Enjoy the additional pictures and
recommendations regarding
the Keys,
including Key West,
and
Ft. Lauderdale

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Feed the tarpons at
Robbie's
mile marker 77.5

Arrive in time for
the 3:30 daily feeding
a
t the Florida Keys
Wild Bird
Rehabilitation

Center (MM 93.6)

No charge - donations

Additional birds seen
at the
Rehabilitation Center
Nearing sunset off of Mallory Square
Another Key West inn
One of the many Key West homes decorated for the season
Cypress House (Key West) – dressed for the occasion
(While I didn't stay there this time, I think I will next time
- looks like a great place to stay.
Over 42 bridges to Key West

Recommendations
Key West: Besides the links listed above, here are some other fine places.
Enjoy a delightful breakfast with a French twist at the Banana Cafe in Key West. I have also enjoyed lunch there. (1211 Duval St., 294-7227) On my 2010 visit the food was still very good but the service was very slow.
And more recommendations for Key West:
  • Take the Conch Train Tour (so what if it is touristy); tour the Hemingway home and learn about one of the World's great authors; tour Truman’s Little White House and discover the history reaching through almost seven decades ; experience the Wings of Imagination, a butterfly sanctuary; take a short pedicab ride when your legs have worn out and listen to the stories; and watch the sun disappear into the sea at Mallory Square - Free.
  • Restaurants: Blue Heaven Restaurant – advertised as the best breakfast in Key West and it lives up to its name. BUT if you arrive after 9 a.m., be prepared to wait (729 Thomas Street, Key West, Florida; 305/296-8666); The Seven Fish (305) 296-2777: You need to talk to locals to learn of this place. Reservations are a must. The restaurant is small and the exterior nondescript but the food is incredible. Kelly's – so good, ate there twice (301 Whitehead St., Key West, FL; 305/ 293-8484) It maintained its reputation during my 2010 visit.

More recs for the Keys

For a unique, fun lunch find the No Name Pub [North Watson Blvd. (1 1/2 mi. north of US 1) Big Pine Key, FL 33043 – (305) 872-9115]. Located near the Key deer reserve, this off the main drag pub serves delicious food with a bohemian touch including delicious pizza and fish & chips. The walls and ceiling are covered with signed dollar bills – $114,000+ of them. However, the service can be very slow.

We enjoyed a wonderful seafood dinner along with superb service at Lazy Days Restaurant [79867 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036 at MM 79.9 – (305) 664-5256]. Voted best restaurant overall in the Upper Keys. A beautiful view of the ocean comes at no extra cost.

Reommendations for Ft. Lauderdale area

The Water Taxi: The way to see Ft. Lauderdale, the Venice of Florida, is via water bus. These water taxis stop at the majority of key spots within the city. For a few dollars per day you can ride anywhere along the canals and included is a bit of narration.

Euro Bread & Cafe - 1000 NE 26th Ave.: Oh my, I hadn't enjoyed bake goods so delicious since my last visit to Europe! Again, this delectable experience is an easy walk from Tropi Rock.

We spent two nights our third visit to Tropi Rock Resort [2900 Belmar Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304 – (954) 564-0523]. Each room has its own funky, art deco flair. Mick, the gracious owner and host, welcomes each guest. While there, we spent some time discussing the devastation that Hurricane Wilma wrought on Ft. Lauderdale and his facility. His tale of huddling with his family in their onsite apartment while the winds howled is harrowing to hear. You still see some of the devastation along the sea walk and the tremendous amount of new construction in progress. Mick has been working hard to bring his facility up to its high standards. We stayed in a newly renovated room (pictured on the right). Mick is a long time resident of the area and can give you helpful tourist and dining information. In fact, he is the one that recommended Zuckerello's. If you are looking for a place with personality and unique decor that cannot be found in the chains, you should give Tropi Rock a look see. (I was not able to reassess this trip, 2010.)
One of best Italian meals that I have recently had was at the family owned Zuckerello's Restaurant [3017 E. Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 – (954) 776-4282]. The locals flock to this long standing dining establishment. Prices are very reasonable, the food outstanding, and the service superb. Next visit, I will definitely dine there again! (The web site is currently being redesigned.)
Two of the friendly hostesses at the Atlantic Bar & Grill in South Beach
(Fun place to dine)

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