The Florida Keys

My brother-in-law and his wife, David and Karen Key, live in Tampa, Florida. We spent a weekend in the Florida Keys with these Florida Keys.  After meeting them at the Ft. Lauderdale airport, we took a road trip south…..the way to Key West. (Refer to my blog on Florida State Parks to hear about our stops along the way.)

First, we made a quick stop at Publix to stock our condo with food and beverages, then we rented bicycles because we were told they are the easiest way to get around the island. Each morning we took long rides into town and around the tourist attractions. We were certain that by the end of the weekend we had biked through every neighborhood on the island. (We had the sore butts to remind us.)

The islands in the Keys are linked by Highway One, with Key West being the southernmost point in the U.S. and consequently being home to mile-marker zero on the highway. Other local sights include the Hemingway home and an air force base that treated us to a free air show one afternoon while lounging on the beach.

Between us two couples we had much to celebrate: three of us turned fifty, one 25^th wedding anniversary just passed and one is months away, both of our sons graduated from high school this year, and David and Karen welcomed the addition of a new granddaughter to their family. These events were all wrapped up into one fabulous dinner on Saturday night at Louie's Backyard. www.LouiesBackyard.com
  

Other must try places on the island include, among others: Sloppy Joe's for the live music, Kermit's for the Key Lime Pie, Mallory Square at sunset, the Green Parrot for Happy Hour, and Duval Street for shopping and people watching after dark.

Kermit's Key Lime Pie

Mallory Square