Author: reweidman50

Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar

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We make it a point to stop by the laid-back Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar (AKA “The Pulse of Islamorada”) on the way to or from Key West and enjoy a nice lunch outdoors amid the scenic tropical atmosphere. I recommend the Sunset Conch Fritters, Key’s Conch Chowder and the Tuna Nachos, although I have yet to try Lorelei’s World Famous Fish Sandwich. By the way, Lorelei also offers a vegan dish: Lorelei’s Vegan Sautee. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, Lorelei also features Daily Happy Hour Specials from 4 PM to 6 PM and a daily sunset party with live music. It is located at 81924 Overseas Highway in Islamorada (Mile Marker 82). Check it out!

Southernmost Point Buoy

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I took these photos before 8 AM on a Saturday, the perfect time to wander aimlessly through the streets of Key West with the roosters and visit the colorful Southernmost Point Buoy that allegedly marks the “Southernmost Point in the Continental United States” before the crowd descends upon this immensely popular photo hotspot and true Key West landmark! Erected by the City of Key West in 1983, the Southernmost Point Buoy, which lies approximately 90 miles away from Cuba, can be found at the corner of South and Whitehead streets. The adjacent conch-blower statue honors the late Bishop Albert Kee, who was known as “Key West’s Official Ambassador of Goodwill.” The life-size bronze statue of Kee was sculpted by Tom Joris. Sitting at the office completely bored out of your mind? Check out the Southernmost Point webcam and imagine you’re hanging out in Key West! .

Hike #16: Geneva Wilderness Area

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Hike #16, 52 Hike Challenge: Geneva Wilderness Area. I enjoyed hiking at the 180-acre Geneva Wilderness Area, but I ran into some flooded areas. I will return during the dry season to further explore this scenic area. The Geneva Wilderness Area lies at 3485 N. County Road 426 in East Seminole County. Distance: 1.8 miles.

Kalua Beach Bar

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Overlooking scenic Lake Dora, the Kalua Beach Bar in Tavares is the ideal spot to grab a bite to eat, enjoy an ice-cold beer and listen to some live music. It’s definitely the place to be on a lazy Saturday afternoon! We enjoyed the fried pickles, cheeseburger wrap and grilled chicken sandwich. We’ll definitely be back!

Hike #15: Trout Lake Nature Center, Eustis

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Hike #15, 52 Hike Challenge: Trout Lake Nature Center, Eustis. We had a pleasant stroll along the trails of the Trout Lake Nature Center followed by a visit to the Education Center and Museum. We followed the Lazy Oak Trail to the right of the parking lot and took the Boardwalk to Trout Lake. On the way back we took the Armadillo Trail to the Adventure Trail to the Grandfather Oak Trail for a view of the very impressive oak tree. Most of the trail was heavily shaded, so the sweltering heat was not too much of a problem. The Trout Lake Nature Center is located at 520 East County Road 44 in Eustis. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM. Distance: 1.4 miles.

Bahia Honda Rail Bridge

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Completed in 1912, the Overseas Railroad (aka “Flagler’s Folly” and the “Eighth Wonder of the World”) was partially destroyed by the tragic Labor Day Hurricane in 1935. Today, visitors to the Florida Keys heading down the Overseas Highway toward Key West can view the only remaining segment of the railroad, the Bahia Honda Rail Bridge, between Bahia Honda Key (home to Bahia Honda State Park) and Scout Key (formerly known as West Summerland Key). We pulled off at Scout Key and took a short stroll along a sandy path to an overlook where the road ends abruptly (be careful since there is quite a drop-off and no barriers of any kind). The reward is a great view of the Bahia Honda Rail Bridge itself. On the way back to the car, we noticed a creepy, rusted-out scooter (see image above). For more information about the fascinating history of the Overseas Railroad, I recommend Last Train to Paradise: Henry Flagler and the Spectacular Rise and Fall of the Railroad that Crossed an Ocean (2003) by Lee Standiford.

 

Hike #14: Fort Zachary Taylor, Key West

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Hike #14, 52 Hike Challenge: Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. We hiked around a few of the trails for a great view of Fort Zachary Taylor, a National Historic Landmark that was named after President Zachary Taylor (1784-1850) and constructed in the mid-1850s. The fort was occupied by Union forces throughout the Civil War. Key West is not known for its great beaches, but Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is by far the best of the bunch. You can even grab an ice-cold beer at the onsite Cayo Hueso Cafe! Distance: 1.2 miles.

 

Hike #13: Lake May Reserve, Eustis

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Hike #13, 52 Hike Challenge: Lake May Reserve, Eustis. A hidden gem located in Eustis at 36300 County Road 44A, Lake May Reserve encompasses 136 acres “of xeric oak hammock and a mix of upland scrub pine and hardwood forested areas,” according to the official brochure. It was a pleasant stroll, except for a portion of the western side of the lake, where we encountered many immense spider webs along the trail. Overall, a very satisfactory experience! Plans are reportedly underway for the addition of picnic areas, a canoe launch and catch & release fishing at Lake May Reserve. Distance: 2.4 miles.

Big Tree Park, Longwood

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The National Champion Bald Cypress Tree known as “The Senator” stood majestically for 3,500 years (reaching 165 feet at its peak) until it was tragically destroyed by an arsonist in 2012. During a quick stroll up the boardwalk at Big Tree Park in Longwood, you can learn all about the fascinating history of this tree (President Calvin Coolidge visited the tree in 1929), view the burnt remains of the tree and view its huge companion, “Lady Liberty” (2,000 years old and rising 89 feet with a diameter of 10 feet!). Also check out the clone of The Senator (known as “The Phoenix”), which is located adjacent to the playground. Big Tree Park is part of Spring Hammock Preserve.