By Douglas Bernon For a good attitude, change your latitude this winter. Charter a boat off the stunning southwest Florida coast. Among the many delights of cruising the shallow waters of Pine Island Sound in southwest Florida is that, even for powerboat beginners, it requires only straightforward eyeball navigation. As Captain Chris, who trained us in the operation of our beefy trawler, said, "Just follow the ICW markers. And remember, ‘Keep red right when returning to Texas.'" What, we … [Read more...]
Boating for Food Blog – Captiva Island Yacht Club
BOATING FOR FOOD FROM USEPPA ISLAND-TO THE CAPTIVA ISLAND YACHT CLUB What better way to beat the crowds flocking to every dining venue in SW Florida then to boat to your favorite private club? Although slightly longer boat trip than the 20-minute goal set for this boating and food blog. But hey! It is worth the few extra couple of minutes. The vessel route is straightforward: take the ICW south to Marker 39 (Fl Green), then 200 degrees to Captiva Channel Light 2 (FL Red), then follow the … [Read more...]
Gasparilla Inn – Part 2 of the Boat for Food Blog Series
Dubbed “the Preppiest Place on Earth” in a touristy article about Old Florida, by Sara Clemence, in the Wall Street Journal last year, Boca Grande is frequented by Useppans' for its many dining opportunities. Not for the Preppy part (well, maybe a few of us) because we are coming from the anti-preppy but truly Olde Florida Useppa Island. But, we will go anywhere for food. Not that we are short of very good and sometimes great dining at the Collier Inn on Useppa, but … [Read more...]
The Tarpon Lodge – Part 1 in the Boat for Food Blog Series
BOATING FOR FOOD FROM USEPPA ISLAND, FLORIDA To the Tarpon Lodge, Pineland, FL Once again it is time to search for the perfect place to dine. This time, rather than a lunch run we are going for dinner. My choices re extremely limited because Mary has already made reservations at the Tarpon Lodge. This destination is the second most convenient restaurant to Useppa, the other being Cabbage Key. We call the Lodge “upscale” compared to Cabbage, to which we can kayak, but Cabbage has a charm of its … [Read more...]
Secret Islands of Southwest Florida
Discover the Secret Islands of Southwest Florida Many of Southwest Florida’s barrier islands, spanning the coast from Marco north to Manasota Key, deliver seclusion — without the three-hour tour or that dunderhead Gilligan. The best are those accessible only by boat, chartered ferry excursions and, in some cases, a helicopter or seaplane. Bonus for resort amenities and grand, Old Florida-style cottages and estate rentals — or sleeping platforms for the truly adventurous who don’t mind starlit … [Read more...]
Cabbage Key – A Step Back in Time
Rest, Relax and Enjoy a Cheeseburger in Paradise on Cabbage Key CABBAGE KEY Located in Florida's Pine Island Sound, this island hideaway is accessible only by boat, or plane and perfect for a day trip. Just a short boat ride from Useppa Island, Cabbage Key prides itself as being a step back in time to “Old Florida.” Comprised of 100 acres, proprietor/owners, Rob and Phyllis Wells, are your island hosts since 1976. Serving fisherman and boaters for decades, the tiny island paradise … [Read more...]
Experience Cayo Costa State Park
4 Nautical Miles West of Pine Island - Just a Short Boat Ride From Useppa Island With nine miles of beautiful beaches and acres of pine forest, oak-palm hammocks and mangrove swamps, this 2,426 acre barrier island park is a pristine Gulf Coast paradise. Accessible only by private boat or ferry, Cayo Costa visitors may see manatee and dolphin, along with an assortment of coastal birds. An array of recreational activities include hiking and picnic areas, biking, camping, fishing, snorkeling … [Read more...]
Authentic Florida – Island Arts
Island Arts – Matlacha (Matt-LaShay) Island. Just a Boat Ride Away from Useppa Island. Here you’ll find a slower pace, with fresh food and uncomplicated allure. This tiny island boasts numerous galleries and some very talented resident artists. Art lovers and collectors from all over the world trek to Matlacha Island in February for the Pine Island Art Festival. This truly colorful community is also home to authors and musicians, along with visual artists. Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery is … [Read more...]