Gasparilla vs. Useppa

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Tuesday, December 21. 2010

I am not a huge fan of Florida (I like going to places with more interesting history, and preferably less heat), but with our deep chill so early this year, I have been thinking about it a little.

I am not really a Hobe Sound or Jupiter type, and definitely not a Palm Beach sort. And Vero Beach never sounds very interesting to me. Your editor is averse to "relaxation," and also does not want to waste time by playing that game where you hit the little ball with the little stick.

Islamorada, for the fishing etc. I am also attracted to Gasparilla and Useppa. When we did a week in Captiva a few years ago, we'd rent a boat and tool around the waters between Captiva and Port Charlotte. We had to boat to have lunch in that wacky place on Cabbage Key, and we anchored right off Useppa for a swim and for some exploring.

Cabbage Key has no roads, and there is an insane drunk directing the boat traffic. Gasparilla and Useppa have no cars. They are both clubs. I am told that Gasparilla is for stuffy blue-bloods (it's rustic and simple), and Useppa more for the nouveaus - more luxurious. Tiny Useppa looks to have been having a building boom since we were down there.

A brief history of Gasparilla and Useppa, including how they got their names.

The Gasparilla site here.

Here's a Useppa site. Here are some of their cottages.

If any of our readers like to go to Florida, where and why?

Posted by Bird Dog in Our Essays, The Culture, "Culture," Pop Culture and Recreation at 12:19 | Comments (9) | Trackbacks (0)

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Ah, Islamorada.
April, 1989 - I caught (and released) one its largest tarpon,
thanks to Capt. Gary Register.
Coming back in the dark, both the Southern Cross
and the Big Dipper were clearly visible.
Great day.

#1 DavidB on 2010-12-21 13:07 (Reply)

Fernandina Beach and American Beach, both on Amelia Island (The Isle of 8 Flags), are beautiful, quiet, and have quite a bit of history.

#2 lordsomber (Link) on 2010-12-21 13:51 (Reply)

"Your editor ......... does not want to waste time (chasing) the little ball with the little stick"

There's a reason God gave the game to the godly Scots. It's a both a sacrament, my brother, and a spiritual discipline, falling somewhere between prayer and fasting.

Its judgment and mercy, and a journey of faith. When you can trust your swing, and God for the results, you are one who can walk by faith, not by sight.

What other sport so ennobles the spirit, that one calls a penalty on oneself that no one noticed but he?

#3 steve boggs on 2010-12-21 14:38 (Reply)

I knew I'd provoke somebody with that!

It's actually like hunting - but you get no food from it.

#3.1 Bird Dog on 2010-12-21 14:54 (Reply)

I agree that they're close in many ways, but don't know where you played your golf that you got no food from it.

There's always a cheesburger deluxe, Heineken and a Jamison waiting for me at the end a round at my club.

#3.1.1 steve boggs on 2010-12-21 15:09 (Reply)

It depends on how much heat you want. I like the large trees and spanish moss of northern Florida. If you can tolerate 60 Hi/40 low, with the probability of the climate being both warmer and colder than that, it is for you. Cedar Key is nice, if you like the ocean.

But as a longtime sunbelt resident born and raised in NE, I much prefer the 60/40 winter to the 100/78 summer. No prob with some occasional freezes. Not that I mind winter days in the 70s, mind you.

Ted Williams had a house at Islamorada, IIRC.

#4 Gringo on 2010-12-21 15:23 (Reply)

I find Islamorada a little crowded. Big Pine Key is a little less touristy, little bit out of the way. Close enough to KW if you want a little weird, close enough to the charter fleets for a little offshore fun, & some nice skinny water right outside your door.

#5 Don on 2010-12-21 15:33 (Reply)

Not a big Florida person, but this looks great. Reminds me on one of our favorites, Bald Head Island, NC, just south of Wilmington. No cars, and the beaches are very uncrowded. You get there by ferry, and every house comes with a golf cart or two.

#6 DMac on 2010-12-21 18:51 (Reply)

Gasparilla/BocaGrande has certainly changed in the past twenty years or so (the huge tank farm was sold off and the southeastern part of the island cleared of mangrove and developed with luxury housing, but the island remains a special universe unto itself.
A stay at the Inn is indeed a quality experience that the blue bloods will appreciate for the dining, golf and nearby spa arrangements. I regret that I hurried through what was probably the most beautiful round of golf in my life. Staying at a rental on the beach will be a more casual experience. Neither option will be bargain-priced!
In any case, the pace of Gasparilla/Boca Grande will lower your blood pressure. If you want "vacationland stimulation", "activities" and are easily bored, don't bother. A comment overhead on a nearly deserted beach (maybe 15 yrs ago), made by a young gal to her girlfriend, "I'm sure glad I went dancing last weekend!"
The island is connected by a toll bridge and there is not much vehicle traffic, but there is some. Don't miss the Banyan trees or the shell collection (DuPont?) at the Fust Library. One can beachcomb or fish from the beach, charter a boat or amphibious plane (Mark Futz) to visit nearby islands. The nights are quiet. Your satisfaction will be determined by what you are seeking.
I have some somewhat dated, but "grande" photos, if there is interest.

#7 ChiliBuck on 2010-12-22 10:26 (Reply)

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Tuesday, December 21. 2010

Gasparilla vs. Useppa