Page 32 - DreamScapes Magazine | Fall/Winter 2022

PHOTOS COURTES
Y OF THE MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, THE FLORIDA KEYS & KEY WEST
THE FLORIDA KEYS
Hello Sunshine
BY SUSAN B. BARNES
As temperatures dip, it’s time to start
country aquatic adventure, you can cast a
and restaurants. Eco-adventures galore are thinking of warmer climates.
line in shallow water fishing for sailfish or
available on Big Pine Key, and ornithologists Rather than flying to the Caribbean,
pursue fly fishing offshore for bonefish,
migrate to the Great White Heron National opt instead for the Florida Keys. The 195-
tarpon and snook. Islamorada is, after all,
Wildlife Refuge.
kilometre tropical island chain begins just
where backcountry sport fishing and salt-
south of Miami and encompasses five dis-
water fly fishing were pioneered.
CELEBRATE IN KEY WEST
tricts along the way: Key Largo, Islamorada,
The southernmost point in the continental Marathon, the Lower Keys and Key West.
TAKE IT EASY ON MARATHON
United States is closer to Cuba than to Not only are the varying shades of blue
Don’t do a marathon dash through this com-
Miami, and was once Florida’s largest city. water calm and inviting, but the wide-open
pact family-fun island in the middle of the
Discover a Bahamian and Cuban heritage spaces of the Florida Keys are void of crowds
Keys island chain. Rather, stop and explore
that blends effortlessly with history, nature, so getting back to nature just feels, well,
the fishing heritage, the old-Keys lifestyle
cultural diversity and architecture. It’s also natural.
and the seafaring traditions. One of the
easy to see how Key West lives up to its most popular spots in Marathon is the
funky reputation: “Close to Perfect – Far DIVE INTO KEY LARGO
Turtle Hospital with a focus on sea turtle
From Normal.” Board a schooner and feel the Some of the best snorkelling and scuba
rescue, rehabilitation and release. Tour the
wind in the sails, or ride the Dry Tortugas diving in Florida occurs off Key Largo. At
hospital and the sea turtle rehabilitation
National Park Ferry for a day trip to Fort Jef- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park dive
area for close animal encounters.
ferson. At the end of the day, join the nightly
into the Florida Keys National Marine Sanc- tuary, home to the Florida Reef, the only living coral reef in North America and the
SLOW DOWN IN THE LOWER KEYS
As you continue southwest, take a peek at
sunset celebrations at Mallory Square.
This fall, plan for a getaway to the Florida Keys where you’re invited to come just as
third-largest coral barrier reef in the world.
Pigeon Key, accessible by ferry. In the early
you are. DS
Keep your eyes open too! You might spot
1900s, the two-hectare island was a base
manatees, sea turtles and dolphins swim-
camp for the workers who built the original
TRAVEL PLANNER ming amid the colourful tropical fish.
bridge. Next continue on the iconic Seven
For more travel information about the Mile Bridge to arrive into the Lower Keys.
Florida Keys, please visit fla-keys.com CATCH THE BIG ONE
You can cycle and spot local key deer, or lie
OFF ISLAMORADA
on the white sand beaches of Bahia Honda
Offshore charter boats with tournament-
State Park. Stock Island adds its rustic
grade captains are ready to usher you to
authenticity to the Lower Keys with its
secret spots teeming with fish. In this back-
marinas, art studios, and waterfront bars
32 DREAMSCAPES FALL/WINTER 2022