Marco Island is located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, approximately 118 miles west of Fort Lauderdale and 160 miles south of Tampa. The island is 6 miles long and 4 miles wide and is the first step to the land of Ten Thousand Islands, Marco being the largest. Once inhabited by the Calusa Indians, it is now home to a plethora of arts and entertainment, attractions, dining, shopping and sports and outdoor activities.
Average temperatures run into the mid-60s from January until March, mid-80s from June through September and mid-70s the rest of the year. Rainfall is highest from June through September at an average of 8 inches per month. Vacationers tend to flock to Marco Island in the winter months, swelling the population from 15,000 to nearly 35,000. To avoid the crowds and the rain from hurricane season, late September or October is ideal.
Marco Island Center for the Arts has been around for 40 years, providing a space for visual artists of all formats. Located at 1010 Winterberry Drive, the Art League offers a variety of workshops and classes, lectures and demonstrations, and exhibits of fine arts and crafts. The gift shop offers original works by local artists. For more information and hours: (Tel.) 239-394-4221, (Fax) 239-394-7812, (Email) [email protected].
For 24 years, Marco Island has been the host to the Goodland Stan's & Sons Mullet Festival. Running annually the weekend before the Super Bowl, the festival serves up live music, dancing, drinking and food, plus the crowning of the Buzzard Lope Queen. More information can be found through Stan's Idle Hour Restaurant: (Tel.) 877-387-2582.
Marco Island offers some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Florida. Tigertail Beach presents daily public access from 8am until sunset; the entrance is located at the intersection of Spinnaker and Hernando Drives. Nearby facilities include showers, restrooms, playground, food and beverage. Umbrellas and chairs are available for rent.
Spend the day exploring some of the 1.5 million acres of the Everglades National Park in an airboat. Everglades Island AirBoat Tours offers 30- to 90-minute rides searching out alligators, birds of all kinds, snakes and the elusive manatee. For more information and rates: (Tel.) 866-626-2833, (Email) [email protected].
Located in Captain Bill Collier's historical home, Marek's Collier House Restaurant has been voted Best Fine Dining multiple times. A romantic setting with top-notch service is the place to go when looking for the best continental and seafood entrees. For more information: (Tel.) 239-642-9948, (Email) [email protected].
For casual family dinning, Captain Brien's Seafood & Raw Bar is the destination. Captain Brien's offers off-the-boat fresh seafood and cook-to-order entrees such as Conch Ceviche and the monstrous Crab Trap that includes Snow Crab, Stone Crab and a Jumbo Lump Crab Cocktail. For more information:
(Tel.) 239-389-6900, (Fax) 239-389-1561, (Email) [email protected].
Located on North Collier Boulevard, the Esplanade boasts 1,100 feet of waterfront and 50,000 square feet of retail and office space. For more information and hours: (Tel.) 239-394-7772, (Fax) 239-394-9997.
From high fashion to beachwear, Marco Town Center is the epicenter. Restaurants, health food markets, apparel and shoes, services, jewelry, gifts and furnishing for the home are abundant here. Marco Town Center is located on North Collier Boulevard at Bald Eagle Drive. For more information, visit http://www.marcotowncentermall.com/.
Sport fishing is a way of life on Marco Island and Six Chuter Charters is there for the half-day to full-day trips. Amberjack, yellow-fin tuna and almost everything in between can be found in the waters off Marco Island. Call this family-owned and family-operated business for more information: (Tel.) 239-389-1575, or visit their website: http://www.sixchutercharters.com/index.htm.
For the golf lover, there are over 20 private and public courses in and around Marco Island. These course challenge the best of players and give the beginner an experience they won't soon forget. For more information on the abundance of links, check out http://www.fgolf.com/.
