Most People Have No Idea Just How Unique This Village In Florida Truly Is

Florida has many famous attractions, but you might be surprised to learn that one of our favorite places in the Sunshine State has no theme park or beach for eager tourists.

West of Fort Myers, you’ll find a nature lover’s paradise called Pine Island. One of Pine Island’s four communities is a small but eye-catching haven for artists known as Matlacha (pronounced mat-la-shay).

Flickr/Pollie

Matlacha’s tiny, historic buildings are covered with playful murals and bright coats of paint in every color of the rainbow.

Flickr/Terence Faircloth Frills. Address: 4608 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha, FL 33993.

With only one road and no traffic lights, Matlacha is proud to be on “island time.”

Flickr/Beth Rankin

A fishing village until the early ’90s, the town is now the perfect retreat for those seeking a more authentic and laid-back Florida experience.

Flickr/marysalome

Explorers can kayak around the mangroves and take in all of the native wildlife on the Great Calusa Blueway, with over 190 miles of paddling trails.

Flickr/The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

Then peruse the shops and galleries filled with unique hand-made items for your home and garden that are as funky as the island itself.

Flickr/Terence Faircloth

Be sure to stop by WildChild Gallery (address: 4625 Pine Island Road) while you’re in town.

Flickr/Terence Faircloth

Not only can you find a beautiful piece of local art to take home here, you can join a class and make your own!

Facebook/WildChild Gallery

And don’t miss out on the best seafood in town at the Island Seafood Market (address: 4330 Pine Island Road).

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Whether you grab a bite here or take somethingto cook at home, this little fish market/restaurant has the freshest fish imaginable.

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Next time you’re looking for a getaway, consider staying inside the state and check out this tiny but fun island community right here in Florida.

Flickr/Pollie

Have you ever visited Matlacha? What’s your favorite small town in Florida?

Flickr/Pollie

Flickr/Terence Faircloth

Frills. Address: 4608 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha, FL 33993.

Flickr/Beth Rankin

Flickr/marysalome

Flickr/The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

Facebook/WildChild Gallery

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