Florida
A Foodie's Road Trip through Sunny Florida
- States:
- Florida
You'd be hard-pressed to find fresher seafood than the varieties of crabs, shrimp and fish caught off the coast of Southwest Florida.
Home to picturesque shorelines, pristine beaches and coastal towns with a seriously foodie flair, this unique part of Florida will make you quickly fall in love with its tastes and culture. To experience all it has to offer, take a drive along the beautiful Gulf Coast, stopping to discover the craft beer, sensational seafood and incredible restaurants owned by chefs who call this area home.
Day 1: Naples Area
Enjoy fresh-caught seafood with great views at the Old Naples Waterfront, where sunshine glints on waterways and tin roofs. Mid-October through mid-May, indulge in succulent stone crabs served warm with melted butter or chilled with tangy remoulade.
Sample local fish such as grouper, snapper and mahi mahi at waterfront restaurants including Pinchers. InNaples’ chic shopping district, Osteria Tulia on Fifth Avenue South serves hip Italian gastropub fare featuring local and organic ingredients.
Platter of stone crab claws in Naples
Day 2: Fort Myers-Sanibel Area
Arrive by boat to dine at Cabbage Key and enjoy stone crab and pink gold shrimp along with a panoramic view of Pine Island Sound. Reserve a spot at any of the popular restaurants along the waterfront to savor local seafood and beachy ambience.
Pair a meal with locally made beverages from the Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery or one of the many craft breweries. A pint of Endless Summer Pale Ale from the tasting room at Point Ybel Brewing Company, in southFort Myers, sounds just right for a warm Florida day. For a sweet ending, visit the Norman Love Chocolate Salon.
Day 3: Punta Gorda Area
Stroll through a farmers' market or paddle in the pristineCharlotte Harbor area on your next stop to Punta Gorda. Reward your effort with a waterfront meal at Farlow’s (try the fresh black grouper “burger”) or The Waverly, whose beachside dining room regularly hosts live music.
Go upscale with a reservation at The Perfect Caper, where gnocchi, focaccia and other touches are house-made. Head toward the harbor to end your day with a local brew at any of the lively bars and pubs that line the waterfront.
An artfully presented meal in Punta Gorda
Day 4: Sarasota Area
Chef-owned restaurants shine here (SavorSarasota Restaurant Week is a great time to try them). Off the beaten track, discover the Amish community of Pinecraft, where family-run restaurants serve hearty meals, homemade breads with apple butter, and from-scratch pies.
Follow the area’s Farm Guide to farmers markets, farm tours and you-pick fields. Visit local microbreweries, such as Calusa Brewing and Big Top Brewing Company. Sip artisanal Siesta Key Spiced Rum after spending the day on Siesta Beach, regularly named among the best beaches in the USA, or at secluded Casey Key, nearby.
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