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Enjoy the additional pictures and
recommendations regarding
the Keys,
including Key West,
and
Ft. Lauderdale
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Additional birds seen
at the
Rehabilitation Center
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| Nearing sunset off of Mallory Square |
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| Another Key West inn |
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| One of the many Key West homes decorated for the season |
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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. |
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Over 42 bridges to Key West
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| 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) |
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Keeping in step with Key West's bohemian atmosphere, be sure to visit The Chicken Store. It is a one of a kind place – trust me. (Wild chickens and roosters are part of the city's "ambiance.") |
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| On a side street that takes some detective work to find is a quiet oasis to escape the hustle and bustle of Duval Street. Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden is a Shangri-La to spend some quiet moments. Enjoy the orchids, the diverse flora – all for a small donation to help preserve this tropical paradise |
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| 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.
- Key West Heritage House Museum and Robert Frost Cottage – The facility is being remodeled and offers an excellent snapshot of Frost's last chapter in his life. The curator and the guides are very personable and knowledgeable about one of America's greatest poets (410 Caroline Street, Key West, FL; Museum Hours – 10 to 4 Daily; Closed Sunday; Phone 305/ 296-357; web site: http://www.heritagehousemuseum.org).
- 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 - 632 Olivia at Elizabeth (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)
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More recs for the Keys
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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 – 90,000+ of them. |
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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. |
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Reommendations for Ft. Lauderdale area
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The Water Bus: 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.
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| 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. |
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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.)
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Two of the friendly hostesses at the Atlantic Bar & Grill in South Beach
(Fun place to dine)
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