While you’re on vacation in Pine Island, Florida, you may want to spend some time exploring the town’s attractions. Located in the center of the island, the Museum of the Islands preserves the history of Pine Island and its surrounding area. You can view unique exhibits, including a mural of the Calusa Indians and authentic pottery and artifacts. The Museum also displays natural relics found during mound excavations. And, don’t miss the museum’s famous George Washington art piece.
Matlacha is a fishing village
Matlacha is a historic fishing village in Pine Island, Florida, located 30 minutes south of Fort Myers. The island has a vibrant art scene and a thriving seafood industry. There are several waterfront restaurants and art galleries, as well as unique seafood and bait shops. Matlacha is also a popular spot for fishing, and you can try your luck on the famous Matlacha Pass.
The Matlacha area is an artsy fishing village where residents often display artwork and sell it at local markets. Many homes here have tin roofs and are built on stilts. There are also two-story crows nest houses, as well as Spanish-style architecture. Several of these homes also feature traditional Florida concrete block construction. Residents tend to maintain their yards and enjoy the warm Florida sunshine.
Matlacha is a unique fishing village located in the Florida Keys. It is a small community that is 37 times smaller than the island’s most famous key, Pine Island. The island had a thriving commercial fishing industry before the 1992 gill net ban, which protected certain types of fish and damaged the local economy.
The fishing is excellent year round, but fishing in Matlacha is at its best during the first cold front in December and February. This period of cool water increases water clarity. It also creates a negative tide which limits marine species’ mobility. During these months, fishermen should target creeks and potholes.
The town has a variety of accommodations, from upscale resorts to small hotels. There are also condos, homes, and apartments available for rent. You can book these through VRBO or Airbnb. You can also find several fine restaurants in Matlacha.
Mango Factory
If you’re looking for something different to do on a trip to Pine Island, you may want to check out the Mango Factory. This unique place sells fresh mangoes as large as a head. If you’re lucky, you’ll also be able to visit the Mango Mania Festival, which was founded by the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce. This event features local growers, arts and crafts, and live music.
The Mango Factory is a 25-acre mango grove. Here you can purchase a half-dozen varieties of mangoes, which are grown on the island’s beautiful, humid climate. The trees are trimmed to make sure they’re as ripe as possible, and the fruit is sold year-round.
Another place to visit in Pine Island is Fruitscapes, where you can learn about tropical fruits and eat fresh fruit. The owners of Fruitscapes also make homemade bread. You can also purchase a coconut from the shop and enjoy it with a straw! After that, you can head to The Mango Factory, which was opened by a man named Jack Flowerree in 1964. This place has nine varieties of mangoes, and you can even go U-Pick for a fruity snack.
While you’re in Pine Island, you can explore local art in a variety of galleries. You can also check out the 1950s Sea Grape Lodge, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can also check out the Pine Island Art Association’s art classes.
Mango Tango has several varieties of mangos, including Valencia Prides, which are sold green. They will become ripe within two weeks. While you’re there, you might also want to try the local cuisine. Local pink shrimp, blue crab, and mullet are famous. You can also try some of the island’s tropical fruits in various restaurants. You can also purchase mangoes at local farmers markets.
Art galleries
Pine Island has a vibrant arts community. Art galleries are located all over the island. Some are located in the main town of Matlacha. The Bokeelia Art Gallery is located on Stringfellow Road. The Pine Island Art Association also offers painting classes. Visitors can visit one of the three art galleries to see the work of local artists.
The Emerson Quillin Studio Store features original works of art by local cartoonists. The artwork can be bought on t-shirts or mugs. Art collectors can also check out the J. Lazzara Gallery, which has a wide range of paintings and other art forms. Artist Joyce Lazzara has won many awards for her realistic depictions of birds and other wildlife found in the island.
The DAAS Co-op Art Gallery is another place to see the work of local artists. This gallery is home to over thirty members and is one of the city’s premier art venues. The Arts for ACT Gallery, a 100 percent non-profit gallery that benefits the ACT domestic violence shelter, showcases over 75 co-op artists and has two exhibition spaces. The exhibits change every two weeks during the season and monthly during the off-season.
If you have time, you can also check out the Bokeelia Art Gallery. This gallery overlooks Charlotte Harbor and features work from more than 60 local artists. Many of these artists live in the area, and their paintings are unique reflections of the beautiful tropical environment found on the island.
Art galleries are also a great way to meet local artists and learn about the history of Pine Island. The island’s thriving arts community has helped make the town unique and unmatched. Aside from being home to the island’s unique culture, visitors can also find an array of unique businesses and charities.
Rendell Research Center
If you are looking for a place to visit in Pine Island, Florida, the Rendell Research Center is a great place to start. This educational facility offers classes in history, archaeology, ecology, and other related fields. The site is located on the western shore of Pine Island, close to Cape Coral. The site includes huge shell mounds and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Visitors can learn about the history of Southwest Florida and about the Calusa Indians, who lived here centuries ago. They constructed large shell mounds, engineered canals, and sustained their populations with fish found in the estuaries. The Rendell Research Center is a 67-acre facility dedicated to education about Southwest Florida history and ecology. A self-guided tour is available for guests, and it offers a comprehensive taste of Florida history.
A fascinating place to visit in Pine Island is the Rendell Research Center, which is run by the University of Florida Museum of Natural History. The center is the base for excavations of Pineland, a site of Calusa people in Southwest Florida. The site used to have a canal that was 30 feet wide and six to eight feet deep, and was dug by Calusa people using shell tools. During the Spanish colonial period, there were at least six smaller Calusa towns on the island.
The center is located on the western shores of Pine Island. The 67-acre campus is home to several archaeological sites and a Calusa heritage trail. It also includes the remains of a Calusa Indian village.
Cabbage Key
Cabbage Key, Florida is a popular tourist destination with visitors from all over. Visitors can enjoy water sports and romantic cottages. There’s also a popular restaurant with open-air dining. The restaurant is popular year-round and serves three meals a day. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, you can also book a private cabin or cottage for the night.
While you’re on the island, you’ll want to stop at the Cabbage Key Inn and Restaurant, a 1928 house converted to a restaurant. The renowned restaurant is located atop a Calusa shell mound and is a historic landmark. Visitors can find over 70,000 dollar bills on the bar, which is the inspiration for Jimmy Buffett’s song, “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”
If you don’t have a boat, you can take a water taxi to Cabbage Key. You can also charter a boat at the Pine Island Marina. There are also several day cruises that take visitors to Cabbage Key. The island itself is a great day trip.
There’s also a nature trail where you can take a stroll in the Florida bush. The trail includes interpretive markers along the way. You can even see dolphins and manatees while you’re there! You’ll also find a wooden tower that overlooks the island.
Another great option for outdoor recreation is a trip to Cayo Costa State Park. With nine miles of white sand beach, this barrier island preserves the natural wilderness and provides a perfect setting for wildlife sighting.
