Atop an ancient Calusa Indian shell mound and accessible only by boat, the friendly, somewhat quirky inn built by novelist and playwright Mary Roberts Rinehart in 1938 welcomes guests seeking quiet and isolation. It's surrounded by 100 acres of tropical vegetation, through which a natural trail runs. In addition to the inn rooms, there are guest cottages scattered throughout the property, some of which have kitchens and can accommodate up to eight guests. Rooms range from bare-bones to more modern and family-friendly. There's a two-night minimum stay. There's a full-service marina and a restaurant whose dining room is papered with thousands of dollar bills. One of the many perks of staying here is close access to the remote and pristine beach of Cayo Costa, a short boat trip from Cabbage Key. Pros: plenty of solitude; Old Florida character. Cons: accessible only by boat; limited amenities.
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