys
A last minute decision led us to the Florida Keys in the middle of cold midwest winter weather. We had a free flight that was to expire and were able to secure a second ticket on Southwest using miles and cash for only $50. On top of that, we took a bump mid-route and each got another free flight, only arriving an hour later than originally planned! That sure started the trip off right.
Southwest doesn't fly into Miami, so we landed in Lauderdale. Rented a car on Hotwire for $57 for four days. It was a bit cumbersome getting to Ace, but worth it, considering the cheap $11 a day rate. Their office is about 10 minutes from the airport and they do send a shuttle for you. I was thrown for a little while by the new toll road regulations. Florida doesn't have toll booths anymore, they just photograph your license plate and send you a bill or charge it to the credit card you used for your rental car. The rental car company tried to sell us a pass for a flat $6.95 a day, but we opted to take our chances. It hasn't shown up on our charge yet, so I don't know how much the bottom line will be. The man at the car rental counter said it should be about $11 one way from Lauderdale to the Keys.
It took us about two hours to get to our accomodations on Islamorada, Pines and Palms Resort. We couldn't have been happier. The reviews I read were all positive and I could see why. It was the cleanest, best maintained property I have seen. It wasn't glitzy or fancy, but reminded me of old Florida with its little cottages and furnishings. The white bed was very comfortable and made up with pristine linens and lots of fluffy pillows. There was a "beach" (not too many white sand beaches in the Keys) with plenty of beach chairs, a hammock and an oceanside pool heated to the perfect temperature. There is a Tiki bar on weekends. The grounds also were beautifully maintained with flowers, orchids tied to the palm trees and the sand evenly raked. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. There were even bike rentals, but I didn't use that feature.
It was a great jumping off point to explore some of the other Keys. Because our time was limited, mainly we took our time driving all the way down to Key West. We had lunch at the Southernmost Bar and Grill and had a ringside seat at the open window, sipping mojitos and people watching. We visited the Butterfly House, an experience that enchants me every time, no matter how often I do it. Stopped at the Key West Lime Pie Company to pick up a pie to take back to the cottage and at Cuba Cuba for some fun souvenirs. It was a long stop and go drive back to Islamorada but we made it just in time for a Valentine's Day sunset dinner at the Islamorada Fish Company. We weren't the only ones with that same idea but the wait wasn't long, especially because the brilliant sunset kept us and everyone else entertained.
The next morning we took a short 5 minute drive to Robbies to have breakfast at the Hungry Tarpon. Little did I know I'd have the best breakfast of my life in this little waterfront shack! Lobster frittata with hollandaise and grits. Oh my. As we ate, our view was to die for, overlooking one of the long bridges and the marina with egrets and pelicans as visitors. I could have hung out there all day. The restaurant is named for a small pool of huge tarpons which they charge money for, for people to feed them.
We rounded off our day by having dinner at the Islamorada Grill, which advertised "Ahi Tuna Nachos". Another fantastic dish, which I am longing for even as I write this. A huge amount of seared, raw ahi tuna atop a bed of seaweed salad on large fried wontons, with a drizzle of wasabi mayo. Once again, we ate sitting next to open windows looking out onto the canal and mangroves. Toward sunset, there was entertainment in the form of a woman singer.
The next day's weather was so nice we spent it just hanging around the pool and the water. All too soon, it was time to get back to the airport. This is a trip I would gladly repeat yearly. The Keys' laid-back style makes for a very pleasant and relaxing vacation.
Southwest doesn't fly into Miami, so we landed in Lauderdale. Rented a car on Hotwire for $57 for four days. It was a bit cumbersome getting to Ace, but worth it, considering the cheap $11 a day rate. Their office is about 10 minutes from the airport and they do send a shuttle for you. I was thrown for a little while by the new toll road regulations. Florida doesn't have toll booths anymore, they just photograph your license plate and send you a bill or charge it to the credit card you used for your rental car. The rental car company tried to sell us a pass for a flat $6.95 a day, but we opted to take our chances. It hasn't shown up on our charge yet, so I don't know how much the bottom line will be. The man at the car rental counter said it should be about $11 one way from Lauderdale to the Keys.
It took us about two hours to get to our accomodations on Islamorada, Pines and Palms Resort. We couldn't have been happier. The reviews I read were all positive and I could see why. It was the cleanest, best maintained property I have seen. It wasn't glitzy or fancy, but reminded me of old Florida with its little cottages and furnishings. The white bed was very comfortable and made up with pristine linens and lots of fluffy pillows. There was a "beach" (not too many white sand beaches in the Keys) with plenty of beach chairs, a hammock and an oceanside pool heated to the perfect temperature. There is a Tiki bar on weekends. The grounds also were beautifully maintained with flowers, orchids tied to the palm trees and the sand evenly raked. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. There were even bike rentals, but I didn't use that feature.
It was a great jumping off point to explore some of the other Keys. Because our time was limited, mainly we took our time driving all the way down to Key West. We had lunch at the Southernmost Bar and Grill and had a ringside seat at the open window, sipping mojitos and people watching. We visited the Butterfly House, an experience that enchants me every time, no matter how often I do it. Stopped at the Key West Lime Pie Company to pick up a pie to take back to the cottage and at Cuba Cuba for some fun souvenirs. It was a long stop and go drive back to Islamorada but we made it just in time for a Valentine's Day sunset dinner at the Islamorada Fish Company. We weren't the only ones with that same idea but the wait wasn't long, especially because the brilliant sunset kept us and everyone else entertained.
The next morning we took a short 5 minute drive to Robbies to have breakfast at the Hungry Tarpon. Little did I know I'd have the best breakfast of my life in this little waterfront shack! Lobster frittata with hollandaise and grits. Oh my. As we ate, our view was to die for, overlooking one of the long bridges and the marina with egrets and pelicans as visitors. I could have hung out there all day. The restaurant is named for a small pool of huge tarpons which they charge money for, for people to feed them.
We rounded off our day by having dinner at the Islamorada Grill, which advertised "Ahi Tuna Nachos". Another fantastic dish, which I am longing for even as I write this. A huge amount of seared, raw ahi tuna atop a bed of seaweed salad on large fried wontons, with a drizzle of wasabi mayo. Once again, we ate sitting next to open windows looking out onto the canal and mangroves. Toward sunset, there was entertainment in the form of a woman singer.
The next day's weather was so nice we spent it just hanging around the pool and the water. All too soon, it was time to get back to the airport. This is a trip I would gladly repeat yearly. The Keys' laid-back style makes for a very pleasant and relaxing vacation.
Feb 23rd, 2012, 08:21 PM
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A little photo slideshow is posted on YouTube: http://youtu.be/_aD64BLO5k8
Feb 25th, 2012, 04:05 AM
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Maggi,
Thanks for your report! That restaurant Hungry Tarpon sounds really appealling especially with the view of the long bridge and egrets, pelicans and tarpons to be seen; I like the idea of Islamorada Grill too with mangroves and a canal. Your travelogue reminds me of things I loved about the Florida Keys and makes me want to go back (it's been 4 years now since I was there last!).
Daniel
Thanks for your report! That restaurant Hungry Tarpon sounds really appealling especially with the view of the long bridge and egrets, pelicans and tarpons to be seen; I like the idea of Islamorada Grill too with mangroves and a canal. Your travelogue reminds me of things I loved about the Florida Keys and makes me want to go back (it's been 4 years now since I was there last!).
Daniel
Feb 25th, 2012, 07:58 PM
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There's nothing like the blue sky above, blue water below and driving across the wonderful bridges connecting the Keys. The laid back atmosphere reminds me of Hawaii, where you can wear nothing but a bathing suit, shorts, a tshirt and flipflops every day.
Feb 28th, 2012, 03:41 PM
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excellent report...you really captured the flavor of my favorite spot in the Keys,Islamorada.
Did you ever sneak by that really cool beach at the Moorings resort and check out the model shoots?
there are probably more fashion catalog photo shoots done here than any other spot outside of NYCity. it's just on the edge of the Cheeca Lodge property.
Did you ever sneak by that really cool beach at the Moorings resort and check out the model shoots?
there are probably more fashion catalog photo shoots done here than any other spot outside of NYCity. it's just on the edge of the Cheeca Lodge property.
Feb 28th, 2012, 04:28 PM
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Daniel, yes! I would go back to Hungry Tarpon every week if I lived there. Such a great place just to hang out. The Keys remind me a little of Hawaii, where you can wear a bathing suit, short and flipflops just about anywhere.
Bhonoreh, have a great time. Hope to read YOUR trip report when you get back.
Donna, no I didn't. I'll have to check it out next time. Thanks for the heads up! I was a little limited because I injured my leg at the airport on the way down and ended up in a wheelchair. We didn't do as much as we'd hoped. But I sure didn't let it interfere with a great time
Bhonoreh, have a great time. Hope to read YOUR trip report when you get back.
Donna, no I didn't. I'll have to check it out next time. Thanks for the heads up! I was a little limited because I injured my leg at the airport on the way down and ended up in a wheelchair. We didn't do as much as we'd hoped. But I sure didn't let it interfere with a great time
Feb 29th, 2012, 07:58 AM
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Nice break to enjoy the sun and tropical breezes! Nice photos of sun and seas. Our family enjoyed a first time visit to the Keys for Thanksgiving. Putting away our winter clothes for several days. Touring Key West. Swimming at Bahia Honda St Pk. Our rental was on Cudjoe Key.
Bill in Boston
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...s-168718-2.cfm
Bill in Boston
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...s-168718-2.cfm
Feb 29th, 2012, 05:32 PM
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Nice report! Wish we could have gotten to Bahia Honda - next time! And I see you also went to the Butterfly House. Love renting houses on vacation - I'll have to look into that for the future.
Mar 1st, 2012, 01:04 PM
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We just got back from Key West too. It was our first time there and I'm missing it big time. Loved the relaxed atmosphere, blue waters, bright sunshine and great sunsets. Bahia Honda lives up to its reputation - we only stopped for a few minutes but I took some great pictures there.
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