Bev's Guide to the Florida Keys: Special Destination

Welcome

Welcome to my blog, Bev's Guide to the Florida Keys. While I don't consider myself an expert, my husband, Ray and I have been visiting the Keys every year (sometimes more than once a year) for over 20 years. My intention is to tell you of my experiences in the places we've lodged, eaten, boated, endulged in libation, or simply relaxed. You can make up your own mind whether or not to heed my suggestions.

I'll try to provide as much information as I can in regard to contact info, what the bathrooms are like (ladies you know it's important to you), parking, and customer service. So read on all you Conchs and Parrotheads and please leave comments about whether or not one of my posts was helpful or if you have any suggestions.

Monday, March 28, 2016

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.

Facts and Advice

1. Key Deer are endangered. It is illegal to feed them. They weigh only 75 lbs. when fully grown & stand only 32 inches high.
2. Speeding is a big no-no in the Keys. My advice - don't do it. Passing someone is not only stupid, it's dangerous. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery. Adding 10 minutes more to your trip isn't that big a deal.
3. The local newspaper is called The Citizen. Inside the front page is a column called Citizens' Voice. It's hysterical. Also check out the paper to find out when cruise ships are in port. You may want to avoid KW on those days.
4. Manatees "sleep." They appear dead b/c they often lay lifeless, drifting in the current. They love lettuce & will suck on a fresh water hose like a baby. While its recommended that you do neither of those things, they sure are cute to watch. Adults on the average are 10 ft. long & weigh about 1,000 pounds. They feed on seagrass & aquatic plants, consuming up to 100 lbs/day. They can hold their breath for 20 minutes. They are on the Florida endangered species list.

5. There are 5 kinds of sea turtles that live in the Gulf of Mexico & Atlantic Ocean - Green, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Kemp's Ridley & Leatherback. They are found in shallow saltwater & among coral reefs. They dig over 4,000 nests on Florida beaches every year. They live to be 40-60 years old. All species are on the endangered or threatened list. Lights on beaches by boaters & revelers often disorient sea turtles, causing them harm.

6. Key West is the southernmost city in the continental U.S. and is closer to Havana, Cuba than to Miami.

7. There are 42 bridges that connect the islands of the Keys. The longest bridge is the 7-mile bridge.

8. The small green mile marker signs along US 1, start with 126 just south of Florida City & end with MM 0 in Key West.

9.There are over 800 Keys. Key Largo is the longest at 33 miles.

10. The word "key" comes from the Spanish word "cayo" which means "little island."

11. Key West is known as the Conch Republic.

12. US 1 is also called the Overseas Highway.

Welcome

Monday, March 28, 2016

The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory

The Turtle Hospital

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