Located at the southern tip of the Cape Haze Peninsula on Florida’s Southwest Coast, midway between Sarasota and Ft. Myers, is a beautiful island called Gasparilla. And on that beautiful island is a lovely historic village called Boca Grande.
And Boca Grande (the “e” is silent) may just be the next place you call home—or, at the very least, your next vacation home.
That’s right: there are more second homes here than there are primary residences. Boca Grande is, according to Wikipedia, “home to many seasonal and some year-round residents.” The level of affluence in the village is clear when you take a look at Boca Grande real estate—and the accompanying home prices—but once you arrive, it’s easy to see why so many are willing to pay for the privilege of living here. The weather is beautiful, the fishing is excellent, and there are celebrities everywhere; it’s a comfortable place for famous people to stay, as everyone takes a low-key approach to stardom. No one’s here to sign autographs, but you may find yourself standing behind someone from television, the silver screen, or even the White House when you’re waiting in line at the local convenience store.
It all adds to the charm that the local chamber of commerce instances when it talks about leaving “that ‘off island’ world behind and come rejuvenate and recharge your senses where Florida is unplugged – come lose yourself in days gone by, for an hour, day, week or a lifetime.”
Stroll the Boca Grande Beach where you can swim, sun, and pick up shark’s teeth, and then head over to the lighthouse and museum for a bit of history out of the sun. Or maybe you’d prefer to get your exercise on the Boca Grande Bike Trail. Or go on a boat cruise and be surrounded by dolphins. Whatever your preference, it’s sure that your blood pressure will go down, your anxiety will melt away, and you’ll begin developing that on-island sense of time.
