Cabbage Key Inn and Restaurant
Cabbage Key Inn and Restaurant is a resort hotel located on a small island off the coast of southwest Florida, accessible only by boat. The main building dates to 1937 and retains its rustic character with original wood floors and simple furnishings, operating year-round as both a lodging and dining establishment.
The property was constructed in 1937 as a winter estate for the Rinehart family. Over the decades, it evolved into a public hotel and restaurant destination while retaining many of its original architectural features and design elements from that era.
The restaurant hosts a unique tradition where visitors tape dollar bills to the walls as souvenirs, creating layers of currency that accumulate over time and are eventually donated to charity. This custom reflects the casual, welcoming spirit of the place and its connection to visitors from around the world.
The island is accessible only by boat, with most visitors flying into Fort Myers and booking a water taxi or private charter. It is recommended to reserve in advance, and bringing groceries in a cooler is helpful if staying in the cabins, since there are no shops on the island.
The island intentionally lacks clocks throughout the property, a design choice meant to encourage visitors to forget about time and embrace a slower pace. This deliberate absence creates an unusual experience where the rush of daily life seems to vanish completely.
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