Sun hungry? Why you should travel to Florida!

Florida: Where the fun reigns

So beautiful can be photo wallpaper clichés: the "White Sands Inn" on Grassy Key

"Ever tried sliced ice?" I shake my head. "Come, I'll give you one, it looks like the sea." A machine shreds the ice cubes, the ice man pours two colors of syrup over it - Woodruff green and Curacao blue - and hands me a shiny plastic cup full of fake ocean. But, fake is not, the sea actually has this unreal swimming pool color, here at Robbie's Marina, one of the places they call "fun places" in the Florida Keys Islands. These are places whose only purpose is to be fun - and Robbie's Marina has the fun of feeding tarpon from the jetty, fish with huge mouths. The brave hold small fishes close to their grinders, and then there is a lot of cackling and shrieking when one jumps up and snaps shut.

Photoshow: Miami and Key West

The sun slips towards Everglades National Park and shows a Florida cliché on the "Bayside" of the Keys, with a pink-orange program behind palm trees. Almost a bit thick, no romantic poster could do that better. But posters can not rattle like the water, do not clatter like the beer bottles of the guys at the bar, do not rush like the highway that loses itself next to the Marina in the Skyspink. I'm picking at the scampi on my plate, taking a sip of fake ocean, knocking the sand off my flip flops, then driving on to the southern golden south of the US, on my tour across Overseas Highway US 1, from Miami to Key West and back again. "Enjoy the Keys", the boys from the marina call me - they all say this instead of "goodbye".

I do not like to dictate fun and enjoyment, but here I would have to actively resist to escape both. The next morning, when the sun sets over the Atlantic, the color spectacle starts over, then there are thick buttermilk blueberry pancakes for breakfast, before I stop at the "Dolphin Research Center" - and lose my heart. His name is Jax, he is a dolphin, has a jagged fin from a shark bite and lives, jumps and laughs with many other dolphins. When I hold out my arms to him, he stretches out of the water, and when our noses touch, it has happened to me. Later I walk over the old Seven Mile Bridge, where below me is only blue and above me only blue, and float in the bathtub water in front of the island of Bahía Honda, in the middle in the blue. Strand here, the flip flops never take off, always in the warm, live on fish and sun and some idea like so many here - why not? The Keys, these are islands for knights of fortune, people who want to change their lives or who have been put back from start to finish in the crisis anyway. Or people who, like me, came here for the sun. And stayed. They offer tours by bike, boat or snorkel, they open shops, restaurants, bars and always new bed and breakfast oases. Along the highway every freak finds his place.

Ron Augustine, Fortune Teller at Mallory Square, where the Sunset Celebration takes place every evening.

Ron Augustine found him in Key West nine years ago, sitting in Mallory Square, the fun-place among fun places. Ron's eyes are green and the crystal ball in his hands sparkles mysteriously. He is not long soothsayer yet. Actually, he makes jewelry, but currently prospects for the future are more lucrative, he says. He gives me wisdom for free: This place, in the middle of the ocean about 145 kilometers north of Cuba, is a place of rejuvenation, charged with a lot of energy. And where he comes from, he also knows, "with the flow from the Bermuda Triangle". I turn around to all the jugglers, flaneurs, dancers and think: There is something in the thing about the energy. But maybe it only comes from the fact that so many free spirits are pushing for little space here.

Still enough space for quiet side streets, hidden terraces and small, relaxing beaches. The sounds remain here below and leave the quiet a lot of room. As I walk from the glittering bars of Duval Street between pretty old wooden facades to the galleries of White Street, I feel the sound around me slow down. For hours I stroll and cycle through the relaxed part of Key West, eat an ice cream here and a lobster sandwich, chat with everyone who is willing to talk, so actually everyone who comes across my way, suck in between the peace.

Sightseeing around Ocean Drive in Miami Beach

Energiebetankt I drive the fun highway back north, 250 kilometers then I'm in Miami. The cliché: sunburned snobs, modern art, pastel-colored Art Deco facades and body worship on miles of sandy beach. The reality: just that, fascinatingly that.When I look out to Ocean Drive from my Miami Beach hotel room early in the morning, there's already a huge six-pack parade of skating, jogging and sit-ups. At night, a revamped car parade is on the way and anyone who can, leaves open the doors like wings, rotate the rims, banging the plant.

There, at my hotel window, I realize what's so special about all the Florida stereotypes: they just do not get bored. Florida has relieved me for something: my skepticism about "fun places", And pleasure can not be applied to me anymore.

Tinka Dippel

Travel Tips: Miami

Photoshow: Miami and Key West

STAY Note: Hotel rates are usually stated without the tax (around 13 percent). For our prices, the tax is included.

The Loft and Villa Paradiso, Same concept, just five blocks apart on the shopping street Collins Avenue: small, tastefully decorated rooms or suites with kitchens. "Villa Paradiso" with a beautifully overgrown backyard. Double room from 79 Euro ("The Loft": 952 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139, Tel. 534 22 44, Fax 538 15 09, www.thelofthotel.com; "Villa Paradiso": 1415 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, Tel. 532 06 16, Fax 673 58 74, www.villaparadisohotel.com).

Shelley Hotel, Also on Collins Avenue, more rooms, more bustle, well-styled guests - and plain-looking rooms. Double from 65 Euro (844 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139, Tel. 531 33 41, Fax 674 08 11, www.hotelshelley.com).

Hotel St. Michel, If you do not want to go to Miami Beach, this beautiful 1926 hotel is set in a very quiet business district in the evenings. It has creaky floors, many furniture jewels and a great lift from the time of its founding. Z / F from 71 Euro (162 Alcazar Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida 33134, Tel. 444 16 66, Fax 529 00 74, www.hotelstmichel.com).

TO EAT AND DRINK

Front Porch Café, Popular breakfast café with huge portions at the quiet northern end of Ocean Drive. Delicious fruit pancakes, which are good for two people (1418 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, Tel. 531 83 00).

La Sandwicherie, The sandwiches, e.g. with ham, seafood or mozzarella, are the perfect beach picnic. Or the perfect barhopping energy source. Or the perfect hangover breakfast (daily 10-5 clock). A bottle of legendary dressing 3.20 euros. Sandwiches from 3,70 Euro (229 14th Street, Miami Beach, www.lasandwicherie.com).

Michael's Genuine Food & Drink, Everyone loves Michael Schwartz. Two and a half years ago, he opened his always-full restaurant in the middle of the up-and-coming Design District. The dishes are sorted by size, from "Small" to "X-Large". The beef pizza is under "Large", makes you well fed and more than happy and costs 14 euros (130 North East 40th Street, Atlas Plaza, Design District, Tel. 573 55 50, www.michaelsgenuine.com).

Fratelli Lyon Driade, Animated showroom of the Milan furniture label Driade: People sit on their chairs and eat from their tables and plates. The light, delicious dishes, the fresh bread and the elaborate crissini are provided by the Lyon brothers, e.g. Calamari Salad with Celery and Lemon Dressing for 7 Euros ($ 10) (4141 NE 2nd Avenue, Design District, Tel. 572 29 01, www.fratellilyon.com.

Islas Canarias, Jewel-free, perfectly normal Cuban restaurant - unfortunately quite far away from the center of Little Havana. Delicious fish dishes from five euros (285 North West 27th Avenue, Tel. 649 04 40, www.islascanariasrestaurant.net).

The room, It's late, you want a relaxed drink without Oceandrive-bustle? Then go down Collins Avenue a few blocks south to this no frills bar and noise music. Beers from around the world (100 Collins Avenue 4, 1st Street between Collins and Washington, Miami Beach, www.theroommiamibeach.com).

SHOPPING

I on the District, The eyeglasses sky. Only the most beautiful models, e.g. by Chloé and Paul Smith. Customers get champagne or coffee - and they need a lot of time (120 North East 40th Street, Design District, www.ionthedistrict.com).

Turchin, Just around the corner, jewelry designer Turchin opened his first shop. Inspired by ethnic jewelry from around the world, he uses pearls, silver, and knotted ribbons to make beautiful, high quality pieces (130 North East 40th Street, Design District, www.turchinjewelry.com).

Unique Design Boutique, Small shop with jeans, bags, belts, tops - and a buried in the ground Bible. Worth a stop on the way from the Design to the Wynwood District (2400 North Miami Avenue, Wynwood District).

LOOK AT

Arno Valere Art Gallery by Ricart, The gallery in the Design District opened in late 2008. The Frenchman Martial Ricart brings big names from all over the world like Damien Hirst and David Lachapelle on two floors into the middle of the new art hotspot (3900 North East 1st Avenue, Design District, Tel. 576 50 00, www.ricartgallerymiami.com).

Rubell Family Collection, Here in the Wynwood district, pictures, sculptures and films have one thing above all: plenty of space.And that's what this great collection needs (95 North West 29th Street, just off North West 1st Avenue, tel. 573 60 90, www.rubellfamilycollection.com).

Bass Museum of Art, If you want to escape the sun of Miami Beach, you can float around this beautiful art museum with a small permanent collection and changing exhibitions (2121 Park Avenue, tel. 673 75 30, www.bassmuseum.org). And then: a few blocks to the Raleigh Hotel, one of the city's most exclusive. Behind the lobby, non-guests can sit nicely under shady trees and watch the rich and famous poolside (1775 Collins Avenue, www.raleighhotel.com).

Travel Tips: On the way from Miami to Key West

Photoshow: Miami and Key West

STAY

La Jolla Resort, Occasionally, the small original 1950s layout with its colorfully painted houses is fully booked for fashion productions. Otherwise vacation there many families. Each of the 21 suites and the luxury cottage has its own kitchen. Suite from 71 Euro (MM 82.2, 82216 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida 33036, Tel. 664 92 13, www.lajollaresort.com).

Casa Thorn, When Thorn Trainer learned that she was suffering from a rare muscle disease, she set up this hidden paradise in her home and garden - now a couple leads with her. Breakfast is served at the table in front of each room, there is a small pool. And in every corner are plants or bizarre sculptures. DZ / F from 62 Euro (MM 87.5 Bayside, 114 Palm Lane, Plantation Key, Florida 33036, Tel. 852 39 96, Fax 852 39 96 www.casathorn.com).

White Sands Inn, Simple, inexpensive, nicely located resort on Grassy Key - where unfortunately, as the name of the island says, sometimes a lot of seaweed is purged. DZ from around 79 Euro (MM 57.5 Oceanside, 57622 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key / Marathon, Florida 33050, Tel. 743 52 85, www.whitesandsinn.com).

Deer Run Bed & Breakfast, A few houses further a refuge, this green label: The breakfast is vegan, fruits and vegetables are z.T. grown in your own garden, everything about this house is organic and recycled. And very comfortable. And here, too, the Keydeers doze in the garden. Harry Appel and Jennifer DeMaria have made a dream come true with the purchase of the house three years ago, they have a pool, glass bottom kayaks and bicycles. And Jennifer is a trained masseuse. DZ / F from 179 Euro; Guests over 18, no pets (1997 Long Beach Drive, Big Pine Key, Florida 33043, Phone 872 20 15, Fax 872 05 35, www.deerrunfloridabb.com).

TO EAT AND DRINK

Calypso's, Here the understatement is maintained: plastic chairs and cutlery. The decoration: a hodgepodge of ship propellers, angel sculptures, lanterns and ornate fans. The food: a simple pleasure. Chef Todd Lollis creates sandwiches, salads and imaginative fish and crab dishes. Namely from the very fish and crabs that come from the very water that splashes against the patio. For this he has won various cooking trophies that adorn the interior. No reason to change anything. This store is as timeless as the music played by Led Zeppelin or Jethro Tull (MM 99.5, 1 Seagate Boulevard, Ocean Bay Marina Drive, Key Largo, Tel. 451 06 00).

Harriette's Restaurant, When steam rises here early in the morning, Harriette Mattson bakes her famous rolls and muffins. For 27 years her shop has been an institution for good, cheap and copious breakfast (MM 95.7 Bayside, tel. 852 86 89).

Hungry Tarpon, The restaurant directly at the famous "Robbie's Marina" has been around for a long time, but in the evening you can eat there only since the Frenchman Joseph Sassine took over the kitchen in April. And you should definitely do that: his salad dressing with Keylime juice (salad from 4.20 euros), his coconut banana cake (3.50 euros) and the view of the water - great! (MM 77.5 Bayside, Islamorada, Tel. 664 05 35, www.hungrytarpon.com).

The Leigh Ann's Coffee House, Good cheese counter, well stocked wine rack, coffee and delicious Keylime Pie (MM 50, 7537 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Tel. 743 20 01, www.leighannscoffeehouse.com).

Stuffed pig, From the front of one of the many diners along the way, but behind a cozy garden opens, in which one can have a good breakfast, e.g. Sandwiches, waffles, pancakes. Wedding planner Karen Dennis runs this restaurant, souvenir shop included (MM 49, 3520 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Tel. 743 40 59, www.thestuffedpig.com).

Good Food Conspiracy, Organic shop of the first hour with wrap and juice counter. If you are not in a hurry, you can sit in the nice garden (MM 30, Big Pine Key, www.goodfoodconspiracy.com).

LOOK AT

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, The great landscape is here v.a. under water and explore with a snorkel or glass bottom boat. But a short trip to the countryside is also worthwhile: there is a boardwalk through the mangrove forests and quiet bays for swimming. Admission two euros (MM 102.5 Oceanside, Tel. 451 12 02, www.pennekamppark.com).

Turtle Hospital, The world's only certified sea turtle hospital.The visitor program with film, a guided tour of the station and the rehabilitation area takes about 1.5 hours. Adults 10.50 Euro, children 5.20 Euro (MM 48.5 Bayside, 2396 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Tel. 743 25 52, www.turtlehospital.org).

Travel Tips: Key West

STAY

Iceland City House, Victorian houses and enchanted garden where breakfast is served on a carriage. And: pool and rental bikes. All rooms with kitchen, suites z.T. big enough for families of several, children welcome! DZ / F from 120 Euro (411 William Street, Key West, Florida 33040, Tel. 294 57 02, Fax 294 12 89, www.islandcityhouse.com).

Eden House, Here you do not want to leave: hammocks, rocking roaring streams where turtles frolic, pool - and 43 beautiful rooms from 76 euros, including happy hour (1015 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040, Tel. 296 68 68, Fax 294 12 21, www.edenhouse.com).

The Frances Street Bottle Inn, Pretty corner house in a quiet street, off the bustling Duval Street, opposite the restaurant "Café Solé". Cozy rooms, relaxed atmosphere. Z / F from 100 Euro (535 Frances Street, Key West, Florida 33040, Tel. 294 85 30, Fax 294 16 28, www.bottleinn.com).

Marrero's Guest Mansion, Stucco, ornate old furniture, cozy rooms, quiet but very central location, nice pool. Z / F from 79 Euro, including Happy Hour (410 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040, Tel. 294 69 77, www.marreros.com).

ambrosia, Very nice bed and breakfast with two pools. The rooms are spread over six houses, breakfast in the courtyard. Some rooms with kitchen. DZ / F from 142 Euro (622 Fleming Street, Florida 33040, Tel. 296 98 38, Fax 296 24 25, www.ambrosiakeywest.com).

TO EAT AND DRINK

Help yourself, New energy filling station: The organic deli with salads, wraps and warm stews that you can put together yourself. Also juices, smoothies, coffee and a few coveted seats in the sun (829 Fleming Street, Tel 296 77 66, www.helpyourselffoods.com). When seats are taken: Have your picnic and go around the corner in Nancy Forresters Secret Garden, which is worth its seven euros entry fee (518 Elizabeth Street, www.nancyforrester.com/garden).

Azur restaurant, No matter what time of day: Here you will be full and happy. In the restaurant opened two years ago, there are great breakfast combinations from 4.20 euros, at lunch sandwiches and pizzas (around 6.20 euros) and in the evening creative meat and fish dishes, e.g. grilled swordfish with caramelized Cipollini (425 Grinnell Street, tel. 292 29 87, www.azurkeywest.com).

B.O.'s Fish Wagon, What started on a fish car on Duval Street today has its place off the beaten track, a roof and walls of scrap metal collected, tables and chairs, and a reputation for the best fish sandwiches in the world (801 Caroline Street, Tel. 294 92 72).

Flamingo Crossing, Homemade ice cream for kneeling down, just for a mango ball worth the way to the quiet southern end of Duval Street. Daily. until 11 pm (1107 Duval Street). - El Siboney. Funky, simple Cuban restaurant, with moderate prices and popular cuisine with lots of fish, meat, rice, beans and baked bananas. Dishes from 6 euros (900 Catherine Street, Tel 296 41 84, www.elsiboneyrestaurant.com).

Mangia Mangia, Fresh pasta, e.g. with seafood or pesto and walnuts (€ 10.50), in addition to a relaxed atmosphere and a nice garden. Careful, the pasta comes in big mountains! (900 Southard Street, Phone 294 24 69, www.mangia-mangia.com).

Louie's Backyard, The restaurant is chic and expensive, but you can also relax on the large wooden terrace, drink a beer and look at the sea, which rushes right under one (700 Waddell Avenue, tel. 294 10 61).

Alonzo + Berlin's Lobster House, Sitting next to the swinging boats, eat a delicious mango-lobster salad for 10.40 euros ($ 15) (700 Front Street, tel. 294 58 80, www.aandblobsterhouse.com).

Bottlecap Café & Lounge, Until midnight, salads and small dishes, then next door only music (often live), lollipop sofas and drinks (128 Simonton Street, www.bcapcafe.com).

Green Parrot, Just a really nice pub, where locals gather late at night around the big counter (601 Whitehead Street, www.greenparrot.com).

SHOPPING

Peppers of Key West. In addition to six home-made creations, hundreds of hot sauces from all over the world fill the shelves. And at the counter you can try them all with nachos (602 Greene Street, www.peppersofkeywest.com).

Eaton Street Seafood Market, The store opened about two years ago with a mission: to strengthen the local fishermen against the growing import. Freshly caught fish and lobsters, crabs, sauces and seafood salads are served daily from 11am to 7pm (930 Eaton Street / Grinell Street corner, www.kwseafood.com).

Franco's Hero & Deli, Newly opened deli at the quiet end of Duval Street, from where you can take the delicious Italian tapas directly to the beach (1219 Duval Street).

LOOK AT

Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, Multimedia presentations and an aquarium give insights into life underwater, make a whole garden of coral, and a whole zoo of marine life visible. Tue-Sat 9am to 4pm, free admission (35 East Quay Road, Key West, tel. 292 03 11, www.dep.state.fl.us). And right next door is Fort Zachary State Park with Key West's most beautiful beach (1.40 Euro / person).

The Studios of Key West, More and more galleries are fleeing from Duval Street towards White Street. For three years, there has also been this artists' house with studios on the upper floors, a sculpture garden and exhibitions, theater and music (Historic Armory, 600 White Street, tel. 296 04 58, www.tskw.org).

special Tips: The most beautiful places at sunset

South Pointe Parc in Miami, The southernmost tip of Miami Beach has recently been recently landscaped. From there you can look at the celebrity island of Fisher Island and watch the cruise ships entering and leaving in the evening. If you want a terrific steak with even more terrific fresh bread, go to "Smith & Wollensky" (1 Washington Avenue, tel. 673 28 00, www.smithandwollenskysteakhouses.com).

Lorelei Bar on the Islamorada, Snacks like smoked fish dip and drinks like mango margarita, sometimes live music and lots of people (MM 82, Bayside, www.loreleifloridakeys.com).

Mallory Square and La Concha Hotel in Key West, Jugglers, drummers, fortune tellers - and everything looks at the glittering sea in the evening: you should be at least one evening on the Mallory Square. Less turbulent, but with more vision into the color spectacle: from the bar "The Top" at La Concha Hotel (430 Duval Street, www.laconchakeywest.com).