The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory

This attraction is a real treat. Take a break from the bars and the noise of Duval Street and enter into a simply enchanting environment. The Butterfly & Nature Conservatory boasts a large gift shop where you can purchase beautifully mounted butterflies and many other nature-themed items. There is a learning center and, of course, the conservatory itself. When you walk through the door into the conservatory you will be transformed into a magical place. Take in the sights and sounds of the tiny finches in all colors of the rainbow while being amazed by the beautiful surroundings and the most gorgeous butterflies you've ever seen.

Located at 1316 Duval Street, this attraction is a must-see. 305.296-2988. www.keywestbutterfly.com

The Turtle Hospital

When I visited The Turtle Hospital in Marathon, that was the day I fell in love with turtles. The work they do there is amazing and they are "The Planet Earth's leading sea turtle research and rehabilitation  facility." The Turtle Hospital (Hidden Harbor Marine Environmental Project, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation. They are a fully functioning veterinary hospital for sick and injured sea turtles. They rescue, rehab, and release sea turtles in the Florida Keys.  My friend and I visited there one day simply out of curiosity and were pleasantly surprised to see the good work done there as well as the adorable turtles in all phases of recovery. I highly recommend this attraction. The Turtle Hospital gives guided tours and they have a cute gift shop that you can browse once you're finished. Don't miss this one!

The education center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. There is limited space so be sure to call for a reservation. 305.743.2552. Located at 2396 Overseas Highway, MM 48.5 on the Gulf side in Marathon, Florida. www.turtlehospital.org.

Shor American Seafood Grill

The Shor is located in the Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa. It's a lovely place and the view is to die for. Ray and I had the good fortune to visit there in March 2016 for their Easter Brunch. While it was a little pricey ($49 per person plus tip and an 18% gratuity), the food was spectacular and the bottomless mimosas weren't too happy either. The offerings included and Omelet Station with bacon and a variety of sausages, a seafood bar with undeniably good Key West Pink Shrimp, clams, and delicious smoked salmon, Crab Cake Eggs Benedict, hand sliced Easter Ham with Orange Ginger Glaze, an Island Salad Station and an assortment of breads, pastries and desserts. Needless to say - it was yummy!!

You can find parking yourself or you can valet your car. The valet guys were super nice. The Hyatt is located on the waterfront at 601 Front Street. 305.809-4000. You can dine inside our out on the veranda.

Sunset Grill & Raw Bar

There is so much to do at Sunset Grill. First, the view is great, the sunsets divine. You can come by boat or find parking in their spacious lot. There is also on-street parking. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and it's a fine place for happy hour. They have a full sushi menu as well as happy hour fare. If you're coming for sunset get there early because all the good seats go fast. Be sure to bring your camera. This is what it actually looks like on some days.

Second, they have a pool and it's heated. I love ordering an umbrella drink and sitting on the ledge in the pool sipping to my heart's content. Lots of people come there as families so it can get crowded, but it's a great place to people-watch.

Third - Sunday Funday. Not necessarily my cup of tea - it gets teaming with kids and teens and can be kind of loud, but if you have the courage, give it a try. There is also corn hole and other games to keep everyone busy.

Fourth - they have live music every evening and all day on Sunday.

Fifth - Tiki Bar not your style. They have a beautiful restaurant that offers more choices than the tiki bar does.

Bathrooms are located inside the restaurant and are nice. Sunset is located at the foot of the world-famous Seven-Mile Bridge; 7 Knights Key Blvd., Marathon, MM 47; 305.396-7235

Burdines Bar & Grill

Burdines is such a fun place to go. It overlooks Boot Key Harbor's beautiful waterway so while your waiting for your food you can sit and watch boats coming and going. It's also a maria so dockage, bait, tackle, ice cold beer, snacks and ice are available. They monitor Channel 16 so if you're coming by boat you might want to call ahead. Marina hours are 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

I always get the same thing at Burdines - a blackened fish sandwich with sautéed onions, but Ray has tried various things and each was as delicious as the next. Their tag line is, "food so good it'll make your tongue slap your brains out." Their fries are very different from any other place because, according to the menu, they're sprinkled with fairy dust. They are string cut and deep fried to perfection, but watch out, the portion is huge so order one for the table to share. Burdines waitresses and bartenders work really hard to make your dining experience a pleasurable one. They are super friendly and do a great job cranking out made to order food.

Burdens is located at 1200 Oceanview Avenue at the end of 15th Street, MM 47.5. 304.743-9204. burdineswaterfront@gmail.com. They don't really have a website - at least not one that tells you anything more than you will find right here, and they don't take reservations. They are open between 11:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. daily. The often have live music but you're have to check the schedule. Ladies - the bathrooms are very clean, but sometimes you have to stand in line because there is only one. Burdines is wheel chair accessible too.

Keys Fishery

This is one of my favorite places to go for lunch, Happy Hour or to watch sunset. The view is pretty phenomenal. They offer an extensive menu, but my favorite thing to do there is chow down on their stone crab claws. They are fresh, plentiful and pretty inexpensive, at least compared to other places. In January and February 2016 we paid $2.50 apiece for mediums. Their raw bar also offers clams, oysters, Key West Pink Shrimp and tuna. They can also pack and ship your catch.

If you need something more substantial to eat, go downstairs and order anything from soups and salads to whole stuffed lobster. They boast a beer, wine and full liquor bar. The bartenders are always super nice and very accommodating. Every year this bar hosts a name the bar contest. I hear it's quite a ta do. The name for 2016 is Claws and Straws. Keys Fisheries, Market and Marina is a working marina so you'll see boats coming and going all day long. Perhaps bringing in those yummy stone crab claws. They also have a carry out seafood market. Girls - there are two bathroom locations, both downstairs. One is inside the restaurant and the other is across the parking lot in an out building. Not the greatest, but they are clean.

Keys Fisheries is located on the Gulf, at the end of 35th Street at the south end of Marathon. Turn towards the Gulf at The Stuffed Pig. They are open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. 305.743.4353; www.keysfisheries.com
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Lighthouse Grill Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club

The Lighthouse Grill is part of the Hyatt Hotel located at 1996 Overseas Highway, Marathon 33050. You don't have to be staying at the hotel in order to frequent the bar. Ray and I have stopped there numerous times and really the place. The bartenders are super nice and really go out of their way to accommodate their guests, yet it's not stuffy or snooty in any way. Their happy hour is from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. and they offer drink specials and discounted appetizers. My friend and I had lunch there one afternoon and the crab salad special that I ordered was unbelievably delicious. We also indulged in a pomegranate martini that was superbly blended thanks to Devon the bartender.

The hotel lobby and dinning rooms are simply lovely so if you're looking for a place to feel really special while eating a fantastic meal, you might want to consider the Lighthouse Grill dining room.

Dockside Tropical Cafe

Oh my goodness, Ray and I took such a walk down memory lane the other day. We stopped by Dockside in Marathon to have a look around. It's been several years since we've been there, but thought we needed to re-visit some old stomping grounds and a place that our good friend owned for a couple of years. We were happy to see that little had changed although the bathrooms are exactly the same (not sure that is a good thing), as they were 10 years ago. The bar and restaurant has taken on a cleaner, more cared for look but that seemed like a nature progression of things too. In the old days, Dockside was a rustic bar, where musicians sometimes showed up and sometimes they didn't. It was a stop-over for cruisers heading to or from the Caribbean. On any given day you could talk to someone from Barbados or St. Johns and share a drink or two. While the marina is still full with many cruisers, I'm not sure the vibe is the same, (just this writer's biased observation). Now keep in mind, we stopped there mid-day. There were just a few people eating lunch or having a beverage - we only had drinks. We got to talking to a couple that have lived nearby for many years and they talked of the old days and had the same memories that we did, yet they still said the place was hopping and full of fun.

I was so happy to see though, The Table of Knowledge. When we first visited Dockside The Table of Knowledge was a big deal. That was where the cruisers and live-boards sat and drank and discussed and talked about all things that mattered and all things that didn't matter. While it's smaller in size now it is a tradition at Dockside and it made me happy to see it was still around.

Dockside Tropical Cafe has music most nights. It is located at 35 Sombrero Blvd. in Marathon. Visit their website at docksidetropicalcafe.com for entertainment information and directions.

New York Pasta Garden

I love this place. It feels like a 4 star white table cloth restaurant without the outrageous prices. The food is tasty and well prepared - not to mention plentiful. The cuisine is creative and the wine list is comprehensive. We've been there a couple of times and have never needed a reservation, but you may want to think about it - 305-292-1991. They have indoor and outdoor seating and the staff is friendly. Manga Manga!

Located just off of the 1000 block of Duval in Duval Square, back in a little alcove - 1075 Duval St., Key West, Fl. 33040 www.newyorkpastagarden.com

Vinos Wine Bar (Key West)

What a great spot. With an inviting patio and ecletic decor, this little gem is a must visit. The bartenders are knowledgeable and the food is fantastic. You can enjoy a relaxing glass or bottle from their extensive wine list that is ever changing to keep their selection fresh and exciting. They offer cheese plates and several appetizer options. And, if you have a non-wine drinker in your crowd, that's okay, Vino's also offers a fairly large selection of beer. This is a great place to meet interesting locals or the many Key West guests that frequent this cozy spot. The best news of all - they offer free delivery on bottles of wine from 2:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. How cool is that? Cheers!!

810 Duval St., Key West. www.vinosonduval.com 305-294-7568

Looe Key Tiki Bar

Looe Key is one of the last hold outs for a true Florida Keys experience. Lots of locals frequent the joint and some even sit on the same bar stool everyday smoking their cigarettes and drinking their beer. Ray and I go in there quite often because it's close to our rental home. As a matter of fact, we've gotten to know a number of those locals and they are all hard working guys and gals that just want to relax and have a good time. Tuesday night seems to be the best time to be there - It's jam night. That means that locals come and bring their instruments and simply jam. The place is always packed and there is plenty of room to dance to your favorite tunes.

Looe Key also has one of the best happy hours around. It runs from 3:00 - 7:00 and you can't beat the prices. They also offer some discounted bar food, like wings and fries - that kind of thing. My favorite thing on their regular menu is the BLT - good bread and lots of bacon. Bathrooms were new last year although if it's raining you have to dash across the driveway to get to them.

Looe Key Tiki is definitely and experience and I urge you to visit there - it's a blast.
27340 Oversees Highway, Ramrod Key, FL 33042. Visit their website at www.looekeytikibar.com to read about the other entities offered at Looe Key - diving, snorkeling, motel rooms, etc.

Geiger Key Marina and Smokehouse

Geiger Key Smokehouse is a hidden gem off the main drag of Oversea's Highway. It is located to the south of, and abridged to, Big Coppitt Key. Ray discovered it years ago and we still make a point to visit there at least once or twice every year. On our 2016 visit, we were pleasantly surprised to see that some improvements had been made all while keeping it's uniqueness and "keysey" feeling. The views from their outside restaurant and bar are spectacular. You can watch boats come and go, see fish swimming just below, and watch a parade of birds doing their dance all while eating great food.  They have music almost every night, but check out they website to be sure www.geigerkeymarina.com. They are open everyday for lunch and dinner and open for breakfast on the weekends. Do yourself a favor and visit Geiger Key Marina and Smokehouse. It's a wonderful Keys experience that you'll soon not forget.

If you have an opportunity, sample their Sunday barbecue - it starts at 4:00 p.m. Is a great time to get down with the locals. 

To get there turn on Boca Chia Road at approximately at MM 11 (oceanside) and follow the road a mile or so to Geiger Road - turn left. From there you can follow the signs. Geiger Key is also home to a marina and trailer park.

5 Geiger Road,

Key West,FL

(305) 296-3553

Half Shell Raw Bar and

Half Shell Raw Bar is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. Ray and I have spent many an afternoon eating oysters and socializing with people from all over the world. With a tag line of "East it Raw," doesn't it make sense to see what it's all about?  It's fun, it's casual and it's conveniently located on the Waterfront in Key West. There is plenty of paid parking nearby. There is a fish market on the premises - see below. Be sure to bring a license plate to tack on the wall for posterity.

From their website: Half Shell Fish Market is a neighborhood seafood market in Old Town Key West, located inside the Half Shell Raw Bar, at the foot of Margaret Street, along the Historic Seaport.

Half Shell Fish Market
(Located inside Half Shell Raw Bar)
(305) 294-7496
231 Margaret Street
Key West, Florida 33040
Map It | Facebook

Half Shell Fish Market Now Open

While Half Shell Fish Market is now open to everyone, we were born out of necessity. There was a need for a centralized source of outstanding Key West seafood for the five restaurants within the Pat Croce & Co. family. Half Shell Fish Market makes sure that items like Rum Barrel’s Yellow Tail Snapper Rubens, Island Dogs’ fish tacos, Turtle Kraals’ ceviche, and, of course, your favorites at Half Shell Raw Bar, are the freshest around and are provided at a great value. We do this by cultivating long-standing partnerships with local commercial fishing captains. You are invited to step in to Half Shell Fish Market any day between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. so we can introduce ourselves and meet you while you’re picking out your favorite daily and seasonal specials like snapper, stone crab, Key West pink shrimp, lobster, hogfish and more. www.halfshellrawbar.com

All Keys Gas

Update: January 2016 - All Keys Gas moved to Key West. That's a shame, because it was very convenient to get our propane tanks refilled at a place that was close by.

If you're like us, we rent a house for several months on Ramrod Key. It's like our second home so we like to cook on the grill a lot! Most rentals supply grills and gas for grills, but if you need propane I recommend getting refills from All Keys Gas located at 30046 Overseas Highway in Big Pine Key. Last time we bought propane was January 3, 2015; a 20 lb. refill was $21.00. Seems reasonable. They also sell grills if you happen to need one - AND, they come already assembled! 305.745-1122.

Ambrosia Sushi Restaurant and Sake Bar

What a treat it was to dine at Ambrosia Sushi Restaurant and Sake Bar located at 1401 Simonton St., in Key West, Fl. Established in 1998, Ambrosia offered a strikingly elegant ambience and wonderful full-flavored food. I ordered their Miso soup - it was truly outstanding. Featuring two kinds of mushrooms - cremini and shiitake - the soup had a creamy, smokey flavor that was probably the best I've ever eaten.

There were four of us in our party so we did a lot of sharing. Ray, who isn't a huge fan of sushi, ordered the Beef Negimaki and liked the flavor very much. The dish consisted of thinly sliced beef wrapped around scallions and sautéed in teriyaki sauce. If I remember correctly it came with some kind of potato, but I'm not 100% sure. We also had Dragon Balls, Duck Tatki and something call Stingy Women's Purse which consisted of several crispy shrimp dumplings - yummy, really! Then our friend ordered a plethora of sushi items - all delicious and satisfying. We all walked away sated and more than full.

Ambrosia serves only Asian beers, Sake and wine. They are open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended. 305.293.0304; www.ambrosiasushi.com. If you type Ambrosia Key West into your URL the first thing that comes up is Ambrosia, a Bed and Breakfast. Look a little further down the page for the restaurant. Dining there was a wonderful experience. You won't be disappointed.

Good Food Conspiracy Whole Food Market and Holistic Health Center

Update: January 2016 - I see by the sign out front that Yoga classes take place here. Will advise once I get a chance to stop in.

I have passed this store dozens of times and have never had a desire to go inside. It just didn't look like a place that I would frequent although the parking lot was always full. I wondered if the vehicular activity came from their store or one of the other stores housed in the same tiny strip mall. Then one day, when I realized I was out of my favorite salt - Pink Himalayan Salt - and couldn't find it at the Winn-Dixie, I decided to give the Good Food Conspiracy a go. When I opened the door there were a number of people working and a number of people shopping. There was lots of laughter and talking. I was pleasantly surprised to see that they carried lots of fresh veggies and fruits, had a smoothie bar and sandwich menu, as well as a myriad of organic, vegetarian, and healthy alternatives. I haven't visited the Herb Garden out back, but I hear there is picnic seating. The staff is very friendly and helpful and a myriad of services are offered - acupuncture, skin care, facials, massage and now yoga classes. Visit their website for more info. www.goodfoodconspiracy.com

I am so glad that I decided to stop that day. I have been back there several times and plan to use it as my go-to whole food store. Their prices are a little higher that what I would normally pay at home or online, but when you need an item, well, you just need it. I am happy that I discovered this little gem.

MM 30.5 Big Pine Key, 305-872-3945; 30150 Overseas Highway.

Crane Point Museum & Nature Center

Located at MM 50, Bayside in Marathon, the Crane Point Museum & Nature Center is a nice place to visit when you're looking for a down day and can't go to the beach. While it's not very exciting, it's an interesting walk back in time. The day we went it was a little overcast and not too hot, so it seemed the perfect time to visit a place that we had never experienced before.

From the brochure - "The property consist of 63 acres of hardwood hammocks and home to the historic Adderley House the oldest house in Monroe County outside of Key West. It was built in 1903 by George and Olivia Adderley, Bahamian immigrants who created a small village called Adderley Village. Mr. Adderley made an arrangement with Henry Flagler, as he built the Florida East Coast Railway, to put a train stop at this location in order to assist Mr. Adderley in transporting sponges he harvested in Key West for sale. In addition to the Adderley House, which is listed on the Historical Register of Historical Places, you will find a museum of natural history, a well-done-nine-minute video provide information on what you will see on the trails, a replica of a Florida Cracker House, 1960's architectural wonder call the Crane House, built by Mr. and Mrs. Frances Crane for whom the property is named. There is a salt-water lagoon at the entrance, a wonderful gift shop and two miles of hiking trails which take you from the highway to the Gulf of Mexico. Some trails are gravel and easily navigated while others are quite rustic."

All trails are very well marked as are the native plants and trees. It's interesting to see how the foliage changes throughout the hammock. The Marathon Wild Bird Center is housed there and is located near the back of the property where sick and injured birds are rehabilitated.

Wear comfortable shoes - I wore flip flops and wished that I had worn tenners. I kept getting small stones caught under my heels. There are plenty of benches along the paths for resting and a trolley tour is usually available, although the day we were there the volunteer was out sick with the flu. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. The main loop is about 1.5 miles. Yes, you can bring a picnic lunch and use the picnic tables provided or while overlooking the Florida Bay. There is a very nice gift shop on premise.

(305) 743-9100 or www.cranepoint.net for more information. 5500 Overseas Highway, MM 50, Marathon, Florida.

La Nina Restaurant

La Nina Restaurant is one of those places that you might drive by and say to yourself, "There is no way I'm stopping there," which means you're going to have to take my word for it when I tell you to do just the opposite. Their Cuban Mix sandwich is hands down, the best tasting sandwich of it's kind. We think we even like it better than 5 Brothers down at MM 26 and we thought they were the bomb. It is big, it's warm, it's just the right combination of mayo and mustard and it's loaded with pulled pork. It's just plain yummy. One sandwich is enough for 2 people to share and they always cut it in half for you. It looks like they have some tables inside, but I've never seen anyone coming or going. We always get ours carry-out.

They don't have a website and the phone number on the signage is incorrect, but don't pass this place up just because of it's appearance. You won't be disappointed. Call ahead to order if you're in a hurry to get to the beach -- deliciousness takes time!  305.517-6226; MM 48.5 in Marathon.

Hurricane Hole

Update February 2016 - Have been back to the Hurricane Hole a couple time already this year. Their food is consistently good. The owners just opened a second location call Fish at about MM 15. Will write more on our visit there under that name.

We had an occasion to visit the Hurricane Hole just the other day with some friends and we were mighty happy we did. We had a very pleasant time watching all the fishing charters come and go with their daily haul, but there was also paddle boarders and barflies to keep us entertained. While we've been there before, we had only indulged in adult beverages. This time we had lunch and let me tell you, it was tasty indeed. Our party ordered a variety of items, one more plentiful than the other. I ordered the smoked fish dip and while it was very tasty, it reminded me more of plain ole tuna fish - it wasn't very smokey and I personally like a little more spice. Since I can't consume dairy products, I'm always happy to find a place that makes their fish dip without cream cheese. Some other things that our party ordered were Cobb Salad with blackened shrimp, fish tacos and pulled pork nachos. Everybody was happy with their choices. Our bartender was attentive and kept us lavished in extra cold beer. While the bathrooms aren't great, they are very acceptable. You can also go out of here on water sport excursions and fishing charters. Check out their website for details.

The Hurricane Hole can be found at 5130 U.S. Highway 1 at College Road. 305.294-0200. I think their Happy Hour is from 5 p.m. -7 p.m. and 10p.m.-2 a.m. daily, but check out their website at www.hurricanholekeywest.com. Their are lots of shady places to sit as well as some umbrellas, but take your sunscreen - you might end up having to sit in the sun for part of the time.

Solo American Bistro

Update: January 2016 - This restaurant is closed. Too bad, they had a kick-ass Happy Hour.

Touted as a "New American Restaurant," Solo is one of the many upscale bistros in Key West. The ambiance is strong and sleek, boasting a long dark mahogany bar and New York style decor.  Colorful comfy cushions adorn the booth/chair style tables while romantic lighting makes you feel like a grown-up. It's certainly not a place that screams "Key West," but that is one of the reasons why I like it so much. It's different and trendy and you can actually get a great glass of wine in a real glass! It's large windows are almost always thrown open to the beautiful weather beyond their door step. If you prefer, there are several tables on the porch that await.

We were there for Happy Hour recently, but I understand they have great weekend lunch specials for $7, $5 Mimosas and $6 Bloody Mary's. Happy Hour features half price wine, draft beer and cocktails from 4-7 p.m. and about 5 or 6 half price appetizers that are prepared perfectly--from simple gourmet-style flatbreads to tuna tartare. Many other goodies are there for the choosing. You can't get all this many other places.

It's a great casual location with great service away from the more touristy places. It's a nice change of pace. Sole is located at 610 Green Street. They have a Facebook page, but do not have a website yet. They can be reached at 305.296-2033 or at solokeywest@gmail.com.