Avoid I75 and I95 when possible.

Been a long time since I was down there, but I wouldn't attempt to ride from the mainland to Key West after dark (and vice versa) - they have a lower speed limit after dark due to key deer.

 

Bring plenty $$$$$$!

 

From about Tallahassee I would take US 19 south to around Homosassa. It's almost as quick as the interstate but more pleasant to ride. Stop at The Freezer in Homosassa for the undisputed best shrimp in Florida. I would then take 98 south to Okeechobee, it's a nice route with good stops and Lake Okeechobee is a scenic area to take in. After that, I'd take 27 south to Homestead. If you're into wineries, Schnebly's Winery is the prettiest winery in Florida. At this point I usually turn around and go elsewhere, I'm not a fan of the Keys lol. Otherwise, from there it's straight down south. Enjoy the ride and don't speed in the small towns in north Florida.

 

And remember, not all the really tall girls are really all girl!

 

Especially the ones standing at the entrance to the Club on Duvall Street. lol

 

Eat at Pepe's. Oldest restaurant in Key West.

Drink at the Green Parrot.

 

i believe that is called the chicken shack

 

Thanks, everyone, for all the great info. I got back home about 2:15 this morning after riding straight through...about 1,015 miles. First time I've ever logged that many consecutive miles. Took about 17 hours, which included fuel, leg-stretch, and food stops. I thought about getting a hotel in Lake City, Tallahassee, or Dothan, but I just wanted to get on home...and my wallet was looking kinda peaked. Not sure why, but I was a anxious about how the bike would handle such a long journey, but it did great.

I didn't take ton of pictures, and I'm ashamed to admit that I got zero bike pics while there. At any rate, I didn't have a ton of time, so I'll just have to go back in order to make all the spots you folks mentioned that I missed. :-) The folks at the B&B were incredibly nice people. I'll definitely check on availability with them in the future. Fishing was good; we caught several Mahi, and they tasted as good as they looked. I checked out the butterfly house, Hemingway house, and Custom house. The Guy Harvey pen and ink drawings are incredible! Met a lot of really great folks while I was there too. Overall, an A+ trip for sure.

 

Nice, sounds like you had a great trip. Glad you took the opportunity.

I was on card sound not too long ago and it looks like they aren't collecting money at the toll anymore (going away from it, hope thats for good)