Coming from my high-altitude Colorado home, my dry skin is happily soaking up the humid ocean breezes on Florida’s Gulf Coast, where I’m exploring the area courtesy of The Beaches of Sanibel and Fort Myers (aka the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau). Traveling with just my husband in tow (no kids!), we’ve already enjoyed a whirlwind couple of active days on Sanibel Island, staying at the darling, oceanfront Gulf Breeze Cottages, and right now our home base is the brand new, upscale Resort at Marina Village in Cape Coral.
In four nights total in the Fort Myers area, I’ll hardly be able to call myself an expert on all things Southwest Florida. But in upcoming posts (here and on Uptake’s Lodging blog) I’ll certainly share my firsthand opinions on top activities, restaurants and lodging.
In the meantime, here are a few favorite photos I took on Sanibel Island — a laid-back tropical locale that I highly, highly recommend if you’re looking for a truly “chill” vacation destination. Buildings are no taller than the island palm trees and the only chain restaurant is a Dairy Queen that finagled its way onto the island in the early 1970s (and is now a local institution, so it’s okay).
This custom-painted Volkswagen Thing belongs to the owner of the Gulf Breeze Cottages on the beach. To me, it epitomizes the playful nature of Sanibel Island.
I think this setting on the lawn of the Gulf Breeze Cottages beckons, "Sit down, relax and crack open a beer." So I did.
It's impossible for me to walk the beach in Sanibel and not pick up a half dozen shells -- or more. They're everywhere! (And they're beautiful.)
Kayaking through the mangroves in the J.N. "Ding" Darling Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island was such a treat. Serene and scenic -- plus bird life galore!
Stay tuned for more coverage of The Beaches of Sanibel and Fort Myers. But right now a table at a waterfront restaurant has my name all over it. (Plus, I’ve got a cute date to boot.)
Looks like such a fun place!
Looking forward to reading more about Sanibel Island.
[...] a sneak peak at what Sanibel Island has to offer, please see what Gal on the Go at the Vacation Gals has to say about [...]
I love Sanibel Island. When we lived in South Florida we vacationed there a couple times pre-kids. Would love to be able to bring my kids to experience the beach with me in the future.
Sanibel feels like an oasis from how many envision a “Florida” vacation. Ultimate relaxation here!
[...] Gulf Coast, consider a stay at the Gulf Breeze Cottages on Sanibel Island. My husband and I spent two nights at the small property last week, and it was absolutely perfect for the type of beach stay we were looking for: laid-back, [...]
Awesome Volkswagen Thing!! Looks right at home in southwest Florida. I have seen a few hotels decorated with similar themes, all very colorful.
Its been years since I’ve seen The THING! I love the front shot off the kayak too! Excellent article and congrats on winning the Blogging Awards!