Keys Tropical Highway

What has 42 bridges, connects more than 100 islands together and includes three National Historic Sites? The Overseas Highway or Highway 1 is the closet version to a tropical country road that you can drive easily in a day.This sole road linking the Florida Keys to the mainland stretches over 126 miles and provides access to great snorkeling, swimming, fishing and ofcourse dining. Matter of fact, this month the nutritional website Self-size profiles not only dining establishments in South Florida but also the Florida Keys. The restaurants generally are big in local color and are wonderfully unique. They vary from the established Marker 88 and Morada Bay Cafe to the the wild and crazy partylike eateries like Alabama Jack's and Lorelei's.

If you are a fish eater then the Keys is your "all you can eat seafood buffet". There isn't a menu in the Keys that doesn't have grouper, lobster (that's Florida lobster), conch and dolphin (not Flipper) on it. And conch is king here eventhough it is actually a queen conch. I have sampled it all from conch burgers, conch balls, conch salad to conch pizza and conch chowder. Personally, conch on pizza just didn't do it for me but sometimes one must eat like a native. Don't forget a small slice of Key Lime or Mango Pie is a must. And I said small.. You don't want all that hard work you have done with Self-Size to be in vain.

After feasting at one of the many great restaurants you can always find a way to work it off. The Overseas Highway is your gateway to some of the best snorkeling in the US starting with John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. Pennekamp is the first underwater state park in the US. You can take snorkeling, diving or glass bottomed boats out to the coral reefs which are truly spectacular.

Down the road and just south in Marathon is the Seven Mile Bridge. It is one of the world's longest bridges and offers wondrous views of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Once a year, the bridge is closed to traffic for the famous Seven Mile Bridge Run. The only way get in the race is by luck of the draw. Fortunately, my sister and I have run many a race over that bridge. And it is not a race for those who haven't trained....Matter of fact, any race requires training so check out my fitness tips on Self-Size.com to get the inside track.

Immediately after you cross over the Seven Mile Bridge is Bahia Honda State Park. It has been rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. It is the Keys best public beach with plenty of white sand plus it has kayak rentals, snorkel trips to Looe Key and the Old Bahia Honda Bridge which is pictured above. Make sure you check out the view from the top of the bridge. Sometimes you can see huge hammerhead sharks swim through the cut from the Atlantic side over to the Gulf of Mexico looking for an afternoon snack.

As the drive south continues, you cross one tropical key after another including Big Pine Key. Big Pine is the only place in the world where the endangered Key deer live. And watch the speed limit...it is strictly enforced by the police.

Soon after Big Pine you will be in Key West which has been referred to as the Capital of the Conch Republic or Margaritaville. It is a cross of Caribbean, American and anything else the local "Conch's" feel like throwing in. There is a variety of activities and attractions for anyone. Fishing, snorkeling, dining, shopping and the bars from Sloppy Joes to the Bull & Bear will keep you busy. Make sure you visit the Blue Heaven restaurant which is a Self-Size pick.

Most importantly don't forget to do "Sunset" at Mallory Square. Locals and tourists gather to experience a spectacular Keys sunset while being entertained (if you want to call it that) by some very interesting, home grown carnival acts. It is a sight to see and a great way to end your day and start your evening in the southernmost city in the US.

And remember the motto of the local conch's - Save the Keys...Blow the Bridges.

Ciao,

Angie of the Overseas Highway

p.s. Don't forget to get the latest nutritional and fitness news at Self-Size.com