We spent the afternoon on Islamorada (pronounced I-La-Morada) this afternoon. The name Islamorada or “Island Home” came from early Spanish explorers in the area. It is nicknamed “Purple Isle” since morada can also mean purple. The Village of Islamorada is comprised of six islands including Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key and the offshore islands of Indian Key and Lignumvitae Key.
We went to Islamorada to have dinner with Peter and Paulla and to do a little sightseeing. We wanted to spend a little time on Anne’s Beach (MM 73.5) on Lower Matecumbe Key. This beach comes up on most “things to do” lists for Islamorada so we wanted to make sure we stopped on our trip north. The beach was dedicated to local environmentalist Anne Eaton. Prior to Hurricane Irma there was a beautiful shallow swimming area, covered picnic tables, boardwalk and bathroom facilities. I read where it had been damaged in the hurricane, but I was hoping to at least stop to see the beach. Unfortunately the beach is now closed and there was no where to stop. You could see where work is being done to replace the facilities so we will keep it on our list of places to see on a future visit.
After some shopping we met Peter and Paulla at Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina. I can see why this marina has been named by Yachting magazine as one of the “Top 50 Marina Destinations in the World.” Every slip has electric and water, individual sewage pump outs, WiFi and most important gorgeous views towards Cotton Key Basin. Guests also have acess to the facilities and activities at the Islamorada Founders Park where the marina is located. There was a small daily charge to use the pool a the Ron Levy Acquatic Center. If you were a guest at the marina it was reduced to $2 for chilren or seniors or $3 per person. I believe non-marina visitors pay $5/person. If you stay at this marina you would probably want to rent a car to get out to restraunts, etc.
We finished up the visit with dinner at Lazy Days restaurant, 79867 Overseas Highway,, Islamorada. The oceanfront restaurant has spectacular views with seating inside , outside in the sand or on the balcony. We chose to have dinner out on the second-story balcony
