Day 3 of our Florida Keys trip: Islamorada, the Sport-fishing Capital of the World.
FUN FACTS
Islamorada was named for its beautiful sunsets. Translated, “Islamorada” means purple island and originated from early Spanish explorers in the area.
Islamorada is made up of 6 Florida Keys:
- Plantation Key
- Windley Key
- Upper Matacumbe Key
- Lower Matacumbe Key
- Indian Key
- Lignumvitae Key
BRUNCH IN STYLE
It was bittersweet having to pack up and leave the Hidden Gem. Over the past two days, we had a blast learning all about the Keys; how luxury is an experience, not a price point when it comes to the Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty homes; and hanging with some super fun and sweet ladies.
We pulled up to this beauty via its old Chicago reclaimed brick circular driveway – such character! I couldn’t help but notice the 8-car garage as we ascended the stairs to the main part of the home.
Nancy Hershoff, Realtor® for this listing, walked with us through the home, pointing out features in each of the rooms. The open floor plan immediately made me think of fun dinner parties and beach days (did I mention that this home is ON the beach?!). My husband would die for the gourmet kitchen. It didn’t have one, but TWO Patagonia islands – seating 8 and definitely more than enough room for preparing meals. I laugh because the refrigerator was so big that I could’ve climbed right in (not recommended LOL).
Each of the 4 bedrooms had their very own outdoor shower and private patio. Nothing was spared when it came to the 4 bathrooms’ finishes, the elevator leading to a private bedroom, bathroom and living area, and the heated pool and spa that overlooked the beach area.
The white dock leading to the water was heavenly. I could only imagine sitting at the end, watching the sunset.
ART BY PASTA
After a nice bagel brunch, we had a private showing and an exclusive interview with Roberto Pasta Pantaleo. Born in Italy and raised in Brooklyn, NY (me too!), Roberto got the nickname “Pasta” because of his Italian last name that was hard to pronounce for his friends when he was little.
To Pasta, as to many, the sea represented an escape from what he saw was a dismal way of urban life and eventually in 1970, as a young teenager, Pasta was instrumental in convincing his family to migrate to South Florida, the perennial land of sun and fun.
Pasta’s love of the ocean can be seen in his paintings – one more exquisite than the last! We were initially introduced to Pasta’s work on the first day of our trip, but to hang out with him and learn his story from HIM was really exciting! Check out some of his in-home installations – I feel like his work really wakes up the room it lives in. Right?
What a great way to end our three-day tour of the Florida Keys with Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty?! We were shown an absolutely amazing time and learned the importance of realizing that luxury is an experience, not a price point!
I hope to visit the Keys with my family soon – I would love for my boys to experience everything these beautiful islands have to offer. Just a few hours from home – I hope I can one day call it home!
If you haven’t already read my experiences on Day One or Two…you need to catch up!
Julie Plagens says
I love the Keys. Such a wonderful place to visit. We went to Duck Key and it was heaven. Watching the sunset is the best thing ever. Esp. at Key West. Glad you had fun. Love the art work.
Frank says
Wow! The art you posted at the end is really breathtaking. Those paintings are so beautiful!
Maartje says
I so desperately want to go to Florida sometime… Looks amazing!
Dana says
C’mon down – it’s great here!!
Preet says
I’ve never been to Florida, but I do have a bucket list, so I’m definitely adding this place!
Megan says
I love Florida, I lived there for a little bit! This makes me nostalgic. Those beaches!! <3
Dana says
I can see why you love Florida, Megan! What part did you live in?
Kesha says
I had some friends who got married down in the Keys. It is a beautiful place for vacationing.
Dana says
The Keys are the perfect backdrop for a wedding!!!
Corina says
This looks like a very beautiful place! Would love to visit!
Dana says
It is such a beautiful place – you should definitely visit!
Ashley says
How absolutely gorgeous! I’ve never been to the Keys, but this is making me want to plan a trip so badly. And where you stayed…wow! I’m glad you had a good time! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Dana says
Thanks, Ashley! I hope you get to visit there soon!
Twinspirational says
We’ve been to Florida many times, but never to the Keys. Sounds like that’s where we should go the next time we head to Florida.
Dana says
Definitely!
Twinspirational says
Wow The Florida Keys are so pretty. We definitely need to plan a visit there soon.
Dana says
It is a great family vacation spot, as well as a romantic getaway!
Faneshia says
Wow where you stayed was nice! I have to visit this place someday! Thanks for the photos.
Dana says
My pleasure, Faneshia!
Lindsay says
Thanks for sharing those fun facts and the beautiful artwork. I love learning more about a place I already love. Now, can we talk about that dream kitchen and bath? That must have been incredible!
Dana says
Lindsay, I know…between the artwork, bathrooms and kitchen – I was in heaven!!
Rose Ann Sales says
Never been in that place but it looks like a nice place to visit and the place looks really relaxing.
Dana says
Rose Ann, it is extremely relaxing!
Rosey says
What, what, what?!?! to those paintings. Those are absolutely gorgeous.
athom says
Nice to see your work!! It’s really beautiful place