A Mom and Nikki Day-Trip to Key West Florida - 2026 Edition
My daughter Nikki moved to southeast Florida in early 2016. Every winter that I visit her, we take a day trip to Key West. Sometimes her partner (Misael) joins us - but this year it was a Mom-n-Nikki day.
The plan was to leave around 7am but Nikki got a late start. She lives a few blocks down the street from my extended stay hotel.
Before I could go pick her up, I had to scrape ice off the windshield - which added to our late start.
Nikki hopped in the van shortly before 8am. But first… we had to get coffee!
With coffee in hand… and a brownie that snuck itself in… we headed to the Florida Keys. The Overseas Highway in the Keys is only a couple miles away but it was a busy Monday morning so I took the Turnpike.
Why I Don’t do Touristy Stuff in the Florida Keys (or anywhere)
Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS) prevents me from doing most touristy things. Large congregations of people and public places are often too toxic for me.
But MCS doesn’t stop me from living my best life!
Instead, I’ve learned to enjoy the ride… soaking up the sun, finding my breath in nature, and making incredible memories.
Now that I’ve gotten that part out of the way… here are a few highlights from our day…
Rowell’s Waterfront Park in Key Largo FL
A favorite place that Nikki and I go often is Rowell’s Waterfront Park. This year most of the park is fenced-off (it’s being reconstructed) but there’s still a place to park by the restrooms.
On our way to Key West, we stop at the park to watch the happenings and order lunch from the Publix deli in Islamorada.
Lunch at the Highway Piers Memorial Marker in Islamorada FL
We grabbed our lunch from Publix and headed to the Highway Piers Historical Marker.
You cant beat eating lunch with an ocean view!
This is a popular spot where people fish off of the old bridge. Nikki, Misael, and I have fished here. Ok, so I don’t have a fishing license - when we go fishing, my job is to supervise, visit with people, and soak in the sun.
Fred the Tree on the Old Seven Mile Bridge
Sometimes I drive, sometimes Nikki drives. When we cross 7 Mile Bridge going south, the Passenger is responsible for snapping a picture of Fred the Tree.
The tree (and his buddies) sit on the old bridge that runs side-by-side with the new bridge.
At the same time, as if singing harmony, we both exclaim that Fred has grown noticeably since last year!
Nikki and I often say or think the same thing at the same time. I just chalk it up to a magical Mother-Daughter connection ✨
Cluck Yeah! The Key West Chickens
Four hours and several stops later… we arrive in Key West. It can be driven in 3 to 3 1/2 hours but we like to enjoy the ride, stopping along the way.
Our first stop in Key West is always Publix because a potty-break is desperately needed.
It’s just not Key West without a rooster and hens patrolling the premises.
Wandering the Island
We meander through the island of about 7 square miles. We always try to find a new place to stop and explore but health conditions may dictate how much physical exploring can be done.
I always need to take MCS into consideration. But the past couple of years, Arthur-itis has been making himself heard. Some days my knee goes further than others.
It’s cold today but people are still out and about.
The Southernmost Point Buoy is gone! I knew it was gone but Nikki was shocked. I heard the buoy was removed and placed elsewhere for a 2-year project. Some day, it will return to its normal spot.
Our Last Stop and Tradition Before Leaving Key West
Little did we know… 10 years ago… we were starting a tradition.
Before leaving Key West we always stop on the east side of the island where I take a picture of Nikki with the ocean as a backdrop. She likes to sit on the edge which makes me nervous but, if she goes over, she can’t go far. A ways down, there are also stairs for people to climb back up.
Normally, the ocean and sky blend together but there are lots of ships out to sea today (those little blobs on the ocean’s horizon).
Years ago this photo included our dog, Cookie - who went everywhere with us (everywhere he was allowed and then some). Cookie crossed the Rainbow Bridge in 2020 but his memory lives on 💕
Parting Thoughts
I sometimes wonder if my "un-touristy" adventures are exciting enough to blog about. But then I remember… it’s my blog! 😅
While everyone else is standing in line, elbowing for a selfie at the latest attraction or waiting for food… Nikki and I are having a five-star gourmet lunch from a Publix bag with the best view in the Keys, exploring the world from a different perspective, and making memories that last a lifetime.
If nothing else, I hope you see that - even when life throws you lemons (like MCS and Arthur-itis) - there’s always a way to live your best life!
Until the next adventure,
Connie 🌼
Life Right Now
- My Whereabouts: Southeast Florida
- Home Base: An extended-stay hotel
- I'm Here Until: Sometime in March or April
For some nuggets about my lifestyle, head over to my About page.