I don’t typically picture cowboys when I think of the Sunshine State, but in LeBelle, Florida, that is a rich history that can still be seen today. It is a small town all about natural beauty and embracing the cow-herding era of old. This charming small town in Florida is filled with little surprises, from beautiful nature walks to proximity to some of the state's top locations. There is a lot to love about this little town, so allow me to take you to a bird's eye view of what makes this such a great place to explore.
It is hard to imagine Florida as a place where cowboys raised their cattle. Picture the flat lands of this coastal state without tall skyscrapers, busy highways, and Disney World, that is what life used to be like for the cowboys known as the crackers. They were known by that name because of the sound their whips made while riding their horses. This history was prevalent in LeBelle, and still to this day, it is a very active part of the community. The LeBelle Rodeo Arena hosts shows that celebrate this rich history of the town.
To dig further into the town's history, you should visit during the Swamp Cabbage Festival. This family-friendly event celebrates the sabal palm, the Florida state tree that also goes by the name swamp cabbage palm, hence the festival's name. This event is the pride of the town, with live music, a parade, delicious food, talented vendors, and, of course, the great community of this small town.
The town is known as “The City Under The Oaks” for all of the oak trees that line the landscape. This makes for a pleasant place to walk as you explore downtown and dip in and out of the unique shops and restaurants. One of the best places to walk is the LeBelle Nature Park. This small park will immerse you in nature and be surrounded by the natural beauty that this small town prides itself on.
The charm is undeniable and you will be tempted to stay and soak up the valuable time in this town. I have good news for you, you don’t have to leave because you can book a stay in the LeBelle Vie. This Airbnb rental offers 3 stunning acres right on the Caloosahetchee River. The water in the area is part of the charm of LeBelle and you can enjoy the calming current of the river without having to even go anywhere else in a hurry.
You can even use the laid-back and peaceful town of LeBelle as your home base for other Florida adventures. Fort Myers is just to the east, Lake Okeechobee is to the west, and (my personal favorite) the Everglades are to the south. There is plenty to see and do surrounding this small town, but you might just fall in love with the area and not want to leave. I wouldn’t be able to blame you.
LeBelle Florida embraces its historical cowboy roots and celebrates the natural beauty all around them. From a pleasant walk under the trees to a rodeo there is plenty to do in this lovely small town.
Plan on an upcoming trip? Make sure you check out our ultimate road trip packing list to get all of the essential items you will need to make your travel as awesome as possible.
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