Deer Run Bed & Breakfast
MM 33 OS, 1997 Long Beach Dr., Big Pine Key, Florida 33043, USA
Why We Like It
Quiet, comfortable, great views, no resort fees… Deer Run is a great place to escape to, and get off the grid. Plus, their green practices are inspiring; you’ll leave feeling satisfied and proud that you did your part. But quite possibly the coolest thing is to be sitting by the ocean, getting a little sun, and to have key deer just walk right up. We know a vegan, green-practicing B&B won’t be for everyone, but for those who agree with the ideology or can at least respect it, Deer Run is a special place.
Fodor's Expert Review
Need serenity now? Find your way to this oceanfront B&B that not only will be good for your soul, it will be good for your health as it’s totally vegan. And, as Kermit the Frog said, “It ain’t easy being green,” but this place takes every gentle step it can toward protecting the fragile environment of the Florida Keys.
You Should Know Being green means they have mandatory restrictions on things like laundering towels and linens. And then, there’s the composting toilets…
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Room
There are four private rooms, three have ocean views. No matter the room, most everything from the décor to the furnishings has been up-cycled. We love the tropical colors of the “Utopia” room, with its vibrant hues of conch shell pink and unripe-coconut green. The king bed is comfy with 100% organic cotton sheets, and there are so many charming touches, like the stuffed sea creatures on the bed, that you’re sure to get a case of perma-grin. Each room has a small flatscreen TV, a mini refrigerator, and an AC unit.
You Should Know All rooms have a private entrance, but are housed in one building, so sound travels. You will hear your neighbors, but you’ll also hear the palms rustling in the breeze. A nice trade off.
Bathroom
You’ll get your own bathroom so that’s a good start and it’s big enough. Creature comforts are provided, like eco-friendly soaps, gels and shampoos. Towels are organic cotton, and even though they have low-flow faucets and showers, pressure is good. One unique thing is the composting toilets. Once you get used to the vacuum experience, you’ll be fine.
Tip You clean your own room and make your own bed each day. Towels are changed out every three days.
Lobby
No lobby per se, just walk toward the ocean to the community indoor area. Don’t worry, they’ll escort you. They’ll tell you all about the honor-system refrigerator with wine coolers and such, and you can even purchase some souvenir merchandise.
Pool
It’s not everyday that you come across an octagonal-shaped saltwater swimming pool, especially one that’s mere steps from the beach. It’s also chemical free. The adjacent spa is, too. Seagrape trees offer shade.
You Should Know There’s no deck space so plan on sunning in the plastic lounge chairs on the beach.
Dining
Breakfast is served on the second floor screened in patio overlooking the Atlantic, with tablecloths, fresh flowers, bright placemats, and cloth napkins. Your meal will be totally organic and vegan. Don’t fill up on the muffin, it’s a meal in itself! Banana pancakes, breakfast potatoes, and lots of fresh fruit are typical.
Activities
Your stay includes use of their bikes, kayaks, snorkel gear, and Zayak sea sleds. They even have wet shoes that you can use (which you'll need as the water has rocks).
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The B&B has free bike rentals (and all the safety gear you need) but to really explore, you’ll need a car in these parts. You won’t be able to walk anywhere, as this place is off the road several miles.
Restaurants
Kiki’s Sandbar (13-minute drive) is waterfront with subdued dining upstairs or lively dining downstairs. No Name Pub (15-minute drive) is a lower Keys institution, serving pizza and pub food. For a real treat, try the Bucktooth Rooster (11-miute drive). Blackened grouper, big shrimp, juicy burgers--the menu is enormous.
Bars
Looe Key Tiki Bar & Grill (11-minutes) has live entertainment, friendly locals, and cheap beer. Boondocks Grille & Draft House (14-minutes) is an enormous Tiki right on US1, with live music and mini golf. For a nice selection of beers on tap, visit Springer’s Bar & Grill (8-minutes).
Quick Facts
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