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.

Fish

Update: January 2016 

Fish used to be called Kaya Island Eats. I love the place, Ray not so much, but he's strictly a meat and potatoes guy and the menu there is a little more eclectic than that. I've only been there for Happy Hour so I can only speak to that. Their signature dish is Mussels in Curried Coconut Milk. They are so delicious that I actually slurp up the broth with an empty shell. Yummy!! The regular menu is extensive and there is a bit of a relaxing vibe to the decor and offerings. You can get a burger or a delicious seafood enter. The place is bright and cheerful and the bathrooms are lovely.

While it appears that the restaurant is located on the highway, once you climb the steps you realize that the view is pretty spectacular from all angles. They have a rather large bar and surrounding bar area with high top tables and even a small lounge type area. It pays to get there before the crowds because the bartender is so busy making drinks for the tables us bar flies are often overlooked. That is way too much on a busy night.

Fish is located on Saddlebunch Key, 3100 Overseas Highway, 33040; MM 31; 305.735-4201; kayaislandeats.com. They are open for lunch from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.; dinner from 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. and Happy Hour from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. They offer a HH drink of the day and the Mermaid Plate Special (whatever that is), a children's menu, and nightly specials. They are very willing to accommodate any dietary restrictions you may have and are able to convert most of their meals to gluten-free. Give it a try. I think you'll like it.

Bayside Grille

Bayside Grille is new to Key Largo, so January 2014 was our first time there at the recommendation of the the desk clerk at the Dove Creek Inn. The place is huge and provides a large dinning area and bar on the first level, bayside (hence the name). They have music and ample seats at the bar.

Since it was rainy and cold the day we visited, we opted for the restaurant upstairs. There they offer a small bar and dining tables inside and some out on the porch with sliding doors that open and close according to the weather. Thankfully, they were closed the day we were there.

COME & ENJOY THE BEST SUNSETS IN KEY LARGO... HOME OF KEYRIBBEAN KOOKING & KOCKTAILS®

We enjoyed a couple of cocktails while we were there and I ordered what I thought was an interesting appetizer: Plantains, Keyribbean Style. They were delicious and I plan on trying to replicate them at home: guava juice, lime juice and MoJo Sauce.  I would like to go back sometime and have an entire meal and enjoy a beautiful Keys sunset. You can also arrive by boat if you so desire.

Bayside Grille is located right behind DiGiorgio's Cafe Largo at MM 99.5, bayside in Key Largo; 99530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida, 33037, 305-451-3380; www.keylargo-baysidegrill.com