Coastal Living ‘discovers’ a secret island called Gasparilla. Who knew?
The magazine Coastal Living has “discovered” a new secret island, Gasparilla.
The new fall edition of the magazine put Gasparilla on its front cover with the caption “Florida’s Secret Island. The Old-School Charm of Gasparilla.” Boca Grande, however, did not make the actual cover photo; that honor was reserved for the Reethi Rah resort in the Maldives.
Writer Tracey Minkin cited the “affinity for blue-blood Northeasterners” as an island that grew with a “sporting forward generation” that discovered “wily, hard-fighting tarpon.” Dressing is described as where “Salt Life criss-crosses with dressing for dinner.”
In addition to multiple photos of The Gasparilla Inn, Keylime Bistro and fishing lures at Boca Grande Outfitters made the cut. The magazine featured two vessels from Barton & Gray Mariners club. They include their immaculately restored 16-foot Boston Whaler “Nauset,” with mahogany center console. Also in the photos is the company’s own B&G Daychaser 48, “Moby,” one of 11 of that class of yachts that the company rents.
The Facebook posts chatter about the feature concerning the “quiet town” status and featured interior photos of The Inn. The wicker Peacock chairs that sit just below the stairs at The Inn came up for discussion by a Canadian on Facebook.
“Wrong chairs for this setting,” wrote one.
The best comment? “Have been told by my Aunt Patty Blaisdell, who grew up on the island, that she thinks it’s Disney World.”
