This Funky Island is FLORIDA'S BEST KEPT SECRET

[@Explorcation]

What did you think of those flamingos 🦩😆 Have you heard of this funky Florida island before? And is it your kind of vibe? We'd love to know! Thanks for watching and be sure you are subscribed so you won't miss our next adventure in this area of Florida!

[@genehinders9639]

@@Explorcation those flamingos really faked you out (I'd be willing to bet that you haven't been the only ones!)

[@johncmordan]

My favorite part of the video was the flamengos. :)

[@dvldwg8961]

There are occasional flamingos on the island. Also alot of wild peacocks up here in bokeelia.

[@Dwsrs24]

Oh, man, I was hoping the flamingos were real. New subscriber here (to both channels). Really enjoyed this video. Went to the amazon store looking for the cool (straw?) hat you're wearing Jamie. It looks really nice on you!

[@marcleblanc5970]

We moved to Bradenton almost 7 years ago from northern New England and this channel is an inspiration to explore! After watching this episode we’ve planned our trip to Pine Island and currently we’re at “A Perfect Cup” getting ready to enjoy breakfast. We enjoy the well thought out descriptions and have used the channel content to enjoy our life here!!

[@Explorcation]

We really appreciate you taking the time to write this kind and thoughtful comment, Marc! We're so happy you discovered our channel, and that it has inspired you to explore the area! We hope you have a wonderful Friday on Matlacha/Pine Island.

[@valeriemiller1286]

I was raised on Pine Island. I still very much love the place. Family still lives on the Island, friends.😀

[@Explorcation]

We could only imagine would it would be like to be raised in such a unique and beautiful place! Thank you for watching our video and taking the time to comment!

[@QuadeQuick]

We moved about 45 minutes away from Pine Island three years ago and our first trip there was a little underwhelming - covid, lack of research, blah, blah. So, you guys have inspired us - we're going tomorrow morning and hitting several places you recommended. What a fun channel! I'll be checking out your other videos for other road trips... thanks!

[@Explorcation]

We hope your return visit to Pine Island is much better than your initial one! We're really glad you discovered our channel, and we really appreciate the support!

[@lindasobin7007]

@@QuadeQuick us too!

[@MagicLOA]

As a Florida native, I recommend a good solid pair of hiking boots on trails in Florida.We have an impressive amount of venomous snakes that love hanging out in the area you were walking through.Some of the species include water moccasins, rattlesnakes and copperheads.All of them are not good for humans.Just take your time and walk slowly and make some noise as you walk.

[@Explorcation]

Thank you for so much for the tips. We definitely should probably invest some good boots. Those snakes are definitely not something we want to be messing around with.

[@hollys2936]

Thank you for such an honest review of someplace I love! Support locally owned businesses ! 🌴🌺. The island is recovering from the nightmare storm of the century nicely.

[@Explorcation]

Our pleasure, Holly. Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment. Pine Island and Matlacha are amazing islands.

[@lisapolanski9379]

Never heard of this part of Florida. It's so nice to know there are still places with the Old Florida life. The mango groves and the tropical market and nursery look amazing and worth visiting. All the food you had looks delicious, especially the Crab Benedict. So much to see in Florida!

[@Explorcation]

This island really was unlike anywhere else we've visited to date, and we loved it. And yes, that crab benedict was so good!

[@GM-md8hu]

Was just destroyed by Ian. Residents fight hard to keep developers out of there and not turn it into a tourist trap nightmare. Just remember that if you go there.

[@Explorcation]

Thank you for sharing. We hope our video encourages visitors to come support the island's businesses and its continued recovery. We hope the island can continue to keep the developers out and maintain the old Florida charm that makes it so special.

[@leanneadams2549]

I’m so glad that alittle bit is still original!! We don’t need those high rise building everywhere and over development is slowly ruining Florida. Pretty soon there will be just people and concrete 🙁

[@yogidevendrabiriyani1777]

​@@leanneadams2549my nightmare...

[@RaymondSell]

Too late! You're screwed!!

[@lindaartz3297]

@@GM-md8hu The developers ruin our classic little beach towns. They swoop in when people are their most vulnerable and turn it into high rise condos and chain restaurants and shops😢

[@takagienterprises]

The huge coffee cup is a meal by itself. Another great video!

[@Explorcation]

It really was... it was enormous!

[@CarlosGonzalez-mr5qz]

Looks like a beautiful place to visit! I like that it is kind of rustic. Florida is beautiful. Thanks for another great video!

[@Explorcation]

As much as we love the beaches here in Florida, we also love these rustic areas too, thanks so much for watching!

[@pineislandheather]

Thanks for visiting our island. So glad you enjoyed it. It's much more fun when it's not the rainy season. There is a tiny little beach area called Tropical Point but it's really more of a kayak launch or a place to have a picnic. Great for dipping your feet in the water but not for finding shells, etc. Definitely do a kayak excursion in the fall or winter months, and the guys at Island Bikeworks can help you with e-bikes. Spend the night in SJC, get a golf cart and hit up the Waterfront Restaurant for dinner & Froggy's for bands and drinks. Have a morning margarita or Mimosa the next morning for brunch at Marker 3 Coastal Cantina. Everyone is so nice. You are sure to make new friends.

[@Explorcation]

It was our pleasure, Heather! It was such a unique experience. Everyone we met on the island was friendly and we can't wait to come back. When we return, it will definitely be during dry season, and we'll without a doubt be coming back with our paddleboards! All of your suggestions sound great, especially Froggy's for bands and drinks!

[@pameladeville1422]

Love Matlacha and Pine Island! Beautiful islands.🌴🦩🌴🦩

[@Explorcation]

We couldn't agree more, Pamela. Thanks for watching!

[@ronaldlindsey7914]

Enjoyed your video. I live on Pine Island in St.James City. Close to Phuzzys . Glad you enjoyed your Day. Glad I found your channel.

[@Explorcation]

We're really glad that you found our cannel too, Ronald. We had a wonderful time on your unique and beautiful island and we'll definitely be coming back some day.

[@donbraham411]

Love the looks of this place, wow 😮

[@Explorcation]

Same here, Don. It's a beautiful island!

[@devangel3614]

So glad you featured Pine Island and Matlacha, they truly suffered and deserve some love. Speaking of love there is a thriving artist presence including some well known such as the fun and quirky Leoma Lovegrove and many others. Great little eateries and a glimpse backwards towards a more less despoiled time when life was more simple in Florida, indeed rare gems ❤

[@Explorcation]

We can only hope that our video helps encourage a few extra people to visit the island and help speed up its recovery! Thank you for sharing the information on the artist. We absolutely loved our time on the islands and have already been discussing a return visit!

[@raysarracino995]

Great work on this video! Pine Island is an absolutely authentic gem, and you've done a wonderful job on this.

[@Explorcation]

Thanks, Ray! We really appreciate the kind and encouraging comment!

[@rhondalyn100]

"Old Florida charm" is always a delight to see...just not much of that anymore, sadly. This was a fun video, from fruit tasting to delicious drinks and eats (those scallops, oh, my!)...thanks so much, y'all for this Saturday morning treat. 🙂

[@Explorcation]

Yeah, it's getting harder and harder to come by, but I'm guessing it will be sticking around in Pine Island for some time to come. We're glad you enjoyed this one, Rhonda. Thanks for watching!

[@JillianaMariah]

Lol gotta love the Florida rain and then the voracious insects after it!!

[@Explorcation]

Oh yes, what's not to love!?

[@j24mike]

That plant is a “Bird of Paradise “

[@Explorcation]

Thanks!!

[@katcihealer]

no it is not

[@bittersweethouse]

@Explorcation The plant is a sun bromeliad, not a bird of paradise

[@amanteslogic]

This was an amazing video! I have to say as someone who has recently relocated out here to the Port Charlotte FL area, THIS video has been very helpful. I now have a place to take my parents to when they visit in the next 2 weeks (DEFINITELY going to the CW Fudge Factory ---- fudge for my mom, popcorn for my father). Again, GREAT video and thanks for sharing this.

[@Explorcation]

We're so happy to hear that our video has helped you to plan out your parents' upcoming visit! We hope they (and you) enjoy your time on Pine Island and Matlacha every bit as much as we did!

[@SharperMind123]

Another great review ❤ All your videos have the perfect balance of location details, fun places to visit, great dining insights, and realistic and upbeat commentary ❤

[@Explorcation]

Wow thank you so much for this incredibly kind and encouraging comment. We really appreciate the support!

[@SouthernPioneer1965]

This is my old home town. I lived in Cape Coral right off pine island road for 16 yrs . My sons still lives there and went through Ian . It was devastating what that storm did to all those beautiful islands Sanibel as well. I moved to northern fl near Panama City beach area . If you have ever been up this way , there are so many beautiful Natural springs in this area the water is so crystal clear. You guys brought me down memory lane this morning.

[@Explorcation]

We're so glad that we could bring back some good memories! It really is sad to still see all the effects of Ian in SW Florida, but also encouraging to see all the resilience. We can't wait to get up into your area of Florida in the future! Knowing how much we loved Pine Island, I think we can find quite a few spots up there that we enjoy as well.

[@JillianaMariah]

Wow, that island is so beautiful. Florida is so amazing. Thank you again for an amazing video. ❤

[@Explorcation]

It really is... and in such a different way than most of the islands around here. We loved it! Thanks for the kind comment and for always supporting our cahnnel, Jilliana!

[@yogidevendrabiriyani1777]

Yep

[@YahFlow212]

Great video! Our businesses thank you! Ian was tough. You may see some Roseate Spoonbill here, which many mistake for Flamingo until you get close!

[@pineislandheather]

That's what I thought they might spot as well. They are beautiful!

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much. We're so happy that this video has been getting lots of views, and we are hopeful that it will lead to a extra people visiting Pine Island businesses. Yeah, as we were walking those trails towards them I (Skylar) was considering the possibility that they were spoonbills, but I don't think either of us were think that they were just buoys 😂 Oh well, it was still a fun little adventure!

[@xiiibujinkan]

Tiki bars and key lime....Skyler had a grin from ear to ear the whole time, prolly.....what cool little villages/islands.... 🙏 ty for sharing!

[@Explorcation]

Oh yeah... it was definitely a good day for me. But not bad for Jamie either considering we ended it with fudge!

[@irishsailor9327]

Really enjoyed seeing something other than amazing beaches.

[@Explorcation]

Glad to hear it! As much as we love our beaches here, it's nice to switch it up!

[@mikebeishline4231]

Cap’n Con’s Seafood Chowder is the best!

[@Explorcation]

I (Skylar) love a good seafood chowder. Thanks for the head up, Mike. Next time we're on the island we'll definitely be getting it!

[@rachelwilson8305]

@@Explorcation delicious homemade pies as well! Fresh mullet is one of our favorite lunch specials there 😄

[@pineislandheather]

Have the Key Lime Pie @ Captn Cons next time! You would love it. My fave is the Coconut Cream, but they are all so good.

[@dvldwg8961]

Agreed

[@snn6134]

I’ve been to these places for work as a catastrophe adjuster and have never had the chance to enjoy the beauty. I enjoy watching you guys and your travels.

[@Explorcation]

We really hope you're able to get back to some of these places for pleasure. Thank you for watching our videos and supporting the channel!

[@yogidevendrabiriyani1777]

Yikes. The elevation is basic sea level here huh? I hope there will be good waterworks and engineerings and stuff to protect everything

[@bengaumer9988]

Come back to our Island again sometime and try the great Kayaking on the Pine Island trails.

[@pineislandheather]

Definitely come back in April & kayak. That's when the birds & manatees are mating. The island is alive with wildlife...and more nightlife as well. St. James City is a bit sleepy in the summer.

[@Explorcation]

We definitely will, Ben! Thanks for the suggestion.

[@Explorcation]

A Return visit in April sounds great!

[@dvldwg8961]

I live here on Pine Island. I'm happy you came to see it. It's very peaceful here, laid back living. Next time try captain Cons seafood chowder, it's amazing. All the restaurants are good eating and relaxed island life vibes. Most have live music and several have happy hour drinks and food. Cheers !

[@Explorcation]

We've received multiple recommendations for the seafood chowder at Captain Cons! I (Skylar) especially love seafood chowders, so we're really regretting not stopping by to grab some. We'll definitely be making a return visit though and a visit to Captain Cons will be #1 on our to-do list when we do! Thanks so much for watching our video and taking the time to comment. We really appreciate it!

[@christinathelightpainter5175]

Cooooool you’re in my neck of the world!!! ❤ Matlacha was hit hard during Ian 😢😢 Yucatán restaurant is absolutely gorgeous!

[@Explorcation]

We had such a great time. We really enjoyed the Yucatan in FMB and will have to give the one on Pine Island a try next time we make it there!

[@genehinders9639]

The fudge place looks like a must stop too

[@Explorcation]

Definitely is... they have a huge selection and are generous with the samples!

[@genehinders9639]

@@Explorcation you had us at Fudge already 😉

[@louisedole7179]

I used to live in Fort Myers and on Sanibel Island, so I know most of these islands. I've been to cabbage key and got there by boat. The restaurant there is very famous and walls inside the restaurant are covered with $1.00 bills and nobody steals them. It also has some great shelling. It's quite a small island, and you definitely need a boat to get around. I found a large Horse Conch shell on the beach and will have it, 45 years later in addition to all the shells that I found on Sanibel which is renowned for shell and the Sanibel Stoop. I live in Arizona and have lived in 11 other states since the 1970's but my dream is to return to the SW FL and dream about how beautifully natural and untouched it was in 1973 before all the tourist found SW FL and all damage that the area sustained for decades due to the hurricanes. I admire what you guys are doing and thank you for brightening up my day. Much love, Charleen

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much for watching our channel and taking the time to share these great memories, Charleen! We've been wanting to visit Cabbage Key for a while now, and we really hope to get there soon. It sounds great. We went to Shell Key a couple of years back and someone found a large horse conch. The captain said it was the first one he had seen all year, so we understand that is quite the find! We really hope that one of these days we will find one ourselves!

[@robertg6737]

The peel and eat shrimps look so good! Same with the oysters. ❤️🍤

[@Explorcation]

Oh they were... especially the shrimp!

[@pineislandheather]

The peel & eats at Phuzzy's are my favorite! You can get them hot or cold.

[@christineremler7197]

Great video of the Island I call home!

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much, Christine. We had an amazing time on your island and hope to return soon!

[@leanneadams2549]

When I make it to the Fort Myers area I’m going to make it a point to go to the fudge place and compare it to Macinaw Island,MI fudge. I love love fudge but just can’t seem to make it lol. Thanks for visiting this area. I know the locals suffered badly the last couple of years. So thanks again for supporting them and the vid ! ❤️💯👍 🏝️

[@Explorcation]

We'll be excited to hear how you think they compare, Leanne! And yes, always happy to do our part to help bring some business back to these recovering areas!

[@bengaumer9988]

CW Fudge Factory is the BEST

[@lynnerodgers4461]

Pretty sure I remember that Sanibel Island has a nature preserve with lots of birds. Flamingos!

[@Explorcation]

I believe I recall hearing that too. Well definitely have to pay it a visit some day of it really does exist!

[@stevewalther2293]

You have a nice soothing voice...

[@Explorcation]

Thanks, Steve!

[@infohorsetv]

Tarpon Lodge Resort and the Calusa Heritage Trail are a couple of our favorite stops on Pine Island. The turn on the island to Pineland with it's tiny post office will get you there. The mounds you see there are what's left from the Calusa who were contemporaries of the Aztec Inca time period. Capt'n Cons on Bookellia is known for being haunted! Loved the video!

[@Explorcation]

Wow thank you so much for sharing some of your favorite spots on the island. We will absolutely keep these in mind for our next visit to Pine Island. We hope you have a great weekend!

[@willowwisp6401]

I’ve been there and to me is a great place to visit.

[@Explorcation]

We could not agree more!

[@TheMedic6488]

You should have gone into Capt. Conns fish house in the north end and had their Seafood Chowder. The very best I have ever had.

[@Explorcation]

You are the second person who has told us that in the last couple of days! I (Skylar) love Seafood Chowder, so needless to say I cannot wait to get back to Pine Island to visit Captain Conns! Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@HydroNewby2012]

We Love your channel! We just moved to Cape Coral from up North and are always looking to explore. Thank you!

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment. We hope our channel helps you to enjoy your new home in Florida to its fullest!

[@MrTmiket0007]

Thanks so much for sharing another wonderful video like always 🤗

[@Explorcation]

Thank you for tuning in! This one was especially fun to make and we're glad you enjoyed it!

[@KayakDIY]

Yep live in the area. That is my main fishing area. Hurricane Ian came through and big real estate investors preyed on people to steal their property. Hope we don’t get a lot more condos, high rises, and concrete jungle crap.

[@Explorcation]

Seems like a pretty great area to live in! We heard a similar story about the real estate investors from a local we talked to on the island. Sad that there's always people out there looking to take advantage of others misfortune. Like you, we hope that the island stays undeveloped. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@ladamionwilcox3473]

Florida is good

[@Explorcation]

Indeed!

[@yogidevendrabiriyani1777]

So good

[@billyc3757]

A great little eat-fest day! Loved it!

[@Explorcation]

We definitely had no trouble finding good food to eat!

[@lisapolanski9379]

So funny about the flamingos. We have a pair of flamingos in the wild in my city and I have done the exact same thing looking for them, even with binoculars, that turned out to be bouys.

[@Explorcation]

Glad to hear we aren't the only ones who've been fooled by pink buoys! They should be outlawed if you ask us 😅

[@yft4584]

I'm in the Tampa Bay area. My buddies and I are talking about checking this place out! I'd love to bring my kayak there and do some fishing!

[@Explorcation]

From what we've seen and heard, it's an amazing place to kayak and fish. We'd highly recommend you check out @KayakDIY channel if you haven't already! He does a lot of kayaking and fishing in the area.

[@rainy1216]

Well, I certainly learned something today: All this time, I have been pronouncing it, “Matlock-a”, like the TV show. Turns out that it’s pronounced more like if singer Nick Lachey had a brother named Matt. Thanks, guys! 😂

[@Explorcation]

We definitely had to do some research to figure out how to pronounce it 😆 I also thought it sounded like Lachey! Thanks so much for watching ☺️

[@OurTravelPlace]

Tropical fruit market, yes please! Love the look of this island 😍(shame about the flamingos 😆)

[@Explorcation]

The flamingos were such a let down... but at least the rest of the trip was awesome!

[@yogidevendrabiriyani1777]

Timestamp?

[@SallyStearns]

I made it down to Tampa and camped if St Petes Beach in January (as a Montana girl this was a highlight) but I definitely am going to hit these next time! I worked for some Fort Meyers people and they were great! Thanks for the share. I'm really glad this came up on my feed!!

[@Explorcation]

We're really glad our video popped up on your feed too! After 5 months straight of 90+ degree weather and high humidity, Montana sounds absolutely amazing right now. We've yet to make it there, but it's probably the state we're most excited about visiting!

[@alicebecht859]

We have been to Pine Island several times. I like it because it’s different from all the touristy islands. We go to the tropical fruit stand and buy the most amazing mangoes. Haven’t been there since Ian. Need to take a trip there.

[@Explorcation]

We couldn't agree more, Alice. It's definitely got a much different vibe than all of the more touristy Florida islands. The visit to the fruit stand was definitely a highlight!

[@ljke]

I wish the Pine Island in Hernando county was this nice! It's just a little tiny "beach".

[@Explorcation]

Yeah... we visited the Pine Island in Hernando County a few years back. We definitely prefer this one!

[@ljke]

@@Explorcation I definitely want to check yours out!

[@jagdaddy1]

Your pictures will be great! Go Pixel!

[@Explorcation]

Yes, we love our Pixels!

[@TalkerArt]

You drove right by the best BBQ in all of Florida

[@Explorcation]

We were debating stopping there... but we knew if we did we likely wouldn't be eating anything else the rest of the day. Next time we're on the island we'll be sure to pay it a visit.

[@TalkerArt]

@@Explorcation you won’t be disappointed get the beef rib

[@yogidevendrabiriyani1777]

Ohhhh what's it called???

[@yogidevendrabiriyani1777]

What's it called???

[@pineislandheather]

@@yogidevendrabiriyani1777 It's called "That BBQ Place" but he closed a couple weeks ago. He now has a food truck that travels around the area. There's great BBQ ribs at Phuzzy's too though. They are brought in from their sister store in Cape Coral called Texas Tony's.

[@BobCarlson]

One of those places I keep meaning to visit and never quite find the time. Very much my vibe though so I guess I need to pack a bag and go.

[@Explorcation]

Make it happen, Bob! You'll definitely love it.

[@christinathelightpainter5175]

I took the ferry exactly from that spot going out to Cayo Costa and I happen to see my first alligator that day on land as he jumped into the water! Beautiful ferry ride, and trip to the island! 🏝️ Also, Tarpon Lodge has a very good Thanksgiving dinner 🥘!!!

[@Explorcation]

Thanks so much for sharing this information, Christina! We can't wait to explore Cayo Costa someday!

[@dklauf]

I used to go to the wacky pastel colored Bridgewater Inn, demolished amazing place, just on the mainland side of the fishinest bridge in Florida over Matlacha pass. . Was always rough finding services on the island. Time and developers may rebuild. Looks like a real adventure now.

[@Explorcation]

Thank you for sharing this memory, but sorry to hear one of your favorite places was demolished.

[@DianeW-gd7dl]

Perfect getaway

[@Explorcation]

Couldn't agree more. Thanks for watching!

[@missdizziest]

Great video, loved seeing something slightly different. Ps...might wanna purchase binoculars 😂, or wellies.

[@Explorcation]

So I had to google "wellies"... just another one of those British terms we don't understand lol. But you are right, we probably should have a couple pair in the back of the vehicle at all times! Binoculars wouldn't be a bad idea either.

[@jlokey56]

The noise at King's Island is a woodpecker 😅

[@Explorcation]

Thank you!

[@reallyria1]

You had me at crabby benedict! We’re totally gonna check it out!

[@Explorcation]

It was so good and so full of crab!

[@efrainsantiago9702]

It's called a bird of paradise

[@Explorcation]

Thanks!

[@martynabakowski1886]

I hope, since you made this video, that you have made it to Cabbage Key. Not much there but it’s a small inn & restaurant. Only 100 acres. No paved roads, so no cars. There are nature trails, and they house giant turtles! Cabbage Key Inn and Restaurant has the BEST cheeseburgers in all of Florida, as far as I’m concerned. Well worth the boat ride which you can catch from Boca Grande, Charlotte Harbor or even the harbor near The Mucky Duck in Captiva. Hope you make a video…SW Florida is my favorite winter retreat! Marty Nabakowski…Columbus, Ohio…GO BUCKS,

[@Explorcation]

Hey Marty. Since we only had a day on Pine Island to make this video, we did not make it over to Cabbage Key, but we're definitely gong to get there sooner or later. We'll be sure to try the burgers. We've also heard that there is a cocktail there that we need to try as well!

[@texaschick6153]

The momae fruit makes a very good smoothie with cinnamon and your sweetener of choice

[@Explorcation]

That sounds pretty amazing. Thanks for the tip!

[@jesswnukow]

We happened on the Mango Festival when we went to Palm Island. (a year before Ian) It was so busy. We did the Calusa Heritage trail which was great. (LOTS OF BUGS)

[@Explorcation]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! We'll definitely need to do that trail ourselves someday!

[@lhyork1608]

I knew this is what you were talking about…because I live in Cape Coral ..😁😁

[@Explorcation]

We believe it! Being that close to Pine Island definitely makes the ideal of living in the Cape Coral area even more appealing. We loved our visit there so much!

[@patwo9719]

I'd love to see more places like this. There is too much commercialization of nature and life in general.

[@Explorcation]

Unfortunately they are few and far between in our section of Florida, but once we start making our way down into the keys and up into northern Florida we're hopeful that we'll find more areas similar to this!

[@genehinders9639]

Looks like great places to add to my GoogleMap list

[@Explorcation]

We're sure you could find plenty of things that you guys would enjoy on Pine Island!

[@ultanwoods]

Great Vlog guys 👏

[@Explorcation]

Thanks, Ultan! We really enjoyed making this one. It was such a unique experience on those islands.

[@genehinders9639]

Low Key Tiki...looks interesting too!

[@Explorcation]

Definitely our type of place! The scallops were amazing.

[@genehinders9639]

@@Explorcation I love scallops...Terri would rather have chicken but she humors me 🥰

[@ToddTheTriumphant]

I live in Jacksonville and if you guys haven't visited the Talbots all the way up to Amelia Island then I suggest you do!

[@Explorcation]

We've only been up to the Jacksonville area once, and it was many years ago. We hope to get back up that way in the not too distant future though, and we'll definitely check out some of those barrier islands!

[@kaitlynlardi6345]

That’s my boyfriend @mikerowell19 and I riding bikes down the path at 3:57!! Lol🤣

[@Explorcation]

Oh wow that's awesome, Kaitlyn! Do you guys live on Pine Island?

[@PrimeTimeTravelers]

We have driven thru there before but just passed thru the area. We will have to plan a day trip out there sometime this fall or winter. Sounds like a fun day. Hope you do are doing great. Dan just worked 78 hours last week so we haven't had time for much. He's been busy counting the days to our December cruises! 🤣 Stay in touch!

[@Explorcation]

Next time you are in the area we sure hope you find the time to stop! It's a really unique island and we're sure you enjoyed it. Your December cruises will be here before you know it!

[@Victory1981]

Nice….there’s two Pine Islands in the state. The other Pine Island is around Weeki Wachee out by the coast, but the Southern Pine Island has more to offer. I’ve been to Gasparilla Island, and I’ve done some nice fishing there. That shrimp looked good, and sounds like a name Matt Lachey….lol

[@Explorcation]

We visited the Pine Island near Weeki Wachee a few years back. Like you said, definitely much smaller and much less going on than the southern Pine Island, but we still enjoyed the area! And yeah, when Jamie told me how that island was actually pronounced I though she was saying a persons name also.

[@ScullyPop]

Great episode!

[@Explorcation]

Thank you, Scully!

[@n2zartist]

Great video, learned alot.

[@Explorcation]

We're happy to hear it! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@johnowens-w8w]

KeyWest has a place with flamingoes. They walk up to you.

[@Explorcation]

We've heard about that! Hopefully someday we'll get a chance to experience it!

[@genehinders9639]

Phuzzy's looks cool!

[@Explorcation]

It really was... can't believe noone was there!

[@yogidevendrabiriyani1777]

Hot damn i love florida

[@Explorcation]

It's a pretty alright place!

[@greggorjk8100]

Can't recommend enough the day trip ferry trip to Cayo Costa for the beach and then a stop at Cabbage Key for the hamburger in paradise

[@Explorcation]

Thank you for the recommendation. We'll definitely make it there sooner or later.

[@ahj-440volt]

P>S> the wings come from a chicken,,, lol. great video,,

[@Explorcation]

LOL thanks for clearing that up!

[@blaster-zy7xx]

We live close to Pine Island and have been many times. Just to manage expectations it really is not a high end vacation destination like Sarasota, Boca Grand or longboat key. It is mostly rural and small towny. It is best described as “old Florida” or how much of florida used to be decades ago. If you are looking for the “off the beaten path” and a little rustic and locally kind of feel, that is it. There is also a bunch of not much.

[@Explorcation]

We couldn't agree more. We found the island to be very different from the other beach towns/island that you mention, and definitely in a good way! It won't be everyone's cup of tea, but as people who love everything "old Florida", it sure was ours! Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to share this very accurate description of Pine Island!

[@MrDannyleston]

Long time subscriber here, and we are proud owners of property in Bradenton due to your videos! And, Turner's Donuts is great. We plan to visit Pine Island soon and will follow your recommendations. Question, are you guys holding the microphone to cut down on noise? Audio quality is good, but why not clip the mic instead of holding it? Looking forward to more vids and your successful endeavor!

[@Explorcation]

Yeah, the close mic holding is due to background noise. Many times when we're recording indoors there is loud music playing, and the only way for the mic to pic up our voice (without picking up the music which will cause a copyright flag on our videos), is to talk right into it. Sometimes we talk into it outdoors when there is loud background noise as well. We get that a lot of people don't love it... but it allows us to to live talking in the moment as opposed to having to record in a quieter space after the fact. We'll try to make sure that we remember to clip the mic (and not hold it) when the background noise doesn't require us to do so! We hope you enjoy your trip to Pine Island!

[@SteveGrin]

Pumpkin spiced what? Hand in your man card please. 🙃🙂🙃🙂

[@Explorcation]

Sorry Steve, but I can't even begin to comprehend how pumpkin spices and manliness are even remotely correlated 😂

[@BassJunkie200]

7:11 is a bromeliad.

[@Growler1660]

Yes, commonly known as an Urn Plant. Love the colors.

[@Explorcation]

Thanks so much for letting us know!

[@Explorcation]

Thank you. Such a unique and beautiful plant!

[@stevewalther2293]

Loooovvve Coffee...d

[@Explorcation]

You and us both, Steve!

[@summerlinpublic5673]

Cool vid, I have never been there.

[@Explorcation]

Definitely worth the trip! Thanks for watching.

[@BransonFamVlog]

🤣☕️ I think this one might be yours. 😂🤣😂

[@Explorcation]

LOL I think Skylar's taste buds were a little off that morning.

[@JayB-bq7hh]

Don't need to hold the mic, it works fine, just clip it on your collar !!! LOL Lived in South Florida for over 20+ years, now in Texas...............same without the mosquitoes and storms !!! Hehe

[@Explorcation]

Unfortunately with that mic you often do need to hold it very close to your mouth to avoid being able to hear whatever music is going on in the background (due to copyright claims) or to avoid excessive wind noise. That being said, I think we tend to get in the habit of holding it in certain situations that we don't need to. The good news is that we recently upgraded our mics and the new ones seem to have better noise cancellation, which should result in less scenarios where we actually have to hold them!

[@JayB-bq7hh]

@@Explorcation Ahhhh oh well maybe SANTA CLAUS will bring a better one !! LOL some have a fuzzy attachment for wind noise too !!!

[@rendafranker7088]

Of course it is expected to rain rains there everyday since It’s tropical. $15,to fish off a pier is a bit steep. Wish there was a beach. Love the paths, though and the quaint but not cheap restaurants.

[@Explorcation]

Yeah, you definitely do learn to expect a storm every day during the rainy season in Florida!

[@stevewalther2293]

That's wwaaayyy down South...first you go South...then go further South to Florida...then further South to Tampa ... then go South into Venice ... then drive another 2 hours South ... wow ... scary to be deeeep down in there....lol...I felt so isolated from the rest of the world being South of Fort Myers...

[@ukulelebutterfly]

No fun there if you're ny yourself. ~ 🦋

[@Explorcation]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@nancyling8976]

I lived in Matlacha in the 1980's! A wonderful time capsule! Have you been to Saint Petersburg? If not, another gem! Tons of art and casual people

[@Explorcation]

Oh wow I'm sure you have lots of amazing memories from that time, Nancy. And yes, we actually lived in St. Petersburg for nearly 4 years, and we still visit frequently. We have lots of content on our channel from all over St. Pete. We love it there!

[@Emilya-A]

Once I found a Pine Island felt pennant flag at Goodwill, it reminded me of a professor's dog named Pine that was a reject from the guide dogs for the blind school

[@Explorcation]

Wow that is quite the memory. Thanks for sharing it and for watching our video.

[@johnclark5172]

6 seconds in, omg!

[@nicelady51]

Stronger coffee has less caffeine than lighter roasts because it ìs processed more. More processing leaches out caffeine.

[@Explorcation]

Great info. Thanks for sharing!

[@rendafranker7088]

Less acidic too, I believe.

[@nicelady51]

@@rendafranker7088 I think it’s fun to share little tidbits of info from each of our brains to help each other out along the way of this life 👍

[@sandrakennedy3527]

The plsnt was a bird of patadise

[@Explorcation]

Do you know what it was, Sandra?

[@allswellinendwell6957]

I think it's a kind of Bird of Paradise?

[@Explorcation]

Could be!

[@sandrakennedy3527]

Re- do the plant was a bird of paradise plant

[@Explorcation]

Got it. Thanks for letting us know!