Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Cape Coral to Inverness
Driving from Cape Coral to Inverness in Florida takes around two hours and covers a distance of approximately 109 miles. The drive is a scenic one, with diverse views of the Gulf of Mexico, lush greenery, wildlife-rich habitats, and small towns. This article suggests five unexpected places to stop and explore, making the drive more exciting and memorable.
Halfway Point: Palmetto, FL
Before we delve into the various stops, it's worth highlighting the perfect halfway point between the two cities. Palmetto, Florida, is situated on the banks of the Manatee River, providing stunning waterfront views and a peaceful environment. It's a great place to stretch your legs and explore the town center, which boasts a variety of shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
1. Koreshan State Park (Estero, FL)
As you continue along the route, you'll come across Koreshan State Park, a historic site with intriguing origins. The park was once home to the Koreshan Unity, a utopian community that established itself in the 1880s. The park offers visitors a chance to explore the community's structures, learn about its culture, and appreciate the natural beauty, including botanical gardens and hiking trails. Don't leave the park without trying their signature coconut patties!
2. Naples Botanical Garden (Naples, FL)
Situated in the next town, Naples, you'll find an oasis of over 1000 acres of greenery, including a collection of 6 miles of gardens featuring a variety of ecosystems from all around the world. The Naples Botanical Garden offers visitors an opportunity to admire tropical flowers, fruit trees, and other plants, all grouped together. There is also a butterfly house, bird-watching opportunities, and picnic areas. Treat yourself to a mango and passionfruit smoothie from the Garden Café.
3. World's Smallest Police Station (Carrabelle, FL)
The next stop is a little unusual, but it's worth the short detour to discover. The World's Smallest Police Station is a tiny-sized police building located on the corner of Tallahassee Street and U.S. Highway 98. It was originally built in 1963 as a phone booth for police officers to call in and has since been refurbished, with a small bench beside it for visitors to sit and admire the diminutive structure. For a quick snack, try a slice of apple pie or pumpkin pie from the Old Carrabelle Hotel.
4. Ravine Gardens State Park (Palatka, FL)
Located in Putnam County, the Ravine Gardens State Park is a lovely place to explore and escape the bustle of the highway. The gardens are built around naturally occurring ravines and feature a collection of seasonal flowers, ferns, and trees. The park is ideal for a leisurely stroll, photography, or bird-watching. Visitors can also have a picnic under the oak trees and try a hearty bowl of chili from the Lunch Box.
5. The Old Spanish Sugar Mill (De Leon Springs, FL)
Our final stop is the Old Spanish Sugar Mill, located in De Leon Springs. This historic gristmill restaurant is situated within the De Leon Springs State Park and serves guests an experience like no other. The restaurant offers diners the opportunity to cook their own pancakes on built-in griddles in the center of the tables while enjoying scenic views of the nearby spring. There are also miles of hiking trails, swimming, wildlife viewing, and bird-watching. Try their fluffy pancakes, propelled to perfection with a reserved pitcher of batter!
Conclusion
While the drive from Cape Coral to Inverness may seem like a routine journey, exploring along the route is a great way to make the trip memorable. From discovering Florida's history, admiring nature's beauty, exploring hidden gems, enjoying unique dining experiences, and meeting locals, exploring along the drive is an adventure. So, whether you're a Floridian looking for a weekend getaway or a visitor wanting a true Florida experience, make sure to include these unexpected stops on your travel itinerary.