Wednesday, February 25, 2009

The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail

Ever hear of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail? It's a fairly new 106 mile multi-use scenic trail system extending from Key Largo to Key West utilizing 36 historic Flagler Railroad bridges and running parallel to US-1.

Ten years in the making (and still not fully completed), the pathway permits running, bicycling, hiking, sightseeing, fishing, and kayaking. Planners envision a world class integrated system of smooth bike paths, educational kiosks, picnic areas, scenic outlooks, fishing piers, boat ramps, water access points, nature trails and amenities. 

This year construction is planned for nine more improved portions of the trail (including retrofits of five bridges) and seven more areas improved for 2010 including a trailhead and offices in Key Largo.

Islamorada locals Holly Padgett, Cathy Rakov, Sara Bernardin, and Nancy Kluger recently geared up their bicycles and left from Plantation Key heading to Key West. Their 1st annual journey was divided into three days of about 30 scenic miles per day. According to the ladies it was the perfect pace (not overly aggressive) to have time to see the sights, stop along the way for snacks and lunch, and arrive at a nice hotel by mid-afternoon for some fun in the evening. Their overnight stops included Hawks Cay Resort before Marathon, Parmers Resort in Big Pine Key, and the grand finale at The Southernmost Hotel in Key West. 

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15 comments:

  1. AnonymousFebruary 27, 2009 at 5:52 PM

    Way to go Sara... I was wondering if next year you were going to make the trip on a P & P bike?

    Wayne

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  2. AnonymousMarch 9, 2009 at 9:42 AM

    hi Jim - could you list the resort's street address somewhere? we're trying to program GPS to come down on Thurs from Miami?

    thx - Mary H.

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  3. JimMarch 9, 2009 at 9:54 AM

    Hi Mary, our address at Pines & Palms is 80401 Old Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036

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  4. The Vintage HusbandMarch 22, 2009 at 1:29 AM

    Hi Jim, just checking out your website and blog. We are heading down your way in June and thinking about possibly staying with you for a couple days. Looks like a great place to stay. Hope to see you in June. Brett

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  5. AnonymousApril 9, 2009 at 2:30 AM

    Hi Jim! My husband just called you guys today and booked us for May. This is our second time to stay at your place and we couldn't wait to get back there. See ya'll in May!

    Tammie N

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  6. JimApril 9, 2009 at 7:36 AM

    Thanks Tammie, we look forward to seeing you again. Let us know if we can help you with fishing or other activities.

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  7. AnonymousNovember 6, 2009 at 7:59 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  8. UnknownJanuary 27, 2010 at 11:08 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  9. UnknownJanuary 27, 2010 at 11:10 AM

    Hi Jim, How are the "Unfinished" sections of this trail? Are they difficult to navigate?

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  10. JimJanuary 28, 2010 at 7:31 AM

    Mr. Ryan,
    The unfinished sections of the trail are no problem to navigate. If fact, my wife and her friends are doing the same trip again this year, leaving February 7th. As these sections are finished (more have been completed since the article was written) the trail just gets better. Let me know if you are planning a trip or need more info on the trail.
    Jim

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  11. UnknownJanuary 28, 2010 at 9:57 AM

    Thanks for the info, Jim. My wife and I have been looking for a fun and interesting place to tour on our bikes. Our home town of Bradenton, Fl doesn't offer much for cyclists. We may also be interested in staying at your resort. What type of attractions are near?

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  12. JimJanuary 28, 2010 at 10:25 AM

    There are plenty of attractions throughout the Florida Keys... it all depends on what you want to do. From eco-tourism to cultural attractions, there is literally too much to see and do on one trip.

    Near Islamorada, we have a number of art galleries, great shopping & dining, the Everglades National Park on the bay side, the only living coral reef in North America on the other side, the best historical dive museum in the country, Lignumvitae State Park (the most preserved/natural island in the Florida Keys), various beaches, birding, eco-tours, and on and on.

    If you want to bike to Key West, we could help you arrange accommodations along the way. It's an easy 3 day trip from Pines & Palms. The return trip is more difficult because heading back you would be riding against the wind.

    Give us a call at 800-624-0964 if you would like to make a reservation or contact me in person.

    Jim

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  13. Charles RinehartMarch 30, 2011 at 7:50 PM

    I plan on biking in the keys this year. I can't wait. Nice blog. All the best.

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  14. JimMarch 30, 2011 at 7:57 PM

    Hi Charles,
    Stop by Pines & Palms at mm 80.4 and say hello.
    Jim

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  15. AnonymousMay 26, 2021 at 3:53 PM

    Hello, Jim and Sara,

    My name is Brad King. My wife, daughter-Sarah, and I have been trying to get a hold of you for over a week now. We are unsure if your Property Manager, Ana Pena, and Front Desk Agents Susan and Vicki (or Micki) were able to get through to you yet with our phone number, personal information and work history we emailed on May 19, 2021 to info@pinesandpalms.com for you and Sara. We understand you are a tight-nit family operation and so are we, so please allow us the privilege of making you a proposition to help your team. Thus, is the weather sound for us to have the privilege of an interview with you and your wife at your earliest convenience? Would this weekend be good by chance?

    Thank you for your time,
    Brad King

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