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So, we are going to Sanibel....
So, we are going to Sanibel....
After much searching, we've decided on a summer trip to Sanibel Island in Florida. St. John with the flights out of KC just wasn't working for us this year (I will be in withdrawal soon). We've never been to this part of Florida so recommendations on activities, restaurants, day trips are welcome. We'll be staying at a Pointe Santo penthouse unit on the beach.
Thanks!
Nicolle
Thanks!
Nicolle
Sanibel
Sanibel is WONDERFUL! Shelling is probably the number one activity...tons of shells everywhere. The island is laid back and basically a big nature sanctuary. There are lots of bike trails, great way to see the island. Drive or ride bikes through the Ding Darling nature reserve. Sunset in Captiva cannot be missed. Take a boat trip to Cayo Costa. Don't miss dessert at The Bubble Room. Enjoy!!!
Hi Nic....you made a good choice. Sanibel is really really nice. We've been going for years. We started when my daughter was 12 and she's now almost 30!!
Shelling, get yourself ready with some big zip lock bags because it's additing. Because of the position of Sanibel in the Gulf, it captures billions of gorgeous shells. I have had so many shells that I really had to start using them by making crafts like mirrors. I've also have given away so many that I can't even remember. Your luggage will be alot heavier on the way home.
Fishing, great fishing right off shore of any beach, but you must have a license that you can get at the bait shop on Perwinkle Way (The main street that goes through Sanibel). Also, you can rent a boat, if you feel comfortable and go to Upper Captiva and Cabbage Cay. If you do rent a boat, guaranteed dolphin sightings.
Bicycling. If you rented a condo at Santo, most likely the owner will have some bikes for you. The bike paths are all over Sanibel. We usually always take them to the store for food, shopping and meals out. It's a nice way to get around. Lots of fun.
I never saw a lighthouse on Captiva, but there's a real nice one on Sanibel at the end of West Gulf Drive.
Go over to Fort Myers Beach for a day or night. We did jet skis over there and parasailing.
The sunsets. WOW! If you get over to Captiva, go to the Mucky Duck. It's kind of like a tradition. You can also see great ones out on the causeway into Sanibel. The sunrises are pretty amazing too.
Sanibel is VERY safe. After all, pretty expensive to live there. There are no condos over 2 stories high, usually with a parking garage underneath to keep your cars out of the sun and cooler.
If you need any other information, let me know. I love it there.
Shelling, get yourself ready with some big zip lock bags because it's additing. Because of the position of Sanibel in the Gulf, it captures billions of gorgeous shells. I have had so many shells that I really had to start using them by making crafts like mirrors. I've also have given away so many that I can't even remember. Your luggage will be alot heavier on the way home.
Fishing, great fishing right off shore of any beach, but you must have a license that you can get at the bait shop on Perwinkle Way (The main street that goes through Sanibel). Also, you can rent a boat, if you feel comfortable and go to Upper Captiva and Cabbage Cay. If you do rent a boat, guaranteed dolphin sightings.
Bicycling. If you rented a condo at Santo, most likely the owner will have some bikes for you. The bike paths are all over Sanibel. We usually always take them to the store for food, shopping and meals out. It's a nice way to get around. Lots of fun.
I never saw a lighthouse on Captiva, but there's a real nice one on Sanibel at the end of West Gulf Drive.
Go over to Fort Myers Beach for a day or night. We did jet skis over there and parasailing.
The sunsets. WOW! If you get over to Captiva, go to the Mucky Duck. It's kind of like a tradition. You can also see great ones out on the causeway into Sanibel. The sunrises are pretty amazing too.
Sanibel is VERY safe. After all, pretty expensive to live there. There are no condos over 2 stories high, usually with a parking garage underneath to keep your cars out of the sun and cooler.
If you need any other information, let me know. I love it there.
"Paradise...it's a state of mine"
I'm not going to make a big fuss about the suggestion that Nicolle visit a dog track but as the proud keeper of 2 retired racing greyhounds, there is alot more than meets the eye as to the business of breeding and racing these dogs.
Some, maybe not all, of the racers are not treated well and live a pretty miserable existence. They have been killed by the tens of thousands when their racing days were over, simply because they didn't win anymore. They can be very affectionate, loving pets once they make it to their forever homes. Mine are stretched out sound asleep as I write...real couch potatoes!
It's not a business that I think deserves support and I hope people educate themselves before they pay to see them race, which essentially keeps them in this business.
One of my rescues came from FL and another from CN. It is always good news in the adoption community to hear that another track has closed.
Just my 2 cents.
Carolyn
Some, maybe not all, of the racers are not treated well and live a pretty miserable existence. They have been killed by the tens of thousands when their racing days were over, simply because they didn't win anymore. They can be very affectionate, loving pets once they make it to their forever homes. Mine are stretched out sound asleep as I write...real couch potatoes!
It's not a business that I think deserves support and I hope people educate themselves before they pay to see them race, which essentially keeps them in this business.
One of my rescues came from FL and another from CN. It is always good news in the adoption community to hear that another track has closed.
Just my 2 cents.
Carolyn
Thanks so much for the information. Connie, I may be PM you as the time draws near. No worries on the race track, I didn't see the original post, but we wouldn't seek that out as entertainment anyway!
My husband will love the fishing option though and thanks for telling us where to get the license. We are definitely interested in renting a boat also. Can't wait!
Nicolle
My husband will love the fishing option though and thanks for telling us where to get the license. We are definitely interested in renting a boat also. Can't wait!
Nicolle
Just saw your post. Sanibel is a great place. Been going there for years. I have to run now, but will try to remember some places. There are two that I can remembet off the bat. The Mucky Duck and the Bubble Room. Where are you staying - We stayed at a great place - Casa something - I'll look it up toningh.
FlaGeorge
"Swim Against The Current - Even a Dead Fish Can Go With The Flow"
"Swim Against The Current - Even a Dead Fish Can Go With The Flow"
We have been to Sanibel many times over the past 20 years and it is such a nice place. Its a bit more "island-y" than other parts of Florida since it is an island and not overly built up. Haven't been there in a few years except for a day trip. In addition to all the activities mentioned above which are all great fun, here are a some others.
- There is a marina near the causeway that takes you from Ft Myers to Sanibel (you would take a left when you get onto Sanibel from the causeway). In the marina is a little screened-in, very casual restaurant with a homey type name something like Mom's. They have great fish sandwiches.
- The Casa Ybel resort has a lovely upscale restaurant called Thistle Lodge. It looks out over the beach to the gulf and has great food.
- On the bay side of the island, there is a place where you can rent kayaks and paddle through the mangrove areas. It was a lot of fun, except one time we did it when the tide was running fast, then it was hard work.
- Shopping at Periwinkle place is like a stroll in a beautiful park. I am not a big shopper, but its such a pleasant place with nice shops. The first Chicos is there.
- We always rented a boat at Tween Waters Inn (on Captiva soon after you cross over from Sanibel) and took it up to Caya Costa and other small islands. We ALWAYS see lots of dolphins and other sea life.
- Soon after you get onto the island and are on the main road heading up island, you will see the entrance to a campground on your left. They have a mini-zoo and bird sanctuary within the campground. Lemurs, Toucans, parrots, macaws and many other birds are in cages. If you drive or walk there and ask nicely, they will let you walk the grounds. Be sure to drive slowly! We got in trouble for driving a little over the 10 mph speed limit.
I better stop now or I'll be on the computer all night.
- There is a marina near the causeway that takes you from Ft Myers to Sanibel (you would take a left when you get onto Sanibel from the causeway). In the marina is a little screened-in, very casual restaurant with a homey type name something like Mom's. They have great fish sandwiches.
- The Casa Ybel resort has a lovely upscale restaurant called Thistle Lodge. It looks out over the beach to the gulf and has great food.
- On the bay side of the island, there is a place where you can rent kayaks and paddle through the mangrove areas. It was a lot of fun, except one time we did it when the tide was running fast, then it was hard work.
- Shopping at Periwinkle place is like a stroll in a beautiful park. I am not a big shopper, but its such a pleasant place with nice shops. The first Chicos is there.
- We always rented a boat at Tween Waters Inn (on Captiva soon after you cross over from Sanibel) and took it up to Caya Costa and other small islands. We ALWAYS see lots of dolphins and other sea life.
- Soon after you get onto the island and are on the main road heading up island, you will see the entrance to a campground on your left. They have a mini-zoo and bird sanctuary within the campground. Lemurs, Toucans, parrots, macaws and many other birds are in cages. If you drive or walk there and ask nicely, they will let you walk the grounds. Be sure to drive slowly! We got in trouble for driving a little over the 10 mph speed limit.
I better stop now or I'll be on the computer all night.
Bill wrote
- The Casa Ybel resort has a lovely upscale restaurant called Thistle Lodge. It looks out over the beach to the gulf and has great food.
Bill - I forgot all about that place. The last time we were in Sanibel we stayed at Casa Ybel and had dinner at the Thistle Lodge. The food was great and I really like the property.
We use to stay at South Seas Plantation on Captiva and it was a great property. But it has since gone private and is not open to the public unless you staying there. You use to be able to go in and have dinner or a drink. Those days are gone.
One of the best things i got to do was parasail over Sanibel. Oh, the view from 1200 feet was great. Try to do that if you can.
- The Casa Ybel resort has a lovely upscale restaurant called Thistle Lodge. It looks out over the beach to the gulf and has great food.
Bill - I forgot all about that place. The last time we were in Sanibel we stayed at Casa Ybel and had dinner at the Thistle Lodge. The food was great and I really like the property.
We use to stay at South Seas Plantation on Captiva and it was a great property. But it has since gone private and is not open to the public unless you staying there. You use to be able to go in and have dinner or a drink. Those days are gone.
One of the best things i got to do was parasail over Sanibel. Oh, the view from 1200 feet was great. Try to do that if you can.
FlaGeorge
"Swim Against The Current - Even a Dead Fish Can Go With The Flow"
"Swim Against The Current - Even a Dead Fish Can Go With The Flow"
Thanks Bill and George!
I'm going to print out this thread and save it for our trip. The information is wonderful and since you also know St. John, I trust your judgement
We looked at staying at Casa Ybel, but they didn't have the type of unit available that we were looking for. I have a feeling they booked up pretty quick.
Can't wait!
I'm going to print out this thread and save it for our trip. The information is wonderful and since you also know St. John, I trust your judgement
We looked at staying at Casa Ybel, but they didn't have the type of unit available that we were looking for. I have a feeling they booked up pretty quick.
Can't wait!
Nic
Have a great time. Remember to use lots of sunscreen - it gets darn hot here in Florida. Again, stop by the Mucky Duck for a drink. It's a great place right on the beach. Nothing like having a drink and watching the sun sink into the Gulf of Mexico. You might even see the green flash. I've only seen them by looking through a Heineken bottle.
Speaking of "Green Flash" - that use to be a resturant/bar called the Green Flash. Never stopped there but it looked interesting.
Have a great time. Remember to use lots of sunscreen - it gets darn hot here in Florida. Again, stop by the Mucky Duck for a drink. It's a great place right on the beach. Nothing like having a drink and watching the sun sink into the Gulf of Mexico. You might even see the green flash. I've only seen them by looking through a Heineken bottle.
Speaking of "Green Flash" - that use to be a resturant/bar called the Green Flash. Never stopped there but it looked interesting.
FlaGeorge
"Swim Against The Current - Even a Dead Fish Can Go With The Flow"
"Swim Against The Current - Even a Dead Fish Can Go With The Flow"
I forgot to mention that the best breakfasts that you can have on the island is at the Lighthouse restaurant on West Gulf Drive. Down near the lighthouse. There's also a pier down there that you can fish off of (know husband likes to fish).
The lighthouse restaurant is small, cute and quaint but really good food. That's where you'll see a few cop cars in the morning. Can't be bad if the cops go there.
Jerry's and Bailey's are the two, and only, supermarkets on the island. They're small, but have everything that you would need.
Jerry's is prety cool. It's in a tiny shopping center. Very lucious and quite a few cages with exotic birds in them. Really neat place.
There's also a tiny movie theatre on Sanibel. First run movies too!!
Keep in mind that Perwinkle is where most of the stores and restaurants will be with bike paths on both sides of the road.
I'm just throwing things out there as I think of them.
The lighthouse restaurant is small, cute and quaint but really good food. That's where you'll see a few cop cars in the morning. Can't be bad if the cops go there.
Jerry's and Bailey's are the two, and only, supermarkets on the island. They're small, but have everything that you would need.
Jerry's is prety cool. It's in a tiny shopping center. Very lucious and quite a few cages with exotic birds in them. Really neat place.
There's also a tiny movie theatre on Sanibel. First run movies too!!
Keep in mind that Perwinkle is where most of the stores and restaurants will be with bike paths on both sides of the road.
I'm just throwing things out there as I think of them.
"Paradise...it's a state of mine"
