A Rose by any other Name? On Sanibel Island Names are Distinctive!

Like many residential areas throughout the country, Sanibel Island boasts some very unique names for its streets and lanes.

Some mark the names of Sanibel families, some recognize the developers who built homes in the area and many are a tribute to the Island itself.

Take for example Umbrella Pool Road on the furthest west end of the Island.  Located within the quiet and lush community of the Sanibel Bayous, the name nicely reflects the shape of this winding road.    As it meanders through this small community, it is clear that the design was deliberate, creating a nice undulating feel to the area. In the same general vicinity, there is a road called Lady Finger Lake, and yes, its shape is definitely a delicate lady's finger.

Of course other names are more apparent. West Gulf Drive is exactly what it states.  The furthest drive along the Gulf on Sanibel is West Gulf Drive.  West Gulf Drive provides a lovely ride, the only drive along the Gulf where, in between the condo complexes and royal palm trees, you can get a glimpse of the beautiful sparkling Gulf.  A parallel road, futher inland, is Middle Gulf drive which transverses the middle of the island.  And, Sanibel Captiva Road which dove tails into Captiva Drive is the only way to get from Sanibel to Captiva by car, so it is aptly named.  Regarding Par View, well, you know right off the bat that that one is going to offer some golf views.

Our flora is extensively honored through out the island with names such as Periwinkle Way, Buttonwood Lane, Seagrape Lane, Wax Myrtle Way, Tamarind Road, Palm Ridge Road, Gulf Pines Drive. Well, you get the gist of it.

But some of the names we like best are those special roads that pay homage to our fine feathered friends.  With a nod to our most resplendent winged resident, there is (Roseate) Spoonbill Court, My Tern Court, Osprey Lane, Anhinga Lane, Starling Way, Pelican Road and Bunting Road among dozens of roads, courts and ways named for our local birds.  But perhaps the name we find most charming is Birdsong, and certainly birdsong can be heard every where on island. 

There are many aspects to the Island that create a distinctive vacation, but certainly the naming of our streets is one of them.  Where else but Sanibel Island can you have a junction of Rabbit Road and Bunny Lane?