BY: JD CONROY
On February 8th, a group of American Classic Travelers returned from a 7-day journey to the Florida Keys & Miami featuring a drive across America's most unique scenic road - the Overseas Highway.
you're invited! WE ARE DOING THIS TRIP AGAin 2019!
Call 847-548-3333 or click the button below for more information about how you can join us on our Florida Keys Trip in February 2019.
Dinner at 94th Aero Squadron
After a smooth landing in Miami, we checked into our hotel. We enjoyed dinner at 94th Aero Squadron. Our meal featured a choice of the following entrees: Prime Rib, Fresh Salmon, or Seasoned and Golden Pan Seared Chicken Pailliard. For dessert we enjoyed Key Lime Pie and Cheesecake.
Journey to Key West on the Overseas Highway
The Overseas Highway is a 113-mile highway stretching across the Florida Keys. It is a part of US Route 1. We enjoyed ocean scenery on our drive from Miami all the way to Key West.
Theater of the Sea
At Theater of the Sea we kissed seals, petted dolphins, and talked with parrots. We soaked up the Florida sun and learned about the Keys' marine life: sea lions, sea turtles, tropical game fish, sharks, stingrays, alligators, marine invertebrates, dolphins and more!
the DoubleTree Key West
After a day of scenic travel on the Overseas Highway, we arrived at the lovely DoubleTree Key West. Home to tropical gardens, a zero entry pool, and comfortable accomodations, the DoubleTree was a perfect home away from home during our time in Key West.
Dinner at La Trattoria
Caribbean Surf & Turf
At La Trattoria we feasted on a delicious entree: Caribbean Surf and Turf—Chimichurri Steak and Caribbean Mahi Mahi - Mojo marinated skirt steak cooked to perfection and topped with a homemade chimichurri glaze paired with fresh local Mahi Mahi lightly blackened and topped with fresh mango salsa. Served with rice and French Green Beans.
Key Lime Tarts!
GuideD Tour of Key West
We started Day 3 aboard Key West's Famous Conch Train for a guided tour of the island. We learned about Key West's rich history and stopped for a group photo at America's Southernmost Point, just 90 miles north of Cuba.
Group Photo at the Southernmost Point of the Continental USA
Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
The famous Sunset Celebration is a nightly arts festival at Mallory Square Dock. Artists, street performers, food carts and even psychics flock to Mallory Square in anticipation of Key West's iconic sunset.
The unforgettable Key West sunset.
Everglades Alligator Farm
Our trip to the Everglades Alligator Farm included an airboat ride, alligator show, snake show, and an alligator feeding demonstration!
Alligator Show at Everglades Alligator Farm
Robert Is Here - Fruit & Shake Stand
"Robert Is Here" is a family-owned and operated fruit stand in Homestead, Florida. We sampled exotic fruit, shopped for fresh fruit, and enjoyed delicious fruit shakes at this hidden gem!
Delicious Fruit Shakes!
Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale
We arrived the Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale for a 3-night stay. Home to a lovely pool, a beautiful atrium, and large suite-style rooms, this hotel provided a memorable stay. We shared great conversations each night at the managers reception, featuring free snacks and cocktails!
Guided Tour of Miami
Our local guide Dirk took us on a guided tour of Miami. We saw South Beach, the Biltmore Hotel, Little Havana, Brickell Avenue, City Hall, Coral Gables, the Wynwood Walls, and so much more!
little havana
Street art in Little Havana
At Little Havana we sampled some Cuban espresso, watched the iconic outdoor games of dominoes, and enjoyed free time to explore one of America's most unique neighborhoods!
Dinner at 15th Street Fisheries
Situated in Fort Lauderdale's most famous nautical landmark - the Lauderdale Marina - 15th Street Fisheries offered an amazing ambiance for our group dinner. Our choices for dinner at 15th Street Fisheries included: 10 oz. New York Strip served with Chorizo and Cheddar Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Red Wine Demi Glace; Grilled Chicken Breast served with Asparagus, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Oven Dried Tomatoes, Pesto Cream Sauce with Sweet Baby Peppers; or Mahi Mahi Vegetable Mixed Rice, Broccolini, Lemon Beurre Blanc.
vizcaya mansion & gardens
Outdoor Gardens of the Vizcaya Estate
The Vizcaya Mansion was conceived as a subtropical interpretation of an eighteenth-century Italian villa. This elegant estate is located on the shores of Biscayne Bay in the Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami. Built for James Deering of Deering McCormick-International Harvester fortune, Vizcaya features lavish interior furnishings and extensive Italian Renaissance gardens.
Guest Bedroom at the Vizcaya Estate
Fort Lauderdale Canal Cruise
We cruised along the New River, the Intracoastal Waterway and Port Everglades to see famous Millionaire’s Row - multi-million dollar homes lining the river banks.
JD found his new house and yacht during our cruise of Millionaire's Row
donna kicked the captain out of his chair!
Donna kicked the captain off the wheel!
