There�s more to the Florida Keys than meets the eye, yet visitors often overlook an array of hidden treasures and colorful locales. Exploring the ones listed here can enrich and deepen virtually anyone�s enjoyment of the region�s colorful culture and character.

One route from mainland Florida, Card Sound Road, offers a glimpse into one of the many facets of life in the Keys. Inhabitants here reside in humble abodes, peddling blue crabs along the roadside. Alabama Jack�s is Card Sound�s only restaurant and a popular local watering hole; 305-248-8741.

Visitors traveling Card Sound Road eventually head southwest on Route 905 to connect with U.S. Highway 1 on their way to the remainder of the Keys. One-quarter mile north of the intersection of Route 905 and U.S. 1, the Key Largo Hammocks Botanical State Park provides a home to numerous endangered species from both the plant and animal kingdoms. Guided nature hikes are led Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. by park rangers from nearby John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park; 305-451-1202.

Art enthusiasts can enjoy The Gallery at Kona Kai, mile marker (MM) 98 bayside in Key Largo. The gallery showcases works by some of the state�s finest artists as well as artists from Europe; 305-852-7200.

Tucked off U.S. 1 at Burton Road, MM 92.5 oceanside in Key Largo, Harry Harris Park has a beach, picnic grounds, playground and ball field. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset. One-half mile south at mile marker 92 oceanside is the centerpiece of the historic community of Tavernier, the Tavernier Hotel. This former general store and movie theater survived the Great Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 and was used by the American Red Cross to house area residents left homeless by the storm. At MM 85 bayside in Islamorada, travelers can view the inside of a fossilized coral reef at the 32-acre Windley Key Quarry Fossil Reef State Geologic Site. An on-premise educational center (entry is free) showcases the quarry�s role in the development of Henry Flagler�s railroad, while nature trails wind through hardwood hammocks. 305-664-2540.

A unique Florida Keys cemetery can be found on the beach at Cheeca Lodge & Spa, MM 82 oceanside in Islamorada. Known as the Pioneer Cemetery, this site contains the statue of an angel � one of the few structures that survived the hurricane of 1935. The ashes of that storm�s many victims rest below the tiled mosaic of Islamorada at the base of the Hurricane Monument, where the Old Highway meets the new at MM 81.7.

Venturing into the Middle Keys, Conch Key at MM 63 bayside, is a historic fishing village reminiscent of the early Florida Keys. Small cottages that date back to 1925 are home to commercial trap and line fishermen who work from their backyards.

Travelers cannot miss the larger-than-life dolphin statue at the Dolphin Research Center at MM 59 bayside on Grassy Key, but few realize that one of the first �Flippers� of television fame is buried beneath it. At MM 56 oceanside is the unspoiled, uncrowded Curry Hammock State Park, with beach and picnic facilities. Sombrero Beach in Marathon, MM 50 oceanside at Sombrero Beach Boulevard, provides a sandy oasis in the Middle Keys.

Nearby Boot Key Harbor is a popular boaters� community and a temporary stopping spot for cruisers the world over. Located at the Sombrero Marina, the Dockside Lounge at the harbor, MM 50 oceanside behind Publix, hosts popular Sunday jam sessions; 305-743-0000. Boot Key also is a popular spot for bird watching.

A portion of the Old Bahia Honda Bridge, a historic part of the 524-acre Bahia Honda State Park between MM 36 and MM 37, is open to pedestrians visiting the park and provides a panoramic view; 305-872-2353. Lower Keys visitors also can visit the former Overseas Railway borrow pit now known as the Blue Hole. Located just off Big Pine�s Key Deer Boulevard at MM 30.5 bayside, the Blue Hole features a layer of fresh water floating over salt water, and attracts Key deer and provides a home to alligators, turtles, birds and numerous fish. An observation platform allows for viewing. Beyond the Blue Hole lie the hardwoods and subtropical foliage of Watson�s Hammock, accessible by a wildlife trail through pine rockland forest and freshwater wetlands typical of this area of the Keys; 305-872-2239. Hidden from view at the commercial gateway to Key West is the 11-acre Botanical Garden on Stock Island. Situated on Botanical Garden Lane just off College Road at MM 5 bayside, the garden draws bird and butterfly watchers and features abundant exotic and native plants, walking trails, a gazebo, benches and a picnic table.

In Key West, Nancy�s Secret Garden, created by Nancy Forrester, has been described as a living work of art. Finding this open-to-the-public place is tricky � the entrance is on Free School Lane, off the 500 block of Simonton Street between Fleming and Southard streets. Some plants are rare and endangered; others are extinct in their original habitats. A group of exotic birds resides among the lush foliage. Call 305-294-0015.

The six-acre Indigenous Park, located just past the intersection of Key West�s White Street and Atlantic Boulevard, serves as a haven for migrating birds. Attractions here include a bird sanctuary and wildlife refuge. A native hardwood hammock contains a variety of indigenous plants. Bocci ball courts also are on premises.

Among the ruins at the historic, never-used Civil War-era fort known as West Martello Tower is a beautiful garden featuring indigenous plants, rare palm trees and a butterfly garden. Located just past the intersection of Atlantic Boulevard and White Street, the fort is home to the Key West Garden Club and is called the Joe Allen Garden Center; 305-294-3210. Dog Beach, situated next to Louie�s Backyard gourmet restaurant at the corner of Waddell and Alberta streets, provides a popular spot for sunbathing pooches who enjoy with their owners games of Frisbee and shallow-water swims.

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Media Contact: Josie Gulliksen +1 305-461-3300 josie@newmanpr.com