No sooner did I get to Key West than I nearly had a pie thrown in my face by none other than Kermit Carpenter, founder and director of the Key West Key Lime Shop. Kermit loves to throw pies. He runs out of the store each time the Old Town Trolley passes surprising visitors with his authentic looking, but actually fake pie. Everyone gets a chuckle out of his gag.
Continue reading Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe
Behind the shuttered blue building on Petronia Street in the heart of old Key West, lies Blue Heaven Restaurant. Street appeal doesn’t earn an A plus, but the food sure does.
According to their website, “On September 19, 1992 Suanne the artist and Richard the writer cooked and served black beans, rice, and fish to their first lunch customers on the painted picnic tables under the tropical almond tree in the outdoor dining area.
Continue reading Breakfast with Roosters: Blue Heaven Restaurant, Key West
The glitz and glam of Miami’s South Beach don’t jive with my style, but the lush tropical foliage and clean chic decor at Bonaventure Resort & Spa sure do. The hotel felt like a shimmering green oasis, distant from city and suburbia. The minute my husband and I arrived I kicked off my shoes and put my feet up, basking in warm afternoon sun on our private patio. Don’t know why, but the heated glow sure feels therapeutic.
I peeked into the Elizabeth Arden red door spa, wishing I had time for a treatment. When I saw the yoga room I was ready drop into a down dog pose. The room was built from honey-colored wood with a window at one end overlooking a garden waterfall. Totally zen. Next door was the most fab red leather Pilates Studio I’ve ever seen.
This being South Florida, a stop at the outdoor bar for a mojito was in order. My husband joined me and we moved inside to dine. On the way back to our room, I snapped this photo of the illuminated water.
In our suite we enjoyed a kingsize bedroom, full kitchen and living room hiding the flat screen TV in a decorative armoire. The lavish bathroom was about the size of most European hotel rooms. Cinnamon colored marble and tile filled the space offering a private toilet and bidet, separate shower and tub, plus a spacious room-for-two sink area. We slept well amid a bounty of pillows and fine Egyptian cotton sheets.
After a breakfast buffet including made-to-order eggs, we were off for Key West. The first night on the road, a relaxing interlude away from work and the busy world. I recommend skipping the fast-paced Miami scene and choosing to stay in the serene Bonaventure.
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If you go: The AAA-rated Four Diamond hotel is located 15 miles from the Fort Lauderdale International Airport off Interstate 75. The Conference Center offers over 60,000 square feet of meeting place within the 23-acre certified Green Lodging property. In addition to the spa, guests have access to first-rate tennis and championship golf facilities.
Bonaventure Resort & Spa
250 Racquet Club Road, Weston, Florida 33326
954-616-1234/ 800 327-8090