Gasparilla Inn and Club

Travelogue

Historic Gasparilla Inn and Club is rare in every sense of the word. The 106-year-old member of the Historic Hotels of America evokes a bygone era of Florida seldom seen on either coast. The columned, wood manor house anchors this idyllic getaway about 50 miles south of Sarasota. The Pete Dye-designed golf course that skirts the edge of Charlotte Harbor is walking-friendly, player-friendly and altogether a different shade of Dye. Originally built in 1929, Dye reworked the 6,811-yard layout in 2004-’05, including the installation of saltwater tolerant Paspalum turf. Regulars will tell you tell you that the ever-changing wind speed and direction combine to create a new test daily. Stiff breezes off the Harbor seemingly hold approach shots — and seagulls — in mid-air. Post round, head to the charming Pink Elephant onsite for dinner and drinks.