The Sweetest Side of Sanibel: Best Desserts on the Island

Being on Sanibel is certainly just desserts for working hard and walking the straight line. But as mortals, we always need a little something more, don't we?

All that sunshine, the Gulf breezes in the palm trees and wild life isn't enough for we hedonists. The vacation needs a bit more sweetening.

Fortunately, the "cure" is easily at hand. For the ice cream lover, there is Chocolate Expressions, serving love boat home made ice cream. (If the ice cream is not quite rich enough for your blood, keep in mind that Chocolate Expressions is "home of the Sanibel bear paw". A tooth ache creation of chocolate, caramel and nuts.)

And if you want a more islandy taste for your ice cream indulgence, try Pinocchio's home made Italian ice cream with such original titles as "Sanibel Krunch" and "Dirty Sand Dollar". Ice cream flavors are seasonal and include Parrots Nest, Wylie's Cake Batter, Red Velvet, Gator Stew, Captiva Krunch, Pumpkin Gingersnap, Peppermint Patti, Peppermint Stick and Rum Raisin.

Other ice cream escapes can be found at the Sanibel Scoop and Dairy Queen, but it's pretty difficult to beat out the special flavors and creamy textures offered at Pinocchio's, not to mention the large portions offered there.

If chocolate is your favorite poison, then Goumas Chocolates will not disappoint. Specializing in homemade chocolates since 1911, this gourmet chocolate shop offers a wide range of chocolates, toffee, and caramels using authentic and traditional recipes.

Sweet Melissa's Cafe Lemon Tart is one of Sanibel's sweetest stars with its own following. And Amy's Over Easy Cafe is able to offer a quick jolt to your morning with such items as chocolate chip pancakes.

Do you have a favorite sweetener on Sanibel? We would love to know what it is!

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