We knew that our two-night stay would not exactly be five star accommodation (nothing like the beautiful villa we had been staying in whilst in Orlando) but it was comfortable enough and the staff were friendly. If you are thinking of booking accommodation at the Ivey House, then be aware that it is divided into three different sections. There is the Inn, where we stayed, which is a group of rooms in a courtyard area located around a small swimming pool. Then there is the Bed and Breakfast section, which is about half the price, but is constructed of mobile home material with wafer thin walls and is to be avoided if you value your privacy. There is also a cottage around the back which can be rented.
One advantage of staying at the Ivey House is that they run adventure trips from there, which can be booked at their reception desk. We had intended to book the Everglades Backcountry Paddling Eco Adventure for the following day, but unfortunately it was already booked up. So we decided to book the Sunset Adventure instead for the next evening, which was probably no bad thing as three hours sitting in a kayak is enough for 50-year-old bones!
Our first evening was spent sampling the culinary delights of the Everglades, which needs to be done before the sun goes down. There are about eight or nine eating-houses of various kinds within the vicinity, of which some close for the day at 6pm. The more daring establishments stay open until 9pm – thereafter, breakfast at 6. 30am represents the next opportunity to refuel.
After examining various menus, which are available to view within the Ivey House, we decided to try a restaurant, which relished in the name of The Rod and Gun Club. On the door was a sign acknowledging that it was a historical building but saying “Please, no sightseeing. ” However, we were welcome to eat in the dining room. We entered the building tentatively, desperately trying to avert our eyes so as not to see any of the sights, and we could hear the chink of crockery coming from the far end of the building. There was a small dining room off to the left overlooking the river, with a sign outside saying, “Please seat yourself” – so we did.
Please continue to read our report of the Everglades in the third section of our review
One advantage of staying at the Ivey House is that they run adventure trips from there, which can be booked at their reception desk. We had intended to book the Everglades Backcountry Paddling Eco Adventure for the following day, but unfortunately it was already booked up. So we decided to book the Sunset Adventure instead for the next evening, which was probably no bad thing as three hours sitting in a kayak is enough for 50-year-old bones!
Our first evening was spent sampling the culinary delights of the Everglades, which needs to be done before the sun goes down. There are about eight or nine eating-houses of various kinds within the vicinity, of which some close for the day at 6pm. The more daring establishments stay open until 9pm – thereafter, breakfast at 6. 30am represents the next opportunity to refuel.
After examining various menus, which are available to view within the Ivey House, we decided to try a restaurant, which relished in the name of The Rod and Gun Club. On the door was a sign acknowledging that it was a historical building but saying “Please, no sightseeing. ” However, we were welcome to eat in the dining room. We entered the building tentatively, desperately trying to avert our eyes so as not to see any of the sights, and we could hear the chink of crockery coming from the far end of the building. There was a small dining room off to the left overlooking the river, with a sign outside saying, “Please seat yourself” – so we did.
Please continue to read our report of the Everglades in the third section of our review