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Boat Rental Cape Coral
Cabbage Key
Cabbage Key is home to the Cabbage Key Inn & Restaurant and is a popular destination for those with a boat rental Cape Coral. One of the reasons it is so popular is that it is your only area option for dining out if you are visiting Cayo Costa.
Cabbage Key is a small, peaceful island with no beaches but beautiful, tropical trees. Originally inhabited by the Caloosa Indians, in 1938 Alan Rinehart built his winter home there in old Florida style. This home has become the Cabbage Key Inn. It is said that Mr. Rinehart’s mother, the author Mary Roberts Rinehart, penned some of her famous mysteries there. (I had never heard of this author – but did recognize the famous phrase she penned – “The butler did it.”)
The walls of the restaurant are papered in dollar bills – an estimated $30,000 to $40,000 worth! According to Florida Historic Homes by Laura Stewart and Suzanne Hupp, “the practice began years ago when a pessimistic patron tacked a dollar on the wall with his name on it. That way, or so the story goes, even if he lost everything, he could still come back to the pleasant island for a drink.”
Local legend says this is where Jimmy Buffet got his inspiration for the song “Cheeseburger in Paradise” – but Jimmy’s own website says the song originated with a really bad burger he purchased on the island of Tortola. (Information retrieved from http://www.margaritaville.com/index.php?page=cocotel_arch_top10, March 22, 2008). Go figure.
My boys thought the nature walk was fun and the climb to the top of the water tower an adventure. They were also enchanted by the many ducks they encountered. The dollar bills decorating the walls of the restaurant amused them, too.
Dockage is only available to those planning to stay at the inn or dine at the restaurant. The dock master is very strict about granting access, so be ready to say “yes” to one of the above options.
We were shocked by the wait we encountered on our first visit there. There are a couple of tour boats that operate to the island and we had the misfortune of arriving just after one of these. Our wait was considerable – well over an hour. (I understand that dinner is not so crowded – but we have only eaten there for lunch as that fit our family better.)
Two cautions:
- Wear bug spray! Before you get off of your boat make sure you are covered. While there may be a breeze at the dock that keeps them off of you, the interior of the island is forest so you will be an easy target for the insects that make their home there. I recommend the Bull Frog sunscreen/insect repellent combo available at CVS and Walgreens.
- The food is good but expensive. We had the fresh fish, which was tasty, and the boys had cheeseburgers. For the price and the rather dim atmosphere, however, we were not impressed. That being said, we recognize that they have a corner on the market – and they have to bring all their food and help in from the mainland.
Boating directions: Take the Intracoastal Waterway to flashing daybeacon #60. North of #60 follow the channel that cuts sharply to the west. You may hail the Cabbage Key dockmaster on Channel 16 in advance of your arrival to ensure dockage is available. NOTE: These boating directions are provided for informational purposes only. Failure to use and follow an official
navigational chart
could result in serious loss to your boat and/or person. Cabbage Key, Inc.
239-283-2278
P.O. Box 200
Pineland, FL 33945
Link to the companion boating destination, Cayo Costa
Link to other lunch options at Picnics to Go
Return to Cape Coral Vacation Guide from Boat Rental Cape Coral – Cabbage Key
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