December 24, 2011
Yesterday we came up the narrow and shallow Barron River channel yesterday to The Rod & Gun Club (R&G) http://www.evergladesrodandgun.com/ in Everglades City. We will be spending Christmas here, because it is the 'in place' to be among the jet set :-) Seriously, as the R&G website says, "The Rod and Gun Club does not cater to the needs of all vacationers but to those whom are seeking to experience a piece of history!" Meaning if you want luxury, this is not the place to be.
The R&G was built as a hunting and fishing lodge by Barron Collier, after whom this county is named. It has hosted presidents and celebrities in the past. It is now a bit run down but still an impressive piece of architecture and history.
Everglades City is an unique little town with a checkered past. The area was settled primarily by people who wanted to get away - read the law had an interest in them. In the late 70's, over half the male population of the town was arrested in a massive drug raid. The remote location and maze of mangrove islands has always made the area popular for smuggling.
The primary industry is crabbing (stone crabs). There is a fish house here that is the primary supplier to the somewhat famous Joe's Crab Shack. Everglades tourism is also becoming more important. There was a bit of a real estate boom here in the early 2000's as primarily sport fisherman bought places; that boom has clearly ended and for now Everglades City is settling back into its roots.
We have been here several times going back to the 90's and have always enjoyed its 'character'.
Tom
Everglades City
Collier County, FL
http://g.co/maps/vneq4
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