Big thank you to Britt Myers of Keys Weekly (keysweekly.com) for coming on the show and sharing some of his favorite places in the Florida Keys!
https://floridakeys.minimaps.com/html5/
Things to do in the Keys
- Hemingway House
- Turtle Hospital
- Dolphin Research Center
- Key West Butterfly Conservatory
- Fort Jefferson
- Snorkling
- History of the Dive Museum
- Fort Zachary Taylor
- Sportfishing
Favorite Places to Eat in the Keys
- La Trattoria
- 2 Friends Patio
- Blue Heaven
- Little Pearl
- Pierre's
- Old Taverner
- Ziggy and Mad Dogs
- Castaways
- Keys Fishery
- Alabama Jacks
Festivals in the Keys
- Hemingway Days
- Fantasy Fest
- Mini Lobster Season
- Marathon Seafood Festival (Mid March)
- Key West Seafood Festival (Mid January)
- Key Lime Fest
Places to stay
- Vacation Rentals
- Castle Marina
- Pier House
- Southern Most Beach Resort
- Hawk's Cay Resort
- Isla Bella
- Cheeka Lodge
- The Moorings Village
- The Islander
- The Bungalos in Mariners Club
If you do visit, make sure you tell them where you first saw and heard about their restaurant/attraction/resort!!
Secrets of the Locals
- Do not pronounce the ch in Conch when ordering Conch Fritters (Konk)
- Order the Dolphin. It's not flipper. Mainlanders call it Mahi-Mahi, but don't order it using that name in the Keys. Say Dolphin.
- Find and talk with locals. Ask questions. Listen to their stories. They may not always be true, but they'll always be entertaining.
If you're ready to start planning your Florida Keys vacation, drop me a line at [email protected] and let's get you and your family traveling again!
The Family Vacationer
The Family Vacationer is a weekly podcast helping families travel smarter, spend better, and create lasting memories together. Hosted by Rob and Traci, the show features expert interviews, real-life stories, and practical tips for planning meaningful, family-first adventures. From hidden gems to budget hacks, it's a must-listen for parents who want stress-free, joy-filled travel.
Meet the Hosts
Growing up, Rob Jones mainly traveled to Florida for vacation. Those family trips to Orlando and the Gulf Coast are cherished memories that influence him to this day. His entire professional career has involved travel. From working in the music business to event marketing, Rob has traveled to 46 states and five countries. Rob has been married to his wife, Traci, for 16 years and they love to travel with their three children: Ruthie, Nash, and Chase.
Traci's been shaking up the Dawson County School System for four years now, injecting it with her unique brand of energy and enthusiasm. When she's not molding young minds, you'll find her co-conspiring with her sister at Seasonal Events and Design—because who doesn't love a good party?
She's a self-proclaimed beach aficionado, never meeting a sandy shore she didn't instantly click with. And let's not forget her partner-in-crime for the past eighteen years, Rob, who's been keeping up with her antics and their three beautiful troublemakers—Ruthie, Chase, and Nash. Together, they're a whirlwind of chaos, laughter, and love.
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If you like the Family Vacationer content and would like to give us a little pat on the back. How about buying us a soda? We'd love that! Rob loves Diet Dr Pepper Strawberry and Blackberry and Traci loved Cherry Coke!