Boca Grande is a window into the best parts of Florida with its beautiful setting along the Gulf Coast, charming houses, fish-filled waters, relaxed atmosphere, and striking sunsets.
(Photo: The Gasparilla Inn)
Longing for a get-away, my friends and I decided to venture down to Boca Grande with husbands and caftans in tow. We stayed at the charming Gasparilla Inn. It is a large historic structure, yellow with white columns and ornate railings. The interiors have a Palm Beach feel with pastel colors and tropical patterns. Indeed, parts of Boca Grande feel a bit like Palm Beach. Just a more understated version of that east coast Florida city.
A lovely private dining room. The green glasses were a favorite detail from the weekend.
Cocktail tables display treasures from the sea.
The dining room.
Creative placement of orchids.
The pink sitting room.
Palms and sailor valentines decorate the lobby.
Small town charm in Boca Grande.
The Boca Grande community center.
The loveliest Catholic church, Our Lady of Mercy, hid behind an allée of palm trees.. Unfortunately, the door was locked. The interior remains a mystery.
Subtle details relate to the seaside location.
A scallop adds a touch of nostalgia to this beach house.
For boat lovers and fishermen, the Gulf Coast can’t be beat.
First stop was lunch at The Pink Elephant. Plastic pink elephants decorate the glasses.
That evening we took a sunset cruise.
The husbands had their own boat.
Cabbage Key.
Saturday we ventured out by boat yet again. This time to see Cabbage Key and eat lunch.
The open air Cabbage Key restaurant.
The servers’ shirts.
Two of my chic friends enjoying the view.
A Cabbage Key home.
Old trees and a bit of old Florida.
Back on Boca Grande is this amazing banyan-lined road appropriately named Banyan Street.
Some houses on the island are smaller and quite charming.
Others are grand and hidden behind walls.
Most face water in some direction.
Boca Grande is a wonderful place to escape with or without children and whether you love to fish or not. Above all, it is a slice of Old Florida that exudes charm and celebrates nature.
Casa V Interiors can design a house that feels like old Florida celebrating this wonderful state.
