The Florida Keys

A week in The Florida Keys.

Where to stay in the Florida Keys? Well, We rented a cute little Bungalow at Coral Bay Resort.  Hidden just off of us1 on mile marker 75.5. This is a cute and small resort. We had a 2 bedroom bungalow with a large bathroom, wide galley kitchen and 6 person dining room/living room. Outdoor patio with a cement mosaic table under an orchid flower tree. Orchids grow well in the Florida Keys. 

A few steps away is a wrap around dock, fishing area, heated swimming pool and a wading pool that flows out to the bay. You can swim, kayak, and snorkel on this florida keys beach.
They provide Fish food at the docks that attracts all the local wild life. I saw Manatees by the platform and Sharks swimming around the fishing area looking for discarded fish heads. It’s full of nature.

TIP: Once you get there Unpack, Flip on Pandora reggae channel and chill with coffee in hand. Just take in the scenery.

It was so windy that first day. Windy like a Pooh Bear story. But not windy enough to keep us from sunset fishing. We didn’t catch a thing – probably due to the weather. We cooked a homemade dinner in our bungalow kitchen and went to bed before 10! Florida Keys Style!

Monday morning! It was a stress free Monday morning as the in laws made breakfast and we drank 3 pots of coffee. This caffeine fueled our first of many bike rides around the Florida Keys island.

Our resort was just a short bike ride away from “Robbie’s“.

It is an eclectic place that should not be skipped if you are visiting the keys. It’s an outdoor mall, a small marina, a great seafood restaurant, a small private beach, a place to snorkel, rent kayaks, jet skis, fishing charter, and sailboats. Pretty much everything you want in the Keys in one tiny gorgeous spot. You can go back over and over each day and discover something new.

If you only get a chance to go once you can’t miss feeding the tarpon off the dock! $1 to walk out on the dock and $3.17 for a bucket of food. Lean over the edge of the dock and wait for a giant tarpon to jump out and grab the fish from your fingers. It’s a heart pounding experience.

We spend the rest of the day wandering the beaches on Anne beach & Long Key State Park. We also stopped and fished off a few of the bridges and caught some dinner. (Snapper)

On a less windy and sunny day we rode back up to Robbie’s and rented kayaks at the “Kayak Shack”. It was reasonably priced and they give you a map of the mangrove maze that makes up the west side of islamorada, Floirda Keys. Once you paddle out and around the corner from Robbie’s – there is a small opening to enter the mangroves. Once you get in it’s like you enter a different world. It’s silent. You have the cloudless blue sky above you, the sun pouring gently over you, the many shades of crystal clear blue&green water beneath you, and the mangroves that embrace you as you kayak through. It’s a Florida Keys sanctuary.

Once you’ve explored and said hello to the resident crocodile – make your way back and try to eat an entire classic “Islamorada Fish Sandwich” at Robbies “Hungry Tarpon” restaurant. The Miami Herald calls this a “gourmet joint under a bridge”. I would agree!

At the Coral Bay Resort there is plenty to do without leaving the grounds. We had some relaxing times under the Seagrape trees shade.
 We also made sand castles by the sea shore with grandma and auntie.

We did a little yoga on the quiet dock by the water.

One morning we were blessed to be visited by a mommy and baby manatee!

On one of the last days we left the kids with the babysitters and drove down to Key West. I have so many beautiful memories in Key West! It’s a comfort city for me. I simply love the Florida Keys
(FULL KEY WEST POST HERE)

Then came the end of the week. On the way back up to reality and civilization I highly recommend a stop at Ocean Gardens gift shop for some unique souvenirs. It’s a classier gift shop experience with complimentary water bottles and chocolate while you browse.

No matter how much I long for adventure and far off places – nothing compares to coming home and laying my head on my own pillow.
Wishing you sandy toes and salty kisses
Xoxo
Megforit