(54 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Heather Loyd

St Louis, MO

Travel Advisor for Couples, Families, and Groups

Personalized Travel Planner for Couples, Families, and Groups

I have always had a love for travel, culture, and history. I can remember, I was always planning trips with a road map, encyclopedia, and travel books. I then started researching...
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Personalized Travel Planner for Couples, Families, and Groups

I have always had a love for travel, culture, and history. I can remember, I was always planning trips with a road map, encyclopedia, and travel books. I then started researching excursions using the internet. My first trip I did was we drove from North Idaho through Washington, Oregon, and ended in Santa Cruz, Calif. Some of my favorite trips I have planned include Westward expansion trips starting in St. Louis and traversing through the western US, memorable trips to the French Quarter of New Orleans and concluding with an alligator visit! I put my heart into planning each and every trip; romantic cruises in Key Largo, cultural excursions in Belize, and helping people find those rare, out of the way parks and incredible points of interest that most people miss or have never heard of. I delight in researching, learning, and discovering this planet we call home. The world really is a magical, beautiful, and amazing place, and I am excited to help you enjoy and explore it!!

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Heather Loyd

Can Be Reached At

1-314-917-2008

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Florida Keys Travel Agent Advisor

Are you looking for a romantic getaway? How about an adventure out at sea or even under the sea? Maybe you thirst for the history of stories long ago. Well you can find all that and more in The Florida Keys. From pristine beaches, turquoise water, to the diverse history The Florida Keys are the USA's hidden treasure. In the blink of an eye you can escape to paradise and experience a multitude of wonder and amazement. I would love to plan your adventure to one of my favorite escapes, The Florida Keys.The Florida Keys lie along highway 101 at the very tip of Florida. The Keys make up a group of over 800 islands that form the Florida Keys archipelago. Because of the number of islands they are separated into four different areas, The Upper Keys, Middle Keys, Lower Keys, and the Dry Tortugas. Each section of the Keys has a different feel, or vibe and therefore will give you a completely different vacation.The Upper Keys - Comprised of Key Largo South to Marathon. The Upper Keys is a must experience for nature lovers and are known for their fishing, diving, snorkeling.. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was the first underwater park in the United States, boasting mangrove trails, snorkeling, fishing, diving, and glass bottom boat tours. It is astounding  to behold the sheer diversity of marine life. Anne’s Beach located in Islamorada is home to a  beautiful and intimate beach, tide pools, and an elevated walk through mangroves. The Rain Barrel Village, is Islamorada’s own open air market. The Rain Barrel Village hosts local shops, restaurants, locally made art, souvenirs, and one of a kind items. Souvenir hunters will find something for everyone.The Middle Keys - Reaches  from Marathon to the end of the seven mile bridge. While driving on highway 101 I persuade you to continue until you arrive in the Middle Keys. The Middle Keys  is a land of sea to table restaurants, marine rescue centers, and world renowned beaches. There you will find restaurants purchasing, and serving fish and seafood right off the boat when it comes in. It brings the meaning of “fresh” to a whole new level. Bahia Honda State Park boasts some of the best near shore snorkeling, beautiful pristine beaches, and wildlife. You can go for the beaches and snorkeling, but don't forget your binoculars for everything that you will see on the way. Arriving early to Bahia Honda State Park is a must, park rangers will turn vehicles away once it has reached capacity.The Lower Keys  include multiple Keys with the most populated and popular being Key West. Known for being the Southernmost stop in the US as well as only 90 miles to Cuba, it is a town all of its own. There really is no other place like it. Mallory Square is a must for any trip to Key West, especially at sunset.  You will enjoy watching the sunset to live music, performers.  As the sun makes its final descent into the horizon, join the tradition of holding your cup high to salute the glorious sunset.   Old Town introduces you to Ernest Hemmingway’s former home on Whitehead Street.  Traveling there is delightful either by foot or bicycle.  Afterwards, take your time walking through the museum, or just stroll along the gardens and next to the first pool in Key West. It is a walk back in time to when Key West was still a small town and everyone knew each other. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park also calls Key West home. Fort Taylor was built between 1844-1860 and is a companion to Fort Jefferson located in The Dry Tortugas. Fort Zachary was used as a union stronghold during the civil war as well as a strategic position during the Spanish American War. Today you can walk the halls and immerse yourself in the history, spend your day snorkeling off the shore, or enjoying the wildlife that surrounds the Park. The Dry Tortugas - Comprised seven islands 70 miles off the coast of Key West. They are the last of the islands that make up the Florida Keys. The Dry Tortugas are only accessible by ferry, boat, or seaplane. It is an amazing trip out there no matter how you travel. You’ll be amazed by the beautiful waters, flying fish jumping out of the water, and the occasional dolphin or shark sighting.Fort Jefferson is located on Garden Keys.   Built over 29 years from 1846-1875 it is one of the largest forts ever built. During the Civil War it was held as a strategic position for the Union Army and to house prisoners of war. The view from the top of the Fort out to sea is unforgettable. After the history tour and walk around the Fort it is time to swim and snorkel in the crystal clear blue waters that surround Garden Key. The water ranging in temperature from 83 to 86 degrees makes swimming and snorkeling easy and enjoyable. No matter if you desire the Upper, Middle, Lower Keys, or The Dry Tortugas I would love to plan you a one of a kind vacation in the one of a kind gem called The Florida Keys.

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Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas National Park

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