usvi-on-line
Florida in November
Florida in November
Hi!
Just managed to use my frequent flyer miles on a flight from Stockholm to Washington (in business class
). This is from Nov 16-25.
We were thinking about staying a couple of nights in Washington and then fly down to Florida someplace for 5-6 nights.
Now comes the tricky part, I don't know where. We want to spend time somewhere not too touristy, yet still there should be something to do. We love the nature and outdoor activities, but even some shopping would be nice.
Any suggestions? I can't be too off track, as I said, it's just 5-6 nights max and we still need time to relax. So preferable one place or max two (3 nights at each place).
Appreciate all help!
Just managed to use my frequent flyer miles on a flight from Stockholm to Washington (in business class
). This is from Nov 16-25.We were thinking about staying a couple of nights in Washington and then fly down to Florida someplace for 5-6 nights.
Now comes the tricky part, I don't know where. We want to spend time somewhere not too touristy, yet still there should be something to do. We love the nature and outdoor activities, but even some shopping would be nice.
Any suggestions? I can't be too off track, as I said, it's just 5-6 nights max and we still need time to relax. So preferable one place or max two (3 nights at each place).
Appreciate all help!
-
Florida Girl
- Posts: 307
- Joined: Tue Sep 27, 2011 7:31 pm
- Location: Fort Myers
I'm still new to Florida, but I can recommend Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel & Captiva Islands, and I'm sure lprof would recommend Amelia Island. I've been reading Florida Travel & Life magazine and it seems like there are LOTS of great places in Florida, so you probably can't go wrong wherever you pick to go!
Check out this blog, I like what she has to say about this area -
http://traceyg.travellerspoint.com/
http://traceyg.travellerspoint.com/
I know, that's the problemFlorida Girl wrote:I'm still new to Florida, but I can recommend Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel & Captiva Islands, and I'm sure lprof would recommend Amelia Island. I've been reading Florida Travel & Life magazine and it seems like there are LOTS of great places in Florida, so you probably can't go wrong wherever you pick to go!
Too many places. I thought it would be fun to visit an area we haven't been before. Been to Fort Myers, and daytripped to Sanibel but never visited Captiva. Will look into it. Thanks.
Thank you. Will read the blog. Never been to Longboat Key or Naples (just passed) so I will look into that.PA Girl wrote:Check out this blog, I like what she has to say about this area -
http://traceyg.travellerspoint.com/
We recently spent a week in Sanibel/Captiva (stayed on Sanibel) and loved it.
My niece is very keen on Marco Island (also southwest FL). You could also look at the Keys - Key Largo and Marathon are nice. I believe there is good diving out of Pennekamp State park (Key Largo).
I spent years visiting the West Palm Beach - many places along the beach - large and small.
The weather in November can be mild, but iffy. I would definitely stick to the southwest or southeast coast.
Although November is still considered off-season, you will be traveling during Thanksgiving week so places will be extra busy. Flying back to Washington on could be tricky.
My niece is very keen on Marco Island (also southwest FL). You could also look at the Keys - Key Largo and Marathon are nice. I believe there is good diving out of Pennekamp State park (Key Largo).
I spent years visiting the West Palm Beach - many places along the beach - large and small.
The weather in November can be mild, but iffy. I would definitely stick to the southwest or southeast coast.
Although November is still considered off-season, you will be traveling during Thanksgiving week so places will be extra busy. Flying back to Washington on could be tricky.
janet
Thanks Janet!
I was also thinking about Marco island. Never been there.
It's a bummer with Thanksgiving for us, as we don't celebrate that and it will only mean crowds and higher rates, but I checked availibility every day in November for ff flights, and these dates were the only possible. Maybe we could start with Florida and spend the last three days in Washington. Like going back to IAD on Thnksgiving just in time for black Friday and some shopping.
I know November might not be the warmest or driest month in Florida, but as long as we could just be in shorts and tshirt and being outdoors, we're happy. I'm not planning an any diving or snorkeling. More hiking, biking and just looking around and of course relaxing.
Where did you stay Janet in Sanibel? What did you do?
Thanks for your help/Karin
I was also thinking about Marco island. Never been there.
It's a bummer with Thanksgiving for us, as we don't celebrate that and it will only mean crowds and higher rates, but I checked availibility every day in November for ff flights, and these dates were the only possible. Maybe we could start with Florida and spend the last three days in Washington. Like going back to IAD on Thnksgiving just in time for black Friday and some shopping.
I know November might not be the warmest or driest month in Florida, but as long as we could just be in shorts and tshirt and being outdoors, we're happy. I'm not planning an any diving or snorkeling. More hiking, biking and just looking around and of course relaxing.
Where did you stay Janet in Sanibel? What did you do?
Thanks for your help/Karin
-
Florida Girl
- Posts: 307
- Joined: Tue Sep 27, 2011 7:31 pm
- Location: Fort Myers
Here is a trip report I did for TA
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g3 ... orida.html
Sanibel is great for biking. We didn't because it was just too darn hot, but I bet it would be great in November.
If you search, there are a couple of threads for Sanibel/Captiva with even more info.
If you'll be buying tickets between IAD/FL, you should do that soon. Although traveling on Thanksgiving or the next day may not be a bad idea. [/url]
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g3 ... orida.html
Sanibel is great for biking. We didn't because it was just too darn hot, but I bet it would be great in November.
If you search, there are a couple of threads for Sanibel/Captiva with even more info.
If you'll be buying tickets between IAD/FL, you should do that soon. Although traveling on Thanksgiving or the next day may not be a bad idea. [/url]
janet
Thanks Janet, it looks very nice where you stayed. I think we would like it there.
I'm just not ready to book anything, as my ff tickets are possible to change for $20, so I'm kind of waiting to see if there will be other dates available except Thanksgiving.
Floridagirl, Islamorada and the Keys are wonderful, but I was thinking for 5-6 nights it might be better to choose a place closer to an airport. It's a long way to drive to the Keys (at least to Key West). I've been looking at one of the closer keys, so I've not ruled it out.
Thanks for your help. Any more suggestions are most welcome. Even specific paces to stay would be appreciated.
I'm just not ready to book anything, as my ff tickets are possible to change for $20, so I'm kind of waiting to see if there will be other dates available except Thanksgiving.
Floridagirl, Islamorada and the Keys are wonderful, but I was thinking for 5-6 nights it might be better to choose a place closer to an airport. It's a long way to drive to the Keys (at least to Key West). I've been looking at one of the closer keys, so I've not ruled it out.
Thanks for your help. Any more suggestions are most welcome. Even specific paces to stay would be appreciated.
5-6 nights in the Keys (flying in/out of Miami) is quite doable; best if you don't mind staying in multiple places to break up the drive. Miami to KW is probably ~4 hrs.
We did 5 or 6 nights from West Palm Beach - many years ago. I think it was a night or 2 in Key Largo (where Don proposed:), 2 or 3 in Key West and a night in Islamorada.
I will say that I didn't care for the beaches in the Keys. Much better choices further up the coast or west coast.
So many choices:)
We did 5 or 6 nights from West Palm Beach - many years ago. I think it was a night or 2 in Key Largo (where Don proposed:), 2 or 3 in Key West and a night in Islamorada.
I will say that I didn't care for the beaches in the Keys. Much better choices further up the coast or west coast.
So many choices:)
janet
As you know, we are researching Amelia Island for retirement, and yes, I would recommend it for anyone depending on need and time of year. I think you will be much happier in South Florida as we often have had frost temperatures by mid-November.
Considering the fact that I have not been anywhere south of Tampa for three years, I feel jayseadee and Florida Girl are offering better insight on possibilities. Somehow, I am thinking that the Gulf Coast will be more what you are seeking. Will you be renting a car? The timing will be fairly good as you will be just ahead of the snow bird migration.
Fly into Tampa... head for St Pete beach. Some recent discussion and an informative report here: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=23094
Fly into Ft Myers... head for Sanibel. Ryan recently featured the Ft Myers to Key West ferry on his blog; I did not know of this. That might be an interesting day trip. http://rumshopryan.com/2012/06/01/best- ... -key-west/
You probably have seen this thread, but in case not...
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... sc&start=0
and if you do decide to go to Sanibel/Captiva there are more threads on VIOL with good suggestions for activities, restaurants, etc.
Wish I could really help... if you have a specific question, I'll try to find the answer!
Considering the fact that I have not been anywhere south of Tampa for three years, I feel jayseadee and Florida Girl are offering better insight on possibilities. Somehow, I am thinking that the Gulf Coast will be more what you are seeking. Will you be renting a car? The timing will be fairly good as you will be just ahead of the snow bird migration.
Fly into Tampa... head for St Pete beach. Some recent discussion and an informative report here: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=23094
Fly into Ft Myers... head for Sanibel. Ryan recently featured the Ft Myers to Key West ferry on his blog; I did not know of this. That might be an interesting day trip. http://rumshopryan.com/2012/06/01/best- ... -key-west/
You probably have seen this thread, but in case not...
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... sc&start=0
and if you do decide to go to Sanibel/Captiva there are more threads on VIOL with good suggestions for activities, restaurants, etc.
Wish I could really help... if you have a specific question, I'll try to find the answer!
... no longer a stranger to paradise
-
mindehankins
- Posts: 3014
- Joined: Fri Mar 06, 2009 8:21 am
- Location: Western NY State
How about flying into Sarasota, and going to Lido Key? You'd be right on the beach, at the Lido Beach Resort. There's nice shelling, and lots of things to do in the area.
From airport to Lido is maybe 15 minutes?
http://www.lidobeachresort.com/
From airport to Lido is maybe 15 minutes?
http://www.lidobeachresort.com/
Thanks again all. We'll definitely be renting a car.
I also think we'll be better off south west or the Keys. We have enough frost at home
. I will check the links iProf.
Minde, Lido beach resort looks great and is definitely on my list.
And so is Sanibel/Captiva. Maybe Marco.
We've been two times at the Keys and two times in Clearwater/St Pete. It was a long time since we were in Fort Myers and Sanibel, so that would be nice. If so, I think I would like to stay on Sanibel.
Or mybe Marco island, where we never have been. Also close to the Everglades, if we would like to visit.
Thanks again for all suggestions, really appreciate it. If we can't change dates, we will probably fly back to Washington on Thanksgiving, where a wonderful friend from the forum invited us to a real American Thanksgiving dinner at her house. How nice isn't that?
Karin
I also think we'll be better off south west or the Keys. We have enough frost at home
. I will check the links iProf.Minde, Lido beach resort looks great and is definitely on my list.
And so is Sanibel/Captiva. Maybe Marco.
We've been two times at the Keys and two times in Clearwater/St Pete. It was a long time since we were in Fort Myers and Sanibel, so that would be nice. If so, I think I would like to stay on Sanibel.
Or mybe Marco island, where we never have been. Also close to the Everglades, if we would like to visit.
Thanks again for all suggestions, really appreciate it. If we can't change dates, we will probably fly back to Washington on Thanksgiving, where a wonderful friend from the forum invited us to a real American Thanksgiving dinner at her house. How nice isn't that?
Karin
Hi Maggy
We also love Sanibel Island, and you can rent bikes and ride all around the island. There is a place to go kayaking in the mangroves, which is interesting. Boat rides are available and we always see dolphins.
Marco Island is on our list, but haven't been there yet. We've heard its nice. You could possibly combine Marco Island and the Everglades. If you like nature and especially birds, the Everglades is a neat place to visit. We really enjoyed it, but I wouldn't want to camp there as the mosquitoes were quite bad.
We often fly into Sarasota and visit my parents. Sarasota has some nice areas and things to do. Near Lido Key is an area called St Armands. Its has great shopping and restaurants. Also in Sarasota is Siesta Key. The main beach (Crescent Beach) on Siesta Key is beautiful and the sand is like soft powder. Its a really nice beach for taking a walk. We've been able to swim there some years in November, but sometimes its too cool. If you like tropical gardens, there is Marie Selby Gardens near the Sarasota city waterfront. Its an excellent garden and has views across Sarasota Bay. Then you can eat dinner on the waterfront at Marina Jacks.
Venice is a small town, a short drive to the south of Sarasota. The old part of the town has a scenic main street lined with big palms and those big spreading live oak trees. There are shops and restaurants along the street and its a pleasant place to take a stroll.
If you fly into Tampa, there is an excellent aquarium there (called The Florida Aquarium). It showcases the aquatic animals and ecosystems of Florida and has great exhibits. When I can't go to the Caribbean and snorkel, I like to visit aquariums
Happy Trip Planning!
B&J (we met you in STJ and in VG)
We also love Sanibel Island, and you can rent bikes and ride all around the island. There is a place to go kayaking in the mangroves, which is interesting. Boat rides are available and we always see dolphins.
Marco Island is on our list, but haven't been there yet. We've heard its nice. You could possibly combine Marco Island and the Everglades. If you like nature and especially birds, the Everglades is a neat place to visit. We really enjoyed it, but I wouldn't want to camp there as the mosquitoes were quite bad.
We often fly into Sarasota and visit my parents. Sarasota has some nice areas and things to do. Near Lido Key is an area called St Armands. Its has great shopping and restaurants. Also in Sarasota is Siesta Key. The main beach (Crescent Beach) on Siesta Key is beautiful and the sand is like soft powder. Its a really nice beach for taking a walk. We've been able to swim there some years in November, but sometimes its too cool. If you like tropical gardens, there is Marie Selby Gardens near the Sarasota city waterfront. Its an excellent garden and has views across Sarasota Bay. Then you can eat dinner on the waterfront at Marina Jacks.
Venice is a small town, a short drive to the south of Sarasota. The old part of the town has a scenic main street lined with big palms and those big spreading live oak trees. There are shops and restaurants along the street and its a pleasant place to take a stroll.
If you fly into Tampa, there is an excellent aquarium there (called The Florida Aquarium). It showcases the aquatic animals and ecosystems of Florida and has great exhibits. When I can't go to the Caribbean and snorkel, I like to visit aquariums
Happy Trip Planning!
B&J (we met you in STJ and in VG)