keeping “green” on your right until the actual
entrance. Jug Creek is a “red right return” channel.
It has lots of turns and some blind corners, so
use caution.
When you arrive in the back bay area you have
two options. The first option is to continue straight
across the bay to Capt’n Con’s Fish House, a
great location with beer and a wonderful wine
menu. Here the fish soup is a must, and they
feature outdoor seating and are pet friendly.
Your second option when you hit the bay is to
follow the channel markers around to the right,
and all the way back to Four Winds Marina and
The Lazy Flamingo.The restaurant has dedicated
wet slips, indoor or outdoor dining, a bar with a
casual and fun atmosphere, not to mention great
food. The fresh catch of the day is usually what
they fillet on the dock.
This is the location of the world-famous “dead
parrot” wings. Order them Capt. Tom style and
they will arrive extra crispy with lots of extra sauce
(Caution! These are not for the faint of heart –
these things are hot, but the flavor is fantastic).
Head back into the harbor and turn right, then
continue north to Punta Gorda. On our starboard
is Fishermen’s Village. This is a fantastic
daytripping destination, as there are many
waterfront restaurants and boutiques to keep
your guests entertained. There are also
overnight accommodations, should you want
to extend your stay.
Back in the channel again at Boca Grande
Pass, heading south, many great eateries
await us. To our port, the next stop will be
Useppa Island, a private island resort. They do
sometimes allow for weddings and special
gatherings ... it’s worth looking into. If you
have a pass to get on the island (which some
are lucky enough to procure) you’ll find The
Barron Collier Inn.The dining room there is
for members only, and is their most formal
dining setting. With an extensive wine list,
spirits and a traditional Maine lobster night
every Friday, it is an impressive venue that
requires a jacket (no tie) on Saturday nights
during their busy season (Thanksgiving
through Easter). The Courtyard Dining Room
is the Collier Inn’s casual side, and is the
setting for hot or continental breakfast, and for
lunch.
Continuing just a little further south, on our
starboard side we will find a “bucket list”
restaurant for many: Cabbage Key. The signs
to get there are very clearly marked.
This is the original “dollar bill” restaurant –
some claim Jimmy Buffett was there and had
a “cheeseburger in paradise.”
Once again heading south on the ICW, we
come to North Captiva Island. We will make a
74 GASPARILLA MAGAZINE • July/August • 2020