It’s almost Halloween and we are deep into the fall season, which means apple and pumpkin picking is in full swing! Believe it or not, they call it the “Garden State” for a reason. You are never too far from farm land. Growing up in Northwest New Jersey we frequented Mackey’s Orchard in Belvidere, NJ. Although I have moved from this part of the state, we are sure to make a trip back here every fall for apple cider doughnuts that are unmatched. Functioning from their 96 acre farm for over 100 years, Mackey’s has an onsite bakery offering items such as apple crumb cake, pumpkin bread, apple pie, apple cider doughnuts, and my old favorite apple crumb pie, each made in house with love. Homemade pumpkin ice cream is offered from their ice cream stand throughout the fall (but only on weekends!). The Greenhouse holds hundreds of mums and pumpkins for purchase and the farm stand is loaded with locally grown produce (apples, tomatoes, squash, peppers, and much more!). On fall weekends, regular tractor rides take you into the orchard where you can pick your own apples. Lastly, it would be a sin if I didn’t tell you about their homemade apple cider, which is still the best I’ve ever had!!
Assortment of pies offered at Mackey’s onsite bakery
The Farm Stand is open 9am-6pm daily. Mackey’s is located at:
284 South Bridgeville Road
Belivdere, NJ 07823
908-475-1507
Purchase your fall mums and pumpkins at Mackey’s GreenhouseHundreds of Pumpkins to pick from!A collection of salsas and sauces inside the Farm StandLarge selection of locally grown produceTractor “Hayride” that takes you into the Apple Orchards
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If you live in the Bergen County area, it is likely that you pass by or over the GWB on a regular basis. If you don’t live in the area, you are probably familiar with the iconic George Washington Bridge from movies, TV shows, or art work. Opening at the beginning of the Great Depression, the GWB is a double decker suspension bridge with 14 lanes that connect Fort Lee, New Jersey to Washington Heights, Manhattan. The bridge itself sits 212 feet above the Hudson River and spans 4760 feet in length. At the time of its opening in 1931 it was the largest bridge in the world, but would be outdone in length when the Golden Gate Bridge opened in San Francisco in 1937. With over 103 million vehicles crossing the GWB each year, it is the world’s busiest motor vehicle bridge. It may be difficult to appreciate its beauty and magnificence if you sit in the daily traffic associated with the bridge but it is rich with history.
The GWB was named for George Washington, First President of the United States. During the American Revolutionary War in 1776 General Washington attempted to deter occupation of New York City. He would eventually evacuate and cross the Hudson River with his troops between Fort Washington and Fort Lee, now the site of the G.W. Bridge.
Today, the GWB is home to the largest free flying American Flag in the United States, which is flown from the steel towers on National Holidays. On special occasions each suspension tower comes to life with 380 lighting structures and illuminates the night sky. On the New Jersey side of the Hudson River great views of the bridge can be accessed from Fort Lee Historic Park or at the bridge’s base in Palisades Interstate Park (close to the Ross Dock Entrance). The GW Bridge has pedestrian and bike sidewalks on the North and South sides and offers stunning views. This creates a one of a kind back drop for a walk or jog, and is particularly beautiful in the early morning shortly after the sun rises.
Take a leisurely walk on the pedestrian sidewalks and wish this beauty a Happy 87th Birthday!
For more information on visiting the George Washington Bridge, visit www.panynj.gov !
View of George Washington Bridge from Fort Lee Historic Park in Fort Lee, NJ Winter Sunrise over the George Washington Bridge from the Palisades
“Which Exit?”, “So how is it being from the swamps?”, “The Armpit of America”.
Yes, I have heard it all from the outsiders. Fine, we have to take credit for the “Sopranos”, the oil refineries, “Jersey Shore”, and the “Housewives” but New Jersey is my home state and I am determined to show you that we are so much more. We may be sandwiched between Philadelphia and New York but I will sporadically highlight the best of NJ, the real deal from a New Jerseyan herself and I promise you will see that New Jersey is a small state that packs a big punch!!
Follow our Instagram page griffeysgreatadventures and the hashtag for this segment #therealnewjerseydeal for monthly highlights. I will post them under the “New Jersey” Category on the home page! I hope you enjoy!
In 2 trips to Key West, we still haven’t even scratched the surface of cool things to do, but I will tell you about the things we have done. Nothing has disappointed us yet!
Mallory Square: When writing about things to do in Key West, I have to start with Mallory Square. A small waterfront square near the cruise ship docks, it hosts restaurants, bars, shopping, water adventure sports, and more. You can easily waste a portion of your day exploring this area, but the best part? The sunset celebration! Every night, starting 2 hours before sunset, people start gathering to watch the street performers and grab their front row seats to one of the most magical sunsets you’ve ever seen. It’s such a simple pleasure to witness a beautiful sunset and I love that the people of Key West make it a nightly ritual to celebrate the day. Sunset celebration should go on your to-do list at least once but you might keep coming back! “See you at Sunset!”
400 Wall Street, Key West, FL
Mel Fisher’s Maritime Heritage Museum:Florida has a great deal of coastline filled with ancient history in the form of shipwrecks dating back to the 1500s. Mel Fisher and his diving crew have made incredible discoveries including the wreckages of the “Henrietta Marie” from the summer of 1700, “The Tierra Firme” fleet of 28 ships from 1622, the “St. John’s Mystery Ship” from the 1500s, and most notably “The Nuestra Senora de Atocha”, a Spanish ship that sunk in a hurricane off the coast of Key West in 1622. Mel Fisher spent 16 years searching for the “Nuestra Senora de Atocha” wreck, which was rumored to hold over $400 million worth of gold and treasure. He finally hit the mother lode in 1985. He spent 7 years fighting the Florida Government over rightful ownership of the newly found treasure but he ultimately won. Treasure and artifacts from these shipwrecks are now housed here in Key West. Exhibits include gold and silver bars, coins, precious gemstones (a 78 carat Emerald!), china, weapons, cannons, and so much more. It’s fun and fascinating to take a step back into history as you walk through The Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum.
200 Greene Street, Key West, FL
Southern Most Point: Although this may appear as just a grounded concrete buoy, people gather here daily to snap themselves standing at The Southern Most Point of the United States! Come get your Instagram selfie at the most photographed landmark in the Conch Republic!
At the Corner of South Street and Whitehead Street
The Paint job was recently damaged in Hurricane Maria, but has since been restored!
Scooter Rental:You will see scooters all over Key West and you will quickly learn that this is because they are one of the fastest and easiest ways to navigate the island. Plus, they are super fun! I would recommend renting them early in the morning if you are simply using it to cruise around the island, as traffic can get a little heavy later in the day!
Catamaran Day Sail/Dolphin Watching: Being from the Northeast, the most contact we have with dolphins is maybe seeing them swim across the horizon a half mile from the beach early in the morning, or of course at an aquarium. AND let’s face it, the Atlantic Ocean does not quite offer the same serene beauty as the Florida Gulf Coast! So we decided to book a day trip with Catamaran Echo out of the Historic Seaport Harbor Walk to catch some dolphins in action. This ended up being my favorite activity of the trip!
If you are looking for a day of fun and relaxation, this is it. Setting sail for the day with Catamaran Echo captivates the island spirit. We were lucky enough to have a most perfect Florida Keys day with bright sun and smooth waters. Echo has a Bimini to protect you from the hot sun or you can hang out on the front of the boat as you sail through the crystal blue waters and search for wildlife. The crew is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. They were able to pinpoint exactly where the dolphins would be showing up, a little spot several miles out that they call the “Dolphin’s Playground”. Sure enough, within a few minutes we were surrounded by dolphins!! They were very interactive, waving their tails and swimming along the boat. Along the way we also caught glimpses of Eagle Rays and Sea Turtles. The crew had a background in marine biology so they were excellent at not only spotting the wildlife, but then providing in depth information about the species.
Later in the sail, we anchored and snorkeled for about 45 minutes. We saw coral, sea plants and fish. Snacks and drinks were provided on the boat but bring your own towel and sunblock! Don’t forget to tip the crew, they deserve it!
231 Margaret Street, Key West, FL
Next Up:
We have only had the pleasure of staying a few days each time we went to Key West, but we love it there and I am sure we will be back! On our agenda for the next trip: Taking a seaplane to the Dry Tortugas, visiting Hemingway’s House, a Fishing excursion, Fort Jefferson, and dinner at Latitudes.
We hope you enjoyed Key West through our eyes! We will see you next month for another adventure!
When people think about Key West, the things that come to mind may be a “No shoes, no shirt, no problems” “Anything Goes” attitude, palm trees, dolphins, Key Lime Pie, and Parrotheads. With a roster like that it’s easy to overlook the gourmet cuisine they’re cooking up on the island. Here are some of our favorite places for food and drink in Key West:
Captain Tony’s Saloon:
Like Sloppy Joe’s (and rumored to be the original Sloppy Joe’s), Captain Tony’s is a Key West staple. It is said to be the oldest bar in Key West. If you have been there, you know every inch of the wall and ceiling is covered with dollar bills, police patches, bras, license plates and more left behind by visitors from the past several decades! It’s a unique, laid back dive bar where you often find “pass the jar” live music that should be enjoyed with your Pirate Punch!
428 Greene Street, Key West, FL
Blue Heaven:
Blue Heaven may seem like a strange dining experience with Hemingway’s cats and Key West’s famous roosters roaming around the tables in the backyard dining area but they are regulars at this establishment and don’t seem to bother the guests. The dinners are great but the thing to go for is their mile high Key Lime Pie!!
729 Thomas Street, Key West, FL
Deuce’s “Off the Hook” Grill:
Off the Hook is a small local restaurant hidden amongst island homes (previously on Simonton Street). Fresh catch is on the menu daily and is paired with yummy, funky sides like sweet potato tater tots with maple syrup! Since we dined here, I have read that this location closed, however they plan to move their restaurant to a new location so continue checking their website because this place was worth a visit!!
www.offthehookkeywest.com
The Key Lime Pie Bakery:
The Key Lime Pie Bakery should be visited simply because this is said to be the birthplace of Key Lime Pie. They have previously been voted “Best Key Lime Pie in the Florida Keys” and they serve Chocolate Covered Key Lime Pie on a Stick!! What’s better on a hot Florida day?!
412 Greene Street, Key West, FL
The Flaming Buoy Filet Co.:
In a converted house on a local street in Key West you will instantly feel at home in the main dining room of The Flaming Buoy, an eclectic living room with a bar and cool art. The very knowledgeable staff will provide you with a great wine list and a detailed description of the evening’s specials. This is not just another seafood restaurant in Key West, these guys clearly pour their heart and soul into the art of food. Be sure to try the broccoli cakes- it’s the owner’s grandmother’s recipe!!
1100 Packer Street, Key West, FL
Better Than Sex Desserts
There is a reason I saved this one for last…you always save the best for last. We ate here in 2010 during our first visit to Key West and it was the first reservation I made when we returned in 2018. Not only are the handmade desserts outrageous but they add a special touch with their “rimmed glasses”. Whether you are having wine or just a plain old glass of milk, you can have your glass dipped in decadent chocolate or creamy caramel to make it hit the spot just right. This is a great pick for a romantic date but I would recommend eating light or not at all before you go so you can fully enjoy all the mouthwatering goodness BTS has to offer!! Bonus: They have flourless chocolate cake for those of you have don’t get along with gluten!
926 Simonton Street, Key West, FL
Now that I have you salivating, I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed eating my way through Key West!!
See you next time with Excursions, Activities, and Attractions in Key West!!
We have had the pleasure of visiting Key West twice and we just love it! The town never disappoints. We love the laid back atmosphere, the food, the party, the sailing, and the Key Lime Pie.
We rented a convertible and drove to Key West from Miami this time, which was worth it!! It’s such a beautiful drive and you have the advantage of stopping in the other Keys on the way down. In today’s post I will be highlighting the drive to Key West. Some notable stops we made:
Coral Castle Homestead, FL: This was a cool little museum/tour of a “castle” that was built by a Latvian-American man in the 1920s. He spent 28 years building the structure, mostly made of Limestone. He never let anyone watch him work. To this day, no one knows how he did it! This is a cool stop if you like weird or different stuff.
Robbie’s Islamorada, FL: What a cool little village. You wonder what you’re getting into when you pull off the road but it is worth a pitstop (you are ready to take a break from the car at this point anyway!). There are cute little open shops with t-shirts, ornaments, wood signs, and souvenirs. There is a bar and restaurant if you need a little refreshment. There are several watersports (Kayaks, Jet skis, snorkeling, parasailing, and more!) available to rent. My favorite part though? Feeding the Tarpon!! You can pay a few dollars for a bucket of fish to feed to huge schools of Tarpon that swim right up to the docks! Beware of the Pelicans though, they are NOT shy.
Twisted Shrimp Islamorada, FL: Everyone needs to stop and eat on a road trip, and when you are in the Florida Keys you need to stop and have shrimp where the locals eat shrimp. The Bonus? This place serves gluten free fried shrimp and is allergy friendly. If you have food allergies (and I do) you know how important it is to figure out where the allergy friendly restaurants are!! Don’t expect anything fancy here, just some great shrimp and a super nice staff!
Hope you have the opportunity to enjoy some of these stops! On our next post, we will be highlighting the food and drink of Key West!
