Visit Tavernier, Florida in the Florida Keys for a Great Summer Getaway!

For a great summer getaway that can be as relaxing or as exciting as you choose it to be, try the Florida Keys. A recent article by Associated Content Producer Sabah Karimi called Romantic Getaways in the Florida Keys gives you the scoop on four romantic destinations in the Keys, from Turtle Beach Inn in Port. St. Joe to the Marquesa Hotel in Key West.

But if you are looking for more than just romance, try staying in Tavernier, Florida, which is located between Key Largo (the Diving Capital of the World) and Islamorada (The Sport Fishing Capital of the World). Tavernier is also located halfway - a two hour drive - between Ft. Lauderdale and Key West, two of the closest airports (along with Miami) to the Keys. If you drive down from Ft. Lauderdale, take the Florida Turnpike. Yes, it is a toll road, and yes, it will cost you about $4.00, but trust me, it's worth it to avoid the traffic and congestion of the other options, like Highway 1. If you prefer, you can fly Delta Airlines, which will take you into either Key West or Marathon (one of the keys located about halfway between Key Largo and Key West.)

For the most part, locations along the Keys are designated by "mile markers." The southernmost tip of Key West is Mile Marker 0, and the northern Monroe County line (the county for the Florida Keys) is at Mile Marker 112.5, which is when you enter the northern edge of the Keys. So, instead of addresses, you will see that a certain destination is located at "MM 80.2", for example.

You can find any type of accommodation that you choose in the Florida Keys, from RV Parks to luxury resorts, and every type of hotel and motel in between. Our resort of choice for a recent vacation was the Island Bay Resort, a small beach cottage resort located at Mile Marker 92.5, consisting of only 10 cottages, so there's never a crowd. The owners, Mike and Carol Shipley, purchased the resort in 2000 and have decorated each cottage with its own unique and incredibly relaxing motif. If it's available, grab the Key West - also known as Cottage #1, or the "beachfront cottage". There's nothing like a relaxing breakfast on your own private deck each morning, and a great view of the sunset every evening.

Other amenities include the "property cats" for those of us who left behind our own feline buddies to go on vacation, scuba lockers for the divers, a variety of lounge chairs and tiki huts for your best view of the Florida Bay, complimentary kayaks for use by Island Bay Resort guests, your own charcoal grill for that fresh catch or yummy steak dinner, and all the peace and quiet you can stand! For views from Island Bay, check out their website (located at the end of this article) or my Assocated Content slide show called Florida Photos.

If you are into snorkeling, you might want to check out the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, located about 10 miles north of the Island Bay Resort, at Mile Marker 102.5. Learn all about "America's First Underwater Park" by reading Associated Content Producer Nicole Caminiti's recent article about this exciting location.

For the divers and boaters among us, Island Bay Resort is located only a couple of miles north of Tavernier Creek Marina, home of the Conch Republic Divers, who were voted the #1 Dive Shop in the Florida Keys in 2006 and 2007. Check out their website at the bottom of this article for details on their available reef and wreck dives. Tavernier Creek provides access to both the Florida Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, so it is a great choice for boaters.

You can find any type of restaurant you want along the stretch of Highway 1 that runs through Tavernier. If you are looking for a great seafood restaurant, try the subject of another recent AC article by CP Caminiti called Marker 88 in the Florida Keys - Islmorada's Best Waterfront Restaurant. There's also Café Large, located at MM 99.5, for a great Italian meal, or Chilli Willie's for casual dining, 14 TVs, a full bar, and the largest game room in the Upper Keys!

Whatever you are looking for - relaxation, boating, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, kayaking, beautiful sunsets, great restaurants, and much, much more - you will find it all in Tavernier, Florida - in the Florida Keys!