Little Palm Island

Every year Ray and I treat ourselves to lunch on Little Palm Island. It's so luxurious and we are so pampered that we can't help but feel like celebrities. There is a dress code, so we take things up a notch and pretend, if only for a few hours, that we actually have some class!

The only way to get to Little Palm is by their private ferry that is located on Little Torch Key at the corner of Pirates Road and Overseas Highway at approximately MM 28.5. You must make a reservation and you must be on time because the ferry is on a strict schedule. The ride to the island takes less than 15 minutes. Or, you can really treat yourself and arrange for one of their seaplanes to pick you up.

The restaurant at Little Palm has several shaded porches, as well as indoor seating. There are tables out on the beach at the water's edge, but I understand it can get a little hot out there if the sun is shinning brightly. The Key Deer are prevalent and one couple we know had the bread swiped right off their table.  Please don't feed the Key Deer. They have a very delicate digestive system and you would be doing them a disservice.

Little Palm also has bungalows for rent. While we've never stayed there overnight, they look charming - the whole island does for that matter.  Whatever you decide to do there - lunch, partake in their elaborate and fabulous Saturday buffet, dine under the stars, or stay an entire week, be sure to take your check book and/or credit card - they are pricey indeed! Cell phones are permitted only if set on vibrate. To talk on it you are asked to move to a remote location.

Little Palm Island Resort and Spa is a Noble House property. Check out their website - it will make you salivate!  www.littlepalmisland.com, 800.343.8567

Islamorada Fish Company

Islamorada Fish Company is one of our favorite places to visit. There is so much to do there. It is home to Pro Bass, a beautiful retail store that sells not only every kind of fishing/boating item, but sells games, books, and clothing for the entire family. They're a little pricey, but their goods speak for themselves.

Upstairs is Zane Gray's, an upscale bar decorated with rich mahogany wood. They provide delicious Bloody Mary's and other upscale libations. Zane Grays is located on the 2nd floor of the store and offers seating either inside, or outside on the veranda. Ray is a margarita officienado and has given Zane Gray's a thumbs up.

Downstairs and across the lawn is the Islamorada Fish Company that consists of two outside bars and an outdoor restaurant that has seating under a shelter as well as seating on their man-made beach. All of this surrounds a man-made lagoon that is always filled with huge tarpon and barracuda. If you want to feed the fish you can buy a bag of bait shrimp from their fresh seafood market.  Our favorite food to order is the Grouper Reuben - it is yummy and plenty for two. We also recommend their red-skin potato salad. Yummy!

The name "Islamorada" means "Purple Isle".  The name was given by the early inhabitants of the Florida Keys in 1907.  The restaurant was first opened in 1948!

If you're looking to loose yourself for a couple of hours, this is the place to go.
81532 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida, 33036, MM 81.5; http://restaurants.basspro.com/fishcompany/