By John Sprecher Photography by John Sprecher and Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau Day Tripping To Trippy Matlacha.
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here’s a saying that goes: the journey is the reward. And while that may be true, a trip to Matlacha proves that the arrival can be exceedingly rewarding, too.
water.” Some references call it an island, while others label it a key (difference being, a key doesn’t possess a fresh water source). And stories of ghost butchers, circus freaks and drug smugglers only add to the legend. But the fact is, Matlacha has evolved from its days as simply a thriving fishing community to a true tourism destination — fueled in large part by a creative collection of artists, galleries, boutiques and shoppes — each clearly making his or her look-at- me statement with one funky, colorfully painted building after another along this uniquely artsy, slow moving stretch of Pine Island Road that, if you blink more than once, you might miss. “Matlacha stands as another example of what makes Lee County such a great place to visit,” says Tamara Pigott, Executive
Quite likely the most mispronounced locale in Lee County, Matlacha is a sliver of an island that literally and figuratively bridges the mainland of Cape Coral to Pine Island. Phonetically it goes by Matt-Lah- Shay, although visually it’s a kaleidoscope of funky, colorful, delightful, playful and unforgettable people, places and things — with the emphasis on people. Matlacha traces its history with sketchy detail. Its name is said to be derived from either the Seminole or Calusa Indians, and means either “big warrior” or “knee deep
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COASTE | DESTINATIONS
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