Boca Grande is the Tarpon Fishing Capital of the World. We have beautiful beaches within walking distance of the restaurant. Located in downtown Boca Grande we're surrounded by shops. Driving by golf cart you can go see the Range Light or drive down to the Lighthouse at Boca Grande Pass. That's where the world record hammerhead shark was caught and where everyone tarpon fishes. We have beautiful bike paths running almost the entire length of the island. Boca Boats is a great place to rent a boat for a few hours or a full day. www.bocaboat.com

Just off island is Grande Tours. It's a great place to rent kayaks to get out on the water and up close to dolphins, birds, etc. www.grandetours.com

Venice is about a 45 minute drive north from the island. It's the sharks tooth capital of the world. All of the sharks teeth we have on display are from Venice. www.venice-fla.com We love to scuba off Venice Beach and dive off the Aristokat. Dives can be scheduled through Terry at Depthfinders Dive Center. www.depthfinders.com

If you love botanical gardens and marine exhibits you can drive to Sarasota. Located about 1 1/2 hours away is Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, www.selby.org, Mote Marine Laboratory www.mote.org and Sarasota Jungle Gardens www.sarasotajunglegardens.com

In Tampa, there's the Florida Aquarium and the American Victory that we helped restore. www.flaquarium.org