Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
are tortoises, South American cavvies (a kind of rodent), birds, llamas and an albino py-
thon.
Sleeping
Sugarloaf Lodge
HOTEL
(
305-745-3211, 800-553-6097;
www.sugarloaflodge.net
; Sugarloaf Key, MM 17; r $120-170;
)
The 55 motel-like rooms are nothing special, though every single one has a killer bay
view. There is also an on-site restaurant, a tiki bar, a marina and an airstrip, from which
you can charter a seaplane tour or go skydiving.
Eating
Baby's Coffee
CAFE
( 305-744-9866; MM 15 oceanside; 7am to 6pm Mon-Fri, 7am to 5pm Sat & Sun)
This very cool coffeehouse has an on-site bean-roasting plant and sells bags of the aromat-
ic stuff along with excellent hot and cold java brews - many locals consider this to be
some of the best coffee in the islands. Other essentials are sold, from yummy baked goods
to Dr Bronner's liquid soap.
Mangrove Mama's
CARIBBEAN
(
305-745-3030; MM 20 oceanside; lunch $10-15, dinner $15-29;
11:30am-3:30pm & 5:30-10pm;
)
This groovy roadside eatery serves Caribbean-inspired seafood - coconut shrimp, spicy
conch stew, lobster - best enjoyed on the backyard patio and accompanied by a little live
reggae.
KEY WEST
The Keys, like any frontier, have always been defined by two 'E's': edge and eccentric.
And when it came to the far frontier, the very edge, the last outpost of America - out here,
only the most eccentric would dare venture. And thus, Key West: the most beautifully
