Fort Lauderdale tips CLICK here for my CNN.Com story

Going to the Florida Keys or Key West?

Here are a few of my favorite places to stop on the way!

When you get to Florida City take the toll road not US1 South. It is called Card Sound Road. On the right just before you pay the $1 toll is

ALABAMA JACK’S: They claim to have the best conch fritters in the Keys and I believe them. Casual open air restaurant operating since 1947 is worth the stop. Live music on the weekends, hours 11am 7pm.

ROBBIES MARINA: Mile Marker 77.5 on the Bay. This is a great stop for the kids. The best couple bucks you will spent during your trip. In the marina store you can buy food to feed the tarpon on the dock. There are tons and they are huge. They open at 8am.

MORADA BAY: MM 81.6. Islamorada. Two restaurants with seating on a beautiful white sand beach. Pierre’s is the fancy one. Morada Bay Beach Cafe and Bar is the casual one. Great sunsets and if you are traveling during a full moon. Worth overnighting in the area for the fullmoon party!

KEYS FISHERIES: in Marathon. If you want fresh seafood in a very casual atmosphere this is the place. You order at the window and eat on picnic tables around the marina. Specialty is their Lobster Reuben but loved the mustard sauce for the stone crabs.  Hang a right (when driving south) on 35th street and go to the water.

NO NAME PUB: Around MM 31 finding it is part of the fun. Watch for Key Deers as you make your way to Florida’s Oldest Bar. The only stop light on the key make a Right on Key Deer Blvd. At fork in road make a Right. (Wilder Road) Stop sign make a Left (South Street turns into Ave B) follow around it will be on your left. The menu has everything but the pizza is outstanding.

KEY WEST:

Local Bar GREEN PARROT is a good place to stop for a drink. The slogan is A Sunny Place for Shady People. On Southhard and Whitehead just off Duval Street. Live rock and roll often.

HOG FISH Bar: Over the bridge about 10 minutes from Duval Street in Stock Island, this local establishment is named for their specialty. Hog fish is very light local fish that is caught with a spear. (get it blackened or grilled)

El SIBONEY: The best keep secret is now out. This Cuban restaurant has great food for great prices. Not fancy but flavorful! Located away from the tourist area of Duval on Catherine Street around Royal Street.

There’s more to do in Key West than eating and drinking:

LITTLE WHITE HOUSE: You have to leave the party scene some time. Why not take a tour of the house President Truman use to vacation in? President Kennedy was here during the Bay of Pigs. The tour guides are interesting and funny. Just off  MALLORY SQUARE, where everyone knows to go for the sunset spectacle. (just follow the crowd at sunset) You enter on Front street or Caroline. 45 minute tour is Adult $15 and kids $5

RED BARN THEATRE: 319 Duval Street. Go see a show in this yes barn that is now a theatre. Have cocktails before the performance under the trees in the yard.

DRY TORTUGAS: Disclaimer, I have yet to go but I have seen tons of pictures. This old Fort Jefferson has a beautiful beach and great snorkling. It is 70 miles from KW which is why I have yet to visit. You can take a ferry which is a couple hours eachway I am told. But if you have the cash you can go via seaplane.