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About five miles south of Boca Grande and 20 miles northwest of Fort Myers in Pine Island Sound, this little island has inspired storytellers, attracted celebrities and witnessed centuries of history dating back to the era of the long-extinct Calusa Indians.

Long before it allegedly inspired Jimmy Buffett to pen "Cheeseburger in Paradise," Cabbage Key had already drawn author Mary Roberts Rhinehart, best remembered for her now timeworn and infamous phrase, "The butler did it." (It appeared in her 1908 novel, The Circular Staircase.) She reportedly bought the island for $2,500 in 1929-although it's now believed that her son was the actual buyer-and spent time there until her death in 1958. (You can pick up a paperback copy of some of her novels at the gift shop located on the dock.)

Over the years, this verdant hideaway has drawn visitors such as Julia Roberts, Katharine Hepburn, Ted Koppel and Norman Schwarzkopf. Most likely they stopped in for one of the island's legendary cheeseburgers-or for a quiet overnight stay at the inn, which is said to have its very own ghost.

Today, there is a smattering of private homes along with the Cabbage Key Inn, which sits upon one of several Calusa Indian shell mounds found on the island. Wander along one of the nature trails to explore pristine portions of the island that look much as they did in Rhinehart's time.

Boat owners may motor over on their own to this island without bridges. Others may book a ride via water taxi, charter boat, helicopter or seaplane. Boats make daily trips from Pine Island, Punta Gorda and Captiva Island.

Cabbage Key is near Mile Marker 60 on the Intracoastal Waterway. Several water taxis and charter services make regular trips to Cabbage Key from Pineland Marina, 13921 Waterfront Drive on Pine Island. Trips average $25 round trip, although prices vary. For more information, call Cabbage Key at (239) 283-2278 or visit www.cabbage-key.com.