Making Waves TV — Episode 4. Jeff’s goin’ country in Pine Island Sound with Bo and Deidra, 2-time champions of Madfin Shark Series. They take us fishing in a Sea Hunt BX24 BR. Everyone lands at Cabbage Key Inn to kick back with the locals and country music star, Casey Weston and local favorite Taylor Goyette.
(page 196) …. you can drive or sail to Pine Island, an even wilder island where fishing boats abound especially in front of … Tarpon Lodge, the only real 4* establishment on the island. Walk through the entrance into a sophisticated atmosphere with no ostentatious features but true understated luxury: century old waxed wood floors, pictures and trophies that reflect the love of fishing and the sea. With a dozen ultra cozy rooms and fantastic views, it’s so peaceful here that you can watch time go by. Have lunch and dinner in the 1926 historic Lodge … with its unique cocktail bar …. Take a trip on the water and visit the many surrounding islands …. a treat and moments of pure joy when you are in the area!
The Weekend: Go Fishing at Pine Island Pine Island may not have a single beach, but you’ll hardly notice while napping on a hammock or fishing along the 17-mile island’s coast.
Start Here: An old-school fishing lodge with upscale trimmings, Tarpon Lodge provides comfort; we love the island house, a building on stilts with views of Pine Island Sound. (You’re so close that the waves will lull you to sleep.) Get fortified with a complimentary continental breakfast at the 1926-built historic lodge building before heading out for the day.
If you think the Sunshine State is nothing but strip malls and over-the-top amusement parks, you haven’t seen the real Florida. Yes, it still exists — enchanting pockets where the local fishing pier is a happening zone, and sandy trails lead to lush jungles of live oak, strangler fig, and gumbo limbo trees. Exit off the interstate and explore a world of tiny islands and powdery beaches you can sleep on, with time out to paddle under a canopy of mangroves in the company of manatees. Hesitant as we are to share, here are five favorite slices of old Florida:
From August 19th until October 31, 2012, buy one full price weeknight’s stay and get a 2nd weeknight for FREE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY PINELAND! CALL TODAY! Tel.#239-283-3999
Buy Sunday get Monday free, buy Monday get Tuesday free, buy Tuesday get Wednesday free, or buy Wednesday get Thursday free! [applies to consecutive nights and new reservations only; Friday & Saturday nights excluded; sorry no exceptions]
Plan a weekend getaway to one of these coastal inns for inviting accommodations, great food and plenty to keep you busy. Or, just kick up your feet and relax!
Tarpon Lodge
Tarpon Lodge offers waterside accommodations in the original 1926 inn and auxillary buildings, plus fishing and boating day trips with osprey, egret and dolphin sightings; 239/283-3999.
Eat: The Tarpon serves always fresh (never frozen!) fish and outstanding blue crab-and-roasted corn chowder. Bert’s Bar & Grill in Matlacha, an islet towards the mainland, features tasty seafood, live music and dockside dining.
Do: Hike the Calusa Heritage Trail that winds among ancient shell mounds and the remnants of an impressive cross-island canal built by the Calusa Indians. Or, rent beach cruisers from Pine Island Cycles; 239/560-0320; or vessels from Gulf Coast Kayak to paddle the area’s placid inlets.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the expression, “Old Florida”. Most of the time the description is close, but not right on the money. Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island, in my opinion, is the exception.
My wife, JoNell, has a fairly grueling travel itinerary associated with her job. She goes on excursions both near and far to preach the gospel of vacationing in the Collier County area of Florida. In the month of May, her birthday month, she traveled to New York City and San Francisco and spent her big day on the road, or in the skies as it were. She very much wanted to do something special for her birthday. She told me so, but our schedules just didn’t mesh. The window of opportunity was made smaller when she told me she had another trip scheduled to the state of Texas in early June. What’s a guy to do? ….
Next to the Pineland Marina on Pine Island is the Tarpon Lodge, also owned by the Wells family. Built in 1926, the lodge sustained major damage in Hurricane Charley and has been extensively updated. Furnishings are lovely, and beds are supremely comfortable. Rates are $115 to $295, depending on location and the season. Call (239) 283-3999 or go to tarponlodge.com. A night or two in each place will give you a satisfying sample of the area. The sunset from the Tarpon Lodge is spectacular.
Pine Island’s sparse traffic–and the bike path running from one end to the other–makes it ideal for cycling. Hikers take the Calusa Heritage Trail, which winds among ancient shell mounds and the remnants of an impressive cross-island canal built by the Calusa Indians, who settled here around A.D. 1. Trail signs illustrate the thriving seaside village that greeted Spanish explorers in the early 1500’s.
Our staff is standing by to help you book your stay and answer any questions you may have about your relaxing Old Florida getaway. (239) 283-3999or Make a Reservation
Events at Tarpon Lodge
October 27 – Gatlin
A crowd favorite returns! Enjoy a 4-course dinner while being entertained by the dynamic duo Gatlin, known for their harmonies and fun stage presence.
November 12 – Bring Your Own Blanket
Join us under the palms for a relaxed evening on the Tarpon Lodge lawn—spread a blanket, watch the sunset over Pine Island Sound, and enjoy live music by award-winning Jessica Norman.
December 1 – Mad Violets Wine Dinner
Celebrate the season with a festive wine dinner featuring bold pours from Mad Violets Wines and a menu designed to delight.
December 17 – Brush & Bubbles
Join us under The Island House at Tarpon Lodge—paint your own “Message in a Bottle,” sip wine, and let your imagination drift to sea.
January 26 – Long Shadows Wine Dinner
Ring in the new year with a premier wine experience, highlighting the artistry of Long Shadows’ award-winning collection.
More information can be found by calling us at 239.283.3999 or checking out our EVENTS page.
Why not spend the night?
Check out our SPECIAL OFFERS for discounted rates or extra days in paradise!