TRAVEL
This Caesar salad that is
served in the dining room of
the Gasparilla Inn is typical
of the artistic gourmet fare for
which its chefs are known.
Banyan Street in Boca Grande is shaded by a canopy of Banyan trees, thus its name.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 155
the World.” Today, the venerable Pelican
Club is open to guests and members, as are
the inn’s par 72 Pete Dye Golf course, spa,
fitness center and its tennis, croquet and
beach clubs. The inn’s comfortably elegant
dining room and the casually trendy
nearby Pink Elephant, traditionally known
as “The Pink,” are open to the public, as
well as to guests and members. Both are
known for their delicious cuisines, creative
presentation and superb service.
Due to its historic charm, 65 percent of
the inn’s guests are repeat visitors, and
unlike in its beginnings, 66 percent of
the guests live within driving distance
of this island that only allows limited
development and is frequented by golf
carts and bicycles.
The Gasparilla Inn & Club, which is
beginning its 104th season, is the last
remaining family-owned Gilded Age
resort. This National Historic Landmark,
a little south of Sarasota, is easily accessible
from the Tampa Bay area by automobiles
and boats. 9
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Gasparilla Inn & Club
is at 500 Palm Ave. in Boca Grande, Florida,
(800) 996-1913.
The interior of the Gasparilla Inn
captures the laid back, yet elegant
feeling that its guests have enjoyed
over the years.