Sunset Celebration (Mallory Square) Key West, Florida

A nightly ritual to gather at Mallory Square Dock to celebrate the sunset has been a long standing tradition in Key West.

Mallory Square is located at 400 Wall Street.

It is situated on the waterfront in Key West's historic downtown area, adjacent to the cruise ship port.

About two hours before sunset, the crowd begins gathering at the water's edge to watch street performers

listen to musicians

and wandering along looking at crafts made by local artisans.

You can even find out what your future holds if so inclined.

Some of the performers entertain simply by just being there, while others are very talkative and quite the comedians.

I don't remember this guy's name, but he was so funny and pull the audience in on his act.

The Cat Man (Dominique LeFort) has been a part of the celebration for many years. It is amazing to see how much he cares for his cats and what he can get them to do!

In addition to all of the entertainment and beautiful surroundings, there are huge sailboats cursing around the area!

Unfortunately, it was cloudy the night we were there, but it was still a pretty sunset.

The Sunset Celebration is a big part of Key West and a definite must do! There is no fee to enter the celebration, but you will have to pay for parking if you are not staying near by.

Happy Travels! 

Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens (Pine Island) Matlacha, Florida

The Leoma Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens is one of the most unique and colorful places in Florida. Located on Matlacha Island, a small island off the west coast of Florida, it is a place you diffidently will want to put on your must see list!

Leoma Lovegrove is a talented artist known worldwide for her colorful paintings. Her art gallery is located inside a small cottage that is just as cheerful as her paintings.

The ever changing gardens are a mix of whimsical art, bright paint colors, and tropical plants and trees.

A great way to send a little piece of Florida to someone is with a coconut postcard. How cute is this!

Address:

4637 Pine Island Road NW
Matlacha Island, Florida 33993

Gallery Hours:

Monday-Saturday
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday
11:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Happy Travels! 

3 Natural Springs in North & Central Florida

Juniper Springs Recreation Area

Juniper Springs is a subtropical paradise located in the middle of the Ocala National Forest. The water temperature of the crystal clear water is 72 degrees year round.

We decided to stop by Juniper Springs on our way back home from a cruise out of Tallahassee. I wish we would have allowed more time to explore the area! It is one of those places that doesn’t feel quiet real. It is so pretty!

Address :

26701 FL-40

Silver Springs, FL 34488

Fanning Springs State Park

Fanning Springs State Park is a great place for swimming, snorkeling, or watching manatees. 

We drove past this places and decided to go back and check it out. I am so glad we did!

We drove past this places and decided to go back and check it out. I am so glad we did!

There were a couple of manatees swimming around with the people. This is the first time for me to see manatees so close. It was a little too cool of a day for me to get in the water, but the couple swimming said that the temperature of the water was comfortable. I will definitely go back when the weather is warmer!

*Remember that it is against the law to harass manatees. Look, but don’t touch!

Address:

18020 N.W. HWY 19
Fanning Springs, FL 32693

Manatee Springs State Park

Manatee Springs is a popular place for snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, and spotting manatees.

 A long boardwalk allows for a quite stroll through Cyprus trees.

It is common to see deer throughout the park, many times walking right up to you.

I have been to Manatee Springs twice and have yet to see a manatee!  It is a very interesting place though. It seems a little bit like “Jurassic Park” to me… maybe because the first visit was right after a rain storm. It was cloudy and foggy.

The second time was early morning and there were hundreds of buzzards flying around our heads!

Address:

11650 NW 115 Street

Chiefland, FL 32626

Happy Travels! 

The Best of Islamorada - Florida Keys

When I start dreaming about another trip to the Florida Keys, I’m not thinking about laying on a beach in Key West or snorkeling in Key Largo….. I’m thinking about Islamorada! I love everything about the place! It’s right in the middle of everything. It has pretty beaches, great snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, and good places to eat without all of the crowds. It is located about half way between Key West and Key Largo, which makes it perfect for a day trip in either direction.

Where to Stay

1)  Chesapeake Beach Resort 

The Chesapeake Beach Resort has nice clean accommodations surrounded by tropical gardens at a reasonable price. Spend some time playing tennis, kayaking, swimming in one of the heated pools, or just relaxing in a hammock. This place is the perfect place to get away from it all and have fun!

Address: 83409 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

2) Pines and Palms

While visiting the Pines and Palms, we stayed in an ocean view suite. It was minimal, but clean. What sold us on the places was the grounds. The area was beautifully landscaped with stunning views of the water. We spent hours in the pool overlooking the ocean and then lounged in the hammocks.

Address: 80401 Old Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Where to Eat

1).  Island Grill 

The perfect upbeat place. Loved the live entertainment. 

Address: 85501 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

2). Islamorada Fish Company

Good food with a laid back feel. Very relaxing.

Address: 81532 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Places to Visit

1). Anne’s Beach

This Lower Matecumbe Key beach is located on the oceanside, but there is almost no wave action due to the wide expanse of shallow water typical for Florida Keys beaches.

Located at Mile Marker 73, there are two parking area ¼ mile apart with a boardwalk connecting the areas.

Address: Mile marker 73, Overseas Highway

2). Robbie's

A trip to the Keys would not be complete without a visit to the famous Robbie’s to feed the tarpon.

Address: 77522 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

It is also a great place to charter a fishing trip or snorkeling adventure.

Happy Travels!