I know a few good places where you have a decent chance of viewing a gopher tortoise in its natural habitat. These include Oakland Nature Preserve in Oakland, Hidden Waters Preserve in Eustis, Lighthouse Point Park in Ponce Inlet and Smyrna Dunes Park in New Smyrna Beach. Let me know any other good spots.
Author: reweidman50
Robbie’s Marina
Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada is the perfect place to take a break during the long drive along the Overseas Highway whether you are on your way down to Key West or you’re heading home. Grab a bite to eat at the Hungry Tarpon, feed a tarpon, grab a souvenir, or rent a kayak and paddle over to Indian Key. This is the place to be!
Schooner Wharf Bar
Of all the bars in Key West, the Schooner Wharf Bar is by far our favorite. We love the laid-back atmosphere and enjoy listening to live music by legendary singer-songwriter Michael McCloud. Check it out!
Capt. Tony’s Saloon
I’m old enough to remember when the late, great Capt. Tony himself would hang out near the entrance of Capt. Tony’s Saloon greeting visitors, telling stories and posing for pictures. Great times! So, we always make sure to drop by Capt. Tony’s Saloon during every Key West visit.
Sloppy Joe’s Bar
After recently watching the superb PBS documentary of Ernest Hemingway by Ken Burns, I knew I had to visit Sloppy Joe’s Bar in Key West just to once again check out all the cool stuff on the walls!
Key West Cemetery Revisited
We took a bike ride through the Key West Cemetery looking for unique gravestones and iguanas. As you can see, we weren’t disappointed!
A Sunny Place for Shady People
Easily one of the coolest dive bars ever, the Green Parrot is simply a Key West icon. There’s colorful decor, good strong drinks, live music, a liquor store and, of course, a T-shirt shop with all kinds of cool stuff to take home. While you’re out there, make sure to get your photo at Mile Zero, just down the street!
West Martello Tower
Billed as “a tropical garden paradise,” the Key West Garden Club at West Martello Tower is on the site of a former Civil War fort and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s a good place to escape the bustling crowds of Duval Street for a bit and enjoy the beautiful gardens.
Custom House
We have always walked by the Custom House in Key West and I always thought it looked like a cool building, but we never got around to actually going inside until this past visit. It’s definitely worth the effort! The Custom House is home to the Key West Museum of Art & History, which contains a treasure trove of fascinating exhibits and artifacts that include Ernest Hemingway, Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railway, the USS Maine, the great folk art of Mario Sanchez and much more. Don’t miss it!
Blue Heaven
A Key West landmark, Blue Heaven is our favorite breakfast spot on the island. I had the lobster and cheddar omelette, which was outstanding! Another one of my recommendations is the lobster BLT benny. Don’t leave without sampling the incredible banana bread. Blue Heaven is located just 2 blocks off Duval at the corner or Petronia and Thomas streets.
Wandering Florida 