Croquet took root, sprouted, evolved and exploded on Useppa Island over 30 years ago! In 1978, Bob Sumwalt, our “Father of Croquet” dedicated himself to teaching all that would come, to learn, play and love Croquet. And, we did!! Our first Nine-Wicket Tournament was in 1978, followed by the introduction of Six-Wicket in 1984, when we built “the perfect” Six-Wicket court overlooking Pine Island Sound. Women jumped in and competition really ramped up! In 1989, we had our first … [Read more...]
Will Boat for Food Blog Series: Miller’s Dockside
Miller's Dockside: Part 4 in the Boat for Food Blog Series- A Culinary Adventure around Useppa Island! We must be in a rut. Here we are again, heading north to Boca Grande for lunch. Plenty of fine places to visit south of here, but there is only so much time for boating and eating. We’ll get to the southern eateries soon enough. From Useppa, we go north up the ICW, across Charlotte Harbor. The Tarpon fleet is long gone, the fish scattered up into the harbor and the numerous canals in … [Read more...]
Will Boat for Food Blog Series: The Fishery Restaurant
The Fishery: Part 3 in the Boat for Food Blog Series- A Culinary Adventure around Useppa Island! We are motoring north again, in search of fresh fish for our get-away lunch. We cross Boca Grande pass and the fleet of boats working the fish inside of the pass. When you think of eating fish, however, it’s not tarpon but The Fishery Restaurant that comes to mind. Located immediately south of the old Boca Grande railroad bridge, this casual family restaurant is located adjacent to a real … [Read more...]
Will Boat for Food Blog Series: Barnacles Restaurant
Barnacles Restaurant: Part 2 in the Boat for Food Blog Series- A Culinary Adventure around Useppa Island! We turn our sights south for our next gastronomic exploration, to our neighboring island of Upper (or North) Captiva. Bridgeless like Useppa but having shores along the Gulf of Mexico and Pine Island Sound, Upper Captiva is home to 400+- beach houses, ranging from the bohemian to top shelf, all kind of mixed together. We can see this island and Captiva Pass, from the south and west shores … [Read more...]
Will Boat for Food Blog Series: The Pink Elephant
Will Boat for Food Blog Series: A Culinary Adventure around Useppa Island PART 1: The PINK ELEPHANT Because Useppa Island is a bridge-less island anchored by the Useppa Island Club, we frequently are asked if there is anywhere to dine besides the (wonderful) Collier Inn, the center of socializing and dining within the Club. After all, variety is important to all the senses. Since the island is home to boaters, naturally, we decided to discover just how many restaurants are accessible … [Read more...]