Useppa Island is barely off the coast of Florida and just a nice little boat ride from Captiva, Sanibel or Gasparilla Island or the more populated areas of Cape Coral or Pine Island.
Previously owned by Barron Collier and currently privately owned, "outsiders" are not really welcome. However, if you belong to their club, Useppa Island Club, it's all good.
Captiva Cruises has a nice cruise from Captiva Island, accessible by car, to Useppa, NOT accessible by car, and through them you are welcome to visit the island for about two hours. This visit can include lunch at the wonderful Collier Inn, originally built in 1894 as a residence. The inn and restaurant are very graceful, a bit of history not easily found in this area. I can't say enough good things about the menu and food. Nice!
Useppa has quite a colorful little history for such a tiny island. "She" was a training ground for the U.S. military for the Bay of Pigs/Cuba invasion, and during the Civil War was home for the NORTH. I refer to Useppa as "she" for there is also folklore that Jose Gaspar the dreaded pirate, kept a Spanish princess named Josepha, pronounced Usepha, captive on this island for refusing to marry him.
One may folllow their "pink promenade" path which winds past gracious old cottages. Nature abounds even on the pink path; we passed two turtles and a slilthering, skinny black snake. You may also stroll to their museum. I would skip their hand held automated recordings and just look around, reading the information on your own; seems more enjoyable that way.
There are beautiful grounds also. A lush croquet court lawn, one can visualize ladies in long white dresses with mallets, and, an almost life size outdoor chess set are on the premises. Quaint and quiet island pastimes.
The cruise ride to and from is wonderful, with land always in sight, traveling through a "sound" or bay like area. Dolphins abound and more than likely you will see several. A nice way to spend a morning and afternoon when you are in the Fort Myers or Naples areas of Florida. Visiting Useppa gives one a sense of another lifestyle, both past and present and is quite interesting.
If you are thinking of buying property in this area, I am happy to show you lots of options that are all within easy boating distance to Useppa Isand. You are welcome to join in the Florida lifestyle.
Comments(2)