Escape to Pine Island in December

Tropic Star

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I woke to a chilly misty rain over Charlotte Harbor. Old man winter Florida-style had officially reared his head. Looking out the window at the lovely Bokeelia Tarpon Inn where I stayed while visiting peaceful Pine Island, I thought, this is bliss.

Little did I know, but my secret island getaway was about to get even more picturesque. On this morning, I had planned to take a boat ride on the Tropic Star, a ferry that travels the waterways passing the private enclave of Useppa, a barrier island, then on to Cayo Costa, a beautiful state park—with nine miles of beaches and acres of pine forests—where shelling is prime and camping overnight is a must. The Tropic Star even transports kayaks for nature getaways on Cayo Costa. Fun!

As we passed a slew of white pelicans in for the winter, my first sighting ever, I thought a warm coffee drink was more my speed, so along with fellow passengers I headed to Cabbage Key for a stroll of the historic Indian shell mound and lunch at this rustic island resort. Seated in the cozy restaurant, dollar bills dotted the walls. The tradition began when fisherman left dollars for a time when their pockets were empty, but they were nonetheless in need of a meal and a drink. Today, almost everyone who stops there sticks a dollar to the wall. Excess bills that eventually fall off the wall are donated to local charities. Nice touch! My bronzed grouper sandwich (not as heavily seasoned as blackened) and homemade slaw hit the spot, as did my “Nutty Islander” — a coffee drink with Baileys and Frangelica. Toasty! I also tasted Cabbage Key’s famous no-bake frozen key lime pie. It was yummy too. Once back on the Tropic Star, the sun broke and the day grew warm. Captain Ted and his sidekick Billy, continued to joyfully fill us in on the lore of the area, coupled with plenty of jokes. It was quite a ride.

Tags: Bokeelia Tarpon Inn | Cabbage Key | Charlotte Harbor | islands | Pine Island | Tropic Star | Useppa