A guest story from Dale Curten, who blogs at Cowboy Captain about his sailing adventures.
Key Largo was the setting for the 1948 film starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall — the two are said to have fallen in love filming there. Dale and his fiancée Shelia found their own bit of that magic at a waterfront cottage recommended by his sailing club: Key Lime Sailing Club.
Arriving via a dirt driveway off the beaten path, they were welcomed by the manager, Gloria, who toured them around the resort's "toys" before settling them into the Sailfish Cottage — secluded, closest to the docks, with a kitchenette, an outdoor shower, a private tiki hut, a BBQ, hammocks, and the water just steps away.
Owner Paul lent them a guitar, and that first night, under the tiki hut, Dale tried his best rendition of Jimmy Buffett's "Margaritaville" — though by his own account it came out sounding more like Merle Haggard. A perfect start to a Keys getaway built around sailboats, kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, and snorkel gear, all included with the stay.