Date:  July 31st

Type:  Theme Story

RE:  Florida Keys-My summer vacation

BY:  Toni

As we begin to ponder our summer family vacation, we just weren't sure what to do.  Mexico...no, we had hit it quite a few times already, nothing that required too much driving (even though the kids are older, they're still not excited about being on the road).  Something close and somewhat affordable with a different twist...and with all that in mind we headed off to the Florida Keys.

The Keys span approximately 110 miles from Key West at the southern most tip (that you can reach by car) to Key Largo the closest Key to the mainland, and that is where our journey began.  We visited John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, voted best U.S. National Park, from the park you can arrange a snorkel or scuba diving trip to the reef, rent kayaks, or relax with a nice picnic.  We opted to snorkel from the shore, though the water was murky from a wild storm the night before we were still able to swim with a school of large tarpon, view a blue-shelled crab, and check out the anchors and cannons that lie on the ocean floor.  This is a good place for beginners to give snorkeling a try; you can rent your equipment right at the park.  Then we were ready for some real snorkeling so we booked with a local Catamaran and headed off to the reef about 45 minutes from shore.  This was an incredible journey, wonderful fan and brain coral lots of beautiful fish, we even had the chance to follow a sea turtle, nature at its best!!

Time to head on down to our next stop Islamorada, here we had the chance to stay a very nice resort Cheeca Lodge, I notice many young families at the property, a nice stretch of beach, a 3-par golf course, and great tennis facilities.  We were able you enjoy the 4th of July fireworks from the pier, we kept repeating to ourselves "What a amazing way to celebrate the holiday". 

Little Palm Island was next on our journey.  This is truly an amazing place, a private island with 28 one-bedroom thatched-roof, oceanfront suites.  Though this is not quite the place for a family vacation, children under 16 not allowed, and the island drenched in romance, we were still excited to check it out.  To get there you board the island's private launch and are whisked away to paradise, the minute you step on to the island a feeling of complete relaxation rushes over you.  The look and feel is that of a Pacific Island, food was delicious, though quite expensive.  The suite was one of the most wonderful rooms I have ever stayed in, the décor Colonial splendor, the beds...so comfortable, I loved the outdoor shower (don't worry there's a whirlpool tub/shower inside, as well), no telephones or television and a relaxing deck to enjoy your view.  Here we had the chance to kayak into a wildness area among the mangroves that I can only describe as an unique underwater garden, what a great way to spend a few hours.  We only had two nights in this tropical paradise and then we were off to Key West.  (I certainly would suggest Little Palm as your last stop instead in the middle, as we did.)

Key West, the most popular Key and with good reason, anyone looking for a party you've got one.  If you enjoy a good museum or sightseeing, you've found the place...we checked out Ernest Hemingway's house, a great 30-minute tour with lots of insight and humorous stories, on the grounds are approximately 60 cats who run the roost, many with 6-toes.  Mel Fisher, the famous modern time treasure hunter has a Maritime Museum and short film, and there's much, much more to see and do.  Though I am not a big shopper I found Key West a great place to pick up unique trinkets and art that are not your typical tacking tourist items.  Each evening at the Pier the buskers come out to entertain, the locals come to sell their wares, and everyone comes to watch the sunset (which the Keys or known for).  If Duval (the main street) gets to be too much, with all its shops and bars just head to the harbor, we had the best raw oysters ever! Here we stayed at a splendid Bed and Breakfast about 4 blocks from the action "The Island House", we had a huge room with 2-bedrooms, sitting area, kitchen and a wonderful porch to enjoy each evening.

We certainly found that the Keys offered something for everyone and were glad we had chosen them for our summer vacation.  If we can help you plan a trip to the Florida Keys or around the world please give us a call at James TravelPOINTS 303 442-2340.