BSA Convention 2007 - Marco Island, Florida

For more information on the Paradise Coast of Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades,

call 1-800-688-3600 or visit www.paradisecoast.com.

Marco Island, the largest of the Ten Thousand Islands, is located at southern tip of Southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast in Collier County. A beachfront paradise located just north of the Gulf Coast entrance to Everglades National Park, the island is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on one side and pristine wilderness on the other.

Part of Southwest Florida’s Paradise Coast, Marco Island is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and offers world-class golf courses nearby, shopping and dining on Marco Island and in nearby Naples, the world famous Everglades National Park immediately adjacent, and immediate access to both the Gulf of Mexico and the mangrove-lined estuaries of the Ten Thousand Islands for shelling, fishing, boating, bird and wildlife watching, kayaking and canoeing.

NATURAL CHOICE FOR RELAXATION AND ADVENTURE
The natural environment in and around Marco Island provides the perfect backdrop for both relaxing and adventurous activities. Marco Island’s beach and surrounding sand bars offer some of the best shelling in the world. A casual stroll along Marco Island beaches will reward the shell seeker with a wide variety of shells including whelks, olive shells, scallops and hundreds of other gems of the sea. A number of island tour operators provide short trips by boat to deserted sand bars and nearby islands that are covered in keepsake shells.

The Ten Thousand Islands stretch endlessly from Marco Island’s southern edge, winding past Everglades City and Chokoloskee all the way down to Flamingo at the southern tip of Florida’s mainland. A large percentage of the Ten Thousand Islands is located within the boundaries of either the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge or Everglades National Park, providing a haven for numerous rare and endangered animal and bird species.

Bird watchers and adventurers can easily access this water wonderland from Marco Island in a variety of ways. Canoes and kayaks are readily available for rent, with both short and extended tour routes available. Beachfront water sports operators provide guided Waverunner tours through nearby mangrove islands with information on the mangrove estuary and its inhabitants, including bottle nosed dolphin, manatee, sea otter, alligator, crocodile, wood stork, brown and white pelicans, roseate spoonbill, herons, egrets and more.

Marco Island is flanked by nearly 100 miles of islands, bays and estuaries that will never be developed. Access to this nearby wilderness is possible through the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Collier-Seminole State Park, Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve, Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park. These conditions provide a paradise for nature photographers, anglers and outdoor adventurers.

FISHING
Backcountry fishing reels in plenty of snook, tarpon, redfish, trout, pompano and many more species. Experienced guides are readily available for fishing excursions from Marco Island, Chokoloskee, Everglades City, Goodland and other nearby areas and include backcountry flats fishing and deep-sea charters into the Gulf of Mexico for grouper and snapper.

GOLF
Marco Island is an oasis for getaway golfing with several courses located nearby including The Rookery at Marco – Marco Island Marriott’s newly redesigned Audubon-certified course that also features the Faldo Institute golf instruction program. There are many nearby courses in Naples easily accessible to Marco Island.

ISLAND EXPLORING
Marco Island is well known in archeological circles as an important center of early American civilization, based on priceless artifacts recovered there dating back to the Calusa Indians. A dozen key historic markers chart Marco Island history, including one the most historically significant archeological excavations in North America. At this site, archeologists have unearthed artifacts found to be more than 3,000 years old, including the priceless Key Marco Cat sculpture, now located at The Smithsonian. Other historic markers placed around the island identify ancient burial mounds, island marinas, an 1883 historic inn, remnants of the Caxambas Clam Colony, the remains of the Marco Island Witch Watchtower and more. Marco Island Trolley tours are hosted by knowledgeable and entertaining guides who not only know the history of Marco Island but also have a pulse on current events and activities explorers can soak up after the tour.

The Marco Island Historical Society has two museum locations on the island. One, in the Shops at Olde Marco, features items documenting the Calusa Indian settlements on the island, and the other, located within the Marco Island Area Board of Realtors office, showcases both ancient history and the modern day settlers who made Marco Island what it is today.

SHOPPING
Marco Island offers many shopping treasures. Specialty shops and resort boutiques offer everything from bathing suits and island wear to the finest designer fashions. Shopping goes beyond beach wear, with stores that offer artistic items of local flavor and interesting souvenirs. Conveniently located just a few miles off the island is Prime Outlets, with over 40 stores offering designer clothing and shoes, books and housewares at discount prices. Naples is just a short drive away with many shopping destinations including the downtown Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South shopping districts, along with Tin City, The Village at Venetian Bay, Coastland Center and Waterside Shops, with an extensive list of new luxury stores opening in early 2006.

DINING
Chef Alberto Varreto brings the authentic tastes of Italy with gourmet flair to Sale e Pepe at Marco Beach Ocean Resort with spectacular Gulf of Mexico views. Kurrents at Marco Island Marriott features fusion cuisine and martinis. Popular area restaurants such as Snook Inn and Café de Marco specialize in fresh Gulf seafood. For laid-back waterfront ambiance, Stan’s Idle Hour in the village of Goodland offers seafood daily and unique entertainment every Sunday afternoon.

ISLAND ACCOMMODATIONS
Marco Island’s accommodations range from luxurious waterfront resorts to villa resorts, small motels and an historic inn, as well as private condominiums and elegant homes available for short and long term vacation rental. The luxurious Marco Beach Ocean Resort offers 100 one and two-bedroom suites, a spa, rooftop swimming pool overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The Radisson Suite Beach Resort features large suites with kitchens, children’s programs and magnificent views of the Gulf of Mexico at affordable prices. The Marco Island Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa is a destination in itself, with 727 rooms and extensive resort activities, children’s programs and facilities. This resort has just emerged from a multimillion-dollar renovation including a spectacular Balinese-themed spa. Additional renovations, including a new infinity-edge pool, will debut in December 2006. The Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort is a Four Star, Four Diamond newly renovated resort with several excellent dining options and plans for a new spa. The Olde Marco Island Inn & Suites, dating back to 1883, is an historic retreat that is regarded as one of the most romantic in Southwest Florida. The original Inn, located on a former Calusa Indian shell mound, now houses the reception area and restaurant, with both indoor and courtyard garden seating. The Inn features 51 new one and two bedroom, two bath suites decorated with a tropical flair, within walking distance of shops and some of the island’s favorite restaurants and waterfront bars. The Boathouse Motel offers old-Florida ambiance and slips for your boat with direct Gulf of Mexico access. Marco Island Lakeside Inn features a cozy lakefront atmosphere close to shopping, dining and the beaches.

In addition, hundreds of private condominiums and beautiful homes located from the Gulf beaches to the canal-lined neighborhoods of Marco Island offer a variety of choices for vacationers. These accommodations offer visitors amenities such as family and dining rooms, kitchens, washers and dryers, private balconies with spectacular views and all the comforts of home. For a complete listing of accommodations on Marco Island visit www.ParadiseCoast.com, where you can now book online.

GETTING TO MARCO ISLAND
Getting to Marco Island is easy. From I-75, take Exit 101 and head south on Collier Boulevard for 20 miles to Marco Island. The Marco Island Executive Airport offers private jet service and charter flights to and from nearby international airports Naples Municipal Airport now offers direct service between Naples and Atlanta on Delta Connection with three flights daily. Southwest Florida International Airport is located forty-five minutes north in Fort Myers. The airport’s new Midfield Terminal offers greatly expanded air service, including daily flights on Southwest Airlines. Marco Island can be reached from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Palm Beach via I-75, also known as Alligator Alley; or from Miami via U.S. Highway 41, also known as the Tamiami Trail, designated as a U.S. Scenic Byway and a Florida Scenic Highway. Marco Island is convenient to Naples, with a wealth of shopping, dining and cultural opportunities, as well as Everglades National Park, Everglades City and a number of state and federal nature preserves and parks nearby.

Collier County, Florida’s inhabited history spans thousands of years. The Calusa Indian civilization once flourished in the region. Before the turn of the century, pioneer settlers braved the eastern scrub lands to build cattle ranches and others fished, farmed and hunted the wilds of the Ten Thousand Islands. Beginning in the 1920's, wealthy Northern and Midwestern settlers came to the region to relax on our white sand beaches and fish for tarpon. Throughout it all, the region has proved to be a rich and beautiful backdrop for a fascinating local history.

Naples, Marco Island and the western portion of the Everglades make up Southwest Florida's Collier County – also known as The Paradise Coast. Collier is the largest county in the state of Florida, by land area, yet more than 80% of the vast expanse of land is preserved as park and nature preserve land by federal, state, county, city and private agencies. Beautiful beach communities surrounded by nature – it's no wonder the area is referred to as Florida’s Last Paradise.

FUN AND INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT NAPLES, MARCO ISLAND AND THE EVERGLADES

The state of Florida is divided into 67 counties. Collier County, which includes the cities of Naples, Marco Island and Everglades City, is the largest county in the state with a total area of 2,305 square miles, and a land area of 2,025 square miles. At least 80% of that is set aside as preserve lands, including Big Cypress National Preserve, Everglades National Park, two national wildlife refuges, one national research reserve, three state parks, one state forest and many county, city and private parks and nature preserves.

The Travel Channel has designated Naples as America’s Best All-Around Beach for 2005, due to the diversity of great things to see and do in the destination, all surrounded by beautiful white sand beaches. Condé Nast Traveler magazine named Naples on of the 20 Best Beaches in America in January 2006.
Naples has been named “The #1 Small Art Town in America” by author John Villani in his book The 100 BestArtTowns in America. In choosing Naples as Number 1, Villani cites the area’s amazing range of natural splendor along with its sophisticated and serious art galleries, its art fairs, community art centers and the Philharmonic Center of the Arts complex.
There are at least 134 art galleries in the greater Naples area, extending from Gallery Row in downtown Naples all the way out to the Big Cypress Gallery in the Everglades – the home and studio of famed black and white nature photographer Clyde Butcher.
The world class Philharmonic Center for the Arts, home to the Naples Philharmonic and the Naples Museum of Art, has helped put Naples on the map as a premiere cultural destination, as have the area’s many nationally recognized art festivals.
Naples is said to have more millionaires per capita than any other city in Florida.
Downtown Naples’ Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South shopping districts are renowned for their unique boutiques offering fashion, gifts and fine art.
Known as the Golf Capital of the World, Naples has the second most golf holes per capita in the United States.
The peak season for visitors in the area is January through April. From May through December, visitors can find exceptional deals on hotel accommodations. Rates drop by one third to one half of what they are in the peak winter season. Savvy travelers know to take advantage of the great savings on hotel rates and less crowded attractions and beaches.
There are numerous public access points to the beach throughout the city of Naples, including in the elegant Port Royal and Gulfshore Boulevard neighborhoods, where visitors stroll the beach in front of elegant mansions.
The Gulf Coast portion of the Everglades is home to hundreds of species of rare birds, plants and animals. It is the only place on earth where alligators and crocodiles cohabitate.
Collier County is the Purple Martin Capital of Florida, as designated by the Florida Legislature. Numerous purple martin houses have been erected on the ground of the Collier County University Extension office on Immokalee Road in Naples, where a research project is underway.
The rare and elusive ghost orchid is the main attraction at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, the native orchid capital of the United States. The endangered flower is the subject of the book The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean and the movie Adaptation. Ranger-led swamp walks through the tropical strand swamp have increased in popularity since the release of the book and movie.
Marco Island is the largest of the so-called Ten Thousand Islands, a string of mostly uninhabited mangrove islands that stretch from Naples down to the southern tip of the Florida mainland. The islands provide an unspoiled natural habitat that is a haven for saltwater fishermen, nature lovers, kayak and canoe paddlers, photographers and more.
Immediately south of Marco Island the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge begins. A guided waverunner tour is available, taking visitors into the nation’s only subtropical mangrove forest. The waverunners stop frequently to view wading birds including roseate spoonbill, egrets and herons, as wells as marine mammals including dolphin and manatee.
Shelling on Marco Island’s beach rivals that of Sanibel and other better-known shelling destinations. Shelling gets even better when shell seekers hop on a boat to comb the beaches of nearby deserted outer islands and sand bars, filled with treasures from the sea.
The Wilderness Waterway that stretches for 99 miles from Everglades City to Flamingo is considered by canoe and kayak paddlers to be a paddling experience of a lifetime. Completely removed from civilization, the paddling adventure takes between seven and nine days and requires camping and transport of all food and supplies. Backcountry camping permits are required and can be obtained at the Everglades National Park Gulf Coast Visitor Center.
Everglades Kayak Tours provide convenient access to the Wilderness Waterway via a mother ship. By loading kayaks and passengers on a motorboat, visitors are brought to the far reaches of the Gulf Coast Everglades for a day of paddling, kayak fishing and enjoying deserted island beaches. Then, it’s back in the mother ship for a quick run back to the dock in Everglades City – no camping or endless days of paddling required! Capt. Charles Wright provides the only guided kayak fishing in Southwest Florida.
The Ochopee Post Office, located along the Tamiami Trail in the Everglades, is the smallest post office in the United States.
Everglades City is known as the Stone Crab Capital of the World. Stone crab claws are harvested during the annual season from October 15 to May 15. Only one large claw is harvested from each stone crab – fishermen are required to return the live crab back to the ocean, where it regenerates a new claw.
Seafood lovers come from all over the world for the annual Everglades Seafood Festival held every year in Everglades City the first full weekend in February. Stone crab claws, fresh Gulf shrimp, grouper and much more are served up picnic style along with music, arts, crafts and rides.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, located on the outskirts of the Everglades just 25 minutes from downtown Naples, is regarded as one of the top bird watching spots in the United States. It is the favored nesting ground in the world for the endangered wood stork and supports many year round and migratory bird and animal species. Corkscrew is also the Gateway Site for the new South Florida section of the Great Florida Birding Trail.
Naples is home to the Swamp Buggy Races. If you like exciting displays of speed, unusual vehicles and mud, these unique events are for you. Held three times annually in January, March and October, the races feature everything from down home functional swamp buggies to high tech racing machines. The racetrack is a muddy mess that includes a huge puddle called the Sippy Hole – often the downfall of lesser buggies.
The tiny village of Goodland on Marco Island is home to the annual Mullet Festival in January. Fresh fried mullet and other fresh fish rounds out the menu along with wacky entertainment, including the Buzzard Lope dance contest culminating in the crowning of the Buzzard Lope Queen.
The Naples Zoo is located within a 52-acre old growth botanical garden, originally planted in 1919 by famed botanist Dr. Henry Nehrling. The zoo is fully accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association and participants in endangered species recovery and other prominent conservation programs. All primates at the zoo live cage free on islands with the large Lake Victoria within the zoo. Boat tours of the lake take guests up close to the primate’s island homes.
Because of its vast areas of undeveloped preserve lands, Collier County is the primary habitat for the severely endangered Florida panther, which roams through the National Panther Wildlife Refuge, Big Cypress National Preserve, Everglades National Park, the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge and Collier-Seminole State Park. Sightings by the public are rare but occur occasionally along public roads and trails within the various parks.
The “ugly ripe tomato,” a new sweet hybrid tomato variety, was developed by BHN Seed company in Immokalee – home to many farms and agricultural companies.

For a free visitors guide, brochure or other information on places to stay and things to do along the Paradise Coast of Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades, visit www.ParadiseCoast.com or call 1-800-688-3600. International visitors may call (239) 225-1013

The Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official tourism marketing agency for Collier County, Florida, funded entirely by the Collier County tourist development tax.

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