Your Family Will Love Boca Grande In South West Florida
If you are a regular visitor to Florida or exploring your options for a perfect Florida vacation for the first time, why not try something a little unusual.
Everyone tends to go to the big name places, such as Disney World, Daytona Beach, Busch Gardens and Kennedy Space Center. These are all fine attractions, but if you want to satisfy your more adventurous side, check out some of the islands of South West Florida.
Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island is an interesting place to visit. At the southern end are the deep waters of Boca Grande Pass which was where phosphate from the Bone Valley was loaded on huge cargo vessels in days gone by. Eventually the Port of Tampa was dredged out to accommodate the big ships, and this activity moved further north.
Today Boca Grande is a charming mixture of all things tropical with a charming helping of New England thrown in. It draws people from all walks of life including the very wealthy who enjoy spending their winters along the warm gulf coast.
With the busy concentration of folks, many locals use golf carts as their main method of transportation. With carts outnumbering conventional cars, one might think this would be a haven for kids roaring around. Thankfully, a driver must be fifteen years of age with a learners permit and have a licensed adult on board to enjoy this privilege.
Tarpon fishing is huge in Florida, and Boca Grande is one of the best spots to experience the thrill of this sport. Schools of tarpon make their way through the narrow pass each spring and summer. It's then that anglers endeavor to hook one of these giants that can weigh as much as two hundred pounds. You won't stand a chance unless you have a very fast boat because these big boys are jet propelled.
There's a fine old inn on the edge of town that has welcomed many rich and famous guests. Both George Bush, and George W. Bush, along with their familes have enjoyed winters here. After all, what's not to like. There are five beautiful beaches along the western side of the island where folks from anywhere can get sand between their toes.
Boca Grande's many banjan trees suffered much damage when the infamous Hurricane Charley came roaring through on August 13, 2004. Although many buildings on the island were ripped apart, there were no lives lost.
Today the destruction has been repaired and visitors are continuing to enjoy the elegant but casual nature of Gasparilla Island. Along with shops, eateries, and water sports, there are miles of bicycle paths to explore.
If that weren't enough, why not use this island as a base for exploring other nearby islands. There's Cabbage Key which was made famous by a Jimmy Buffet song called Cheeseburger in Paradise, or for some superb shelling, shove off for Cayo Costa.Accessible only by boat, these islands will take your fun family vacation to a new level.
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