Amid the plethora of sip-and-shops, festivals and soirees, an out-of-the-way, yet nearby, peaceful holiday getaway beckons. Many of us rush to and fro, even in the Keys, at risk of forgetting our cherished holiday memories and the spirit of Christmas.
Local residents and visitors wishing to do something next year which takes you back in time, celebrates nature and offers fun for the whole family, get out on the water to partake in a Lignumvitae Christmas.
Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park is a hidden gem off Islamorada. Across from Indian Key and open only on special occasions, the island is one of the largest and with highest elevation in the entire Florida Keys. Lignumvitae was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1968. Once the abode of wealthy Miami chemist William Matheson, who built a windmill for electricity and used a cistern to collect rainwater, it now boasts a rare, virgin tropical hardwood hammock.
On Lignumvitae Christmas, which was Dec. 7, visitors took a ferry from Robbie’s Marina or rented a boat, jet ski or kayak from A1A Watersports and Boat Rentals or Florida Keys Boat Rentals, the latter which is also located at Robbie’s Marina.
Festival goers were treated to a feast for the eyes — a long dock over crystal-blue waters, framed by palm trees and lush native vegetation.
From the dock the space opened to a rare sight in Monroe County — a small hill gently rising to the left, a wide expanse of field all covered with native green, dotted here and there with cannons sporting red holiday attire. Right in front is a limestone-covered home, central to the three-acre clearing.
The Mangrove Swamp Band with Santa hats performed holiday carols under a white tent. Visitors were offered hot dogs or hamburgers and chips with a friendly ho, ho, ho from Santa himself, and a complimentary cookie or two and had the chance to see how Friends of the Islamorada State Parks (FIASP) organization helps with the mission to preserve our local state parks. A founding member of FIASP conceived the idea for Lignumvitae Christmas more than 30 years ago.
Climbing a steep set of stairs, one could see how the inhabitants of the house would have lived at the turn of the century, the 20th century that is, and marvel at the kitchen appliances and decor of the day. Smiling volunteers ushered people in, with a Christmas tree making it feel like the holidays in the historic home. In one room of the house, children were having fun decorating their own Christmas ornaments.
People stopped for iced water or refreshing limeade before embarking on the trail for a fun and educational tour with ranger Chris Herald. Two tours were available — 30 or 60 minutes — to explore this lush island forest. He explained how the island is 280 acres, considerably larger than most Keys. He spoke of the different trees and shrubs (65 species in this forest alone), their uses and especially the Lignum Vitae tree, “the long-life” tree, for which the island was named. The tour is a must, combining wildlife, nature exploration, tree/bird spotting and history.
After taking some Instagram-worthy photos of purple butterflies, spiders, a mystery wall and stately, bendy trees, one could see old-fashioned games being played by young and old alike. Children played on the green and others took their picnic with them.
The experience was enhanced by Florida Keys historian Brad Bertelli, whose stories of the island, its artifacts and inhabitants were entertainment for the whole family. In a nearby booth, one could learn how to navigate the waters without the use of modern equipment.
Next year, consider taking part in this unique Keysy celebration by either volunteering at the Lignumvitae Christmas (contact michael.horn@floridaDEP.gov for continuing volunteering opportunities, including upcoming second Saturday cleanups) or bringing your loved ones over and enjoying a holiday adventure you won’t soon forget.
