Florida Keys Blog
Florida Keys Vacation
Romantic vacation memories last forever...

Raising two teenagers is no easy task. My husband and I have a life filled with schedule after schedule, so what to do? Plan a nice romantic Valentine’s get-away from the kids, that’s what! But, where to? We referenced the free travel report which is totally customizable. It not only features popular places to go, but also things to do, good restaurants and quality hotels. We chose to travel to Key Largo and tour both National and Florida State parks.

Objects in Mirror are Closer than they Appear!

We decided there would be no schedules on this trip; we were going to wing it! So, after we landed in Miami, we rented the coolest car…a new fully loaded Ford convertible Mustang. We immediately put the convertible top down, the heater on, -- yes, Florida CAN get cool in February -- and off we went on our 5-day adventure.

Upstairs view on the happening inlet!

Our 2-story Key Largo rental condo was a lovely place on an inlet on the ocean side of the Key, surrounded by boats and yachts and within walking distance of several restaurants.

Coolest Drive Ever!

Believe it or not, it was too chilly for most water sports, so we decided on a road trip to check off one of our bucket list items; a once-in-a-lifetime drive between Key Largo and Key West. So, we headed South to enjoy the 113 mile journey. There are many sights to see along the way, including the 7-mile bridge and the pedestrian bridge adjacent to it. We rode over water almost the entire time!


Nicknamed “Old Seven,” the original bridge was completed in 1912 as part of Henry Flagler’s Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad that connected the Keys with each other and mainland Florida. The span is the gateway to historic Pigeon Key, a tiny island beneath it that once housed 400 railroad construction workers.

Nature Snuck Up on Us in Key West

While checking out some hotels for clients, we discovered a huge Kapok tree --native to Mexico, South America and the Caribbean -- which is a giant in the rainforests. They grow about 13 feet per year and can reach 200 feet in height and typically tower over all other vegetation.

A Valentines Treat

We left Key West at Sunset to head back to Key Largo. Once again, we lowered the convertible top, turned up the heat and the tunes and rolled North. In Tavernier Key, we checked out the Blonde Giraffe Key Lime Factory. Enjoy a slice of key lime pie in the lovely garden out back with the trees covered in heart locks…very romantic! 

A few good eats!

For one of our dinners, we stopped at Key Largo Conch House, a casual eatery known for their delicious seafood and fresh catches. I enjoyed conch fritters, of course. My hubby (a seafood aficionado) ordered the seafood platter, and claimed that all of the seafood we ate, was the freshest seafood he ever tasted!

Key Lime Everything!

Key Largo’s Chocolates and Ice Cream is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. We rounded out the evening with chocolate dipped key lime pie on a stick…to die for. Check out Kermitt's in Key West, also!

More Points of Interest

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: Approximately 25 miles in length; it extends 3 miles into the Atlantic Ocean. It was the first underwater park in the US. Its primary attraction are the coral reefs and marine life. They offer glass bottom boat rides, diving, snorkeling, and most water sports. We wandered along the shore and picked up some pieces of coral for my growing collection.

Shell World: A Florida Keys destination for over 35 years. It’s an island-style shopping emporium with everything from shells to home décor, to resort wear. I picked up some Key lime salt scrub, it’s supposed to be amazing!