Best
Kept Secret in the Florida Keys - Key Largo
by
Susan Scharfman
Would
you die for a romantic getaway where your boss can’t find you? Less
than two hours south from Ft. Lauderdale International Airport, or
an hour closer from Miami, is the laid back community of Key Largo.
With a reputation for die-hard beer guzzling fishermen and no frills
accommodations, most travelers pass it by on their way to Key West.
Don't be fooled by what you see and don't see from the roadside.
There
are secluded millionaire homes, as well as reasonably priced
secluded Bed and Breakfasts that will welcome you with everything
from eclectic air conditioned private suites to your own private
sandy cove for watching the awesome sunsets you'll only see in
the Florida Keys. No I do not work for their Chamber of Commerce.
Hidden
behind trees and down winding gravel roads to the sea, if you
miss the Mile Markers on the road, you’ll pass these hideaways and never
know they're there. Some B&Bs will provide full kitchens stocked
for breakfasts, with Jacuzzis and the use of their boats and bikes
at no extra charge. After a rest stop at the worst possible looking
broken down shack (I couldn't wait), I asked an old geezer sitting
at the pitch black bar for directions to a decent restaurant. To
my surprise, and with an irrestibile smile and a light step, the
old fellow politely took my arm and very politely directed me to
what turned out to be one of the best fresh fish restaurants on the
East Coast with the unruly name of Hobos. It was my first lesson
in understanding the natives. From fishermen, explorers and X-husbands
to artists and wannabe writers, you might be talking to the next
Ernest Hemingway.
I
stayed at a B&B owned by a young descendent of
architect John Roebling and engineer Washington Roebling, renowned
builders of the Brooklyn Bridge. As Innkeeper, she specializes in
packages for Weddings, Honeymoons and Anniversaries, with music,
flowers, wedding cake, champagne and all the trimmings.
Key
Largo is not only famous for Bogey and Bacall, but the spectacular
underwater John Pennecamp Coral Reef State Park. Here you can
snorkel and swim with the Dolphins as I did, or just enjoy the
natural beauty of this tropical paradise from a glass bottom
boat, as I did.
If
you’re looking
for nightlife Duval Street, Key West rocks. It's about
two hours south on the Overseas Highway and it has terrific restaurants
from cheap to expensive. I always warn friends who've never been
that Key West is noisy, colorful, and crowded all year. But strolling
the back streets and side streets of old town Key West
will transport you back a hundred years to the seafaring town
with the gingerbread houses. Tours of The Hemingway House run
all day long and cost a lot more than when I first saw it. But
if you're looking for the shack Tennessee Williams rented, be
prepared with a map and good shoes.
When
you return to sleepy Key Largo you'll probably want to fall into
your hammock to watch the awesome red sunset on the water. But
don't forget to listen for that whistle on the wind. You know
the one where Bogart says … "You
know how to whistle don't you?" Then
it's time to retreat inside, kick back and drink a toast
to Humphrey and Lauren and that venerable Brooklyn Bridge.
“Simplicity-Courage-Humor-Soul”®
A
writer/editor, I work with one client at a time,
beginner or pro, for a cost effective solution to your writing
and editing needs.
Article
Source: EzineArticles |