A Weekend in Boca Grande

This past October, Urban Mechanic had the fortune to spend a weekend on Gasparilla Island in the town of Boca Grande Florida. While the state is not generally known for its great cities or towns Boca Grande truly represents some of the best of Florida's charms. The town welcomes you with a four dollar entry toll and encourages you to leave with a toll-free exit.

The quiet but still lively town is choc full of local flavor with establishments such as the Pink Elephant Restaurant, Whidden's Marina (with an eclectic general store that even carries Tab), and the Loose Caboose; to name just a few. Not to be missed are architectural gems such as the historic Gasparilla Inn and the Boca Grande Light House. History and architecture enthusiasts should be sure to drop by the Historical Society.

Getting around most of the island is a cinch on foot, bicycle or by golf cart. In fact rentals for bicycles and golf carts are available at Hudson's the popular general store. If you ever find yourself on the isle be sure to also hit the beautiful (and not too-crowded) beaches. Perhaps take in a beautiful waterside sunset. Just remember that most of the non-drinking/eating establishments on the island close-up shop early.

See more photos from Urban Mechanic's Gasparilla Island (and Florida) ventures from this past October on Flickr.

Last of the Autumn Colors

Gotham Spires

See my FLICKR PhotoStream for more modern day Gotham Spires, Towers and Lights Photos!

Lobstah Rolls and Aeroplanes

What's the most interesting thing you might imagine finding within a couple hundred yards of runways 4R and 4L at Logan?

Belle Isle Seafood; of course! This joint, sandwiched between the Belle Isle Marsh and situated on a neck of land just feet from the East Boston-Winthrop line, and just hundreds of yards across the water from Logan, defines "no-frills." But after all, you don't go to Belle Isle Seafood for the decor and ambiance...

...unless your idea of ambiance involves chain link, billboards, various dockside smells, and the frequent hum of planes landing. That said, you'll be hard-pressed to find a vacant curbside parking spot within a hundred yards on a good many days. Locals, and the enlightened foodie alike know that this is the place to get fresh seafood of all sorts or to enjoy a hearty lobster roll that leaves out the "recipe twists" and piles-on the lobster.

Urban Mechanic (a former Eastie denizen) can't make the trek through the tunnels enough to get his fill of seafood; or other culinary delights to be found throughout Eastie! While locals may not give much thought to the ignorance of their fellow Hubsters on the mainland, any half-serious, self-respecting foodie in Boston should pay serious attention to this neighborhood. Seriously!

Without giving more than a moment's thought, Urban Mechanic also recommends checking out eateries such as Dough Pizza, Restaurante Montecristo Angela's Cafe, Rino's Place, Santarpio's Pizza, 303 Cafe, and the delightful It's Slush Time Again! (summer) served from a window (and not the drive through sort either). The Hubster Blog provides a good deal of coverage to the food and life and Eastie for those interested in digging further!

Oh...if you make it over to Eastie, don't just dash to dinner and back. Take your time, perhaps enjoy the several beautiful waterfront parks. The place has some great history to take in, and amazing cultural life today. 

A recent visit to the Belle Isle Seafood also led to a venture through Orient Heights. The sights from the plaza of the Madonna Queen of the Universe Shrine are great! Plus, the 1950's complex is itself worth a visit it for architectural geeks. Think early 1950's modernism!