Bird Life on Useppa Island - Did you know that bird watching is one of the fastest growing nature hobbies in the US? Why is bird watching so popular? Birds are beautiful, entertaining and inspiring. This year-round hobby appeals to every age group; whether for school-age natural science exploration activities, or pure pleasure. Southwest Florida is a mecca for a wide variety of bird life. Abundant natural habitats, including the Everglades, mangrove forests and tidal flats offer a … [Read more...]
Where and What is Useppa Island…
And Who Lives There? We wondered about that when we saw Useppa Island featured in Islands Magazine in 1985, while staying at a friend’s house on Sanibel. Although we never met any neighbors before we bought our Useppa home, it was the slow season, the community was terrific and we can’t imagine our lives any other way. After years of living on Useppa, we continue to invite new and wonderful people to join this welcoming community. The entrance to Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island … [Read more...]
Useppa Island Living – A Daily Celebration
Useppa Island Living For an Island accessible only by air or water, Useppa is really very cultured. We have a comprehensive Historic Museum, a Book Club, Bridge Club, Yacht Club, Tennis Club, Croquet Club and Beach Church. We also have the Isaak Walton Club, Fitness Center and Bocce Ball. For the little ones that frequent the Island, there’s fishing, bike riding, swimming at the pool or the beach, a playground and lots of nature to explore. And, they grow up together; learn to drive … [Read more...]
Easter Sunrise on Useppa Island
A Glorious Day of Renewal by Karen Kauffman Easter Sunrise on Useppa Island As several hundred gather on the beach, we wait for the sun to rise upon this unique location. Neighbors and friends sharing a blessing for what has been and what is to come. We arrive from as near as Naples, Ft. Myers, Sarasota and Tampa. We make our way from Georgia, New Jersey, New York and New England, from across the Midwest and New Mexico, Montana, Washington, Canada and the United Kingdom. What we … [Read more...]
Useppa Island Butterfly Sanctuary
A Sanctuary for All by Karen Kauffman The Useppa Island Butterfly Society began several years ago, when the island donated a sandy and unbuildable 1/3 acre to the care of volunteer islanders for a butterfly sanctuary. Six years later, we see significantly more and varied butterflies fluttering in the warm sun. We find eggs the size of pencil points, as well as understand why leaves disappear overnight as caterpillars munch through them. These are all signs that the butterflies approve of our … [Read more...]
Cruising The Southwest Florida Coast
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...]
10 Decorating Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The award-winning pros revealed decorating mistakes that drive them crazy and shared insider tips and tricks for creating a harmonious room design. In addition to the designers' pet peeves, we've added a few of our own. By Brenda Richardson Special to The Washington Post After years of working with numerous clients, interior designers Michael Smith and Mary Cook have seen many of the same design mistakes over and over. The Los Angeles-based Smith, who was appointed by the Obama's to … [Read more...]
Useppa Island – Gulfshore Life
Feature story in Gulfshore Life Useppa Island - Still the Great Escape Click the cover for the full article … [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...]
Holiday Splendor – Events for the Whole Family
Here are some area events to get you in the Holiday Spirit. Live performance, boat parades and spectacular events to ring in the New Year. Happy Holidays and warm wishes for a Bright New Year! Holiday Splendor on Florida's Southwest Coast A Christmas Story Florida Repertory Theatre 2268 Bay Street, Fort Myers December 1 - 20 Perfect for the whole family! A Christmas Story is a hilarious and touching coming-of-age story of growing up in the Midwest in the 1940s! Audiences will follow … [Read more...]