HosPETality Unleashed. Arriving in Miami, a very dog-friendly city, we headed
straight to our downtown hotel, The EPIC, and got Puck set- tled in. The EPIC Hotel is everything you want to experience in a downtown Miami hotel and then some. We learned that every Kimpton boutique hotel, invites you to bring your furry, feathery or scaly family member—no matter their size, weight, or breed—at no extra charge. If your pet fits through the door, they’re welcome at the EPIC Hotel, which has all the goodies you need to keep your pet pampered. Puck was completely
brackish water or saltwater; catching dozen of species in one day. Captain Shaughnessy guided us to some beautiful snook, trout and redfish during our charter. We were lucky enough to bring some fresh redfish and trout back to be cooked by our gracious hosts at the Rod & Gun Club. The restaurant will cook your catch of the day in your preferred cooking style, comple- menting the meal with an array of delicious side dishes. The 169-seat restaurant overlooks the Barron River, a public boat ramp, rental cottages, a swimming pool, a screened porch with water views and 800 feet of frontage along the river.
comfortable staying at the hotel while we headed to the base- ball game (he was exhausted from traveling and fishing). We love that the hotel did not charge extra for Puck’s stay and we will definitely be back for an encore visit soon. A Little Peace of Mind. Saturday morning, we were off to Everglades City for a
two-night stay at the Everglades Rod & Gun Club. It’s one of the oldest buildings in this outpost at the edge of The River of Grass. The club is reminiscent of Old Florida and a throwback to simpler times. Over the years, at least five U.S. presidents including Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, Hoover and Nixon have visited. Plus, many famous actors, writers and musicians have been guests at the club, from Burl Ives to Ernest Hemingway to Mick Jagger. The historic property has also been a filming location for several movies, including “Just Cause” and “Winds Across the Everglades.” This iconic building takes visi- tors back to the 19th century with it’s antique furnishings, wooden floors, crystal chandeliers, tiffany lamps, animal heads and stuffed creatures. Our first day in Everglades City began with an airboat ride
and ended with Mike and I relaxing with Puck since we had to get up early the following day. You’ll find the roadside littered with dozens of airboat options along the road between Miami and Naples. We enjoyed a quick airboat tour, whipping us around as fast as they could for an hour. We did stop to see a few alligators that the guides lured right up to the edge of the boat for a photo op. The next morning, Puck stayed at the Everglades Rod &
Gun Club while we headed out on a fishing charter with Captain Terry Shaughnessy. We caught some beautiful fish and toured what seemed like miles and miles of mangroves and canals. Anglers have the option of their choice of freshwater,
www.TheNewBarker.com
We decided to have fried trout strips with blackened red-
fish. Our dinner was a huge feast and the perfect way to end our stay in Everglades City. If you’re looking for a little slice of Old Florida charm, you’ll find it at the Everglades Rod & Gun Club. On the way home, we couldn’t resist stopping in Sanibel
Island. We discovered a dog-friendly breakfast spot called Over Easy Café. If you’re hungry for breakfast, lunch or dinner in Sanibel, try the award winning Over Easy Café (located inside the Olde Sanibel Shoppes). Enjoy dining inside or outside with their pet-friendly outdoor patio. Try their egg reuben sandwich or smoked salmon benedict. A few doors down is Island Paws, a unique shop for dogs and people who love them. After break- fast, we headed for the beach to search the sand for seashells.
Vetstreet.com, a top animal health and lifestyle website, has named Algiers Beach in Gulfside City Park on Sanibel Island, to its list of the top eight dog-friendly beaches in the U.S. The next place we’d like to visit for the weekend is Sanibel Island (that’s for sure). Our expectations were exceeded everywhere we stayed
while visiting Miami, Everglades City and Sanibel Island. This was truly the perfect way for our family to celebrate Puck’s recovery from back surgery. We look forward to many more Florida adventures with Puck.
U
The EPIC Hotel - 270 Biscayne Blvd. Way, Plush dog beds, food and water bowls, courtesy bags for walking your dog. No additional charge for pets, not deposit and no size or weigh limits. Nightly wine reception welcomes pets. Pawdicures also offered. Any questions, ask their Director of Pet Relations - honorary staff of the canine persuasion.
EPICHotel.com Everglades Rod & Gun Club - 200 Riverside Drive, Everglades City.
239.695.2101.Everglades-RodAndGunClub.com Summer/Fall 2016 THE NEW BARKER 47
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