Cheeseburger in Paradise!!!

We picked the perfect spot for our dollar!

After staying in one spot for over a month, I was feeling apprehensive about traveling. We were docked at Ben's dad and stepmom's house in Anna Maria with access to a car, pool, hot tub and washer/dryer. We were spoiled by being able to travel further than our bikes or legs can take us. We have family there and friends visiting weekly. It was perfectly glorious! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE traveling, and learning about each neat spot we encounter. But, I enjoy anywhere I go, making me like staying put as well.
 
So, as we were pulling away I was feeling sad but anxious to see what all the talk about this place called Cabbage Key was about. This is our next stop on our way down to Marathon. All I've heard is that there is nothing on Cabbage Key (which is an island)  but a restaurant and that Jimmy Buffet was inspired to write/compose the song Cheeseburger in Paradise. Ok! I like the song (note to self, play song and pay attention to the words), but why are we going to an island just to eat?

Heck, I didn't realize that this place was so cool!! We pulled into our slip, used their showers (I thought they didn't have anything here!) met some pet ducks, saw a tortoise, and walked up to the restaurant. Not just any restaurant either, It is bursting with character (built in the 1920's) on the outside. Inside, every inch of every wall is blanketed with dollar bills. Of course we strategically added a dollar to the restaurant. We were told by a staff member that the estimated total is around $70,000! Jimmy Buffets dollar bill is framed behind the bar. This place even has excellent food. Actually better than most restaurants we have encountered along the nearly 3000 miles we have traveled. We stayed the night and walked the small island the next morning. Most of the staff live on the island, no cars here. The property includes cabins for rent and living quarters for the staff. All things are brought to the island by boat. They even have tour boats that bring people for lunch and a walk around the property.
Just a really cool spot!

We had a great 6 hour ride to Cabbage Key! 

Even Crocket loves watching the dolphin!

The restaurant

Check out all the money on these walls 

Jimmy Buffet's dollar

These ducks were little beggers

View of our boat, Jammin Jane, from the restaurant. This was the morning we left, we waited for the fog to subside.

Happy to be on the move again!!