Monday, March 20, 2023

Islamorada Travel Guide

Islamorada is the perfect spot to stay when visiting the Keys. It is located in the middle of the chain of islands and makes it easy to visit all the others on daytrips. It is also more laid back and less crowded than Key Largo or Key West.

Where to stay

Rates in the Florida Keys are high! We have found some of the best ones in the lower to mid range.

La Siesta Resort & Villas

The La Siesta offers different lodging options at different price points, including colorful beachfront villas. You can enjoy a beautiful pool, tropical landscaping, and a large pool.

Kayaks, paddle boards, and bicycles are included with stay.

Address: 80241 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Website: https://www.lasiestaresort.com

Amara Cay Resort

The Amara Cay Resort is a modern classy resort has a beautiful white sand beach with lounging areas. The beach is shaded with the most gorgeous palm trees. The beach area is raised above sea level but there are steps down into the water. A large pool overlooks the beach. The resort has a modern feel with large room.

Address: 80001 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

https://www.amaracayresort.com

Pines and Palms Resort

The Pines and Palms has both Ocean view and ocean front Cottages that are just the cutest with their colors and landscaping. They have a nice pool overlooking the ocean and a small white sand beach. It is a quiet and relaxing with place.

Address: 80401 Old Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

https://pinesandpalms.com

Postcard Inn Beach Resort and Marina

The Postcard Inn has a beautiful tropical landscaped property with expansive white sand beach. Plenty of lounging places, Pools, water activities, restaurants, tiki bar, and marina

Address: 84001 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

https://www.holidayisle.com

Where to Eat

Islamorada Fish Company

We love this place for the ambiance and fresh seafood

Address: 81532 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Bayside Gourmet

Popular for their authentic preparations of classic and contemporary cuisine

Address: 82758 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Mangrove Mike's Café

Great place to grab breakfast or brunch

Address: 82200 Overseas Hwy MM, 82 sunset inn, Islamorada, FL 33036

Meat Eatery And Taproom

Try their burger and duck fat french fries

Address: 88005 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Island Grill

Known for their Tuna Nachos and the Grouper Sandwiches

Address: 85501 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Wahoo's Bar and Grill

Rated as the best key lime pie in Islamorada

Address: 85501 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

What to do

Robbie's of Islamorada

You must go to Robbie’s and feed the tarpon. It is an experience!! They also have a restaurant, shopping booths, snorkeling excursions, and fishing tours.

Address: 77522 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Anne's Beach

My favorite thing about this beach is that you can walk out forever and it only be knee deep. The white mud type sand can get slick and sticky at times, but it is still a beautiful place.

Address: There are 2 parking lots approximately 1/4 mile apart on US-1 at MM 73

Resort Activities

Most resorts offer paddle boards, kayaks, and other water activities. The Pines and Palms offer off site excursions. The Postcard Inn offers scuba lessons, yoga, and many other activities.

Also, you can take day trips to other Keys. Two good ones are:

Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park is located about 40 miles from Islamorada. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Keys. The white sand beaches are special for the Keys.

Key West

Key West is a must visit for the Keys! Check out Smathers Beach and Fort Zachary Taylor while you are there. It a little under 80 miles from Islamorada.

Happy Travels!

Sherri

Sunday, March 5, 2023

Juniper Springs - Silver Springs, Florida

Juniper Springs Recreation Area is one of the most beautiful places in Florida!

To me, walking up to the Springs, feels like walking into a scene from a suspense movie. It grabs your attention and you keep watching to see what happens. It is unbelievably beautiful, but a little eerie at the same time.

Juniper Springs is an accumulation of hundreds of bubbling springs deeply shaded by a dense canopy of palms and oak trees.

Natural tape grass (eel grass) grows along the bottom of the spring. Occasionally, you will see eels swimming around in the grass.

The temperature of this spring is a constant. The daily water flow of 13 million gallons of water passes through this recreation area and springs.

Swimming is possible all year due to the constant 72 degrees water. In the summer, it will feel cool. During the winter, it will feel warm.

Normally, hiking and kayaking are available at the recreation area, but they are doing some upgrading and it is all closed at this time.

Camping is available all year.

A small store and sitting area is open all seasons.

Address:

26701 FL-40, Silver Springs, FL 34488

Hours:

8AM -6pm daily

Admission:

$9 per person on weekdays

$12 per person on weekends

Happy Travels!

Sherri

Friday, February 24, 2023

Kelly Park/Rock Springs - Ocala, Florida

Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, but did you know, it has more than 700 springs with many just as stunning as it’s beaches?!

Kelly Park/Rock Springs is one of my favorites. It is about 30 minutes northwest of Orlando, and its spring is breathtakingly beautiful!

The main attraction at Rocks Springs is a gorgeous natural lazy river spring. The spring head sits at the entrance of a cave and runs about ¾ mile through the park.

The water is 68 – 72 degrees year around. It actually feels warm if the outside temp is below 68 degrees, making it possible to swim in the winter months.

The run opens up to a shallow pool that is perfect for swimming. It is surrounded by a white sand beach and green lawn. Both perfect for lounging.

Thing to Know:

Arrive early. The park opens at 8am and there is a long line by then. Once it reaches capacity, no more will be admitted (This happens within an hour of opening) If you get turned away, ask for an afternoon voucher. They will allow 50 more to enter at 1pm.

Bring your own tubes and snorkel equipment. They do not rent inside the park. Tubes can be rented outside of the park. No tubes wider than 5 feet

Noodles are a good way to float without a tube.

Tubbing, snorkeling, and swimming are all allowed

The lazy river is shallow and wide, making it perfect for the whole family

One of the only springs with lifeguards

The park has camping, picknick tables, bathrooms, and concessions in the warm months

The park is crowded in the warm months

Address:

400 E Kelly Park Rd, Apopka, FL 32712

Hours:

8am -8pm daily

Admission:

1 - 2 people is $3, 3 - 8 people is $5. Busses are $10 for the bus plus $1 per person.

Happy Travels!

Sherri

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

A Peaceful Paradise in Miami, Florida

Can you believe there is a serene paradise located in Miami Florida? A place where all you hear and see is nature! We stumbled upon this hidden gem on a trip to Homestead, Florida.

Patch of Heaven Sanctuary, located in the Redland area of Miami, is a 20-acre nature preserve in Miami-Dade County. This special place encloses 11 acres of protected hardwood hammock forest, pine rock-land, tropical gardens, and historic structures.

The paths throughout this tranquil garden will take you past a butterfly pavilion, koi ponds, meditation spaces, a Buddha Garden, Balinese statues and structures, and waterfalls.