Discovering Paradise: A Complete Islamorada Travel Guide for Your Next Vacation

Islamorada is the ultimate destination for those seeking to explore the Florida Keys. Centrally positioned within the chain of islands, it offers effortless access to neighboring attractions via enjoyable day trips. Compared to its bustling counterparts Key Largo and Key West, Islamorada offers a more serene and relaxed ambiance, where you can unwind and escape the crowds.

Where to stay

The Florida Keys are renowned for their high rates, but fear not! We have scoured the region and unearthed some of the best value accommodations in the lower to mid range.

 La Siesta Resort & Villas   

At the La Siesta, a range of lodging options at varying price points are available, from charming beachfront villas bursting with vibrant colors, to other alternatives. You can indulge in the beauty of the tropical landscaping, take a refreshing dip in the large pool, and relish in the overall experience of their stay.

As part of your stay, complimentary access to kayaks, paddle boards, and bicycles is provided.

   

Address: 80241 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Website:   https://www.lasiestaresort.com

Amara Cay Resort 

Experience modern luxury at the Amara Cay Resort, boasting a stunning white sand beach lined with cozy lounging areas and the most beautiful palm trees providing ample shade. The beach is situated above sea level with steps leading down to the crystal-clear waters below. Admire the magnificent ocean views from the resort's large pool overlooking the beach. The accommodations feature a modern design and offer spacious living areas.

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 place.

Address:   80401 Old Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

https://pinesandpalms.com

Postcard Inn Beach Resort and Marina  

The Postcard Inn boasts a breathtaking tropical landscape, adorned with vibrant flora and fauna, and an expansive white sand beach. With an abundance of lounging areas, multiple pools, water activities, restaurants, a tiki bar, and a marina, you are treated to an abundance of amenities and entertainment options.

Address: 84001 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

https://www.holidayisle.com

Where to Eat

Islamorada Fish Company     

The ambiance and the delectable fresh seafood are what we adore about this place.

Address: 81532 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Bayside Gourmet

 Renowned for their authentic preparations of both classic and contemporary cuisine, this establishment has gained widespread popularity.

Address: 82758 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

 

Mangrove Mike's Café   

This is an excellent spot to enjoy a delicious breakfast or brunch.

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

 

Meat Eatery And Taproom   

You must try their burger and fries cooked in duck fat – they're a real treat!

Address: 88005 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Island Grill    

The food, atmosphere, and service at this popular seafood grill are a must try

Address: 85501 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

 

Wahoo's Bar and Grill 

Known for their Tuna Nachos and the Grouper Sandwiches

Address: 85501 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

What to do

Robbie's of Islamorada     

A visit to Robbie's to feed the tarpon is a must-do experience! But that's not all – the site also features a restaurant, shopping booths, snorkeling excursions, and fishing tours.

Address: 77522 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Anne's Beach

What I love most about this beach is that one can walk out for what seems like forever, and the water only reaches knee-deep. Although the white, muddy sand can become slick and sticky at times, the beach is still an incredibly beautiful destination.

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

Resort Activities

While many resorts provide paddle boards, kayaks, and other water activities, The Pines and Palms offers a range of off-site excursions, and The Postcard Inn features other activities to cater to all interests.

Additionally, day trips to other Keys are highly recommended, with two popular destinations being Bahia Honda and Key West.

Bahia Honda State Park

Situated approximately 40 miles from Islamorada, Bahia Honda State Park is one of the most stunning destinations to explore in the Keys. Its white sand beaches are exceptional, even for this area.

Key West

No visit to the Keys is complete without a trip to Key West! While you're there, make sure to check out Smathers Beach and Fort Zachary Taylor. Although it's around 80 miles from Islamorada, the journey is well worth it.

Happy Travels!

       Sherri

  

 

Juniper Springs State Park: Exploring the Majestic Beauty of Florida's Natural Springs

Juniper Springs is a beautiful natural area located in the Ocala National Forest in Central Florida. It is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, with a variety of activities to enjoy, including swimming, hiking, camping, and more. Here are some of the top things to do and see at Juniper Springs:

 

Swim: The highlight of Juniper Springs is the beautiful, clear-water swimming hole, which is fed by the Juniper Springs Run. The water is a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making it a refreshing escape from the Florida heat.

Canoeing and Kayaking: The Juniper Springs Run is also a great spot for canoeing and kayaking. The run is a narrow, winding waterway that meanders through the forest and is home to a variety of wildlife, including otters, turtles, and alligators.

Hiking: Juniper Springs offers several hiking trails that wind through the forest, including the Juniper Springs Trail, which is a 7.3-mile loop that passes by the swimming hole and offers beautiful views of the surrounding wilderness.

Camping: Juniper Springs offers several camping options, including primitive tent camping and RV sites with full hookups. Camping is a great way to experience the beauty of the Ocala National Forest up close and personal.

Historic Millhouse: Visitors to Juniper Springs can also explore the historic millhouse, which was built in the 1930s and served as a hydroelectric power plant. The millhouse is now a museum that offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the area.

Juniper Springs is a beautiful natural area that is perfect for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and experience the beauty of Florida's wilderness. With its clear-water swimming hole, winding waterways, hiking trails, and historic millhouse, Juniper Springs is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Central Florida.

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

      

Exploring the Natural Beauty of Kelly Park Rock Springs in Florida

Kelly Park Rock Springs is a hidden gem located in the heart of Apopka, Florida. This beautiful park is known for its crystal-clear springs, which flow into a natural lazy river that winds its way through the lush forest.

 One of the main attractions of Kelly Park Rock Springs is tubing down the natural lazy river. Visitors can rent tubes at the park and float down the river, taking in the scenic views and enjoying the cool, refreshing water. The river is relatively shallow, making it safe and fun for all ages.

In addition to tubing, visitors can also swim and snorkel in the springs, which are home to a variety of fish and other aquatic wildlife. The park also features picnic areas, playgrounds, and hiking trails, making it the perfect spot for a fun-filled day in the great outdoors.

Kelly Park Rock Springs is open year-round, and the water temperature remains a constant 68 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a refreshing escape from the Florida heat. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day on the river or an adventure in nature, Kelly Park Rock Springs is a must-visit destination in Florida.

 

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.

Enjoy your trip!

       Sherri

Discovering the Beauty of the Bridges of Madison County, Iowa

The Bridges of Madison County trail was the perfect side trip on my sister's and my vacation. Actually, it turned out to be one of the highlights.

Madison County is the Covered Bridge Capital of Iowa, with the largest group of covered bridges in one area. The beautiful bridges were popularized by Robert James Waller in the book, The Bridges of Madison County.  Clint Eastwood’s movie version of the book made the little town of Winterset a desired destination. 

Our first stop was the Imes Bridge. It was built in 1870 and is the oldest of the remaining covered bridges.  Originally located over the Middle River, the length is 81 feet.

Ten miles from the Imes bridge, we stopped at the Holliwell Bridge. A popular one for its feature in The Bridges of Madison County movie. It was Built in 1880 and is 122 feet long.

The Cutler-Donahoe was the third bridge on our route. The location is in the city park. Featuring a pitched roof, it was constructed in 1870 and is 79 feet in length.

We almost skipped this one because someone told us it was gone but decided to take a look anyway. Cedar bridge was almost completely destroyed by arson on April 15th, 2017, but there are plans to restore it.

The Hogback Bridge was the next to the last bridge that we visited. It was built in 1884 and measures 97 feet in length. Traveling through a lot of corn fields is required to reach this one.  

Located on the back wall of the bridge is a notepad for leaving where you are from and a note if you so wish. We enjoyed reading where everyone was from and how far they had traveled. There was even one from Japan!

Our final stop and the most popular of the bridges, the Roseman Bridge. Built in 1883 and at 107 feet in length, it was one of the main locations for the movie and novel. The Roseman remains in the original location of its construction.

It is also known as the “haunted” bridge. Supposedly, two officers thought they had trapped an escaped prisoner inside the bridge, but he rose through the roof and disappeared.

Headed back to the main highway, we came upon this sign. I really wasn't too concerned until we topped the first tall hill and was looking at one that was even taller and without much slope. I refused to drive up it! My sister was laughing at me the entire time that I was trying to turn around at the top of the hill we were on...

She called me chicken! I called myself being logical! I was thinking.... what if we get half way up and have to back down, what if we meet a big tractor, what if.... 😅

The tour of the bridges turned out to be much more fun and entertaining than we expected! Be sure your car is full of gas and you have a printed map in hand before heading out on the tour. Have fun!

Google Map of bridges

Location:

Winterset is 36 miles southwest of Des Moines, Iowa and 100 miles north of Kansas City, Kansas

Happy Travels!