#CHEESEBURGER IN PARADISE FULL#

The thin, spiny cactus wraps itself around treesВ andВ yieldВ large buds that are spectacular when open (see story photos). It was the remarkable abundance of night-blooming cereus, which are cactus flowers that open after dark. Admiring all the cabbage palms, one native plant stood out more than others. As FloridaвЂ™s island outback, the mosquitoes, alone, must have been an interesting challenge.

#CHEESEBURGER IN PARADISE FULL#

It was similar toВ those from my earliest childhood memories вЂ“ hardwood floors, a screened-in porch, window A/C units -with a full mangrove view and gentle breezes.Д«yВ evening,В and after the boaters retreated, the island isВ quiet andВ we reflected on what it must have been like when the RinehartвЂ™s lived here. We stayedВ overnight in theВ appropriately named Doll House, one of the most popular cottages.

Kennedy, Ernest Hemingway, Jimmy Carter, and others. Famous celebrities are reported to have tacked their dollars such as John F. The tradition started years ago when a commercial fisherman, flush with cash, taped a few bills to the wall, ensuring he would have enough money to return for more libations. Our server reported that there are over 70,000 dollar bills on the walls, with written names, sayings, and also graffiti. Guests can eat on the patio вЂ“ in or outdoors but donвЂ™t miss the collection of famed dollar bills taped to the ceilings and walls inside. Boaters arrive throughout the day to enjoy casual dining. The main focal point is the Inn and restaurant which sits high on a Calusa Indian mound. In addition, ospreys and bald eagles soar overhead. Royal Poinciana trees and lovely palms dot the landscape. An old refurbished water tower looms near the restaurant. Named for the abundance of cabbage palms, the Cabbage Key Inn & Restaurant and surrounding buildings were built by mystery writer Mary Roberts Rinehart and her son in 1938. Spotted along the harbor are old white wooden cottages and also a few private homes. The island can be found near Channel Marker 60 in the Pine Island Sound.ДЄrriving at Beautiful & Authentic Cabbage KeyДЄrriving at Cabbage Key, visitors are greeted by a harbormaster who oversees the small marina and boathouse. Or if you prefer to leave from Captiva, Punta Gorda, or Boca Grande, party boats leave daily. But a boat ride is a mere 12 minutes from Pine Island. A few decisions you want to make: Either take your own vessel, which I highly recommend, or grab an island taxi leaving Pine Island Marina. (Or, a cold, frosty beer.) ItвЂ™s a club, a rite of passage, a badge of вЂњauthenticity.вЂќ I had never visited the island and knew it was time to experience the ambiance of this legendary island hideaway. Those who visit Cabbage Key, seek вЂњauthenticвЂќ Florida. Cabbage Key is an вЂњold FloridaвЂќ island where the inspired rocker is reported to have written the famed song вЂњCheeseburger in Paradise.вЂќ ItвЂ™s the laid-back paradise Jimmy Buffett made famous when he met the perfect cheeseburger, a piano, and a cold beer after a day of awesome fishing. Looking for a romantic authentic getaway? One of our favorites is a visit to Cabbage Key located on the Gulf Coast near Ft.

Cheeseburger in paradise