Folks... Just wanted to chime in with some suggestions for those making the drive down to Key West. My family and I have been heading to the keys for decades, there are many things to do but I’m not going to suggest a ton of things because we really won’t have the time to do all of them, but I wanted to toss out some things for those that have not made the trip before.

The Keys are absolutely beautiful and it is a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT world when compared to Miami. So here are a few friendly suggestions for you to consider on the drive south (technically southwest) towards Key West. I’ll try and let you know some details that will be helpful about the spots/suggestions as well. One last note: When you get into “The Keys” locations are determined by mile makers on the “Overseas Highway” which is the southernmost end of US Highway 1 (US1). Key Largo is the northernmost key we will hit. The road starts at mile marker 106 (MM 106) and ends at Key West MM 0. When we come into the keys in Key Largo, we’ll cross MM 106) Now that we got that out of the way... here are some suggestions:

Key Lime Pie is called “Key Lime” pie because of the Florida Keys. Needless to say.... you have to get some while down here. With all due respect, Key Lime Pie tastes better in the Florida Keys. :-) There are many places to get great pies, but these are a few places I have had pie at and will blindly recommend: Key West Key Lime Pie Company in Key West, Blonde Giraffe in Tavernier Key (MM 92), Mrs. Macs Kitchen (MM 99). These places are just crazy good, maybe two pieces... one on the way in and one on the way home...

Feed the Tarpon at Robbies (MM 77). This is an iconic place, on the right side of the highway as we head south to KW, where there is a huge population of majestic Tarpon. These are beautiful fish that will range in size from 2 or 3 feet (small) and can range up to 6 or 7 feet. At Robbies you can pick up a bucket of pilchard (bait fish) and feed the Tarpon. It’s definitely a new experience and one that is just cool. When you see a 6 foot long Tarpon come out of the water to grab a bite, its crazy. A GoPro can capture some crazy footage. Let’s see who’s brave enough to let the tarpon cover your hand... or how fast you pull it back! *** NOTE: This is a gravel lot for parking. I have gone in and parked my Viper in there in the past, but this is a gravel lot so be aware just in case.

Seven Mile Bridge (MM47) is something you’ll be crossing heading to Key West but there is a small paved lot on the right side just before the bridge that you can stop in and walk a bit onto the “old 7 Mile Bridge”. It’s a nice spot for some photos at an iconic location. It’s not a huge lot so you won’t be able to do this with 20 cars, but some folks could do it in small groups. If you have a GoPro, I’d definitely film yourself heading over the bridge. The views of Florida Bay (north or right side as you drive to KW) and the open Atlantic to the south are gorgeous and worth getting.

Florida Key Deer Refuge (MM 30) is on Big Pine Key. Key Deer are a very small (I believe smallest in North America) species of Deer native to the Florida Keys. A population of them live on Big Pine Key and are a protected endangered species but due roam happily all over the Key. If you turn off the Overseas Hwy into some of the residential roads, you’ll sure spot a few of them. They are quite used to it so they may happily let you take photos. *** Note here, the lower keys, and Big Pine Key especially, were HEAVILY DAMAGED during Hurricane Irma in 2017. The roads and streets should be more than clear now, but I have not gone through after Irma hit. The deer are still there though!

Bahia Honda State Park (MM 36) is a nice place to stop and get some shots of a piece of history, the Bahia Honda Railway Bridge. Before the overseas highway was in place, the route to Key West was via rail. This bridge is one of the last few places to see the original railway. There is a nice little beach there as well and you’ll be able to get some nice shots.

Lunch in Key West... There are a ton of places to go. You’re sure to find a place either right on Duval St. (the main road in the City) or just off of it as you explore. Sloppy Joe’s is definitely the most famous though and it might be worth it to grad a cold one while there.

Again, not a huge list of things to do... but it will, at least, give you a couple of ideas. Also, feel free to hit me up with any questions. I’d be glad to help....

See you all next week!!!

Why I love the keys??? The photo below will give you a hint!!!