Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/776538
DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2017 38 eco-friendly tourism. No buildings in the region can be taller than the tallest palm tree on the island. You won't find a coffee chain shop anywhere. And lights are minimized at night so sea turtles following the moon during nesting season aren't distracted on their journey. Birds and wildlife are regular visitors. A healthy population of ibis wanders the prop- erty, unfazed by human intruders. If you take a stroll down to the marina first thing in the morning you just might see a manatee pop its nose up for air. One fun outing is a day trip run by Captiva Cruises to the Cabbage Key Inn and Restau- rant. Built on an Indian shell mound, the isolated site has its own small menagerie of reptiles and other critters. Playful wild dol- phins accompany the boat on almost every crossing, performing acrobatics and enter- taining passengers who cheer them on. The restaurant has a particular cachet. Every surface of the dining room is papered with thousands of autographed dollar bills. It's a tradition that began when a fisherman left an autographed bill taped to the wall to make sure a cold drink would be waiting for him on his return. Now almost every guest joins in the fun. Notable signatures include Julia Roberts, Kevin Costner, Matt Groening, the George Bush family, President Jimmy Carter and John F. Kennedy Jr. When in town you can stroll through Andy Rosse Lane, known as the "hub" on Captiva Island. Walk down the lane to the beach past boutiques, local art galleries and a lovely selection of quirky restaurants. The legendary Bubble Room Restaurant is an intriguing throwback to a bygone area, with every nook and cranny of its three floors stuffed with nostalgic items and Hollywood paraphernalia from the 1930s to the 1950s. The food is plentiful and desserts are worthy of an award or two. But be prepared for mammoth servings and a rowdy crowd. TOP: Paddle the 305-kilometre Great Calusa Blueway that meanders through the coastal waters and inland tributaries of Southwest Florida. ABOVE: Shore fishing is a favourite pastime among locals and visitors alike. OPPOSITE TOP: Spend an afternoon touring the grand winter estates of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison in Fort Myers. OPPOSITE CENTRE: Cycling and walking nature trails at the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge can be accessed at any time. The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel; FortMyers-Sanibel.com