From The Yak

(from TryCharterFishing.com)

Now Entering- MARATHON

Mile Markers: 60-40…if you count the Seven-Mile Bridge.

Welcome to Marathon. You caught your first Florida Keys bonefish; dipped your feet in the saltwater at Anne’s Beach (MM 73-O); fed the tarpon at Robbie’s (MM 78.5-B, how cool was that?); slowed down for the police car “decoy” in Layton (MM 68-O); took a leisurely stroll along the fishing pier at Long Key Bridge (MM-64); admired the spectacular views of the water as you drove past Duck Key (MM 61-O); and now you have arrived in Marathon, “the Heart of the Florida Keys.” As you enter into Marathon (Grassy Key) make note of the Aqua Ranch (MM 59.3-O, a saltwater fish pond that’s free to visit), and the Dolphin Research Center (MM 58.9-B, where you can get in the water and actually swim with the dolphins). These are just two of the many exciting outdoor attractions that you and your family can enjoy during your trip to Marathon.

As you continue on your journey keep an eye out for the Sadowski Causeway (MM 53.5-O). This road will take you to the picturesque island of Key Colony Beach where you will find a collection of the finest Florida Keys charter boats, as well as Sparky’s Landing, our favorite local joint to enjoy a few adult beverages on the water. Just remember NOT TO SPEED on the Sadowski Causeway. The police here only know one number… 25! If their radar guns read anything different they will write you a ticket, and that’s not a good way to start your vacation. So heed our warning and respect the advice written on the city of Key Colony Beach sign- “What’s your hurry? You’re already here!”

In “downtown” Marathon you can load up on the supplies that you may have forgotten to pack. There’s a Kmart (MM 50-O), two “full-size” grocery stores (MM 50-O) and even a Home Depot (MM 49-O). Pay attention to the street signs and look for Sombrero Beach Road (at the stoplight before Publix). This will take you to Sombrero Beach, one of the sandiest, cleanest, and most popular beaches in all of the Keys. Sombrero Beach offers state-of-the-art facilities, picnic tables, bbq grills, clear waters to swim and snorkel in, and an amazing view of the Atlantic. This is also a great spot to cast out a rod (with a live shrimp on it) to try and hook a tarpon or snook feeding at the mouth of Sister’s Creek (at the west end of the park). Look out from the beach and into the Atlantic Ocean and you will see Sombrero Reef Lighthouse- our favorite place to snorkel in the Keys.

At the end of town you will find our most popular tourist attraction- the historic Seven-Mile Bridge (MM 47). Be ready to make a quick right turn into the bridge’s designated parking area – if you miss it you will have quite a long drive before you can turn around and come back. Head over to the old 2.2 mile bridge section that is closed off to vehicle traffic. Here you can look down into the water and often see migrating tarpon, giant spotted eagle rays, and swimming sea turtles. At the end of the 2.2 mile bridge section you will find historic Pigeon Key, listed on the National Register of Historic Places (read below). The Seven-Mile Bridge is our favorite place to take an evening jog, walk our four-legged companions, and admire the truly breathtaking Florida Keys sunsets.

Driving across the Seven-Mile Bridge is an experience all in itself. Have your cameras ready to capture fantastic views of tropical islands and beautiful contrasts of the blues and greens over the shallow water flats. As you travel over the bridge the first island you will see off to your right is Pigeon Key (MM 44.8-B). In the early 1900s Pigeon Key served as a base camp for around 400 of Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad workers. You can imagine how horrific the living conditions must have been without readily available fresh water, mosquito repellent, or air-conditioning (we’re spoiled). Today you can take a guided tour of the island and walk through the old workers’ quarters while learning all about Pigeon Key’s rich history. There is also museum on the island with a wonderful collection of scenic and historic photographs of the Overseas Railroad. Tours and transportation to Pigeon Key can be arranged at the visitor’s center (MM 47-O).

Further along the Seven-Mile Bridge, and off to your left, you will see the Molasses Keys and Money Key. These are great places to boat out and pitch a tent to enjoy primitive ocean-front camping at its finest. If you’re looking for more luxurious island accommodations, Melody Key (MM 41-B), at the West end of the bridge, is a private vacation rental that you can actually rent by the week. How amazing would it be to have your own private island with no one around to spoil your relaxation?

Now that you’re here you should know that Marathon was first settled in the early 1800s as an immigrant fishing village- and to this day remains a hard working town of world-renown charter fishing captains, crabbers, and commercial lobstermen. The town (which wasn’t officially incorporated until 1999) took its name in the early 1900s from Henry Flagler railroad workers who took residence here while building the Overseas Railroad. As they labored day and night to complete the railway to Key West, they knew they had a “marathon” of a task ahead of them if they ever wanted to finish.

Similar to Islamorada, Marathon is actually a collection of islands- beginning at Grassy Key, and ending at the west end of the Seven-Mile Bridge. The islands incorporated under the boundaries of Marathon include: Grassy Key, Long Pine Key, Fat Deer Key, Deer Key, East and West Sister’s Island, Crawl Key, Little Crawl Key, Stirrup Key, Vaca Key, Knights Key, Hog Key and Boot Key.

Despite the presence of a few modern chain stores and fast food restaurants, Marathon still preserves its small town feel. It is home to a community theater (MM 49-O), a cabaret-style cinema (MM 49-O, where you can have a glass of wine or a cold beer while watching a film), several parks and wildlife refuges, miles of designated nature and bicycle trails, a par-3 golf course (Key Colony Beach), a hospital for turtles (MM 48.5-B), incredible fishing opportunities, gourmet restaurants, and much more.

Listed below are the attractions, restaurants and accommodations that “us locals” recommend to OUR FRIENDS. These are our unbiased opinions, and we could be banished from paradise for telling you these secrets.

Our Favorite Things to Do in Marathon:

• Spend a memorable day catching sailfish at the reef, or permit on the flats.
• Snorkel at Sombrero Reef Light, one of the best spots in the Keys to view tropical fish and exotic underwater sea creatures.
• See the nesting sea turtles at Coco Plum Beach (Turn at the light MM 54.5-B).
• Head to Sparky’s Landing on Key Colony Beach for their terrific Happy Hour. Listen to live music on the water as they cook your catch.
• Take a memorable bi-plane ride over the islands (MM 52-B, Marathon Airport) – if you have the courage!
• Relax at Sombrero Beach- swim, fish, picnic, and work on your tan (MM 50-O, Sombrero Beach Rd).
• Learn about local wildlife at Crane Point Nature Center (MM 50-B).
• Watch a play at the Marathon Community Theater (MM 49-O).
• Visit the Turtle Hospital (MM 48.5-B) and witness rescued sea turtles being nursed back to health.
• Walk the historic Seven-Mile Bridge (MM 47) – not the whole thing… the 2.2 miles that takes you to historic Pigeon Key, on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Watch the sunset at Key Colony Beach Park.

Where we Eat, Drink, and Enjoy:

• Sparky’s Landing (Key Colony Beach)
• Hideaway Café (MM 58-O, Grassy Key)
• Frank’s Grill (MM 52.5-B)
• Annette’s Lobster & Steakhouse (MM 48-B)
• Takara Thai Restaurant (MM 48-B)
• Castaway Restaurant (MM 47-O)
• Key Colony Inn (Key Colony Beach)

Where we “Sleep Off” the Margaritas and Key Lime Pie:

• Sombrero Reef Inn and Fishing Lodge (MM 50-O, Sombrero Beach Road)
• Hawk’s Cay Resort (MM 61-O, Duck Key)
• White Sands Inn (MM 57.5-O, Grassy Key)
• Curry Hammock State Park (MM 56.2-O, camping)
• Banana Bay Resort (MM- 49.5B)
• Crystal Bay Resort (MM 49-B)

Other Marathon Mile Markers to note:

• MM 53-B Marathon Chamber of Commerce
• MM 52-B Marathon Airport
• MM 49.5-O Marathon Post Office
• MM 49-O Boot Key Harbor/City Marina
• MM 49-O Marathon Community Park
• MM 48.7-O Fisherman’s Hospital
• MM 48.6-O Marathon Library
• MM 48.5-O Marathon Sherriff Station, Courthouse