THE ISLANDS OF MARATHON: THE HEART OF THE FLORIDA KEYS

MARATHON, Florida Keys — The Islands of Marathon, home of Jen, has a fascinating history and environmental areas.

The Middle Keys are comprised of Conch Key, Duck Key, Grassy Key, the Crawl Keys, Key Colony Beach, Key Vaca, Fat Deer Key, Knight's Key and Pigeon Key. The region is considered the midway area of the Florida Keys, thus the "Heart", about an hour's drive from Key West or Key Largo.

The Islands of Marathon had settlements dating back to the early 1800s. Henry Flagler's Overseas Railway reached Key Vaca (home of Marathon) in 1908 and headquartered the railroad's final Key West extension on Pigeon Key.

The most noted attraction for Marathon is the Seven Mile Bridge, one of the longest segmental bridges in the world.

The Old Seven Mile Bridge, which runs parallel to the current span, was the final installment of Flagler's Overseas Railway. It took four years to build. Pigeon Key sits below the bridge and the island's museum has exhibits and artifacts from the Florida Keys railroad era and early life on Pigeon Key.

Throughout the area environmental attractions give visitors an opportunity to swim with dolphins, explore hammocks and enjoy water sport activities.

Dive and snorkel trips are in abundance. Kayak and sailing trips, biking also awaits the adventurous. World-class sport fishing is available offshore, on the reef and flats, all year.

Additionally, there are many fine restaurants and hotels in the area.

Marathon has a commercial airport featuring fixed-base operators providing private aircraft accessibility.

The region is approximately a 3 hour drive from Miami International Airport and a one-hour drive from Key West International Airport.

For more information, write the Marathon Chamber of Commerce at 12222 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050; call 1-800-842-9580 or (305)743-5417; or stop by the Marathon Visitor Center at mile marker (MM) 54 bayside.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN MARATHON

• The Dolphin Research Center, MM59 bayside, Grassy Key. Swim with dolphins, dolphin encounters, educational tours, and marine biology programs: (305)289-1121.

• Curry Hammock State Park, MM 56 Oceanside, Little Crawl Key. Swimming and picnicking are available at this waterfront park.

• Sombrero Beach, MM 50 Oceanside, Marathon. Swimming, picnicking, children's playground, restroom facilities are available at this beautiful oceanfront park.

• Boot Key Harbor, Sombrero Boulevard at MM 50 Oceanside, Marathon. One of the United States' rare protected harbors can be toured via the Conch Water Taxi: (305) 664-6595.

• Tropical Crane Point Hammock, MM50 bayside, Marathon. Museum, hammock trails, children's environmental learning area.

JEN'S FAVES

• Flat Out Sportfishing
  Capt. Diego Cordova (that's my uncle!)
  www.floridakeysflats.com

• Homes In The Keys
  Carmen Cordova (that's my mom!)
  www.homesinthekeys.com

• Advantage Rehab & Fitness
  305-289-6220
  Ginger (that's my workout coach and awesome physical therapist!)

• Skin Institute
  Penn (great facials and body wraps!!)
  305-743-0123

• Banana Cabana Restaurant
  (my cousins and great food!)
  305-289-1232

• Florida Keys Rentals
  (great resource for vacation rentals in the Marathon and Florida Keys area!!)
  Florida Keys Rentals (that's my lifeline!)
  5800 Overseas Hwy Suite 17
  Marathon, FL 33050
  (888) 440-0235 | (305) 743-0235
  rentals@exitfloridakeys.com
  www.flakeysrentals.com