A GETAWAY TO THE KEYS

I was exhausted…even before I knew that I would spend the day before our anniversary trip being delayed in a DC airport for 8 hours – coming home at 4AM…I was exhausted. The month of March was crazy for me. Work trips. Conferences. A week long family cruise (more on that later). A week without my nanny, who was on vacation. I was done.

I had big plans for our 5th Anniversary originally…but I was also dealing with low energy, very limited time, and definitely no desire to jump on another flight….even to a gorgeous island. So my husband and I decided to do a quick getaway for 2 days, right in our backyard.

I’ve lived in Miami for close to 35 years…and I’ve never truly experienced the Keys. I remember going to Key Largo a few times with my parents – but I really don’t remember its beauty. Well, that changed on this trip. But even the 4-hour car drive all the way to Key West was too much for me to bear. We decided to head to Islamorada, which was a short 2 hour drive from Miami. The Keys was exactly what I needed. Peaceful, tranquil, laid back and charming. I just wish we had more time to spend…but we will be back soon. I’m sharing a few of my favorite photos from our trip – shot by my personal photographer…my husband.

The Mooring Village; Islamorada; The Keys; Blue Charlotte — Let’s start here. I can’t get enough of this photo. It just makes me want to breathe! And this was our backyard…literally….Our view in the morning and all day…just steps away from the amazing house we stayed in.

The Mooring Village; Islamorada; The Keys — We stayed at The Mooring Village and Spa in Islamorada. Its a beautiful collection of 18 cottages and homes – some beachfront…some not. Thankfully we had some friends that got us into the Blue Charlotte – which is the largest home on the property!

Islamorada; The Mooring Village; Florida Keys — Front Porch Life

Islamorada; The Mooring Village — Gorgeous landscaping and trees throughout the property.

The Mooring Village; Islamorada; The Keys; Green Turtle — The food on the island was just as awesome. One morning we ate breakfast at a cute spot called The Green Turtle. Great shrimp and grits!

Islamorada; Midway Cafe; The Keys — Midway Cafe was another fave spot for breakfast…they had cute decor and a small shopping area where you can purchase trinkets. They also had a great coffee bar.

Islamorada; Midway Cafe; The Keys; Key Lime Pie — I have never been a fan of Key Lime Pie…until I tasted REAL Key Lime Pie! Unfortunately..I am now a fan. Sooooo good. And its everywhere in the Keys.

Pierre's Restaurant; Islamorada; Florida Keys — Front entrance to Pierre’s where we had dinner. A popular venue for weddings. Pierre’s is a little quaint French restaurant and had amazing food!

Islamorada; Morada Bay; The Keys; Pierre's — Pierre’s also known as Morada Bay, is the perfect spot to watch the sunset.

Morado Bay; Pierre's Restaurant; Florida Keys — You know when you ask someone to take a photo of you – and they say the photo is perfect? well…at least the sunset is.

Hogfish; Chef Michael's; Islamorada; Florida Keys — Hogfish. Its a big deal in the Keys – so we decided to take a walk on the wild side and try something new….and it was delicious!! Dinner at Chef Michael’s.

Islamorada; The Mooring Village; The Keys — Back to the beauty at The Moorings…

Morado Bay Cafe; Florida Keys; Islamorada — Last lunch at Morada Bay Cafe before hitting the road back to Miami. The Mahi Mahi fish sandwich was tooooo good, but the scenic views for lunch were even better!

Convertible; Florida Keys; Drop top — When my husband suggested we get a drop top to drive to the Keys – I told him he was being extra…but I am so glad we did…too much fun!

Here are links to the various venues mentioned above:

The Mooring Village: http://themooringsvillage.com

Pierre’s: http://www.pierres-restaurant.com

Chef Michael’s: http://www.foodtotalkabout.com

Green Turtle Inn: http://www.greenturtleinn.com

Morado Bay: http://www.moradabay.com

NOTE: The Moorings property does not have any food services on site. They own Morada Bay across the street and its a quick bike ride to eat. Most cottages come equipped with a full kitchen. Check more info on their website before booking.

The Life of a Woman trying to balance it all. Life, Love, Family…and Food

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