The Everglades - Miami and the Keys - page 288

Bringing back the Everglades is one of the biggest, most ambitious environmental res-
toration projects in US history, one that combines the needs of farmers, fishers, urban
residents, local governments and conservationists. The success or failure of the program
will be a bellwether for the future of the US environmental movement.
T Tours
Everglades Adventure Tours TOUR
(EAT; % 800-504-6554; www.evergladesadventuretours.com ; tours from $69)
We already like the guys at EAT for being based out of the same headquarters as the Skunk
Ape people; we like them even more for offering some of the best private tours of the
Everglades we've found. Swamp hikes, 'safaris,' airboats and, best of all, being poled
around in a canoe or skiff by some genuinely funny guys with genuine local knowledge of
the Grassy Waters; it's an absolute treat. The EAT guys have set up a campsite at Skunk
Ape HQ; it costs $30 to camp here, and there's wi-fi throughout the camp.
4 Sleeping & Eating
Swamp Cottage COTTAGE
( % 239-695-2428; www.clydebutchersbigcypressgallery.com/swamp-cottage ; cottage $275;
pW ) S
Want to get as close to the swamp as possible without giving up on the amenities? This
two-bedroom cottage, which sits behind the Big Cypress Gallery , may be the answer
you're seeking. It's like a beach cottage, except the 'beach' is one of America's great wet-
lands. It's comfortably appointed, and if not luxurious, it's certainly cozy.
Joannie's Blue Crab Café AMERICAN
( % 239-695-2682; Tamiami Trail; mains $9-17; h 9am-5pm)