Deer Run B & B

On days when the weather isn't so good and Ray and I feel the pull to get out of the house, we jump in our truck and go exploring. Yesterday on our way back from running errands, Ray made a sudden turn onto Long Beach Road at MM 33 at the Big Pine Fishing Lodge, "just out of curiosity." Some of the houses down that stretch of this deadend street were quite beautiful and sit right on the Atlantic Ocean. About 2 miles down we spotted a sign for Deer Run B & B along with scads of Key Deer roaming all over the road. Since we had never heard of the inn before I decided to Google it when we got home.

Deer Run B & B is a laid-back, all natural, all veggan, and all green bed and breakfast located smack on the Atlantic Ocean. While we've never stayed there and I can't vouch for it's quality it did look quite charming and that's why I'm including it here. A small nugget of paradise hidden on a less-traveled road. Their official address is 1997 Long Beach Road, Big Pine Key, Florida, 33043; 305-872-2015; deerrunbb@aol.com; www.deerrunfloridabb.com.

Even if staying in a B & B isn't your cup of tea, take a ride (very slowly now) down Long Beach Road to see the Key Deer - they are literally everywhere. But, be careful, they think nothing of running out in front of your vehicle.

Porky's Barbecue Seaside

I have to admit, when I first visited Porky's and took a look at the menu I was skeptical. It seemed like everything was going to either be smoothered in barbecue sauce - of which I am not a real fan - or it was going to be fried - of which I am also not a fan. For that reason I opted for a plain ole burger. Ray choose a blackened fish sandwich. I'm happy to report, we were both pleasantly surprised.

I ordered my burger medium well with bacon and sauteed onions. It was done perfectly and was absolutely huge - the menu says it's 1/4 pound, but I swear it was even bigger than that. It was served on a soft kaiser roll with lettuce, tomato, cole slaw and a pickle spear on the side. Yummy!  Ray said his fish sandwich was good too. Ray had 2 beers and I had an unsweetened iced tea and our bill was $28.00 w/o tip.

Porky's is located bayside in Marathon at MM 47.5 next to Captain Pip's. It is a funky open-air place with all kinds of interesting paraphernalia hanging from the walls and ceiling along with scribbled messages from former patrons. Country music waffles quietly in the background.The two waitresses that were working the day we were there were friendly and attentive. While the ladies room was kinda small and dingy, with a door that barely closed, it was clean and fully efficient.

305.289-2065. Happy Hour 3-6 p.m., Live Music Nightly from 6:30-9:30 p.m. porkeysbaysidebbq.com

Turtle Kraals

Turtle Kraals Tower Bar, located at 231 Margaret Street in the seaport area of Key West, is probably one of the least expensive happy hours that we've ever experienced.  From the outer end of the bar where we were sitting on this spectacular day, we had a great view of the beautiful Key West Harbor and all the boat comings and goings. If we looked just a little the other way we were able to enjoy another Key West sunset. Happy Hour is everyday from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. They offer a bucket of bones (barbecued spare ribs, $5); Chicken wings (melt in your mouth tender and tasty, $5.75); a black bean and cheese quesadilla and one or two other things - not sure of those prices, but remember them as being cheap. They have their own smoker there and their HH food is really good.

Ray had a couple of Miller Lite bottles that were $1.88 each. I had a Mount Gay and Diet Coke that was $3.00, plus a glass of white wine that was only $3.50. Where else can you go and find prices like that? The bartenders, while busy serving the tables and tending the bar, were friendly and on-the-ball.

The only drawback of the tower bar is that the modern, clean bathrooms are downstairs on the first floor all the way around the bar near the front door. It's a bit of pain, but the prices and the view will keep us going back.

Music Friday and Saturday from 5:00-9:00 p.m., 305.294-2640, www.turtlekraals.com. If you visit their website I think you can print out a coupon for a free margarita.

Sombrero Beach

Sombrero Beach is located in Marathon, MM 50. If you turn onto Sombrero Road next to the Kmart and drive a mile or two you can't miss it.

Sombrero Beach, in this writer's opinion, is the best beach in the Keys. Renovated a couple of years ago, the beach is well maintained. They provide ample parking, a sandy volleyball court, pavilions, outdoor showers for rinsing off before getting into your car, and large bathhouses that are easily accessible.  At one end of the park are swings and other climbing equipment for the kids. There are no life guards on duty so you swim at your own risk.

The sand is fine and white and the view spectacular. Admission is free. This beach is certainly at the top of my list, so grab your beach chair and sunscreen and pack a lunch so that you can spend the entire day there. You won't be disappointed.


There are countless websites where you can read about Sombrero and the countless other beaches in the Florida Keys.

Bahia Honda State Park

You have not been to the Lower Keys until you've been to the award winning beachs at Bahia Honda State Park. What a diamond in the rough! Located at MM 37, Bahia Honda holds over 500 acres to explore and enjoy. There are kayak rentals, snorkeling, a gift shop and snack bar, as well as lots of other family fun.

Bahia Honda boasts two beaches - Calusa Beach that overlooks the Overseas Highway and the now defunct yet famous Henry Flager Coast Railway bridge, and Sandspur Beach that is located on the Atlantic Ocean side of the park. While I prefer Calusa Beach, many would disagree with me. If you opt for Calusa Beach be sure to walk up the path and go to the top of the Henry Flagler bridge. The view is spectacular. Or, enjoy watching the boats that often anchor in the harbor for the night.

The park is open from 8:00 a.m. until sunset and provides showers, clean restrooms and a drop-dead gorgeous panoramic view!  Sorry, no pets are allowed on the beaches.  There is a nominal entrance fee. For one person/vehicle it's $4.50; 2 people $9.00; 4 people $9.50, etc., so the more people you have in you vehicle the cheaper it is.  There is also plenty of boat slips in the marina, but I am unsure how all that works. Check out the website or call for more info. Enjoy!

Coral Reef Park Company, Inc.; Bahia Honda State Park; 36850 Overseas Highway (MM 37); P.O. Box 430516; Big Pine Key, FL 33043; Phone 305-872-3210; www.bahiahondapark.com; Email info@bahiahondapark.com

The Wharf Bar and Grill

Update - February 2016. The Wharf is under new ownership, but I think that is a good thing. The fresh seafood market and produce stand is gone, but a brand new tiki hut roof has been installed over the bar making this a great place for an outdoor Happy Hour even if it's raining.The place has really been cleaned up yet still has a good island vibe and their food is still as good as ever. 

We have eaten at The Wharf Bar and Grill on several occasions.  While I wasn't particularly impressed the first time I went there, I am extremely impressed now. The place has gone from a sterile atmosphere to a real Keys kick-ass establishment. This is our go-to place now because it's close, the servers and bartenders are friendly, there are always locals on-hand, and it just has a great Florida Keys vibe.

The last time we were there we had six very hungry eaters in our party. While three ordered fish po boys and two ordered cheeseburgers, I opted for a fresh salad with blackened fish on top, accompanied by a homemade tomatoe puree vinegrette and feta cheese.  All of us were very pleased with our selections. All the sandwiches came with homemade veggie chips. For an upcharge of $1.75 you can order french fries. We sat on the patio by the water's edge, but there is plenty of seating inside if you're so inclined.

The Wharf Bar and Grill is accessible by boat. The entrance is a little precarious so be certain to navigate carefully through the make-shift channel. Go between the white poles and pilings (and I use that term loosely). There is limited room to tie up to the bulk head, but boating there makes for a fun afternoon.

 Located at 25163 Overseas Highway (MM 25); Summerland Key, Florida 33042; 305-745-3322.

The Crab Shack

Update: March 2016 - It appears that The Crab Shack is closed. I have not stopped by, but when driving past I never see any cars in the parking lot and the lights are never on.

The Crab Shack, located on Summerland Key, is a real find. As a Marylander I was enormously happy to hear that a fellow crab lover from my home state had opened a restaurant in the Florida Keys. The menu, which is very straight forward and moderately priced, includes some appetizers, a yummy crab cake sandwich or a soft crab sandwich, four types of fish sandwiches, a meatball sub, Maryland crab soup, a couple of fish Po Boys, a steak sub, and a tasty cheeseburger done to perfection. Along with each sandwich came our choice of coleslaw, pasta salad, chips, egg or regular potato salad, macaroni shrimp salad or the veggie of the day, all available for eating-in or carry-out.

House specialties include steamed Maryland Blue Crabs, Steamed Shrimp, Beer Battered Fried Cod and one or two specialty desserts. They owner/chef is also willing to work with special eaters such as vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions.

Just opened in late 2011, the owner is friendly and anxious to please.  Right now there are less than 10 tables and no liquor liscense, but customers can bring their own libation. If you perfer a non-alcoholic beverage, there are bottled drinks or fountain sodas and brewed iced tea - all self-serve. While you're waiting for your food you can peruse the many and varied hot sauces and spreads that are available for purchase. I see that they are now opened for an all-you-can-eat breakfast.

The atmosphere is super casual and laid-back and a real gem as far as this writer is concerned.  The Crab Shack is located at 24580 Overseas Highway, Summerland Key, Florida, 33042; 305-745-2244; next to Murray's Food Mart.

Dove Creek Lodge

On our way down the Keys, we decided to stop in Key Largo for a couple of days. Ray had stayed in Ascend Hotels before while traveling on business and liked what he saw so he thought we should give Dove Creek Lodge a try. We were not disappointed. The place was absolutely lovely. It's an island style boutique hotel that is warm, friendly and uncomplicated. It is located oceanside and sits ajacent to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

Some of the amenities include a complimentary continental breakfast, pool and hot tub (heated year-round), a small beach area for sunning, boat slips, free trailor parking, pool table, grills, Wi-Fi service, and covered parking. We had a well-designed two-room king suite, with lush bed linens and a screened-in porch.
Dove Creek Lodge, 147 Seaside Ave., Key Largo, Fl 33037; 800-401-0057; www.dovecreeklodge.com; Mile Marker 94.5 Oceanside.

Right next to the hotel, but not afflicated with it, is Snapper's Waterfront Resteraunt and Bar, They  offer a one-time 10% discount to Dove Creek Lodge guests. They have two outside bars and one inside bar as well as inside and outside dinning. While the food wasn't spectacular it was tasty indeed. On Sunday morning Snapper's has a champagne and jazz brunch. We didn't attend the brunch per se, but did enjoy the music while sitting on the beach at Dove Creek enjoying a cocktail or two out of our own cooler. www.snapperskeylargo.com

Dove Creek Lodge, 147 Seaside Ave., Key Largo, Fl 33037; 800-401-0057; www.dovecreeklodge.com; Mile Marker 94.5 Oceanside.