The Captiva Island Historical Society (CIHS) will kick off the new season with its first event.<\/p>\n
Rediscover Cabbage Key will take place on Nov. 10 from 4 to 7 p.m. Departing at 4:30 p.m. from McCarthy\u2019s Marina on Captiva, attendees will board Captiva Cruises\u2019 Lady Chadwick and head out on the water for a roundtrip cruise to Cabbage Key, hearing from island historians and enjoying dinner.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing here on the island, it\u2019s such a wonderful opportunity that we have to be out on the Pine Island Sound that\u2019s right out our backdoor,\u201d CIHS Public Relations Director and Board Secretary Kathy Ferrari said. \u201cBut we realize some people don\u2019t always have access to that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Last season\u2019s cruise to the Tarpon Lodge was well received, so they decided to host another.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a very remote place because you can only get there by boat,\u201d she said of Cabbage Key. \u201cAnd this particular cruise is unique because we\u2019re going up for dinner and then coming back at nighttime.\u201d<\/p>\n
During the cruise to the island for the casual dinner, local historians and CIHS Directors Betty Anholt and Capt. Brian Holaway will share with attendees their knowledge of the area, waters and more.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are just both a wealth of knowledge,\u201d Ferrari said. \u201cEach have their areas of expertise.\u201d<\/p>\n
A shelling and nature guide, Holaway is an expert on the islands, navigating the waters and such. The \u201cunofficial island historian,\u201d Anholt knows of the history of the islands, Calusa Indians and more.<\/p>\n
On Cabbage Key, attendees will find walking trails and the historical water tower.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can virtually see all over the Pine Island Sound,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Prior to dinner, Cabbage Key Inn & Restaurant second-generation owner Rob Wells will entertain attendees, likely with stories and insights about the history of the island and family-owned inn.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd the dollar bills on the walls of the restaurant because they\u2019re all over the walls. That\u2019s part of the experience of Cabbage Key,\u201d Ferrari said, noting that the money is routinely donated to charities.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo he\u2019ll tell us all the little stories and nuisances of the island,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
Tickets are $100 per person and include dinner, soft drinks and one alcoholic beverage.<\/p>\n
\u201cReservations are required,\u201d Ferrari said.<\/p>\n
Florida Trust Wealth Management is the presenting sponsor for the CIHS season.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re very thankful for their sponsorship,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The public is invited to reserve their spot.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is just a unique opportunity to go out on the water in the evening,\u201d Ferrari said. \u201cWe will watch a beautiful sunset, guaranteed, and have a great wealth of knowledge shared with us about some of the history of the islands.\u201d<\/p>\n