Dining on Marco Island
Address:
Marco Island,
Description:
For Florida travelers on a modest budget, Marco Island may seem expensive. A hotel room for two overlooking the water costs as much as $200 to $400 a night. Frugal travelers often rent a car at the airport and stay in the Quality Inn or Holiday Inn or the Best Western or other hotels in nearby Naples. It costs $8 to park all day at Tigertale Beach, known for its sand and thousands of shells. However, the lot can fill up quickly. Meals in many Marco restaurants are pricey although there is a McDonalds at 899 North Collier Boulevard. It also pays to find out where locals eat. Many on Marco Island choose Hoot's, located in a strip mall at 563 Elkcam Circle East. Pay $4.95 for three buttermilk pancakes; one egg with toast plus home fries or grits goes for $3.75. Steak and eggs costs $9.95, and for the truly hungry two eggs with bacon or sausage plus two pancakes goes for $5.95. Luncheon specialties include $8.50 for chicken pot pie, red beans and rice costs $5.75. or just $3.50 for a bowl of tasty seafood gumbo. A crab cake sandwich costs $8.95. Decor? Plastic tablecloths with ordinary chairs. No exotic views, but Hoot's offers friendly service and wholesome meals at mainland prices.