Boca Grande, Florida

Nightlife-driven souls looking for Floridian action point their convertibles toward the likes of Fort Lauderdale and Key West. But a certain quieter, off-the-radar destination on the state’s Gulf Coast holds a different kind of allure.

The Historic Village of Boca Grande, on the island of Gasparilla, is located at the southern tip of the Cape Haze Peninsula on Florida’s Southwest Coast midway between Sarasota and Ft. Myers. Nature has blessed this lush barrier island with seven miles of powdery white beaches stretching the entire Gulf side and surrounded it with cerulean waters—the kind one usually finds only in the Caribbean. The adjacent estuaries fed by the Myakka and Peace Rivers converge to form one of the most pristine and productive coastal ecosystems in the world.

Just north of the island is Placida where “Old Florida” flourishes. An artists’ enclave of brightly colored cracker cottages are filled with creative delights. At the south end of the island lies Boca Grande (Big Mouth) Pass, one of the deepest natural channels in Florida where tarpon congregate to feast on the abundant nourishment provided by the waters of Charlotte Harbor before spawning in the Gulf of Mexico.

At the center of the island lies the nucleus of this little community, The Historic Village of Boca Grande. Here, “Main Street” still exists with no stop lights, no billboards, no high-rises and no fast-food chains.  You will find, however, unique shops and art galleries, casual and fine dining establishments serving fresh seafood just caught by the local fishing captains and prepared by any of the island’s classically trained chefs.

A favorite of photographers and movie producers, this is the secret island that presidents, dignitaries and celebrities sneak away to, because the island denizens have a low-key attitude regarding celebrity and fame. So, leave that “off island” world behind and come rejuvenate and recharge your senses where Florida is unplugged – come lose yourself in days gone by, for an hour, day, week or a lifetime.