The allure of the Islands of Marathon - the midway point of the Florida Keys, an hour's drive from Key West or Key Largo - emanates from its fascinating history and environmental attractions. The Middle Keys comprise Conch Key, Duck Key, Grassy Key, the Crawl keys, Key Colony Beach, Key Vaca, Fat Deer Key, Knight's Key and Pigeon Key. Settlements on the Islands of Marathon can be traced back to the early 1800s, when Bahamians established tropical fruit farms and New England fishermen inhabited the region. In 1908, Henry Flagler's Overseas Railway reached Key Vaca, home to the village of Marathon and headquarters of the railroad's final Key West extension. Spanning from Key Vaca to Sunshine Key is the area's most noted attraction, the Seven Mile Bridge, one of the longest segmental bridges in the world. The Old Seven Mile Bridge, running parallel to the modern span, was the final installment of Henry Flagler's Overseas Railway and a turn-of-the-century marvel that took four years to construct. The spirit of this trestle's past lingers still on five-acre Pigeon Key, below the bridge two miles west of Marathon. The island's museum contains artifacts from the Florida Keys railroad era, along with an antique postcard exhibit and photos depicting early life on Pigeon Key. Throughout the region environmental attractions provide visitors opportunities to swim with dolphins, explore a hardwood hammock and rain forest, stroll white sand beaches and enjoy an abundance of watersports. World-class sportfishing is available offshore, on the reef and flats, along the bridges and in nearby Everglades National Park. Snorkel and scuba dive excursions fulfill most divers' appetites, while kayak aficionados can paddle through the solitude of local backcountry waters. Additionally, visitors can charter a sailboat, play golf and tennis, take in the theater and eat at one of the many fine restaurants. Marathon, called the Heart of the Florida Keys, boasts homey resorts, luxury accommodations, and the conveniences of a modern community, including a 58-bed hospital and plenty of shopping opportunities, while retaining the charm of its roots as a 19th-century fishing village.

Its commercial airport, Florida Keys Marathon Airport, mile marker (MM) 52 bayside, offers connecting flights from Fort Lauderdale. Two fixed-base operators offer private aircraft accessibility. Call (305) 289-6060. The region is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Miami International Airport, and a one-hour drive from Key West International Airport. For more information, write the Marathon Chamber of Commerce at 12222 Overseas Highway, Marathon FL 33050. Call (800) 842-9580 or (305) 743-5417 or stop by the Marathon Visitor Center at MM 54 bayside.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO ON THE ISLANDS OF MARATHON Dolphin Connection, MM 61 oceanside, Hawk's Cay Resort, Duck Key, (305) 734-7000, ext. 1220, (888) 814-9154, www.hawkscay.com. Hawk's Cay Resort and nonresort guests can interact directly with the dolphins in either a saltwater lagoon or dockside encounter. The Dolphin Research Center, MM 59 bayside, Grassy Key, (305) 289-1121, www.dolphins.org. Dolphin Encounter is the center's swim program, and visitors can try DolphinSplash, a wade-in program that offers the opportunity to get waist deep in the water with the dolphins. Hands-On Training, Meet the Dolphin and Paint With A Dolphin offer a variety of interactions. Curry Hammock State Park, MM 56 oceanside, Little Crawl Key. Fishing, swimming and picnicking are available at this waterfront park. Key Colony Beach Golf & Tennis, 8th Street at MM 53.5, Key Colony Beach, (305) 743-9018. A nine-hole, par-3 public course is open seven days a week, along with two lighted hard courts. Boot Key Harbor, Sombrero Boulevard at MM 50 oceanside, Marathon. This is one of the United States' rare protected harbors.

Crane Point, MM 50 bayside, Marathon, (305) 743-9100, www.cranepoint.org. A 63.5-acre tract that is one of the most important historical and archaeological sites in the Keys. Crane Point contains evidence of prehistoric Indian artifacts and was once the site of a Bahamian village. The Museums of Crane Point include the Museum of Natural History of the Florida Keys and the Florida Keys Children's Museum. Other features include nature trails, one of the oldest homes in the Keys outside of Key West, a wild bird rehabilitation center, rain forest, butterfly garden and flight habitat. Sombrero Beach, Sombrero Boulevard at MM 50 oceanside, Marathon. A public beach with picnic facilities and children's playground.

Marathon Community Theatre, MM 49 oceanside, Marathon, (305) 743-0994, www.marathontheater.org. Comedies, musicals, dramatic presentations and readings are offered at the theater. The Old Seven Mile Bridge, MM 47 bayside, Marathon. A historic and scenic spot for walking, jogging, cycling, rollerblading and sunset viewing. Pigeon Key, MM 47 bayside, Marathon, (305) 743-5999, www.pigeonkey.org. Dotted with quaint cottages, historic Pigeon Key formerly served as a camp for laborers erecting the Seven Mile Bridge. This island now showcases a museum and offers opportunities to picnic and snorkel.

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