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 – Gulfshore Life
Feature story in Gulfshore Life Useppa Island - Still the Great Escape Click the cover for the full article … [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...]
Out and About – Area Adventures
Looking for entertainment and area adventures? Here’s some great options to help you discover hidden Florida gems, get a taste of history, watch sandcastle masters at work, take-in a show, or maybe a great area festival -- lots of activities, both day and night. Discover Matlacha Island Through Apr 02, 2016 Join Pure Florida on a journey to discover one of southwest Florida's hidden gems, the island of Matlacha! Guests will experience the simplicity of the Caloosahatchee River, the flare of … [Read more...]
Awesome Ideas for a Rainy Day on Useppa Island
A Rainy Day on Useppa Island Even when it's wet and dreary outdoors, there's plenty of activity and amusement available on Useppa Island. Our friendly community offers a game of pool or poker, a specialty drink at the bar or under a private deck. A rainy day on Useppa is better than any day at the Office. YOU MAY WANT TO... Play Scrabble with near-champion players who are always ready for a challenge. Play a game of Pool at the Tarpon Inn or better yet, find the people … [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...]
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...]