If you're looking to escape the cold, consider visiting the Florida Keys! This past month we decided to visit Key West as a family and we had a phenomenal trip. The water was gorgeous. The food was memorable. And it was an awesome place to relax! Speaking of food, let's dive into the top restaurants we tried...

If you're hitting up Duval Street looking for good eats, you need to check out Stinkin Crawfish. They have patio seating, happy hour, and live music! I ordered the shrimp with old fashioned garlic butter plus medium spice and I have to say, these were my favorite! You can literally see the roasted garlic clinging to the shrimp. 

Tip: This restaurant is super affordable. If you're looking for quality food on Duval Street without breaking the bank, visit Stinkin Crawfish!

The Docks is a beautiful restaurant on the water on Stock Island. This place feels industrial but also charming with its cozy lighting and location right on the docks! I wouldn't recommend bringing kids here as the menu is pretty upscale. The restaurant is definitely on the romantic side! 

My husband ordered their lobster special and said it was very good. The menu is a bit pricey, but if you're picking a restaurant to splurge and try delicious seafood, this is a great place for that! They have a window too of a chef preparing seafood which you don't see often and was pretty cool. My favorite part about this place was the seating with a view!

If you're looking for a place with tons of options, you'll love Boat House! This restaurant is nestled near the water on a harbor and is decorated beautifully with different colorful flags on the ceiling. I ordered the Grilled Chicken Panini and I really enjoyed it, along with the salad that came with! My panini was only $14, which I thought was a great price for a waterfront restaurant.

Okay, this might've been my favorite place we visited while in the keys. This cafe is everything you envision France to be! Banana Cafe is located on Duval Street, not too far from Higgs Beach. 

I ordered the Cobb Shrimp Salad and it is most definitely one of the top salads I've ever had. The blackened shrimp and togarashi ranch was delicious! My meal was $21 but I'd pay way more to have this salad again. I loved this cafe too because they labeled the gluten free and vegan menu items! They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

​

I can't wait to share more hidden gems in Key West with you! Think coffee, ice cream, and the best beaches. I hope you found a few restaurants you'd like to visit in this post. Tell me in the comments which one you're looking forward to visiting! 

If you're looking for a weekend away, Amana Colonies may be perfect for you! This year, we spent our family Christmas at Hotel Millwright in Amana and it was a fun, cozy time. The town was decorated beautifully and the food I had was delicious! Let's talk about the best places I tried...

Stop in at The Indigo Room for a delicious hot breakfast! Recently, I learned I needed to switch to a gluten free diet. Finding food that taste good while being gluten free can often be a challenge. However, their oat cakes was one of the yummiest things I've come across lately!

My husband, Trey, and I also went to The Indigo Room for a quick drink and appetizer. Their hummus and pita bread were pretty spectacular as well. We came in right as they were closing and they were still absolute sweethearts about serving us! 

This spot may be intimidating because of its popularity and long lines, however the food is spectacular! I ordered the pulled pork with no bun and it was packed with flavor. The atmosphere felt similar to a family owned restaurant. I was also impressed they sold my favorite wine from down the road at the Fireside Winery called Firefly.

If their exterior doesn't get you in the door, their wine definitely will! I decided to check this place out because of their high Google review score. It lived up to my expectations too! My husband and I shared their mimosa flight and as you can imagine, my favorite of the flight was their wine, Firefly.

Our flight also came with a sample of their shared plate menu items. When we return, I'd love to try one of their flatbreads. They sound amazing! If I had to pick a favorite place we visited in Amana, it'd be Fireside Winery. The staff was so warm and the winery was a beautiful spot to unwind, especially with their string lights stretched across the ceiling!

If you're itching to get out of the city, consider visiting Amana Colonies in Iowa. It's only a 3.5 hour drive from Omaha, Nebraska and there's plenty for you to explore over a weekend. Keep an eye out! I'll be writing more about this town soon. 

If you'd like to save this travel guide for later, pin it on Pinterest here!

Related Posts: 

• A Fun 24-Hour Guide to Storm Lake, Iowa
• Quick Guide to Falls Park in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• Great Places to Eat and Get Coffee in West Des Moines, Iowa