Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Finally, just east of Ochopee, is the quintessential 1950s-style swamp shack,
Joanie's
rafters, colorful, shellacked picnic tables and a swamp dinner of gator nuggets and frit-
ters.
Everglades City
This small town at the edge of the park makes a good base for exploring the
10,000 Is-
lands
region. With large renovated rooms,
Everglades City Motel
( 800-695-8353,
239-695-4244;
www.evergladescitymotel.com
;
310 Collier Ave; r from $80; )
is exception-
ally good value, and the fantastically friendly staff can hook you up with any kind of
tour. The same can be said for the
Ivey House Bed & Breakfast
( 877-567-0679,
239-695-3299;
www.iveyhouse.com
; 107 Camellia St; lodge $74-120, inn $99-209; )
. Choose
between basic lodge accommodations or somewhat sprucer inn rooms, then book some
of the region's best nature trips with the on-site
North American Canoe Tours
(NACT;
877-567-0679, 239-695-3299;
www.evergladesadventures.com
;
107 Camellia St, Ivey House Bed &
Breakfast; tours $124, canoe rentals $25-35; Nov-mid-Apr)
. Ask about room/tour packages.
For dinner, try the
Seafood Depot
(102 Collier Ave; mains $6-20; 10:30am-9pm)
, a haven
of fried seafood and a great place to sample gator and frog's legs; just douse with Ta-
basco and devour.
A KINDER, GENTLER WILDERNESS ENCOUNTER
As you explore Florida's outdoors and encounter its wildlife, keep in mind the fol-
lowing guidelines.
Airboats and swamp buggies
For exploring wetlands, airboats are better than big-
wheeled buggies, but nonmotorized (and silent) canoes and kayaks are least-dam-
aging and disruptive.
Wild dolphins
Captive dolphins are typically rescued animals already acclimated
to humans. However, federal law makes it illegal to feed, pursue or touch wild dol-
phins in the ocean.
Manatee swims
When swimming near manatees, a federally protected en-
dangered species, look but don't touch. 'Passive observation' is the standard.
Feeding wild animals
In a word, don't. Acclimating wild animals to humans usually
leads to the animal's death, whether because of accidents or aggression.
