Let’s imagine you’ve got only two or three days to explore the entire Florida Keys (which would clearly be a planning mistake, since the island chain’s five diverse regions should be explored at a leisurely pace).

Drive the unique Florida Keys Overseas Highway and stop at "Can't Miss" spots along the way. (Photo by Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bureau)

But in today’s crazy-busy world, some people can only escape their “real world” responsibilities for a few short days.

If that’s your situation, “The Keys Can’t-Miss List” here will help you maximize enjoyment in minimal time.

Where to start? On the northernmost island of Key Largo, renowned for diving, snorkeling and backcountry touring.

From there, follow the Florida Keys Overseas Highway all the way to Key West, driving at an easy pace and stopping along the way.

Can’t Miss #1: Take a snorkeling or scuba excursion, and see stunning coral formations and brilliant tropical fish, in Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park —  America’s first underwater preserve and predecessor to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Can’t Miss #2: Head for Islamorada, renowned as the Sportfishing Capital of the World. Join one of Islamorada’s charter captains or guides for world-class fishing in offshore, reef or shallow backcountry waters. The Keys lay claim to more saltwater world fishing records than any other angling destination on the planet.

A Turtle Hospital staffer examines a loggerhead turtle "patient." (Photo courtesy of The Turtle Hospital)

Can’t Miss #3: After catching your fish (maybe yellowtail snapper, tuna or dolphin fish, also called mahi-mahi), turn it into a meal. Bring it to one of the Keys restaurants that “cook the catch.” There’s nothing like savoring a perfectly prepared and seasoned fish, and knowing you reeled it in.

Can’t Miss #4: Meandering through Marathon, meet rescued sea turtles at the world’s only licensed veterinary hospital specializing in sea turtles (yes, really!). A dedicated team at The Turtle Hospital rescues, rehabilitates, and nurtures sick and injured turtles — and whenever possible, releases them back into the ocean realm. Don’t miss taking a guided behind-the-scenes tour of this one-of-a-kind facility.

Can’t Miss #5: Now drive down the Overseas Highway to Big Pine Key where, if you’re lucky, you can spot (and photograph) a real-life “Bambi.” Tiny, shy Key deer are an endangered species that live only in the Lower Keys. They’re about the size of large dogs and can be found grazing around Big Pine — especially in the early morning hours and at dusk. Spotting them isn’t always easy, but it’s a real treat when you do.

Take a leisurely bike ride to view exuberant blossoms and historic Key West homes.

Can’t Miss #6: Once you reach Key West, you can do anything from taking an art stroll to visiting a Hemingway hangout. But one of the very best activities is wonderfully simple: rent a bicycle and pedal around historic Old Town past colorful Victorian homes, white picket fences and luxuriant foliage. Biking down the narrow lanes, you can smell exotic flowers and peek into hidden gardens, marvel at architectural beauty and exchange smiles with people you pass.   

As you’ll discover on your Florida Keys journey, the islands boast a lively seafaring history, flourishing creative community, balmy subtropical climate, and natural wonders that include continental America’s only living coral barrier reef.

But the Keys’ most important asset is intangible: a laidback vibe that seems worlds away from everyday cares. Soak up that vibe whether you have two days or two weeks to spend in the magical island chain — and you’ll find yourself refreshed, renewed, and ready for more.

Topics: Big Pine Key & Lower Keys, Environment, Highlights, Islamorada, Key Largo, Key West, Marathon, Voices Main Archive

Florida Keys sportfishing is getting primetime broadcast attention these days — in a TV reality series now airing on The Weather Channel.

Meet the 'Reel Rivals.' From left are Scott Stanczyk, captain of the Catch 22; George McElveen, skipper of the Reel McCoy; Augie Wampler, captain of Predator, and Nick Stanczyk, skipper of the B n' M. (All photos by Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bureau)

It’s called “Reel Rivals,” and the first episode debuted in early May. It features the daily competitiveness of a quartet of world-class Keys sportfishing captains: George McElveen, Nick Stanczyk, his uncle Scott Stanczyk and Augie Wampler.

All four base their boats at Bud N’ Mary’s Fishing Marina, an almost-70-year-old Islamorada marina steeped in Keys sportfishing history.

The now-iconic marina was established in the mid-1940s by Bud and Mary Stapleton, a New England couple who knew nothing about fishing (!). After acquiring the property, they first opened a hotel and tackle shop — and only ventured into the charter business when Captain Don Gurgiolo convinced them to let him build a small dock for his boat so he could run offshore fishing charters.

“’Reel Rivals’ is about the competition between four sportfishing captains in the sportfishing capital of the world,” explained Brad Hebert, the co-executive producer for Optomen Productions, the company that created the show for The Weather Channel. “It centers on relationships, on and off their boats.

“They’re entertaining, comical and (episodes are) full of twists and turns,” he said about the 30-minute shows.

Augie Wampler (left), captain of the Islamorada charterboat Predator, displays a nice bull dolphin fish (mahi-mahi) caught by Weather Channel meteorologist Reynolds Wolf in Keys waters.

Hebert and his video production crew focused a slew of cameras on the four skippers for almost a month. They then spent four months in post-production to create six shows for airing — with the anticipation that the series will be extended on an annual basis.

And it’s totally fitting that the angling adventures were filmed in the Florida Keys. According to the International Game Fish Association in Dania Beach, Fla., the Keys are home to more sportfishing records than any other destination in the world. In recent years, the waters surrounding the Keys have produced an astonishing annual average of nearly 15 percent of all IGFA saltwater world records.

Viewers should be forewarned, Brad Hebert advised, that “Reel Rivals” is not a typical nuts-and-bolts fishing show — although there’s plenty of sportfishing action. The natural attractions and climate of the Keys add to the show’s appeal.

“The location (Florida Keys) is beyond what is advertised in terms of beauty as well as the diversity of species,” he enthused.

Captains Scott Stanczyk (left) and Augie Wampler do a live interview from Bud N’ Mary’s on The Weather Channel to promote the "Reel Rivals" show.

In fact, Islamorada is located between three different bodies of water — Florida Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean — and close to the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef and the Everglades.

Sailfish and dolphin (the fish, not the mammal) are two of the most popular offshore species pursued in the Keys. Flats fishing (sometimes described as hunting in shallow water) focuses on the “big three” — tarpon, bonefish and permit.

The appeal of the area is undeniable even for dignitaries, politicians and celebrities hooked on fishing. Over the years, notable Islamorada anglers have included former President George H.W. Bush, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, “Riders of the Purple Sage” author Zane Grey, former NFL coach Jimmy Johnson and actor Paul Newman.

Want to know more about fishing in Keys waters? Click here — and don’t miss upcoming episodes of “Reel Rivals.” They’re slated to air Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT through the end of June.

Topics: Highlights, Islamorada, Local Color, On the Water, Voices Main Archive

The Florida Keys & Key West are internationally renowned as a laidback subtropical getaway, yet they’re also rich in fascinating history. Since 2013 marks the 500th anniversary of Juan Ponce de Leon setting foot on Florida’s east coast, it’s a perfect time to discover them.

Journey into history down one of the old roads on Indian Key. (Photo courtesy of Florida State Parks)

Of course, you can explore elements of the Keys’ natural and cultural history at attractions and sites throughout the islands — but a trio of intriguing highlights is chronicled here.

INDIAN KEY

Located less than a mile from Lower Matecumbe Key, Indian Key is just 11 acres in size. But it was the site of one of the Keys’ most dramatic (and chilling) incidents.

In the early 19th century, the tiny island boasted a thriving shipwreck salvage (also called wrecking) community. It had the largest population between St. Augustine and Key West — and in 1836, it was declared the first county seat of Dade County (FYI, the Keys now lie in Monroe County and Dade County’s focal point is Miami).

Just four years later, in 1840 during what was called the Second Seminole War, an Indian Key wrecking captain named Jacob Housman offered to remove the Seminoles from the area.

That proved to be a fatal mistake. A group of them paddled to the island, where they killed settlers and set structures ablaze in a horrific inferno. 

The Museum of Natural History at Crane Point spotlights the remarkable early history of the Florida Keys. (Photo courtesy of Crane Point)

Indian Key never regained its population or its prominence. In 1971 it was purchased by the Florida Park Service, and the following year became a National Historic Site.

Today Indian Key Historic State Park, located offshore at mile marker 78.5, is accessible only by boat. Rent a boat or kayak from Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada, and spend a few hours at the park swimming, sunning, and hiking the acres where the thriving community once stood.

CRANE POINT

The 63.5-acre Crane Point is one of the Keys’ most sensitive environmental and archaeological sites — and fortunately, it has been preserved by the Florida Keys Land and Sea Trust as a nature sanctuary and education center.

A one-of-a-kind living record of Keys history, the property at MM 50.5 in Marathon contains evidence of prehistoric Indian artifacts. It was once the site of a Bahamian village, and artifacts dating from the 19th century have been found there as well.

The flora and fauna of the Keys form the basis of many Crane Point exhibits. (Photo courtesy of Crane Point)

But that’s only the beginning. Crane Point is home to a wide range of tropical vegetation, including 10 endangered plant and animal species. It also features the Museum of Natural History, the Marathon Wild Bird Center and the historic Adderley House.

Visiting the fascinating place, you’ll discover more than 10 major exhibits covering the geography, plant and animal life of the Keys — and the 5,000-year history of man’s habitation in the area. 

SAN CARLOS INSTITUTE

Though it’s more than 150 miles from Miami, Key West lies just 90 miles from Cuba — and the island city’s culture reflects that geographic closeness. In fact, an important Cuban heritage center can be found at 516 Duval St. in the heart of Key West’s historic district.

The San Carlos Institute was established in 1871 to preserve Cuban culture and promote the freedom of Cuba, which at the time was ruled by Spain. In 1892, famed Cuban revolutionary leader José Martí launched his drive for Cuba’s independence in a pivotal speech from the balcony of the San Carlos.

The majestic San Carlos is a leading Cuban heritage site. (Photo courtesy of the San Carlos Institute)

Marti loved the San Carlos so much that he called it “La Casa Cuba.” The landmark institute now serves as a museum, library, art gallery, theater and school (and hosts many of Key West’s leading special events each year).

Its museum exhibits focus on Cuba’s history and the history of the Cuban-American community in Florida — including an inspiring collection of photographs and documents relating to José Martí. 

Want to know more about Florida Keys history and unique sites to visit? Click here to begin your exploration.

Topics: Environment, History, Islamorada, Key West, Local Color, Marathon, Voices Main Archive

My husband and I got married in a Florida Keys park beside the Atlantic Ocean, less than half a mile from the home we still share.

Was it the bride or the groom that the passing angler was trying to rescue from matrimony? We'll never know. (Photo by Richard Watherwax)

We wanted a simple wedding, one that reflected the easygoing way we live. We had no idea that our ceremony would be serendipitously blessed by a pod of dolphins frolicking just offshore, or that our golden retriever “flower dog” would unexpectedly abandon his duties and take off, tail wagging, for the nearby beach — followed by our startled four-year-old flower girl.

And we certainly didn’t expect that a sport fishing boat would motor by and one of its anglers would offer us a wedding-day message.

Spotting the celebratory crowd, and a man and woman obviously about to tie the knot, he cupped his hands around his mouth and hollered across the water, “It’s not too late — JUMP! We’ll pick you up!”

Was he trying to rescue my husband-to-be from the perils of matrimony? Or me? We’ve laughed about the incident many times since that day, but we’ll never know.

Actually, we’ve laughed about a number of offbeat wedding occurrences (including the wandering flower dog). Though we could have held our ceremony practically anywhere in the U.S. or Caribbean, we know our beloved Keys were the perfect spot.

Couples in love can have a dolphin for their "best man" at Islamorada's Theater of the Sea. (Photo courtesy of Theater of the Sea)

We’re far from alone; the Florida Keys are one of the country’s top wedding destinations.

Why? For one thing, the attitude is very easygoing and informal — which means much of the stress of typical wedding planning simply doesn’t happen. Terrific planners can be found from Key Largo to Key West to handle every detail.

Plus, a visit to the Keys is generally regarded as a lighthearted vacation occasion for the entire wedding group — so the experience of the wedding becomes a unique, eagerly anticipated occasion for everyone involved.

And once the wedding party and guests arrive, they’ll be happily entertained. So many activities can be arranged for family and friends — from deep-sea fishing to tall ship sailing excursions to salon services — that the bride and groom don’t need to worry about taking care of their guests. Instead, they can focus on the deepening of their relationship and their lives together.

Another plus is that, while the Keys certainly host formal weddings, many are delightfully informal. The “tux and unflattering bridesmaids’ dress” cliché simply doesn’t have to apply.

What could be more romantic than a horse-drawn carriage as your wedding transportation? (Photo courtesy of Island Horse Drawn Carriage, Inc.)

Shorts or khakis for men and pretty sundresses for women are popular wedding attire, making the wedding a more laid-back and comfortable experience for the whole group (and eliminating the cost of an item that’s worn only once).

And the food options couldn’t be better — whether gourmet or waterfront casual. Many Keys restaurants overlook marinas, beaches or world-class sunset spots, and can easily accommodate groups.

Imagine a reception menu of fresh local seafood: sweet Key West pink shrimp and stone crab claws, conch fritters and chowder, Key lime pie and dishes with a Caribbean or Cuban flair.

Naturally, more traditional cuisine is also available — and trust me, Keys caterers are happy to provide full onsite service at wedding hotspots like Key West’s Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum.

Golden retrievers make excellent "flower dogs" for Keys weddings -- unless they wander off! (Photo courtesy of Crystal Ruffo)

Looking for a setting for intriguing wedding photos? Try the water’s edge with a famed Keys sunset as the backdrop, a historic Civil War-era fort, the Southernmost Point that marks the southernmost spot of land in the continental U.S., or the tiny island of Pigeon Key beneath the Old Seven Mile Bridge near Marathon.

Or pose in a horse-drawn carriage on an Islamorada beach, or cruising on Key Largo’s restored African Queen (yes, the actual boat used in the classic Bogart film).

In fact, if you’re making wedding plans of any kind, consider saying your “I Dos” in the Keys. Just remember to avoid wandering anglers — and keep an eye on your flower dog!

Topics: Big Pine Key & Lower Keys, Highlights, Islamorada, Key Largo, Key West, Local Color, Marathon, Voices Main Archive

She maintains a busy seasonal weekend schedule of art shows intermixed with creating new paintings. Even so, Islamorada artist Michelle Nicole Lowe still manages to remain grounded.

Michelle displays some of her work at the annual Islamorada Fine Art Expo. (Photo by Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bureau)

At the same time, the 28-year-old is deeply passionate about the ocean and about sharing her boldly original art with fellow sea lovers.

Michelle’s watercolors, oils and colored pencil renderings seemingly pop off the canvas. Each scene is a snapshot of lively-eyed creatures like hogfish, angelfish, large-scaled tarpon, tangs and turtles — or the unmistakeable contours of native seagrape trees, palm fronds and plumage of island birds.

“As much as I love to paint, I have a passion for the ocean and the underwater creatures,” she explained.

Michelle also loves traveling to art shows, accompanied by her mother/assistant, because she meets other people who’ve been around the world and who love to dive or snorkel just as she does.

“The majority of people buy my art because they are ocean lovers,” she reported. “They have a memory of whatever I’ve painted and want it on their wall just for the pleasure of it.”

Even at five years old, Michelle loved the water. Here she plays captain for the day with her family.

Michelle spent her childhood fishing, snorkeling and diving in the clear waters off the Florida Keys, Dry Tortugas, Marquesas and Bahamian Out Islands with her parents and younger brother.

Actually, her family tree is solidly rooted in the Keys. Her great-grandfather Archie Lowe was born on the Bahamas’ Green Turtle Cay, emigrated to Key West and traded as a local turtle retailer. The Keys’ turtle fishing trade, which flourished in the mid to late 1800s, essentially ended decades ago with the passage of the Endangerd Species Act. Today, Michelle expresses her fascination with turtles and other underwater creatures through her paintings.

A graduate of the University of Florida and a die-hard fan of its Gators football team, Michelle was always talented in art. Nevertheless she pursued a degree in finance, figuring it would provide independence and stability.

After two post-graduate (and freezing!) years in the corporate finance arena of Washington, D.C., she began a yearlong painting program in Florence, Italy, to return to her heart’s passion.

Michelle's stunning images reflect her love of the Keys ocean environment. (Photo courtesy of Michelle Nicole Lowe)

Afterward in 2010, she took a leap of faith and came home to the Florida Keys, using her in-home studio in Islamorada to cultivate creativity and solace.

Michelle’s knack for finance comes in handy as she manages her own entrepreneurial business — spearheading everything from booking shows months in advance to overseeing reproductions and giclee prints. Yet even while juggling show setups in major South Florida cities and price points per square inch, she finds her age presents a surprising challenge.

“As a young artist at shows, I do get doubted a lot and people don’t want to buy from me,” she said.

She’s often mistakenly judged to be as young as 20 — an age that implies having so many original pieces of art would be impossible. In fact, one show patron, who was convinced art only became valuable after the artist was dead, was reluctant to make a purchase because Michelle wouldn’t be “gone” any time soon!

Michelle (right) shares her giclee prints with a fan at the Pigeon Key Art Festival, held each February in Marathon.

That’s good news for the Upper Keys arts community. Islamorada and the Keys are where Michelle feels most grounded, and she participates enthusiastically in the monthly art walk sponsored by Islamorada’s Morada Way Arts District.

To balance her intense work schedule, she spends Wednesdays on peaceful pursuits that clear her mind — without the distractions of other people or her cell phone. Her mid-week activities might include being on the water or fishing the backcountry.

“Being in the Keys is a good thing,” Michelle enthused. “There are a lot of artists around to talk to and learn from, but not so many that they’re competitive and don’t want to be friendly and share their advice with you.

“I love it here,” she summed up. “I hope I’ll be here for a long time.”

Topics: Arts, Islamorada, Local Color, Profiles, Voices Main Archive

These days, more and more artists are discovering the beauties of the Florida Keys environment — and the satisfactions of a fishing-focused lifestyle.

Marine life artist David Wirth displays a wooden carving of one of his amazing authentic circle hooks. (Photo by Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bureau)

What’s the result? A growing number of galleries, artists and fine crafters exploring the rewards of angling artistry. And it’s no surprise that some of the leading artists and showplaces are located in Islamorada, renowned as the Sport Fishing Capital of the World.

Among them is marine and wildlife artist David Wirth. Actually, sailfish and backcountry tournament winners around the world have wrapped their hands around trophies featuring David’s dramatic sculptures.

The Islamorada resident crafts each one from bronze, stone and wood including Keys hardwoods — but he only uses logs collected from “blow down” trees that have fallen because of weather.

It’s also possible to wear David’s artistry, since he’s equally well known for his circle hook pendants and jewelry. These beauties are designed from natural materials including silver and gold as well as deer and moose antlers, gator bone and the bones of other water animals.

Each circle hook, David explains, is considered to carry the spirit of the one who carved it and the spirit of what it’s made from. He himself was given a Hawaiian island elder’s personal blessing to replicate the sanctified hooks, which are believed to bring good luck and safe passage on the water.

Islamorada resident and gallery owner Pasta Pantaleo is internationally acclaimed as a gamefish artist. (Photo courtesy of Art by Pasta)

Check out David’s fine handiwork at the Rain Barrel Sculpture Gallery at mile marker (MM) 86.7 bayside and the Florida Keys Outfitters saltwater fly shop at MM 81.2.

Speaking of galleries, two unique ones that spotlight images of fishing can be found off U.S. Highway 1 at MM 81.5 oceanside.

Roberto ”Pasta” Pantaleo is on what he calls a lifelong journey to study and paint the Keys’ most beautiful aquatic wildlife — and he has become recognized around the world as a gamefish artist.

It all began when he took a childhood trip to Coney Island, where he saw a large replica sailfish that left an indelible impression on him.

“I’ve always been fascinated with the structure of a sailfish,” said Pasta, “and found myself drawing that sailfish from Coney Island millions of times before I ever saw a real sailfish.”

Dolphin fish swim through Pasta's enticing canvas titled "Fresh Mahi." (Photo courtesy of Art by Pasta)

His career in gamefish art began in 1999 when he was hired to produce a poster for a South Florida fishing tournament. Years later, he opened Pasta’s Signature Gallery featuring representations of sailfish, dolphin fish, sea turtles and much more.

Living in Islamorada, he believes, is similar to living in a small fishing village in his native Italy: its slow pace allows him the chance to stop and appreciate the natural beauty that inspires his work.

Near Pasta’s showplace stands the Redbone Gallery, born in 1988 out of original art given as awards to fishing tournament winners. Today the gallery is renowned for its wonderful collection of saltwater fishing art.

Gary and Susan Ellis are founders of the Redbone tournaments that “catch the cure” for cystic fibrosis by raising funds to support research and increase awareness about the disease — and they started collecting and promoting artists’ work.

Tim Borski's acrylic, "Snook on Gray," is on display in the Redbone Gallery. (Photo courtesy of the Redbone Gallery)

The paintings’ subject matter included fishing in the Florida Keys and in rivers, streams and lakes in other parts of the country. Among the standout angling artists are Don Ray and Tim Borski.

Don Ray creates striking watercolor pieces featuring blue marlin, dolphin, bonefish, trout, sharks and other marine life in their natural environment — expertly incorporating the interplay of light and shadow into his underwater scenes.

Tournaments still clamor for traditional pieces by Tim Borski, and with good reason. He’s renowned for vivid watercolor, oil and acrylic depictions of snook, tarpon, bonefish and permit — often featuring a bright orange-red background.

No matter what their medium or style, angling artists find themselves drawn to the Keys and the region’s richly diverse fishery. In fact, whatever saltwater prey they seek to portray, chances are they’ll find it in the inspiring waters of the Florida Keys.

Topics: Arts, Islamorada, Local Color, On the Water, Voices Main Archive

If you’re addicted to the adrenaline rush that comes from experiencing new adventures, then head for the Florida Keys. Why? Because two watersports activities in Key Largo and Islamorada are pretty well guaranteed to get your heart pumping and make you grin with sheer delight.

The Spiegel Grove (bow shown here) draws dive aficionados from all over the world.

For example, Key Largo boasts a playground for advanced- and wreck-certified divers: the 510-foot U.S. Navy ship Spiegel Grove. The vessel has welcomed trained divers since June 2002, when the Key Largo community rallied to sink it as the backbone of a new reef ecosystem.

Designed to carry cargo and craft for amphibious landings, the Spiegel Grove operated from 1956 until its decommissioning in 1989, and helped enforce America’s Cold War strategy by rushing troops and equipment to support friendly governments.

These days, it has a completely different “duty” — enthralling divers as the world’s third largest ship ever intentionally sunk to make an artificial reef.

The Spiegel Grove rests in 130 feet of water about six miles off Key Largo. Enveloped by delicate corals and invertebrates, the top deck of the venerable vessel is about 60 feet below the ocean’s surface. The ship is so wide that, on many days, the view of the superstructure will fade into a green-blue abyss. On the clearest days, however, the sandy bottom is visible.

For wreck divers who intend to enter the upper deck areas of the Spiegel Grove (which were specially prepared to lessen the risk of such activity), knowledge and proof of certifications regarding diving in overhead environments is required.

Diving the Spiegel Grove is an adventure in a mysterious subsea realm. (Photo by Fraser Nivens, Florida Keys News Bureau )

Want to embark on a Spiegel Grove adventure? Click here for a wealth of information about Key Largo diving.

If you’re interested in combining two enticing activities into one, then check out a pair of new offerings from Islamorada’s Paradise Hang Gliding, the Keys’ only year-round tandem hang gliding attraction.

They’re called the Over/Under and Fly-n-Dive Ultimate Adventure — and they include a breathtaking scenic flight above Florida Bay and the Florida Straits, followed by a snorkel or dive excursion into the blue waters that surround the Upper Keys.

Paradise Hang Gliding operates daily (as long as the weather cooperates, which it usually does in the Keys!) from Whale Harbor Marina on the Atlantic Ocean in Islamorada. The towboat can carry up to six eager gliders, and flights are generally scheduled for 10 a.m., noon, and 2 and 4 p.m.

So how does it work? One person at a time accompanies tandem instructor and owner Scot Trueblood during the flight — ascending to either the standard 1,500-foot height or to the even more adrenaline-stirring 2,500 feet.

Soaring over Upper Keys waters is guaranteed to provide an exuberant adrenaline jolt. (Photo courtesy of Paradise Hang Gliding)

The glider is towed aloft by a custom aquagliding boat and the line is released at the selected altitude — and then, the magic takes over as fliers soar silently in a state-of-the-art glider fitted with pontoons just like a seaplane. (FYI, a GoPro Hero 2 HD glider-mounted camera catches all the action, so you can relive your flight afterwards and share the excitement with friends.)

Once you come back down to earth (literally!), you can enjoy a snorkel excursion to learn about reef ecology and fish identification, or join a two-tank dive trip with Florida Keys Dive Center to a local wreck or reef. Both options provide a wonderful “immersion” in the Florida Keys’ amazing underwater realm.

Want to know more about the soar-and-submerge packages? Visit www.paradisehanggliding.com.

By the way, these are only two of the adrenaline-producing adventures awaiting you during a Keys vacation. To explore more intriguing activities, just click here.

Topics: Highlights, Islamorada, Key Largo, On the Water, Voices Main Archive

A Florida Keys vacation is the perfect time to explore your creative talents — and what better place to do it than Islamorada? Well known as a sport fishing mecca, Islamorada has recently earned significant acclaim as an arts and cultural hotspot.

The Morada Way Arts & Cultural District's monthly art strolls are eagerly anticipated for their blend of artistry and community spirit. (All photos courtesy of the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District)

It all began two years ago with the debut of a monthly art walk through several blocks of the Old Highway that house art galleries, restaurants, and more. Soon local businesses, non-profits and musicians joined in the popular event.

Read the rest of this entry »

Topics: Arts, Highlights, Islamorada, Senior Adventures, Voices Main Archive

According to local folklore, when visitors get sand in their shoes, that begins a lifelong love affair with the picturesque chain of islands called the Florida Keys & Key West. And just in time for Valentine’s Day, an attraction has debuted in Islamorada that’s virtually guaranteed to make a romantic moment unforgettable: elegant carriage rides drawn by two Clydesdale horses.

What could be more romantic than a horse-drawn carriage as your wedding transportation? (Photo courtesy of Island Horse Drawn Carriage, Inc.)

Around Valentine’s Day or any time, you can enjoy a special night out in a private carriage operated by Island Horse Drawn Carriage, Inc. — traveling to and from a luxury resort, through Islamorada’s historic arts district, and stopping for dinner at a lovely local restaurant.

The carriages are drawn by Brutus and Olivia, Clydesdale horses like the ones that regularly steal hearts in Budweiser’s Super Bowl and holiday commercials. Powerful and graceful, they add a unique element to the leisurely ride through Islamorada’s island paradise.

But that’s not all. For destination weddings, the tour company offers an elegant white carriage crafted from hardwood and brass that can be custom-decorated as transport for a bridal party. And another carriage can be used as a unique parking shuttle for wedding guests.

Speaking of weddings, the Upper Keys offer some amazing opportunities and settings for tying the knot.

Carriage rides on the beach are a treat for any special occasion. (Photo courtesy of Island Horse Drawn Carriage, Inc.)

In Key Largo, for example, certified divers can take the plunge by pledging their vows underwater — beside the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef or at the bronze Christ of the Deep statue.

And believe it or not, people can also spend their wedding night beneath the waves.

Jules Undersea Lodge, submerged in a Key Largo lagoon, offers underwater honeymoon accommodations with fascinating marine life views.

Since true love should be timeless, some couples consider a timeless setting for the ceremony: a 125,000-year-old fossilized coral reef at Windley Key Fossil Reef State Geologic Site in Islamorada.

Avid anglers have been known to cast lines after officially getting “hooked,” while animal lovers can enjoy a playful celebration with gentle bottlenose dolphins in attendance.

Tuxes, wedding gowns and scuba gear are the proper attire for those diving into matrimony in the Florida Keys.

Popular sites for shoreside ceremonies and celebrations include beaches, restaurants, tiki bars and elegant resort gardens. On the high seas, sailing vessels, glass-bottom boats and luxury motor yachts are available for reciting “I do,” while offshore islands accessible only by boat exude an exotic ambience and intimate seclusion.

Virtually anywhere in the Upper Keys, glorious sunrises and blazing sunsets, luxurious blossoming foliage and seemingly endless sea views make undeniably appealing natural backdrops for an unforgettable event.

In fact, a destination wedding in the island chain means the event becomes a lighthearted vacation experience — not just for the bride and groom, but also for their families and friends in attendance.

And that can be particularly attractive to the wedding couple. There are so many activities for their guests to enjoy, from deep-sea fishing to sailing excursions, that they don’t have the responsibility of providing nonstop entertainment. Instead, they can focus on the deepening of their relationship and their lives together … maybe while taking a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through Islamorada.

Topics: Animal Ambassadors, Events, Highlights, Islamorada, Key Largo, Local Color, Voices Main Archive

They are known as the holy grail of flats fishing. Albula vulpes, the hard-to-find, hard-to-see, hard-to-catch bonefish.

Anglers "hunt" for bonefish off Islamorada, renowned as a sportfishing Mecca. (Photo by Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bureau)

Normally, bonefish are caught and released in the clear shallow waters of the Florida Keys — at depths ranging from one to four feet.

Fishing for them is more like hunting. The flats guide, perched on a poling platform, looks for them and then relays instructions to the angler standing on the front deck of the boat armed with a light spinning or fly rod.

“There he is at 1 p.m.,” the guide might say, pointing at an imaginary clock with noon being straight ahead.

The cast and presentation of the bait must be perfect. Too far and the bonefish won’t see it. Too close and the easily spooked fish will take off faster than a speeding bullet.

Now we’re hearing (and seeing) that, during the past few weeks, bonefish are being caught in very deep water. Up to 130 feet in depth, in fact.

To flats anglers, that concept seems absurd. But the proof is in the catch (and, of course, the release).

Ben Loy, captain of the Miss Islamorada, displays a bonefish caught by one of his anglers while bottom fishing in 130 feet of water. (Photo courtesy of Ben Loy via the Florida Keys News Bureau)

Anglers on two Islamorada-based party boats have reeled in bonefish in deep water while targeting lane snapper and porgies on stout bottom-fishing tackle.

An angler on the Miss Islamorada, skippered by Captain Ben Loy out of Bud N’ Mary’s Fishing Marina, caught a small bonefish Dec. 29 in the early afternoon. The fisherman was using a rig with multiple hooks baited with squid.

The “silver ghost,” as it is also known, was photographed and quickly released.

“I’ve never seen anything like that,” Ben Loy marveled. “Who would have ever thought about catching a bonefish in 130 feet of water?”

But it turns out that wasn’t the only bonefish caught in deep water off Islamorada in recent days.

Bonefish are typically caught and released in shallow water.

Friday night, Jan. 4, anglers on the Captain Michael out of Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada were fishing a wreck in 119 feet of water.

Using the same deep-bottom tackle — known as chicken rigs — and squid for bait, they caught and released eight bonefish ranging from 18 to 24 inches. The next night, anglers on the Captain Michael, skippered by Tony Narvaez, scored two more bones.

“They were very lively,” the captain said of all the fish caught. “Once we tossed them back in the water, they took off.”

Dr. Jerry Ault, director of the University of Miami Tarpon and Bonefish Research Center, said the fish encountered in deep water were likely spawning — and that late December through early January is the height of the bonefish reproductive season.

Skill and patience are required to catch the elusive bonefish and other Florida Keys sportfish.

“Bonefish tend to spawn in deep water near the edge of the continental shelf, but it’s certainly unusual to catch a bonefish in that kind of depth,” Dr. Ault advised. “Typically they are inshore, and this is really cool and of great (research) interest.”

Although Florida Keys flats guides needn’t worry about deep-water bonefish replacing traditional shallow-water targets, the bonefish release did fulfill a goal for Ben Loy’s angler.

“When he came on board, he said that he wanted to catch a swordfish or something really exotic,” Captain Loy said. “He got a bonefish instead, and that’s really special.”

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