Well I haven't written a blog in quite a few days so I thought I would write and share a few Keys reviews for you folks also!!

First off...I think EVERYONE should put the beauty of Florida Keys on their bucket list of things to do!! Having been here several times now I can tell you that each Key has its own unique beauty and natural wonder. The views are stunning, the water breathtaking and the lifestyle one that will make you jealous. This is aa place that automatically makes you calm and happy. #Bucketlistforall
WORDS OF ADVICE TO REMEMBER:
There is one road in and one road out...you cannot be in a hurry to get to your destination down here. Take whatever amount of time you THINK you need to get somewhere and double it! 40 minutes is actually 80 and so on. The GOOD NEWS is part of this is what creates the lifestyle of not being in a hurry. So just give yourself time and relax..make yourself act like an islander.
Each community in the Keys exist for two widely separate purposes...1. Is to support it's residents. Therefore while you won't see big name large businesses like you do in north you will see hundreds and hundreds of little tiny entrepreneurial shops that exist to support each other for example 1 pediatrician, 1 title agency, 1 salon, 1 surveyor, 1 shoe repair etc. etc. each community has these mini shops and then number 2. Is to support tourism, hotels, restaurants, souvenirs, bars, rentals of every kind etc. so needless to say you will see some areas that are barely getting by and other areas that are polished and high end...my point is...it's important not to judge them for the less than shiny areas...these are the people who are working in the service businesses that serve the vacationers and without all of the mainland business...these people hold down the jobs that help everyone enjoy the Keys and many of those jobs don't pay so well...but they are good people, doing a great job.
Low cost and no cost fun is everywhere....don't be afraid to ask locals for recommendations and do your research!

So here is a couple of reviews of reviews and things to do!

WORTH IT: We took the recommendation of a part timer down here and visited a place in Big Pine Key called "The Blue Hole". This is one of those things I was saying about trusting some of the locals recommendations. This place is 0 dollars to visit because it's just a big, blue (water) hole. Simple as that...No buildings, no gates, no fancy signs, just a water hole area over MANY acres. Here you will see HUGE iguanas, manatees, alligators, turtles, birds etc. and we had the best time here!! No money, no guides nothing...just enjoying nature at it's best!! Well worth it!

NOT WORTH IT!! Now online if you look up cool "bars" or places to go. A place in Islamorada will come up called Safari Lounge. It's rated very highly the catch is supposed to be...that the guy who owns the bar was once a big game hunter (before it was frown upon and illegal and just plain wrong) so the bar is "filled" with his trophies and that the place is dark and "woodie" etc....any number of sportsman like terms they could use. We went and this place was TREMENDOUSLY disappointing!! No food, a few very old trophies on the ceiling (VERY OLD) cheesy wood, bad bartenders and a bunch of people that acted like we stepped into a private club!!! Don't waste your money!!

WORTH IT: Fiesta Key RV Resort!! Our campground was a wonderful old school (not just us old folks) campground. Right on the water, restaurant/bar, pool, hot tubs (the old school deep round ones:)

NOT WORTH IT/WORTH IT: Theatre of the Sea, This attraction located in Islamorada is pretty even up in the worth it/not worth it categories. The facility is beautiful but if you are looking for super polished glamours dolphin and sea lion shows with and all of the glitz of the big Sea World shows...you won't get that here and you will feel as if it's not worth it. They have very cute, short programs that have a couple of glitches in them but all in all it was nicely done. The worth it part comes in when you realize that your $30 has gone to support almost 100 percent rescue animals! When you see the Sea Turtles with their life jackets on because of deformed shells etc. but living a very happy life...those are the kinds of things that make you say...I'll spend my money to help this great organization. THE ADDED BONUS: They have an onsite feral cat rescue where they have created a habitat for hundreds of feral cats...with trees, boxes, beds, chairs etc. all living in a harmonious life with plenty of love and food!!

So many other reviews I could give...and if you need more info and recommendations I'd be happy to help!! So many great Harley rides, experiences, views, food and drinks!!!

Now on to our next adventure in this gypsy life!! :) Tim and Crystal

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