In Marathon, things are kept simple.  The heart of the Keys.  Moniker applies for a couple of reasons.  First because of its location.  Marathon is the midpoint of the island chain.  Next, its a way locals view themselves.  Thirdly, The roots of the town is fishing village. 






Attractions such as Dolphin Research Center and Historic Pigeon Key that played a historic part of Henry Flager's Florida East coast Railway.

Today we are visiting the Dolphin Research Center to participate in our encounter "Painting with the Dolphins.  The crafty dolphin artists will help you design and create your own one of a kind Masterpiece!

MM59 GRASSY KEY

Learn more at:  www.dolphins.org

Stay tuned for the worlds famous 7 Mile Bridge coming up next!

As we continue our  journey down from Key Largo headed for MM 84 

Welcome to Islamorada! 

MM 84

or "the Purple Isle," Known as:  Fish haven of the World-Class Sport-fishing. On the Oceanside offers deep sea fishing opportunities.  Just load up the boat, head off shore to open waters, set up the big rigs and CATCH!  Mahi Mahi, Kingfish and Shark.

On the Bayside or the "Backcountry" gear up for light spin or fly tackle in pursuit of bonefish, and tarpon . 

Islamorada regularly hosts fishing for sport tournaments. Locally, regional and national events in its waters, further bolstering its rod-and-reel reputation.

Holiday Isle  84001 Overseas Hwy. Islamorada, Fl. (800) 327-7070

http://holidayisle.com/

A great place to break for the Catch of the Day, Sun and Fun.

SUN & FUN

Catch of the Day

After our scrumptious lunch and libations, we had some unexpected entertainment that followed.  " The Parade of boats show"  The Poker Run  boats are a group of boat owners who flotilla  down from the Florida coast of the Atlantic Ocean to see the World Championship Boat Races held in Key West.   Taking a pitstop from the harsh elements of the ocean.  Time to "chow down",  "chile out",  "gas up" and off to the Races!

Stay Tuned for Dolphin Encounters!

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Good to see you again.  We had so much fun at the Holiday Inn waterfall swimming pool, Tiki bar.  We overstayed our time relaxing at the Jacuzzi.  Remember!  Were on Island Time.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.  America's first undersea park. The Diving Capital of the World!

Nature & History:  The park was created to protect and preserve a portion of the only living coral reef in the continental United States. The park extends three miles into the Atlantic Ocean, is approximately 21 miles in length.

The park was named after a Miami newspaper editor who also helped established Everglades National Park.  The park contains a variety of tropical exotic vegetation, shorebirds and marine life.  At the reef, the blue-green prestine waters invites snorkelers and divers to a magical wonderland.  Many colorful tropical fish, corals and the Christ Abyss statue.  Anglers need a saltwater fishing license and spearfishing is prohibited. No collection of tropical fish allowed.  Nor lobster may be harvested from or within any coral formation. Eco-tourism pursuits are natural such as kayaking along mangrove swamp, hiking the nature trails and bird watching. 

 Do!  America's Awesome Reef.

Key Largo is most famous for its beautiful offshore reef found in 

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.  U.S. 1  Mile Marker 102.5  Key Largo, Florida 33037  Florida  (305) 451-1202   http://www.floridastateparks.org/

Stay tuned

MM84

Islamorada

Welcome Back to Key Largo

Welcome back!  To continue our adventure and excursions down the Florida Chain, after enjoying the sun set at Sundowners we checked into our hotel:

The Holiday Inn Resort located at U.S. 1 at MM=Mile Marker 100 Key Largo, Fl.
http://www.holidayinnkeylargo.com/


Here are a couple of reasons for staying here. Enjoy the friendly laid back atmosphere and great libations at the Tiki Bar.  Followed by a quick dip into the waterfall swimming pool.  Afterwards,  relax in the pool side jacuzzi before the nightlife begins.

Take an early stroll down the docks of the cannel inlet.  Here you will stumble upon the nightlife and other establishments, Bar & Grills such as:  Coconuts Rest. & Lounge, Sharkey's Pub and Galley Restaurant. Hear the entertainment of bands playing, people laughing, enjoying their food and drinks!

They outline the "African Queen",  and other excursions such as:  glass bottom boats, snorkeling and other attractions.

"African Queen"

Snorkeling

Glass Bottom Boats

The African Queen boat was in the 1951 movie with Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn.   You can look her over for a unique nostalgic experience for free public display on the canal of the Key Largo Holiday Inn.

The African Queen was built in Lytham, England in 1912.  She was used a service to shuttle cargo and passengers across, Lake Albert located on the boarder between the Belgian Congo and Uganda.  The adventurous Queen has been around the world twice.  Cruises on request by reservation.  Stop by and stay at the Key Largo Holiday Inn Resort& Marina. (800) The Keys- (800) 843-5397  (305)451-4655.

Stay tuned for our next stop in Key Largo.

The Diving Capital of the World!  John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park!

First Stop! Key Largo, FL.

Driving South on U.S. 1 through the Florida Keys the Main Street is known as the  Overseas Highway.  The best way to get around is to know your mile marker of your destination.

A mile marker for every mile.  These little green signs that dot the highway every mile begin just south of Florida with with number 127 and run all the way down to zero in Key West.  They are like street addresses.

First stop:  Key Largo- Mile Marker 90.7-118 Approx. 58 miles from Miami.

Key Largo was settled as a fishing town in the 1930's featuring in Mahi mahi, grouper, tuna, and yellowtail snapper.  Support the fisherman and fishing industry of the Fabulous Florida Keys.

Vistor's Center (MM106)  http://www.keylargochamber.org/map.cfm

here I gather my navigation maps, points of interest of the upper keys area.  Attractions, Restaurants, shopping, etc.  I ask the locals were to go, and all recommendations have been great choices!

Key Largo Chamber of Commerce

Next were off to Sundowners MM104 Bayside 

Sit back and enjoy as the pace slows.  sundownerskeylargo.com

Boat Blackwater Sound N-25.08.645 W-80.23.900.

  Relax and enjoy the unfathomable view. Grab that frosty brew,  Key West SunSet Amber Ale, and a flavorful appetizer of Crab Stuffed Mushrooms! Catch that gazing soothing Sunset,

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms!

Stay tuned at:  keywestofthemidwest.blogspot.com 

 "The African Queen" Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn's 1951 Hollywood movie!

Please leave your comments, so I can better serve you.

Thank You!

Driving down the lovely Florida Keys. Final destination Key West.

We just arrived in Fort Lauderdale, FL. 


Getting ready for our leisurely scenic drive from Fort Lauderdale down through the lovely Florida Keys.
Bypass I-95 Florida Turnpike 821- U.S. 1 South.
Let our journey begin! 


Come, follow me.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/sNoAyBzCeSk

The Florida Keys Today

Getting to Key West

There are three ways of getting to Key West, such as: Driving., Flying, and the best kept secret is by Sea.  Come follow me on my web page:  www.keywestofthemidwest.blogspot.com

1)  By Car

Enjoy the scenic road trip Highway 1 South!   

As your journey begins, grab your bathing suit, towel and suntan lotion.  Oh yeah, the fishing pole too!  Leave behind the GPS it is only Highway 1 South,  watch these video's, turn on the tunes, gas up and GO!

 www.fla-keys.com/listingwww.youtube.com/watch?v=sNoAyBzCeSk    
    

Over the bridges and through the Keys, on your way down to Key West.  WOW! What gorgeous views driving on the Overseas Highway Bridges over looking the Gulf of Mexico on the right side (West)  and the Atlantic Ocean on your left (East) to the Southernmost Point.    

      http://youtu.be/dDmBtMuHZac   

2.)  By Air                      Key West International Airport (EYW)

3491 South Roosevelt Blvd.

Key West, FL.  305- 296- 5439   

Airlines such as:  American Eagle, U.S. Airways, Continental, Delta.  Most flights connect through larger cities including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando and Atlanta.
http://www.keywestinternationalairport.com

American Eagle

Captain Roseann

Only a 15 minute drive from the Airport to Duval Street

Taxi Cab:  www.keywesttaxi.co               Bus Service    www.keywestcity.com/department

Shuttle Buses provided by selected resorts

3.)  By Sea  


Key West Express sails from Fort Myers Beach year round.  The fastest and most fun way to visit paradise.  http://www.seakeywest.com  http://youtu.be/temtWYQNquM

Shell out less Clams with Discounts & Coupons!

http://www.ferrytokeywest.com

www.keyscoupons.com

ferryservicestokeywest.com

www.publix.com

See you on our next journey!

Key West, Florida

This blog is like Island Time, so stay tuned in.


Island Time.  Laid back attitude, the time space continuum slows down, relax, unwind. The difference between casual and dressy attire.  From Blue to pink flip-flops or the catch of the day to be severed that evening.  However, you land the shores of Key West, you become part of the legend.  Explore the town, seas and history, while making new friends.  Create your own island story.
That's Key West legend....

Traveling 120 miles from the mainland along bridges down to the Keys.  Colorful characters and cultures that have contributed to a history involving names like Ernest Hemingway, Jimmy Buffett, Mel Fisher, President Truman.  A bustling harbor,, preserved historic buildings and ancient shipwrecks all play a role in the tall tales of Key West.

Put your sense's to the test and absorb the smell of the Cuban coffee from nearby cafe's and the frying of Bahamian conch fritters as you stroll down the intimate streets.  Hear the laughter of the locals that float down from porches on the breeze.  

There, between brightly colored homes in styles called Conch and Gingerbread, you will hear the echoes of those who came before- pirates, writers, wreckers and rumrunners.  This is the legend  of Key West.

Spring Break is Great!

SunSet Pier Ocean Key

Are you in Spring Break Season?  Looking for somewhere to go now or for the future.  I have the the most distinct, vibrant, cultural Island close to home, Key West, FL.

Come follow me to Intriguing and enchanting culture, heritage & History of Key West.  We will explore all avenues from Savor flavors of the Island, to Conch style architecture and accommodations.  Activities, attractions and excursions.  Where the Romance is Key?  Come follow me at www.keywestofthemidwest.blogspot.com.  I will show you the way to navigate the island and get the most of your Key West experience.