The Florida Keys Bay Harbor Lodge
The Florida Keys unique laid-back atmosphere is a world away from big cities and theme parks that now dominate most of Florida. Although it was long ago that Florida's ambiance was able to lure renowned novelist Ernest Hemingway to reside in Key West throughout the 1930s, when he drew creative inspiration from the subtropical island's lush environment. Inspiring some of his most famous works including "For Whom the Bell Tolls," "To Have and Have Not" and "The Snows of Kilimanjaro." Today the laid-back atmosphere of this small, 2-by-4-mile island probably still nurtures the talents of more writers per capita than any other city in the country. The keys are a chain of islands that begins just south of Miami, connected by the Overseas Highway’s 42 bridges — one almost seven miles long — over the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The famed highway was designated an All-American Road, the highest recognition possible under the National Scenic Byways program and it really is a spectacular adventure. Key West is situated closer to Cuba than to Miami and once you arrive in Key West you sense you have arrived in a special place.
Nice place to stay in Key Largo is the Bay Harbor Lodge a cozy bay front resort situated on 2.5 acres of lush tropical foliage. With soft winds, brilliant blue skies and Caribbean like water, it’s the perfect lodging for a relaxing, highly private getaway. Or an unhurried bay-front base for an activity packed vacation in the gorgeous Florida Keys, where world class fishing, snorkeling and diving and great restaurants are at your fingertips. You’ll love our heated pool and free use of our kayaks, paddleboards and pedal boats as well as free wi-fi and Peg’s famously delicious scones served with coffee and a smile every morning. Pull up a comfortable lounge chair on the beach, under the tiki hut or on the dock. No extra charge for the birds singing in the trees, the manatees swimming in the crystal clear waters or the spectacular breath-taking sunsets! Arrive as a guest and you’ll return as a friend.
This is a great value and Peg Laron is the owner and with 15 rooms, there is never a crowd on the resort's private beach. They even offer free kayaks and homemade muffins.
Bay Harbor Lodge
97702 Overseas Highway, mile marker (MM) 98
Key Largo FL 33037
305-852-5695
www.bayharborkeylargo.com
The Florida Keys unique laid-back atmosphere is a world away from big cities and theme parks that now dominate most of Florida. Although it was long ago that Florida's ambiance was able to lure renowned novelist Ernest Hemingway to reside in Key West throughout the 1930s, when he drew creative inspiration from the subtropical island's lush environment. Inspiring some of his most famous works including "For Whom the Bell Tolls," "To Have and Have Not" and "The Snows of Kilimanjaro." Today the laid-back atmosphere of this small, 2-by-4-mile island probably still nurtures the talents of more writers per capita than any other city in the country. The keys are a chain of islands that begins just south of Miami, connected by the Overseas Highway’s 42 bridges — one almost seven miles long — over the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The famed highway was designated an All-American Road, the highest recognition possible under the National Scenic Byways program and it really is a spectacular adventure. Key West is situated closer to Cuba than to Miami and once you arrive in Key West you sense you have arrived in a special place.
Nice place to stay in Key Largo is the Bay Harbor Lodge a cozy bay front resort situated on 2.5 acres of lush tropical foliage.
This is a great value and Peg Laron is the owner and with 15 rooms, there is never a crowd on the resort's private beach. They even offer free kayaks and homemade muffins.
Bay Harbor Lodge
97702 Overseas Highway, mile marker (MM) 98
Key Largo FL 33037
305-852-5695
www.bayharborkeylargo.com
On the way to Key West spend at least a day in Key Largo where you will find the iconic vessel the African Queen made famous in the 1951 movie of the same name starring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn she still remains a timeless classic. This famous Steamboat is available for daily canal cruises and dinner cruises in the Port Largo Canal area and also for private events.
The African Queen was built in Lytham, England in 1912 for service in Africa for the East Africa British Railways company. She was used to shuttle cargo, missionaries and hunting parties across the Victoria Nile and Lake Albert which was located on the border between the Belgian Congo and Uganda. In 1951 she starred in the famous movie directed by John Huston. Afterwards, she remained in service in Africa until 1968 when she was brought to the United States working in San Francisco, Oregan, and Florida. She has been the pride and joy of Key Largo since 1982, where she is registered as a National Historic site and in 2012 celebrated her centennial year.
Imagine, waking up in a charming historic inn surrounded by the beauty and warmth of tropical Key West. Hey, that's the Lighthouse Court! Located next door to the Key West Lighthouse Museum and across the street from the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Just one block off Duval Street, the location affords instant access to some of my favorite things to do in Key West including the Mallory Square sunset celebration, Sloppy Joe’s Bar and the Southernmost Point marker in the U.S.
The guest inn is comprised of ten “conch” buildings spread out on half a city block the buildings date from 1890 to the 1920’s. The architecture is typical for old Key West, featuring one and two story buildings that have tin roofs, wood siding, open porches, and french doors. You really feel the history of Key West and the hotel is best suited to couples, as most rooms provide one guest bed. Other features are the first class service, a large heated pool, Continental breakfast and free WiFi are part of the experience. Quick tip, the Hemingway Suite is one of the nicest hotel suites in Key West. Perhaps the best features of the hotel is free parking.
http://www.historickeywestinns.com/the-inns/lighthouse-court
When you arrive in Key West and get settled. I suggest going to the Sunset Celebration which is a nightly “street carnival” at Mallory Square overlooking Key West Harbor. It is a nightly homage to the setting sun and features arts and crafts exhibitors, street performers, food carts, psychics, musicians and more. Crowds of visitors from around the world flock to the celebration each evening to observe and applaud the setting of the sun over the water.
www.sunsetcelebration.org
Don't miss the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum which is across the street from the Lighthouse INN nestled in the heart of Old Town Key West.
Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote here for more than ten years. Calling Key West home, he found solace and great physical challenge in the turquoise waters that surround this tiny island. Step back in time and visit the rooms and gardens that witnessed the most prolific period of this Nobel Prize winner's writing career.
As you wander through the lush grounds and enjoy the whimsy of the more than forty cats each with a unique celebrity name that live here. There is also entertaining and educated tour guides that give insightful narratives and are eager to answer questions.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
907 Whitehead St
Key West FL 33040
305-294-1575
www.hemingwayhome.com