If you have a chance to drive north a little to Big Pine Key (its about 30 minutes on US 1), you should definitely do it.
If you are lucky enough to be there on a weekend in the fall or winter, you must go to the Big Pine Flea Market. Its a great place to find interesting, quirky things with real Keys flavor for not that much money. Dive equipment, art, hot sauce, jewelry, sunglasses, Fantasy Fest costumes, food, and all around fun stuff that you didnt know you needed.
Second, if you are brave enough to leave US 1 at dusk, head down Key Deer Boulevard for an up-close and personal encounter with the endangered and shy miniature deer the road is named for. The Key Deer only live between Marathon and Little Torch Keys and their numbers are concentrated in Big Pine. They are able to swim and can even drink salt water if fresh supply is short and they grow to a max. height of 2-2.5 feet at the shoulder. Drive slowly and you are certain to see them on the sides of the road.
Finally, if you get to Big Pine, you should stop in at the local Vegetarian Restaurant. There is a giant lobster out front. It very inexpensive and food is served at a lunch counter in a health food store. Try the tuna wrap with Miso Sauce.
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on Feb 15, 2005
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