Seven Mile Bridge

sevenmilebridge

An engineering masterpiece, the Seven Mile Bridge (which is actually 6.79 miles long) was constructed between 1979 and 1982 on the Overseas Highway at a cost of $45 million and serves to connect the Middle Keys (Marathon) to the Lower Keys (Little Duck Key). Each April, the bridge is closed for a couple of hours for the Seven Mile Bridge Run, an annual event that began in 1982. Movies filmed over the years in the vicinity of the bridge include True Lies2 Fast 2 FuriousLicence to KillCriss Cross and Up Close & Personal. Outlaw country music singer David Allan Coe wrote a song titled “Seven Mile Bridge.” The bridge, which replaced a much narrower roadway built atop the remains of Henry Flagler’s railroad bridge, can reportedly withstand winds of up to 200 miles per hour.

Burdines Waterfront Chiki Tiki Bar & Grille, Marathon

Tucked away from the Overseas Highway (Mile Marker 49.5) on a high deck overlooking the Boot Key Harbor Waterway, Chiki Tiki is an extremely laid-back, open-air bar and grill with a diverse menu that offers something for everyone. Highlights include certified Angus beef burgers (the green chile cheeseburger is a favorite!), shrimp baskets, blackened fish sandwiches, bacon wrapped BBQ shrimp, fresh-cut fries and much more. It’s the perfect place to grab an ice-cold beer or your favorite cocktail and enjoy the ocean breeze. Save room for the delicious key lime pie. Chiki Tiki features live music Wednesday and Friday nights. To reach Chiki Tiki, go East onto 15th Street in Marathon past an old trailer park to 1200 Oceanview Avenue.