Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
You'll receive a warm welcome from Bill and Diana, the resident osprey and visiting
manatees when you stay at this friendly inn that has great views over the water to distant
Bokeelia. All four rooms are decorated with funky fishing art and vibrant craftwork. Ask
for room 2 from where you'll be at eye-level with the neighboring osprey's nest. It's well
located for all the action in Matlacha.
Tarpon Lodge
INN
( 239-283-3999;
www.tarponlodge.com
;
13771 Waterfront Dr, Pineland; r $125-190; )
The atmosphere at this genteel 1926 fishing inn seems barely to have changed since the
door opened. Rooms have a comfortable, retro feel while the dining room has a clubby
vibe thanks to its gleaming wooden interior and black-and-white portraits of previous
angling patrons. The family also manages the rental cottages on Cabbage Key Island, and
you can book any number of cruises or fishing trips through the lodge.
Eating
Most eateries are to be found in Matlacha and along Stringfellow Rd.
Perfect Cup
BREAKFAST
(
239-283-4447; 4548 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha; mains $5-10;
6am-3pm Mon-Sat, 7am-2pm
Sun)
A genuine local gathering place, Perfect Cup offers just that: a bottomless mug of flavorful
house-roasted coffee ($2) to go with its top-quality diner-style fare - creative omelets,
French toast and pancakes.
Andy's Island Seafood
MARKET
(
www.andysislandseafood.com
; 4330 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha; items $8-14;
10am-6pm Mon-Sat,
to 4pm Sun)
This lime-green shack offers a great selection of fresh seafood to cook, as well as succu-
lent grouper sandwiches, crab cakes and chowder for lunch. It's so popular you'll find
Andy's lunch trucks popping up on other islands.
Reds
AMERICAN, SEAFOOD
