Florida
Roadtrip Series
Gilbert's Resort, located in Key Largo, has a private beach, pool, marina and comfortable rooms with everything you need. They also have a tiki bar and entertainment.
A RETURN TRIP TO THE FLORIDA KEYS IS BACK ON THE BUCKET LIST. Sportsman outlet in Islamorada, the marina and outdoor tiki bar/dining, two floors of shopping. A shark swims around dock pilings. The water is clear. Wear a hat, because trade winds blow and blow. It's magic.
In the store sits Ernest Hemingway’s “Pilar.” You board the replica boat and poke around. There's a typewriter in it. Wendy and I can’t stop talking about the Bass Pro Shops heading to Key West. We bought stuff, for sure. At its core, Key West is history, the conch houses and architecture, the flavor of it. The North had captured the South's blockade-runners in Charlotte Harbor, for instance, auctioned their boats and crews in Key West. Housing stock from the late 19th century remains. A neighborhood tour seems smart, with enough time. But Key West has adapted, presenting itself as loose and easy fun, the famous Duval Street strip lined in drinking and tourist shops. Absurdities in Minnesota or Kansas are nothing in Key West. It's freeing. Which has the hustlers standing out like weeds. Be aware and you're fine.
It's up to you in Key West on what tickles your fancy. But research and ask around rather than showing up. There's too much going on to randomly hunt and peck.
BACK AT THE RESORT We had visited Herbie's Bar & Chowder House in Marathon Saturday, a locals' hangout with great beer and food. And of course we had to visit Robbie's in Islamorada, watch kids scream dropping bait fish into the jaws of a lazy old tarpon. We're on the road home Sunday morning. We had agreed that Fiesta Key
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Florida Keys—
F L O R I DAC O U N T RY J u n e | J uGRAB-AND-GO ly 2022
VISIT TO PARADISE
TOP PHOTOS COURTESY OF GILBERT'S RESORT
Ernest Hemingway's downtown mansion this night is closed, a private party within. It's certainly worth a visit.
