Key Largo Florida
By admin | April 26, 2008
The island derived its name from Spanish; “Largo” means large. It is the longest and largest island of the Florida Keys and referred to as the “Diving Capital of the World.” The John Pennekamp Coral Reef Park is designed under water. Most of the upper areas of the island are protected regions and uninhabited too.
Coral Reefs
The corals in this island are known for their beauty. There is an artificial coral reef–Spiegel Grove, which is 510 feet long and also the only living coral reef in the Continental United States.
Places and Activities
There are some unique features found in Key Largo. The major attractions are the Everglades National Park, African Queen, Jacobs Aquatic Center, Airboat tours and Under Sea Park.
There is plenty of fishing. You can choose a fishing charter and exhibit your talents as an angler. If you dive or snorkel, you are sure to find huge treasures hidden beneath the sea.
The specialty of the island lies in attitude. Relaxing and enjoyment are part of the people’s lifestyle here.
There are sanctuaries which house endangered species of birds and animals. There are regular programs arranged by the historical preservation society to create awareness about protecting the delicate ecosystem.
You can go fishing and swimming on the Harry Harris beach. Or you can opt for glass bottom boat tours and explore the underwater marvels like the Christ statue at John Pennecamp Park. You can have Scuba-diving lessons or view the African Queen- the ship cast in a Hollywood movie starring Bogart and Hepburn.
The Everglades is an ecosystem spread over 1.5 million acres. There are more than 300 species of fauna found here - all existing in a delicate balance with each other.
There is also a casino cruise and a motor tour facility.
All these contribute towards a peaceful life with no tension whatsoever. There is a definite “change in latitude and change in attitude” too.
Florida Keys provides detailed information on Florida Keys, Key West Florida, Key Largo Florida, Florida Keys Vacations and more. Florida Keys is affiliated with Key West Real Estate.
Tags: Florida Keys, Florida Keys Vacations, Key Largo Florida, Key West FloridaFlorida Keys
By admin | April 22, 2008
Location
From the name itself, you can identify their location. They are a chain or cluster of nearly 1,700 tiny islands - known as an archipelago - which extends 107 miles from the mainland. The Atlantic Ocean is on the eastern side, while the Gulf of Mexico lies in the West. Along with them, the Florida Keys form the Florida Bay.
Among the islands, Key Largo, Islamorada, Lower Keys, Marathon and Key West are the most visited and preferred hotspots of tourists. The Keys were formed millions of years ago when the ocean receded, exposing the hard reef, which in turn influenced the rocky formations that later became islands. Due to this, it seems as if the small islands are stepping stones to sunset.
Lovely Climatic Conditions
Not only that, the environment of the Keys resembles the Caribbean areas nearby rather than the mainland. They do not experience frost and hence are highly sought after during the period when the rest of the country faces heavy snowfall in winter. The Keys contain coral and limestone reefs and form the southernmost part of the State of Florida.
The main threats to the Keys arise from tropical hurricanes and floods. The most devastating was the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, with winds ranging up to 200 miles per hour. Unfortunately, almost all the islands are low-lying areas barely 20 feet above sea level. Not only that, they are surrounded by water on all sides and the danger of floods always looms in the air.
Nevertheless, there are a regular number of visitors and permanent citizens who are undeterred by any natural disaster. And quite rightly, too. The Keys are blessed with good sunshine throughout the year. Adding to this gift, there is no dearth of natural as well as man-made wonders.
Attractions
To list some of the prominent attractions in the Keys, fishing, diving, snorkeling, canoeing and other water sports are popular. Many noted personalities ranging from writers to statesmen have enjoyed the blissful life of the Keys and left behind their mark too.
The Florida Keys can be reached by all ways. The nearest airport is Miami. Originally, ship-wrecking was the only known occupation of the inhabitants. Due to the surge of tourists, the original tribal population was gradually wiped out. Later, other industries like commercial fishing and tourism reached new heights.
Due to the mixed population, customs and food habits are also mixed and are more of a tropical blend.
The Keys have a long and rich history. Hailed as America’s Caribbean, the Florida Keys are a rare gift of nature. They are a perfect haven for vacations. You will automatically leave all your worries in the mainland once you land in the Keys because they have great power of luring people with vast natural as well as man-made treasures.
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Tags: Florida Keys, Florida Keys Vacations, Key Largo Florida, Key West FloridaKey West Florida
By admin | April 17, 2008
Key West is a part of the Lower Keys and is known as the southernmost city in Florida. More commonly known as the Conch Republic, it is a seaport and a favorite tourist destination too. The climatic conditions are mild and resemble the Caribbean islands, making the island an automatic choice for vacations.
There is huge gay and lesbian population, mainly due to the eccentric or easygoing attitude of the people here.
Places You Will Enjoy
The island is a host to beaches, parks, and resorts. The list of attractions runs long. Starting from the Ernest Hemingway museum, there are a lot of places to visit. You can also take the ghost tour. You can hardly miss any place, as the island is a small one.
Coming to the beaches, you can choose a busy one like Smathers beach, which provides water sports and volleyball games facilities. There are beautiful gardens, ball fields and tennis courts.
Fishing and kayaking are good activities for more adventure-loving people. For those who love the arts, there are movie theatres - the Tennessee Williams, which stages live performances of dance, concerts and plays and movies. You can choose trolley or train tours. There are several ancient buildings, which have been renovated and remodeled, like the Mansion Inn, Donkey Milk House Museum, Casa Antigua, Audubon House and Gardens, Robert Frost Cottage, Hemingway House and more.
There are also historical buildings, like the Old City Hall and Wrecker’s Museum, Old Customs House, Shipwreck Historeum and more.
There are a lot of other pastimes too. There is a golf course - a public 200-acre 18-hole course, located amidst beautiful scenery. The Key West Aquarium was built in 1935 and claimed to be the world’s first open-air aquarium.
There are industries that manufacture cigars, fabrics and aloe products.
Events to Cherish
To add more color, there are plenty of events scheduled throughout the year and more so in the peak season of January - June. The prominent among the celebrations is the Fantasy Fest - a weeklong party. Every day the sunset celebration is held at the Mallory Dock, with live performances done by the street artists, jugglers, musicians and all others gathered there.
A trip to the Florida Keys will be complete only if you visit Key West. Even though it is a tiny island, it holds most of the history behind the Keys. The principle adopted by the people here is unity in diversity, which is clearly seen when you walk down, for example, Duval Street. Here, the cultural influence of the neighboring areas is clearly seen.
True to its history of being the second oldest city in the Florida Keys, Key West abounds in natural beauty and historical monuments too.
Florida Keys provides detailed information on Florida Keys, Key West Florida, Key Largo Florida, Florida Keys Vacations and more. Florida Keys is affiliated with Key West Real Estate.
Tags: Florida Keys, Florida Keys Vacations, Key Largo Florida, Key West Florida