Today
we’re joined by award-winning debut author Micki Browning, who has set her new
mystery series in Key Largo. Micki is an FBI National Academy graduate who
worked in law enforcement for more than two decades and retired as a division
commander. Learn more about her and her book at her website.
South of the Florida mainland, the Florida Keys dot the
ocean like the spine of a massive sea dragon. Home to an
eclectic mix of adventurers, families, and pirates, the archipelago
stretches 135 miles from the tip of Key Largo to the southernmost point of Key
West.
Each of the many keys has developed its own identity. Key Largo
proclaims itself The Dive Capital of the Nation, while Key West
invites the weird to go pro. In between are Key deer refuges, fishing meccas,
resorts, mangroves, palm trees, and tiki huts.
Best of all? This paradise doesn’t require a passport.
I set my debut mystery, Adrift,
in Key Largo, the first and largest island in the chain. The only problem
visitors encounter upon arrival is what to do first. Here’s an insider’s view.
Dive
While the view of the ocean is beautiful from a waterside tiki
bar—and those are numerous—it’s what’s beneath the surface that will take your
breath away. Want it back? Strap on a tank. The third largest barrier reef runs
the length of the Keys and it is the only place in the nation to have coral
reefs.
Key Largo is such a beautiful place to dive that in 1963 John
Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was established as the first undersea park in
the United States. The park is home to 40 of the 52 species of coral found in
the Atlantic Reef System—providing shelter to more than 600 varieties of fish
and a 2-ton statue Christ of the Abyss
(A little advice: don’t touch the statue. It’s covered in fire coral—imagine
poison oak that burns.). The park runs glass-bottom boat tours, and snorkel and
scuba trips for the more adventurous. The park also rents kayaks for leisurely
paddles through the mangroves. There are even trails for those who don’t want
to get their feet wet.
Enjoy
the wildlife
No, I’m not talking about the club scene. Instead, consider a
dip with dolphins at Dolphin Cove or get up close and personal with some
tropical birds at the Florida Keys Wild Bird Refuge (bonus, it’s free!). Hike
the trails at Dagney Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, and enjoy
the habitat of many endangered species of mammals, butterflies, and birds.
Eat
(and drink) like a local
Alabama Jack’s on Card Sound Road is a perennial favorite where
the eclectic clientele can eat heavenly conch fritters and catch the occasional
glimpse of a crocodile in the canal. Yes, you read that correct. The Keys have
both alligators and crocodiles.
If you want to dress up a bit (which in the Keys means breaking
out the sparkly flip flops), try The Fish House. Order the grand piano for
dessert. It’s a white chocolate baby grand filled with chocolate mouse.
Speaking of chocolates… visit Key Largo Chocolates and Ice Cream
for homemade confections that won’t last long!
Locals are split on breakfast and favor either Harriette’s
Restaurant or Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen. Throw in the Conch House and you’ve got a triumvirate
of good choices. Try the coconut muffin at Harriette’s. You’ll thank me.
Shop
The best of the Keys is often found outdoors, but sometimes you
just want to take a bit of paradise back home. Two words: Shell World. This sprawling mecca offers everything
from tchotchkes to tasteful home design, artisan jewelry to the ubiquitous
t-shirts for the grandchildren.
Savor
the sunsets
You’re on vacation. Take a breath. Relax. Nothing reduces stress
quite like taking in the sunset as it dips below the Florida Bay. It’s even
better when shared with the one you love.
Every place you visit in Key Largo will have a bit of quirk, a
lot of attitude, and natural beauty. One thing’s certain. Key Largo offers the
perfect place to spin a yarn–especially if it involves the gin-clear waters off
the coast, a fish-out-of-water character, and a mystery.
Adrift
A
Mer Cavallo Mystery
Marine
scientist Meredith Cavallo thought adjusting to a laid-back life in the Florida
Keys would be a breeze after life in the Arctic, but when a ghost-hunting
documentary leader vanishes during a midnight dive, she’s caught in a storm of
supernatural intrigue. Determined
to debunk paranormal explanations and salvage her reputation, Mer launches her
own investigation. When someone tries to kill her, she knows the truth is about
to surface. Maybe dead men do tell
tales.
2 comments:
Wow! What a great post!! Thanks for sharing!!!
Thanks Angela! It's a great place to visit!
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