Why We Love "Winter" on Sanibel

Today is, November 16, just a few days before Thanksgiving.

Although the weather has been great til now, the gray skies and cool temperature (66 degrees on the Island), are harbingers of things to come.

This is a winter day, in our humble opinion, though most winter days are much sunnier and brighter and even a bit warmer.

But it's close enough to delight us with some of the pleasures on the road ahead.

For one, the cooler climes are cozier.  Visions of restaurants brimming with people, clattering with conversation, and sending wafts of indescribably tempting aromas come to mind.  Some of our favorite winter delights are the Lobster and Corn Chowder soup from Cips and the spicy Yucatan Shrimp from Doc Fords.  All those spices, all those flavors, all those delicious aromas.  Our stomach is growling at the mere thought.

And then there are the enticing smells coming from Bailey's Coffee Bar and Sanibel Beans.  Let's be honest.  A great cuppa is totally enhanced in winter weather, even the mild and moderate winter weather of Sanibel.  And the Island has several beckoning coffee shops with a wide array of coffees,cappuchinos, lattes, mochas at your disposal.

But let's not get too caught up with what's to eat and drink.

There are many other delights to be found on Sanibel as the both the temps and the sun go down.  As we have posted before, the cultural menu is as varied and inviting as the food menu.  Theatre, lectures, music and movies are among the selections all winter long.  You could, if you so chose to, do something different every night of the week, as there is coordination among the cultural venues to avoid too much competition on the same night.

Not a night person?

Then consider this.  If you find bicycling too demanding in the hot sun, you will love the gentle, cooler breezes here from December through April.  Sanibel's high season allows you and your family to bike the Island very easily, no sweat!  Tennis?  Again, the courts will not wear out your patience with the pounding heat.  You can stay and play all day!  Kayaking and canoeing?  It's just you and nature, but the biting bugs are not invited. 

Now, we don't want to over promise with all of this.  You can get some hot days in winter, you can find a bug or two during twilight hours, and with so many people vacationing on Sanibel in winter, you may have to schedule your tennis court time in advance.  Spontaneity works much better off season.

But we can pretty much guarantee that you will find at least some of these cooler weather opportunities very special, and very different than what the summer and even late Spring or early Fall months hold.  Oh, don't take our word for it.  Make your winter season plans now and see for yourselves!