Everglades City

Aside from a chain gas station or two, Everglades City is perfect Old Florida. No high-rises (other than an observation tower) mar the landscape at this western gateway to Everglades National Park, just off the Tamiami Trail. It was developed in the late 19th century by Barron Collier, a wealthy advertising man. Collier built it as a company town to house workers for his numerous projects, including construction of the Tamiami Trail. It grew and prospered until the Depression and World War II. Today it draws people to the park for canoeing, fishing, and bird-watching excursions. Airboat tours, though popular with visitors, are banned within the preserve and park because of the environmental damage they cause to the mangroves. The Seafood Festival, held the first weekend of February, draws 60,000 to 75,000 visitors to eat seafood, hear nonstop music, and buy crafts. At other times, dining choices are limited to a handful of basic eateries. The town is small, fishing-oriented, and unhurried, making it excellent for boating and bicycling. Pedal along the waterfront on a 2-mi ride along the strand out to Chokoloskee Island.