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Published: November 16th 2011
Smiling Dolphin
He seems to be dancing in the wake of the boat. The water taxi pilot slowed down so we could get a good look at this dolphin who played in the wake for quite some time.
Pine Island is like a hideout for artists, musicians, growers (landscape agriculture), fishermen, and retirees! Several years of RV camping on Pine Island from the convenient vantage point of the KOA in St. James City has allowed us a great “explore” of Pine Islands and environs. The island is sort of a secret; and people either love it or don’t get it! We met an artist at the Low Key Tiki on Friday night who said “Hush, don’t tell anyone about Pine Island. We like it just the way it is.” So, in direct violation of that well-meaning warning; we’re sharing! We like everything about Pine Island except for the occasional spate of “no seeums.”
On our most recent visit, we lounged at the pool, finished a few books, extolled the attributes of fresh squeezed orange juice (and fresh Florida oranges), sang Clarence Clearwater hits along with Charley Kutcher on Mardi Gras Mondays at Woody’s Waterside, took a water taxi to Cabbage Key and North Captiva Island, caught the in-water boat show in Fort Myers, had homemade ice cream at Great Licks, browsed the galleries at Matlacha, enjoyed great seafood and other fare, and otherwise vacationed to our hearts
Matlacha Canal
This would be a great place to live! This canal is behind the garden of one of the Matlaha galleries.
content! I bargain shopped at the consignment shop located at the laundry/dry cleaner in town and came up with a colorful Lily-style sheath for $7.21!
On the most recent (November 2011) visit, we discovered new musicians to follow like Gary and Kerrie playing at the Low Key Tiki (another first for us). We found 25 cent oysters (only at the bar and only from 4-6pm week nights) at Reds. This year, we were first timers for the amazing seafood chowder at Capt’n Con’s way out on the island’s north at Bokeelia. Upon the recommendation of friends, we ordered marvelous take out from Pork Bellies. Macelli's always pleases with great seafood, wonderful Italian food, and on occasional music on the deck. We got to Macelli’s; but missed the 2 for $20 prime rib Thursday night promotion that “pool chatting with the neighbors” alerted us to. We’re saving Hobo’s, a newly re-opened home cooked food established purported to have fab Tex Mex on the menu, for the trip back to PI in February.
We splurged on our farewell dinner with Michael David and his guitar at the Tarpon Lodge. Wes’s scallops were to die for as was my mac &
cheese with seafood!
Our new blog "policy" is to provide an idea of costs. Our Pine Island visit in November is "off season" and the bargains, like the 2 for $20 dinners, reflect that. The round trip water taxi, usually around $30 was $20. Red's mid weed 2 for $20 offer was hard to beat with six or so menu specials with salad or soup, entrees (Prime Rib for Wes; a generous portion of fried shrimp for me). We found the Red’s coupon in "The Eagle," the island's free weekly that is chock full of where the music is and what the clubs are offering. Clubs like Moose, Elks, American Legion, VFW, etc. all have food specials as well as bingo, karoke and other "special" nights). The clubs are real bargains and it’s fairly easy to become a member or a guest. Continuing with the food specials, a totally awesome quesadilla with pulled pork was $7.95 at Pork Bellies and you can bring in your own (cleaned) fish and have it cooked and served with all the traditional sides for $8.99 at the Lazy Flamingo in Pineland. The KOA is $46.20 a night (that’s the off season rate).
Cheese Burger in Paradise
Cabbage Key Lodge is the spot where Jimmy Buffet was inspired to write "Cheeseburger in Paradise." The burger was yummy and we had a great table on the patio!
Come January it ratchets up a bit, but it’s still a good value – full hook up, lovely pool, hot tub, and occasional entertainment at the club house. We’ve yet to take the KOA up on occasional bus trips to casinos, plays, the Fort Myers and Sanibel beaches, Red Sox spring training and other attractions.
Wes found us another bargain – Southwest one way tickets $75 from Fort Myers to Albany.
At this moment we are sitting in the Fort Myers Airport sipping double Captain and Cokes. We just got carded – which is REALLY funny! Pine Island is always a good run; we can hardly wait to return.
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