It’s a 'Key' time for escaping winter woes
There’s something truly special about the string of islands situated in the southernmost tip of the United States, better known as the Florida Keys. Beyond the stunning natural beauty, idyllic weather (resting at a comfortable 23-25 C during the winter) and easygoing vibe, each of the Keys’ five regions have their own unique charm—and not an amusement park in sight. Connected by 42 bridges and an Overseas Highway running the full 182-km stretch, exploring all of these regions in a single visit is definitely doable too.
Here are some keys things to do only in the Florida Keys.
Sleep deep: Scuba dive to Jules’ Undersea Lodge in Key Largo, the world’s first and only underwater hotel permanently anchored in a lagoon. The air-conditioned lodge has two private bedrooms and a kitchen if you feel like cooking, or you can arrange with staff to have a pizza or local restaurant meal delivered. If there’s no vacancy, the Lagoon still makes a great spot for scuba diving and snorkelling.
Bike (or walk) the Old Seven Mile Bridge: The centrepiece of the iconic overseas railroad which first connected the Keys and the Florida Mainland, the Old Seven was commissioned by railroad magnate Henry Flagler more than a century ago. Recently renovated and reopened to the public (no cars permitted), the bridge now parallels the modern Overseas Highway and leads travellers to the historic Pigeon Key. This was home to the more than 400 workers responsible for the grueling railroad construction. With eight buildings for visitors to explore there, including a museum filled with artifacts, it paints a fascinating story of the hardship and sacrifice needed in making Flagler’s dream a reality.
Meet the mildest-mannered “patients” yet: Marathon Key is home to the world’s first state-licensed hospital for injured sea turtles. Get a behind-the-scenes tour of Turtle Hospital, where a dedicated healthcare team treats and rehabilitates turtles injured by speed boats and suffering from a malaise of issues, such as pollution-induced digestion problems or fibropapilloma tumors. More than 2,000 turtles have been treated here since the facility first opened its doors in 1986.
Join the plight to restore coral reef: South of Big Pine Key is protected coral reef called Looe Key, located within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Volunteers can go on working dives to see how coral reefs are being revitalized and even help clean and prepare corals for planting.
Lavish in literary tales: Many literary legends have flocked to the palm tree-lined streets of Key West (the very southernmost point of the Keys) for creative inspiration over the decades. Several of them— Ernest Hemmingway, Tennessee Williams and Robert Frost, to name a few—even chose to live there for a time. Take a literary tour to see all their regular haunts, or do a solo stroll through the Hemingway Home and Museum, which was the author’s residence for eight years, and is now inhabited only by some 60 cats believed to be the descendants of Hemmingway’s original six-toed pet. Then have a pint at his second favorite home, Sloppy Joe’s Bar, which still pridefully plays up its Hemmingway connection some 90 years later.
See the ultimate sunset: While there is so much to explore on land, nothing beats the brilliance of a Florida Keys sunset from the Atlantic Ocean. Join one of numerous sunset cruises offered throughout the Keys, or charter a sailing catamaran for a customized tour, complete with all the amenities—including shower facilities and decadent charcuterie boards with local fare.
Satiate your sweet tooth: The Keys are home to the best key-limed pie this particular author has ever tasted. You’ll find homemade versions of this perfect blend of sweet and tart flavours on most menus throughout the Keys, but it’s worth the trip to Kermit’s (Key) Lime Shoppe in Key West. There you’ll likely meet Kermit, the 80-year-old pie master himself, who has been selling his delectable treats (including a decadent, chocolate-dipped frozen pie option) for the last 30 years.
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