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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