We were five adults, all middle-aged, in the area for five days of adventuring and sight-seeing in the Everglades Nat'l Park and Big Cypress National Preserve. It was so much nicer to have a spacious, fully-equipped house as our home base for our stay than to be cramped into two or more hotel rooms with all of our gear. Having a place to clean and dry gear after adventures was key.

We found the property to be as advertised and clean. We had a couple of unusual circumstances where we had to call the owner. He was responsive and helpful - a pleasure to do business with. We would recommend this property to people who need a home base for their adventuring in the area.

Three in our group did a three-day kayaking trip on the Wilderness Waterway. This was their third paddling trip in the Everglades area, so they obviously enjoy the experience. The Ivey House is a helpful resource for any rental needs related to paddling - and for all input related to activities in the area. The other two people in our party took a guided paddling trip through the Ivey House and had a fantastic time seeing a ton of unique nature. This area is a spectacular gift of nature with constant stimulation and amazement - from manatees and 'gators to the bird and plant life - we were in a perpetual state of awe. We went to many of the boardwalks and walks/ hikes in the various parks within a few hours of this rental property to take it all in. We saw so much nature on our Loop Road tour - this is a MUST! Don't go into it without reading about it first, though, and make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas and is reliable.

Favorite restaurants we found in Everglades City: Camellia's and Triad Seafood. Island Cafe for good home cooking and very friendly wait-staff. Rod and Gun Club interesting for seeing the history, but not recommended for food or beverage. Sweet Mayberry's Cafe' has delicious gelato, coffee drinks and desserts (Wi-fi too).

Finally, we were in Everglades City during the annual Seafood Festival. Wow, this was a cultural eye-opener, not for the weak of heart! Very interesting and unique, for sure. Beware of traffic re-routing and delays during this annual event. It attracts thousands - we heard 30k. It's a small area to absorb that many people.