Amanda and Travis Howard both grew up in South Florida. It is where they met, got married, and even welcomed one of their daughters in Jupiter. From early on, they knew that once they became empty nesters, they would want to return to South Florida or, at the very least, be near the ocean again. As they raised their daughters in Huntsville, their love for the Florida Keys grew during family vacations.
"Travis loves to fish, and I enjoy joining him on the boat or sitting on the dock to watch the sunrises and sunsets—this has been our vision for years," says Amanda.
As global real estate experts with connections all over the country, two Realtor friends helped Amanda and Travis focus on their search for the ideal South Florida lifestyle. Amanda smiles, "We found this gem in Marathon, a charming fishing village. It’s peaceful, with easy access to both the Gulf and the Atlantic, and close to the airport and nightlife without the noise. We can paddle board from our backyard to either body of water—a true dream come true."
The best part of owning property in the Keys, “The convenience of getting here is fantastic! We can be at our home in Marathon within seven hours door-to-door—about the same time it takes to drive to Destin. The Keys feel like a different world, with rich, diverse cultures that remind us of what we grew up with, yet we’re still on U.S. soil. It’s a true retreat and so accessible.”
With water on two sides, a garden oasis in front, and a pool with a splash pad and fire pit in the back, it’s a true sanctuary for the family. The home is a solid concrete ranch built in the ’60s—perfect for both parents and grandkids. With no stairs and sturdy construction, it has weathered many hurricanes and stands strong today. Amanda adds, “I love the home's large windows that allow the indoors and outdoors to blend seamlessly."
When it comes to creating a perfect holiday it is all about dining al fresco. "We move our large table to the grass, and Travis always adds a table lamp to set the mood. Watching the sunset turn into the moonrise while laughing with family and friends, hearing the water lap at the dock, and maybe catching sight of dolphins, stingrays, or manatees—it’s magical. This will be our second holiday here, and it’s so special to have our daughters and close friends from Huntsville gather around our table.”
Having three bedrooms was important to the Howards, "Knowing our two daughters would be visiting often. This home has spacious rooms, which gives everyone the comfort to truly relax and feel at home. Our girls love it here, and that means the world to us."
Memories are being created with every visit. Amanda recalls the first Thanksgiving spent in Marathon with the whole family, "We enjoyed a beautiful Thanksgiving meal outdoors and I remember the air was filled with laughter." She continues, "Celebrating Travis’s birthday and New Year’s here was also unforgettable. Seven friends came down, one of whom delighted us by climbing our coconut palms for fresh coconuts, while another brought stone crabs and shrimp cocktail. We soaked in the beauty of the Keys with great friends—moments like these fill our hearts with joy."
"I love the location. It’s close enough to larger cities and nearby islands for entertainment, yet it still has that close-knit, family-oriented community with plenty of activities. And, of course, I love the beautiful views and easy access to the water," says daughter Ashley.
For daughter Abigail it's the view, the boat, and the sandbars, "I enjoy sitting by the water, looking down at the ocean at the sealife, and watching the sailboats pass by. If I’m not in the mood to go into the ocean, I can always enjoy the pool, and the sunsets here are the best—I never get tired of them."
“For me, it’s the outdoor spaces and being close to the water—it’s where I feel at peace and can truly restore. I also love that we’re positioned near both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic, so we can head wherever the day’s boating plans take us," says Amanda.
For Travis and his love of fishing it is the direct access to both the Atlantic and the Gulf, "It’s perfect for our boating lifestyle and adds so much to each day we’re here."
Building memories is the most beautiful aspect this Marathon home provides the family. Amanda says, "Our home in the Keys has become a place where we can create memories as vivid as the sunsets we watch from the dock. Whether it’s a holiday dinner under the stars or a spontaneous afternoon fishing trip, this home is more than just a getaway—it’s a canvas for our family’s traditions, both old and new."
At the same time, it’s a place for Travis and Amanda to reconnect, "When it’s just the two of us, it feels like we’re newlyweds again, sneaking away to our little island. Those quiet mornings watching the sunrise, or evenings spent together on the boat, remind me of our early days together. Escaping here from time to time is something we both cherish deeply."
And then, of course, there is the food. "We love taking advantage of the fresh seafood all around us. We go straight to the fishermen’s docks for the freshest seafood, and it’s not only more delicious but often more affordable than making it at home," says Amanda. "We enjoy stone crab claws, blue lump crab, grouper, snapper, tuna poke bowls, and sometimes lobster tails or lobster rolls—and, of course, Key Lime pie!"
"The crab claws and fresh fish are my favorite," says Ashley.
Crab claws are among Abigail's favorites too, "I can’t get enough of the fresh seafood here! The lobster rolls and crab claws are definitely my favorites—they’re so delicious and something I always look forward to when I’m in the Keys."
In talking to the Howards you feel the gratitude they have for life and the journey they have been on together. "I am grateful that God brought Travis and me together when we were just 16 years old. Even at such a young age, we recognized that we’d found something special. Through all the ups and downs, disagreements, and life’s challenges, we stayed strong, determined, and wise enough to understand the importance of compromise. I’m incredibly thankful for the love we’ve built together, which continues to grow."
"Ultimately, it doesn’t matter if we live in a small, simple place or have multiple homes across this beautiful country—none of them would feel like home without my best friend, who happens to be my husband, and our kids and grandkids."
Ashley says, "I’m incredibly grateful for my family. They’ve been my constant support and joy, shaping who I am today. From our family traditions to the everyday moments, each memory with them feels like a treasure. I couldn’t imagine my life without their love, laughter, and guidance."
Abigail states, "When I look back, I’m most grateful for how close my family is. Even if we have moments where we get mad or disagree, it doesn’t take long before we move past it and are back to loving each other like nothing happened. That kind of bond is something I know is rare, and I’m so thankful to have it.”
In life and business, Amanda believes to always follow your gut, "With the amount of real estate we’ve bought and sold, we’ve learned the importance of trusting our instincts while also seeking wise, local counsel. I think those are the most valuable lessons: listen to your inner voice, but also lean on experienced, trusted advisors."
Huntsville has been the foundation of everything the Howards hold dear. It’s where they chose to settle down, start their family, and build their lives. Amanda states, "We put down deep roots in Huntsville. Knowing I wanted a career in real estate, I embraced every leadership opportunity Madison County offered, while also finding ways to actively contribute to the community we call home. I feel an immense sense of gratitude to Huntsville for supporting our businesses, and I hope the impact we’ve made has been a positive one for North Alabama." She continues, "My goal is always to bring love, character, and support to any community we’re part of—not only for our children but also for our friends, employees, vendors, agents, and everyone who means so much to us. I’ll forever be grateful for the lessons I’ve learned from Huntsville’s residents and leaders."
As far as retiring in the Keys, that's not on the horizon at the moment, the Howards are simple soaking in the sun at their second home, "While we love our time here, we needed to actually live here for a while to understand if we were ready to make it permanent. I guess you could say we feel there are still other plans in store for us, and we’re staying open, listening, and leaning into whatever comes next."
Our home in the Keys has become a place where we can create memories as vivid as the sunsets we watch from the dock.
We love taking advantage of the fresh seafood all around us. We go straight to the fishermen’s docks for the freshest seafood.