I’m not sure if an Empty Nester Moon is a real thing or not, but we decided if this new generation can create #babymoon, then our generation can create #emptynestermoon. Anyone who knows us knows we’ve lived as caregivers for the last 3 years. 6 years total counting the years of managing responsibilities under two roofs. A series of life events, and we find ourselves as empty nesters. This came the same month as our son’s wedding and we decided to make it a thing. One thing you’ll learn about us is when JB says “Book it”, I don’t let the grass grow under my feet. I had it all planned out, so all I needed was to “book it”. Follow along with a bucket list trip to Islamorada and Key West. Thankfully we had several friends who gave us great recommendations on where we could make the most of our short trip.
Travel Day!
We flew American Airlines from Huntsville to Miami through Charlotte. Several reasons went into this decision, but for us, it’s just easier. When you factor in the time to travel to Nashville, the cost sometimes will average out, especially when you need to travel after work.
- I have a few thoughts on why we like to fly from Huntsville in my Blog Post- Fly Huntsville.
Picked up a convertible through Turo.
We are new to this process I was skeptical but the son convinced me to try it
Experience – meh. I do think I’ll try it again. A convertible was super fun on the trip, and Turo was cheaper, but our car had squeaking brakes, and it drove me crazy. I don’t think a car rental company would’ve done anything during a trip either so I’m not really sure how I feel about using Turo yet. The host was a great communicator and the pick-up/drop-off was a breeze. That definitely makes me want to try it again.
However, the concept is genius!
We opted for a late flight, which had us arriving in Miami after all the traffic, which was perfect! We drove to Homestead and crashed for the night. We cashed in points at the Fairfield Inn. It was clean, and the bed was comfortable. We literally crashed.
Day 1
We got up early and headed to Key Largo and had breakfast at Pinecrest Bakery. This place was hopping and authentic. We both ordered Cuban coffee and Pastelitos, Jonathan had ham/cheese, and I had Guava.
We made it to the resort early. Had use of the pool and beach while waiting on our room. The room was ready by 1, which was 3 hours early. We unpacked and went back to the beach. Came in at about 5 to get ready for a sunset cruise with the resort. The cruise was 90 minutes and totally worth it.
More details on resort comparisons
Ate at Ziggie and Mad Dogs. I recommend reservations. This way you can eat inside and enjoy the full mobster vibe. Portions were huge. The food was insanely delicious and had the best lobster bisque ever.
Day 2
We chose to get up early to drive to Key West. I had read to go early because the ones staying there party late and sleep in, so that’s exactly what we did. The drive to Key West was close to 2 hours, but driving in a convertible, top-down, made it worth the rental. Driving across the 7-mile bridge was iconic.
We stopped at CAFELITO for coffee and pastries. The coffee was amazing. We ordered an El Cafecito (Buchí Or Shot) El Cafecito is a beverage of Cuban origins. It specifically alludes to an espresso shot with added sugar. It was tiny, but packed a big punch!
Next, we went to the Southernmost point. This was cool to realize you are only 90 miles from Cuba.
Next, we toured the Ernest Hemingway House. It’s important to note that admission is cash only. After you pay, they give you the option to wait for a guided tour or you can do a self-guided tour. We opted for the guided tour because we felt like that was the best option. The cost of admission is the same, but they do request you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. Side note: I bought this hat in 2019 and I love it! It’s my first choice as soon as the weather gets warm!
I was on a mission to find a 6 toed cat. I was so proud of myself, but then the guide said over half the cats have the gene. Also, y’all, the roosters were everywhere. I felt like I was on a farm.
The Key West Lighthouse is good too. Jonathan did that. I didn’t. It wasn’t the 88 steps as much as I didn’t want to pay the $ to do it. I guess I’m too cheap. 😜 I’m glad he climbed the steps for the view.
We went to Duval/ Front Street area for shopping. Crowds started getting heavier. Parking is a real issue and expensive if you need to pay to park. Hindsight, we should’ve picked something in the middle and walked. One option would be is to take one of the tours. Typically, this is my go-to for transportation touring a city, but it never crossed my mind for Key West. I felt like we did a little back and forth so maybe restructure your day to be more efficient.
Lunchtime
Went to lunch at Key West Cuban Coffee Shop. The best Cuban sandwich ever! I’m a big fan of mom-and-pop stores, and a hole in the wall. This was both. The food was amazing, and the lady working there was perfect!
We could not leave without more Key Lime Pie.
We knew we wanted to find The Key Lime Pie Co. from the profit. Yum! The pie was everything we thought it would be. We both agreed it was the best of all the ones we tried.
It’s a 2-hour drive back to our resort so we headed back with the top down. Truly, these drives were some of my favorite memories. The 7-mile bridge is iconic and was a beautiful scene to experience.
Back to the resort. Rest and sun.
We made a reservation at The Hungry Tarpon Restaurant.
We had been told to make sure we participated in the Tarpon feeding at Robbie’s, so, we did, or Jonathan did. When we bought our fish the lady said “ Beware of Pelicans. They are jerks”.
She was 100% correct.
Jonathan feeding a Tarpon
We had a decent dinner at the restaurant. The real attraction was the marina. Note; this is an outdoor, casual restaurant. Thankfully, it was a windy evening or else we would’ve melted.
Watched Key Largo. We love old movies and we’ve watched this one before, but watching it while in the same area was extra fun.
Day 3
This was our first morning in weeks to not have an early morning. Well, Jonathan always gets up early to work a few hours, but I slept in. We had breakfast on the porch and recreated our Jamaican trip. We sat outside for a few hours and just enjoyed it.
The wind was crazy today. Literally whipping at 20mph.
We met a great couple from New Jersey and ended up joining them at the Shrimp Shack for lunch. The portions were huge. After we went back to the beach, we decided to enjoy our last day on the beach. We had enough leftovers to make a meal so we just truly enjoyed our room and resort. We both agreed that we wished we had scheduled one more day!
Day 4- Travel home
We had an early morning. I guess we are creatures of habit because left early enough to stop at the Pinecrest Bakery again. It was a beautiful morning to drive to the airport with the top down. Have I mentioned how fun the convertible was?
Turo drop-off was a breeze!
One of the big wins of traveling was utilizing the Amex lounge. We’ve not flown enough to utilize this perk, but now that we know, we will!
