Escaping to the Florida Keys, life seems much simpler and relaxing from the everyday minutia of living in Tampa. It’s a much slower pace where the speed limit is a maximum of 35 miles per hour along US 1. Scenic sleepy towns and sailboats pop up along the islands with views of the Florida Bay and the Atlantic Ocean until we reach our final destination of Key West.
Staying overnight in Miami, we packed up our belongings in pursuit of the Keys. Leaving Miami, we made our first stop at The Mutineer Restaurant in Florida City. Just past the southernmost end of the turnpike, we would order a drink before tackling the two and a half hour drive to Key West, with a few “Key” stops along the way.
The restaurant was built in the 1980’s and was a last stop for many travelers before reaching the southernmost part of the United States. Built in the shape of a ship, the restaurant offered primarily seafood options on its menu, most notably grouper and yellowfin tuna. The restaurant was quite nostalgic for us as it seemed as though its interior had not been updated since the day it opened.
With its rustic interior and creepy pirate greeting us at the door, we would enter the kitschy restaurant and make a beeline to the huge bar in the center of the restaurant, known by locals as the Wharf Lounge. Melissa and I would always order a fruity drink to kick off our Florida Keys road trip and then off to our next stop, Key Largo.
Depending on the traffic, we could reach Key Largo in less than 40 minutes, but we always made a stop for another beverage and pit stop. My favorite part of visiting the Caribbean Club was the homage to Humphrey Bogart, who starred in the film “Key Largo”, which was filmed at this location.
The Club was opened in 1938 and is the oldest bar within the Upper Keys. The location is perfect for watching the spectacular sunsets while dancing to the music of local musicians.
Known for its Key Lime Punch, we loved taking a seat outside to enjoy the Atlantic Coast before making our way towards Islamorada.
Dragging ourselves away from this spectacular view, we would soon reach Islamorada in about 25 minutes, ready for a hearty seafood lunch at Robbie’s on Mile Marker 77.5.
Have you stopped by the Mutineer or the Caribbean Club at Key Largo? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for ready about my quick stop in Key Largo and wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
The Mutineer Restaurant
11 SE 1st Avenue
Florida City, FL 33034
Telephone: 305 245 3377
The Caribbean Club
104080 Overseas Highway
Key Largo, FL 33037
Telephone: 305 451 4466
Where to Stay:
Cheeca Lodge & Spa
81801 Overseas Highway, Mile Marker 82
Islamorada, FL 33036
Telephone: 305 664 4651
Where to Eat:
Hungry Tarpon Restaurant
77522 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, FL 33036
Telephone: 305 664 8070
What to Eat:
- Conch Fritters
- Crunch Grouper Sandwich
- Florida Keys Stone Crab Claws
- Lobster Bisque
- Manhattan Clam Chowder
- Sesame Seed Ahi Tuna
- Wahoo Ceviche
What to Read:
- Four Days with Hemingway’s Ghost, by Tom Winton
- Principles of Navigation, by Peter W. Fong
- Tropical Depression, by Lawrence Shames
- Salvage Diver, by Zachary Ball
