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.

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.