Particularly when winter has much of the world in its chilly grip, the siren song of the subtropical Florida Keys can be almost impossible to resist.
Guests at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory photograph two pink flamingos that live among the conservatory’s hundreds of butterflies, exotic birds and lush plants. ( Photo by Mike Freas, Florida Keys News Bureau)
The Keys are alive with unique attractions and museums (including one where visitors can walk among hundreds of butterflies and “meet” two pink flamingos, and another exploring the Key West life of iconic playwright Tennessee Williams), on-the-water adventures ranging from sunset cocktail cruises to snorkeling on the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef, and exotic gardens and natural attractions just awaiting exploration.
Beyond these offerings, however, are other enticements to enjoy — ways to indulge body, mind and tastebuds while recharging your batteries and sparking lasting memories and smiles that just don’t stop.
To begin your smile-inducing experience, start with a few of my personal favorite activities.
Swim with Friendly Dolphins. Ever since marine researchers discovered dolphins just might rival humans among the world’s most intelligent mammals, people have been fascinated by the lively marine creatures. In the Florida Keys, where dolphins are studied year-round, visitors to dolphin centers can have a unique and wonderful encounter — making an in-water connection with these gentle animals while learning about them. Before any in-water activity, the facilities typically provide briefings that cover dolphin behavior, facts about the engaging creatures, and how to safely and respectfully interact with them.
Speaking of outdoor art … check out the Seward Johnson statue of Marilyn Monroe in a famous pose outside Key West’s Tropic Cinema. (Photo by Mike Freas, Florida Keys News Bureau)
Experience Intriguing Outdoor Art. In many locations in the Keys, you’ll find open-air artistry crafted by talented local residents. From vibrant ocean murals to whimsical large-scale sculptures, outdoor artistry inspires interest and smiles throughout the island chain. Among the most unique examples is Betsy, a 30-foot-tall, 40-foot-long sculpted Florida Keys spiny lobster that greets visitors to Islamorada’s Rain Barrel Artisan Village. The much-photographed icon was crafted in the 1980s by area resident Richard Blaze.
Find Your Zen with Paddleboard Yoga. Many outdoor adventure companies in the Keys have added a twist to the popular sport of paddleboarding with paddleboard yoga classes. While that may sound like an unlikely combination, paddleboard yoga actually blends mind and body relaxation with healthy exercise and eco-enjoyment — and beginners through experienced yoga practitioners can participate. You’ll first paddle out to the calm backcountry waters, and then begin your yoga while connecting with nature in a tranquil mangrove setting.
Discover Chocolate-Covered Key Lime Pie on a Stick. Just about every destination boasts a signature dish — one that local residents love and curious travelers simply HAVE to try. In the Florida Keys & Key West, that dish is Key lime pie, the official pie of the entire State of Florida. Experts believe Key lime pie was likely created in Key West in the late 19th century — and today you can even enjoy it dipped in chocolate and frozen on a stick at Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe and other emporiums along the island chain.
It just doesn’t get any better than chocolate-covered Key lime pie on a stick.
Embrace the Local Lifestyle. You don’t have to be a local to share some of the elements that make Keys life so happily addictive — as long as you’re willing to explore, experience and embrace the unexpected people, places and moments you encounter. For example, in Key West, try biking or strolling through the Old Town neighborhood as evening falls. Just off Duval Street, the island’s exuberant shopping and dining center, you’ll pass lovingly restored Victorian homes and cottages with lights blossoming in their windows and the luscious scent of jasmine drifting from flower-filled yards.
Now that you’ve read some of my favorite grin-inducing Florida Keys activities, it’s time to create your own collection. While winter weather blankets much of the northern landscape, make your sunny subtropical escape … and prepare to start smiling.
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