I Found The Best Pit Stop On The Way To Key West

Key Takeaways

The Village Square at Trading Post in Islamorada is a collection of restaurants and shops along the Florida Overseas Highway that makes a great pit stop on the way to Key West.

Order fish tacos or fresh salads at Bad Boy Burrito; grab at coffee at Cafe Moka; shop for clothing and gifts at Miss Monroe Boutique; and browse the open-air stalls at boo kee sue Botanics for handmade textiles, ceramics, and more.

Even if you’ve never been to Key West before, you probably know that the road to get there is very long. The chain of islands, which spans about 125 miles from Miami-Dade/Monroe County line to Key West, is connected by the Florida Overseas Highway. This is one of the most scenic roads in the country—you’ll see retro motels and seafood shacks, mangrove forests, and incredible views of the turquoise ocean on both sides. But the drive does take hours to complete if you’re headed all the way to Key West, which means you’ll need a stopping point along the way. And I happened to find the ideal place on a recent trip.

Village Square At The Trading Post

The island of Islamorada is between mile markers 72 and 90 on the Overseas Highway, making it a good midway point to pull over, stretch your legs, hit the bathroom, and grab a bite to eat. There are plenty of restaurants in the area—many right on the waterfront—but Village Square At The Trading Post offers travelers a whole lot more.

The sign for Village Square might make you think it is a typical shopping center with a handful of businesses, but once you walk through the parking lot and into the lushly landscaped property, you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a secret oasis.

What’s Inside Village Square At The Trading Post

Designed like a large courtyard, the plant- and tree- filled space is shared between a restaurant, a coffee shop, and two boutiques. In between, are patio tables with umbrellas and other shady spots to sit for a while and take in the serene surroundings. (Albeit with a rooster or two roaming around.)

Bad Boy Burrito

Lisa Cericola

This well-reviewed lunch and brunch spot is how I found Village Square in the first place, although the name of this restaurant doesn’t capture the diversity of its menu. Yes, there are burritos (and tacos), with fillings ranging from ground kobe beef and pork carnitas to Key West pink shrimp and grilled tofu and an array of housemade sauces. But you’ll also find hearty salads, freshly-made sushi, smoothies and juices, cocktails, and at brunch, Churro French Toast and Duck Hash Omelets. Everything is prepared to order and served at nearby picnic tables for a delicious alfresco meal that will put you in a Keys state of mind. My watermelon juice and grilled fish salad certainly did.

Cafe Moka

The adorable Islamorada outpost of this shop will get you caffeinated for the road, whether you like your coffee hot or iced. You’ll also find cookies, pastries, grab-and-go food like salads and quiches, and other drinks like kombucha.

Miss Monroe Boutique

Village Square at the Trading Post

If you’re in need of a sun hat, an extra beach coverup, colorful earrings, or a souvenir T-shirt, this place has got you covered—and then some. The boutique is filled with fun finds for yourself or to bring home to family and friends. I ended up buying a pair of shorts for me and a beaded pearl necklace for my mom.

boo kee sue Botanics

These open-air stalls selling ceramics, handmade textiles, plants, and more look like they could be from a French flea market but the colorful, laid-back vibe is pure Key West. Give yourself plenty of time to explore; you’ll find treasures everywhere you look. Many items are handmade and locally produced.

Read the original article on Southern Living