The view was stunning as we flew over the many, many islands that make up the Florida Keys. Flying into Key West was ideal, we arrived sharing one suitcase and no need of a rental car. We were on island time.
Settled into our resort hotel, this photo was my first glimpse of the beach as we walked over the boardwalk. As I breathed in the air, I pulled out my phone to capture this most beautiful first look!
The sun was HOT! The smell of the ocean refreshing, the sound of the waves calming, and laying on that beach was the very moment I had dreamed of planning this vacation.
ALL of Key West is absolutely incredible! Rich in history, this very colorful and diverse southern tip of America, has a vibe all of its own. Truly on island time, slow down, eat, drink, soak up the sunshine, enjoy an excursion, dine outside on gorgeous patios and quaint outdoor restaurants, there is fresh seafood and fruity cocktail drinks to enjoy every direction you look.
We rode the trolley, a must do! There is no way of knowing all the history without riding around with a tour guide pointing and telling stories of its fabulous history. Plus, if you want to hop off, a trolley comes by every 15 minutes. It's a great form of transportation.
We chose a catamaran Sunset Cruise with live music, open bar, and passed hors d'oeuvres. It made for a lovely evening being on water and as the sun dropped within minutes there were shouts of applause. Well done, God!
Key Lime every day!! Frozen chocolate covered key lime pie on a stick, Strawberry key lime pie, key lime cookies, key lime sorbet, key lime cocktails, key lime jelly, and key lime white chocolate bars. I was in key lime heaven!
It's beautiful seeing all the boats and fishing boats in the water. Seafood is such big business and we ate and enjoyed food every day. Not seafood, but the Fried Avocado Street Taco photo below was sensational!!
Smoked Fish Dip is a popular appetizer eaten with fresh veggies and breads. So delicious!! Crab dip, clam chowder, corn chowder, cocoanut shrimp, mahi mahi, fish tacos, conch fritters, fried plantains, we grazed all day.
Imagine, my joy, when I heard someone share that the author Judy Blume of the very book's I read in my youth lives on the island, owns a bookstore on the island, and works every day!! It felt like Christmas morning as we walked into her bookstore and there, she was putting books away on a shelf. If you didn't know, you'd never know. The whole scene was so ordinary, she is in her late 80's, dressed very understated, and nothing there tells you it's her store. I selected one of her adult books, spoke with her for a moment and got her autograph. At one point, I know I had happy tears in my eyes.
Sunshine and 80's, gorgeous beach, that iconic Southernmost Point, fabulous restaurants, live music everywhere, rich in history, and incredible Duval Street.
Margaritaville Beach Resort had all the Jimmy Buffet vibes and yes, we absolutely ate a cheeseburger in paradise!!
Until next time Key West, much love!
