Key Largo

Key Largo is a subtropical escape. The island's history has been shaped by coral reefs as well as wreckers, farmers, and fishermen. Key Largo was homesteaded by intrepid families who braved life before the modern conveniences of running water, air-conditioning, and mosquito control were introduced. Inevitably, big changes were coming. Henry Flagler's Key West Extension changed the Florida Keys; hurricanes, too, have altered life here, especially the Great Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, the strongest storm ever recorded in the United States. Since then, the island has been immortalized in movie and song, but modern Key Largo has been defined by fishing and diving, which led to the development of the hospitality industry that dominates today. This book reveals Key Largo's other facets: the coral castle, underwater park, pineapple farmers, and artists that carved their history on this island.

Tracings: 94.54.

The introduction to this guide contains general information about the history, land, climate, flora, and fauna. This introductory chapter also includes an outline of the range of activities available in the Florida Keys and the Everglades National Park. The next chapter, Travel Information takes a deeper look at the ins and outs of traveling to this area. This section not only includes important information about costs, transportation, and getting to Florida but also includes helpful tips about the best time of the year to visit the area and what to wear and do on and off-season. The rest of the book focuses on Key Largo and the Upper Keys. It includes sections called At a Glance; Getting Here & Getting Around; Area History & Highlights; Sightseeing; Adventures; Where to Stay; Where to Eat; and Nightlife. These sections cover all of the basic what to do and how to do it. Likewise, several maps accompany each section, clearly marked with the various facilities described. However, there are also a few unique aspects within these sections and within this book in general. For instance, all the information is based upon the authors' real life experiences, no internet or third-hand research is included. This allows the author to explain the various topics in a much smoother, conversational style given the reader a feeling of insider knowledge. This aspect also allow the author to rate lodgings (naming some as author's picks), give guidelines on the costs of meals (using a dollar sign rating system), and make recommendations on what areas to visit and activities to do depending upon your vacation time. Another unique aspect to this guide is that it focuses on active things to do. This book does describe sightseeing potentials but also looks at fishing, diving, and snorkeling opportunities; formal and informal nature and eco-tours; and describes variety of cultural events and other activities. Many of these activities are low cost or no cost anytime opportunities that can be enjoyed by walking. These unique aspects make the information in this book more accessible to those who like being active when they travel and those who would rather go fishing or birding than shopping or visiting the local museums. -- Tami Brady. The newly updated edition of Bruce Morris' Adventure Guide Florida Keys & Everglades National Park is out, and any destination-bound Everglades traveler would do well to obtain a copy. From places to stay and snorkeling experiences to eco tours and cultural adventures, the latest updated information is imparted in a spirited set of outdoor adventure tips. A 'must' for any serious about Florida. -- Midwest Book Review

For more than twenty years, the Insiders' Guide series has remained the essential source for in-depth travel and relocation information. Written by locals and true insiders, each guide is packed with useful tips on places to stay, restaurants, events, attractions, fun thnigs to do with the kids, nightlife, recreation, shopping, local history, and much more--as well as a comprehensive appendix called "Living Here" that offers information on real estate, education, health care, and more.

Surrounded by water, the Florida Keys yields a bounty that easily could qualify as the eighth wonder of the world. The Keys can confidently boast that nowhere else in the continental US will you find fresher, more innovatively prepared fish and seafood. Special natural resources, from stone crabs and yellowtail snapper to cracked conch and key limes, are served any way you like and the relaxed atmosphere of the restaurants is reflected in the cuisine. Be it a roadside cafe or a resort dining room, the cuisine is all “Keys casual.” With recipes for the home cook from Florida's most celebrated eateries and showcasing over 200 full-color photos featuring mouth-watering dishes, famous chefs, and lots of local flavor, Florida Keys & Key West Chef's Table is the ultimate gift and keepsake cookbook for both tourists and residents of the Keys.