Cruisin’ South Florida in a Classic ’72 Chevelle Named Ruby

Meet “Ruby”

Ruby is a 1972 Chevy Chevelle rented via Classic Dream Rides in Fort Lauderdale. Her flashy red paint, black racer stripe, and 383 stroker engine made for an exciting road trip. Half the time I felt like I was in a parade. People would honk, wave, and ogle as I drove by.

Cruisin’ the Overseas Highway to Key West

The Overseas Highway is a modern wonder. A total of 113 miles of roadway and 42 overseas bridges; leap-frogging from key to key on a series of giant arched bridges constructed of concrete and steel. The southernmost leg of U.S. 1, the Overseas Highway reaches from Florida’s mainland, across countless coral and limestone islets, through the unique world that is the Florida Keys, with Key West as the final destination.

Take a break from the beautiful Overseas Highway drive and stop for lunch in Islamorada at the Morada Bay Beach Café. Order the Mahi-Mahi Fish Tacos: warm flour tortillas, chipotle aioli, shredded lettuce, pico de Gallo, and avocado cream.

I paired the tacos with an icy-cold Key West Sunset Ale and finished the meal with a slice of key lime pie… the perfect Florida road trip indulgence.

Key Lime Pie - Islamorada Florida © Nicole Geils

After lunch drive to Bahia Honda State Park, located on Bahia Honda Key at mile-marker 37. Lounge on the picturesque, mile-long, Sandspur Beach located just north of the park entrance. It is $8 to enter the park, and it is open daily until sunset.

Once in Key West, tour the unique little town.

I cruised down Duval Street to get my bearings… and to be seen in Ruby 😉

Duval Street in Key West is filled with great shopping, sight seeing, museums, galleries, bars, restaurants, and celebrity sightings… I sat next to Shaq at the Island Hookah Lounge on Duval St.

Wreckers Museum - Key West Florida © Nicole Geils

Inland Lighthouse - Key West Florida © Nicole Geils

Key West Highlights:

Drag Show at 801 Bourbon Bar is a laugh-out-loud good time.

I heeded the advise of a good friend, and took-in a drag show while in Key West. 801 Cabaret, located on the second level of 801 Bourbon Bar, puts on a very entertaining show… More comedy act than cabaret, with strong and delicious cocktails. Sushi, the host, has been doing the show for 20+ years, and she is a pro! I will definitely go again on my next trip to Key West.

Key West Drag Show Florida © Nicole Geils

Do yourself a favor and have breakfast at Croissants de France Le Bistro with John the Rooster.

Let me put it this way, I only had 2 breakfast meals in Key West… and I ate at Croissants de France and Le Bistro both times! It is a great place to have breakfast the morning after imbibing a little too much on Duval St. The Eggs Benedict melts in your mouth, but the real star of the menu is the Sugar & Lemon Crepe. Delicate and delicious… it tastes like a warm sugar cookie with a zesty lemon finish.

John the Rooster - Key West Florida © Nicole Geils

Enjoy a cigar from the Island Cigar Factory… hand rolled right before your eyes. They are sold in multiple locations along Duval Street.

My husband purchased a Cuban Leaf Island Cigar at 606 Duval Street, then we headed into the Island Hookah Bar. He happily smoked his tasty cigar while I enjoyed a hookah of indigo haze… sitting next to Shaq.

Florida Road-trip Continues… Next Stop: The Coral Castle

The Coral Castle is a great place to visit. Plan on spending about 2 hours touring the grounds. Wikipedia has a great summary of the Coral Castle and its eccentric builder here.