Sanibel Event Marks 30th Year:

It isn't often that visitors to Sanibel Island--- as well as residents--- can come together to enjoy a hallmark Sanibel fund-raiser and get a real taste of the Island at the same time.

In its 30th year, The Taste of the Islands will be held on November 13, once again delighting those who attend with a nice variety of Island restaurant fare. The food tasting will be held from 12:30 - 5 p.m. at Sanibel Community Park located at 2231 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island, Florida.

Set to the tune of live bands, local restaurants will descend on Sanibel Community Park with their most decadent delicacies and enter a friendly competition to earn top honors for their dish from a panel of esteemed judges and a welcoming crowd.

Over the past few decades, island restaurants have come together to put their dishes to the test in the food festival and competition. Many different food categories will be cooked up, sure to please any palate. A celebrity judge panel will decide which restaurant will win Taste of the Taste, while the People's Choice award will be chosen by attending appetites. Awards will be issued for other categories including Best Vegetarian, Best Appetizer, Best Meat, Best Seafood, Best Dessert, Best Take-out, and Best Booth Presentation. In a new a new twist this year, chefs will be challenged to incorporate one indigenous ingredient to test their culinary talent. While vying to satisfy discerning judges and hungry attendees, this event is also a great chance for local restaurants to reach a hungry audience and an opportunity to give to an island charity.

Nearly half of each restaurant's proceeds, 100% of admissions from the gate, gift store and raffle sale tents will be donated to CROW, Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife: Saving Wildlife Through Compassion, Care and Education.

A very special offering will be the music provided by two bands, Marty Stokes and the Captiva Band as well as The Riverside Band.

Marty Stokes was originally raised on the islands of Sanibel and Captiva, and appeases the musical enthusiast who enjoys great, solid rhythm and blues tunes. The Captiva Band is named after the island that is the home of Stokes' family since the late 1800s. A group of long-time friends and extremely talented musicians, The Captiva Band delivers the goods with tasteful grooves of both Stokes' originals and creative arrangements of well-known covers. Todd Haut on bass, Carv Clauson on drums, Jennifer Mazziotti on sax, Paul Brewer on keyboards, and Marty Stokes on guitar makes up the soul and "core" of this group of musical professionals. Vocalist Summer Kilgore will be joining the band for a special performance at CROW's 30th annual Taste of the Islands Festival.

The Riverside Band has been a Southwest Florida favorite since 2002. The band's members are experienced professionals with roots in New York, Detroit and the Caribbean, blending these influences into a unique musical sound. Riverside covers popular tunes in a varied repertoire of classic, world, and modern material with instrumental proficiency and lush vocal harmonies.

Sanibel Distinguished by Distinguished Performances

There are beaches galore in Florida and on the west coast of the USA.


Certainly Sanibel Island is one of the most natural beach destinations with a tropical sweep of land and sea as well as a cornucopia of wild life.


Those features alone keep Sanibel on the radar of vacationers seeking a unique respite from the real world.


But the diversity and quality of cultural entertainment found on this tiny barrier island also sets it apart.


Here's a sampling of what guests and residents can look forward to:


Beginning in mid November, there is a menu of classical musical selections in venues from movies to concert halls. Symphony performances, string concerts, and piano offerings dot the artistic landscape. Even first class opera can be viewed and heard in the series of opera in cinema presenting such classics as Tosca, Rigoletto and Don Giovanni .....as well as some lesser known operas rarely presented in traditional houses.


Dance selections encompass ballet, acrobatics and contemporary.


But for Island residents and regulars, one of the most exciting and talked about offerings on Sanibel in high season is the renowned Winter Academy. The Winter Academy, as the name implies, is a series of lectures with subject areas covering a wide gamut of interests. Music, Psychology, Law and Religion are areas addressed in the academy. Not only is the academy intellectually stimulating, it will provide a jump start to the day as the special classes are all held in the mornings.


Just imagine the fun of an early walk, light breakfast and a brain tease that begins at 9 a.m.


But if you'd rather sleep in and hit the beach, there is plenty of stimulation to be found at night. To take a look at what's available, you might want to check out the Big Arts website for all the details.

Pre-Christmas Celebration on Sanibel Filled with Cheer

Christmas week is generally a popular time on Sanibel. Families enjoy the holiday----or avoid it---in balmy weather surrounded by birds and palms.


But Christmas week, because of its popularity, is priced as a high season week while the weeks preceding are still low season. High season, in general, is twice the price of low season.


In addition to favorable pricing on accommodations in earlier December, there is a special Sanibel celebration that truly provides the vacationer another view of the Island.


The Sanibel Luminary Festival is exactly what its name indicates...a time of light.

Luminary is always the first full weekend in December. This year, Sanibel's is December 2 and Captiva's is the 3rd. The fun starts at dusk and ends approximately 9:30pm.


Luminary is the traditional island thank you to their communities and kick-off to the Holidays. Periwinkle is lined with luminaria from Tarpon Bay to Causeway Boulevard (with more in Olde Sanibel), stores and shopping plazas along the way are decorated for the event and Santa (aboard a firetruck) can be found almost everywhere, along with lot of music and fun. Pretty much anything that can be decorated, is. The Community Church is a not-to-be-missed stop. Don't eat beforehand....most of the shops have food and drink set out and the selections are excellent.


The Trolley is running throughout the evening from scheduled stops. Driving that night is fun if you're of the mind set to just relax and enjoy. Yes, traffic is bumper-to-bumper at pretty much idle speed but there is so much to see, music to listen to and lots of good natured hollering between cars, folks on the path, etc.


If you're taking the Trolley, the easiest thing is just to park at Bailey's and hop on. The trolley is free.


A good attack plan for driving is to start at Bailey's and head down Periwinkle working your way towards the Lighthouse. Make the loop at Lighthouse Cafe and then head back doing the opposite side of the road. Stick to one side of the road at a time and this lets you make right turns all the way without missing anything. Give up any thoughts of a left turn now.


Captiva's Luminary is the next night, December 3rd this year. Its basically the same thing, except its all walking because everything is within the Village. It's easiest to park in McCarthy's Marina ($5 for all day).



The weather is quite beautiful in early December so plan your trip now and experience one of the best events of the year on Sanibel Island!

Our Votes For Best Halloween Costumes on Sanibel

We love holidays of all kinds on Sanibel Island. And one of our favorites is Halloween.


Oh, yes, we do have children dressing up for the occasion and that is always cute to see.


But as enjoyable is the contest we hold in the office to nominate the best "costume" on the non human residents of the Island.


For example, the Armadillo with his long, skinny snout and coat of armor is always nominated, but this year we are sticking to the birds. Our nominations run the gamut, like in any good competition, where a bird can win for color, humor, originality and the fear factor.


These are the birds that won the contest this year.


For color, there was no better contender than the Painted Bunting. Yes, the Roseate Spoonbill is larger and easier to spot, but the little Painted Bunting is an artist's canvas in flight. With bright blue, green, and red plumage, the breeding male Painted Bunting is one of the continent's most gaudily colorful birds. The species breeds in two different populations, one in the south-central United States, and one along the seaboard of the southeastern states. Somewhat rare on the Island in October, the Painted Bunting is easily seen in winter and spring.


For humor, again there were several good options, but ultimately our vote went to the Anhinga . Because of its unusual appearance and behavior, the Anhinga is also called the snake bird (because of its long slender neck and small head which appears like a snake out of the water) and water turkey (because it flies for long distances without flapping its wings, much like a turkey vulture). Due to their feathers being wet-able, anhingas cannot fly away after swimming. Instead, they must climb out of the water, using beak and feet, and dry out before taking to the wing. Its distinctive action of "drying out" its wings after a swim/fish hunt marks the Anhinga on the Sanibel landscape.


For originality, the Wood Stork won hands down. A large, white, bald-headed wading bird of the southeastern swamps, the Wood Stork is the only stork breeding in the United States. Its late winter breeding season is timed to the Florida dry season when its fish prey become concentrated in shrinking pools. Wood storks nest in the mangroves and wetlands. They eat mostly fish, but sometimes dine on shrimp and crabs, snakes, and even small alligators. They are listed as endangered, and the Sanibel refuge is considered a core foraging area.


The bird that strikes greatest fear in our hearts is the Great Horned Owl. The Great Horned Owl whose piercing eyes and "horns" can not only send chills up our spines, but up the spines of many other living creatures. They hunt normally at dawn and dusk. Renowned for ferocity, Great Horned Owls kill and eat small to medium mammals of many kinds, especially hares and rabbits. They eat mice, rats, squirrels, opossums, woodchucks, bats, weasels, and the occasional domestic cat. Great-Horned Owls also eat skunks, which are sometimes such a prominent part of the diet that both bird and nest may smell of musk.


We would love to know what your nominations would be for the best costumes on non human residents of Sanibel Island!

Sanibel Fuels Creativity In Many Ways

We have mentioned in several other posts how artistic endeavors find such a comfortable home on Sanibel Island. In all seasons, it is easy to find music, paintings, sculpture, photography and other expressions of art in so many corners of Sanibel as well as at the heart of the Island.


But Sanibel is also the birth place of the creative thought and process.


We have had writers, poets and musicians stay in our properties, including some familiar names. All have stated that they found not only solace but stimulation on the Island.


Most recently, we had the pleasure of hosting vacation rental guests who stayed for nearly two months. The couple produce documentary films and were making one based on Sanibel. They picked the perfect home for their stay, one with a natural feel and on the far west and quiet end of the Island offering great space and great privacy.


In a review they did of the home and of the Island, they detailed the reasons that they were able to get so much done. But rather than put their evaluation in our words, we will use their own:


"Sanibel Island is a unique getaway in the landscape of Florida. Sixty percent of the island is a wildlife refuge and many conservation practices are in place, the residents having fought for curbing development and protecting the island's ecological integrity.


....we were blessed by peaceful surroundings and Bowman's Beach just a 7 minute walk away. Truly this beach is one of the nicest on the island - as you swim in warm waters you are surrounded by sun, sky, sand, sea grapes and seabirds - no development.


So (our rental house) was ideal as a creative space to work. Inspired by the natural beauty with all the comforts of home, we were able to delve deep into the editing of our documentary and write music. With our computer and camera equipment in tow, we were able to capture spectacular scenery. The home is in a subdivision but is private at the same time with lots of greenery and quiet neighbours. In fact we rarely saw or heard anyone. The house is in a great location on the island - Ding Darling is very close, the shops on Periwinkle are an easy 15min drive, and you can sample beaches and gorgeous sunsets on Captiva within a 10-15min drive - extensive bike paths too!


....and the staff at Sanibel Holiday were very efficient with meeting our needs and ensured that we had a stress free vacation...... perfect for a creative escape, a relaxing vacation, a place to immerse yourself in nature. We have beautiful memories of our time there, rejuvenating, connecting. Thank you - we'll be back again!"


We can't wait to see this documentary produced not only on Sanibel but at one of our special properties. Creativity flourishes in the warmth of our tropical sun!

There's Always Music in the Air on Sanibel and Captiva

Wind rustling through the palms, bird song, the sound of a gentle surf lapping at the sand. There is always some kind of music in the air on lovely, tropical, laid back Sanibel and Captiva Islands.


But if you prefer your harmony to come from man rather than nature, you will have a nice variety of choices.


For a casual listen, you might try several of the delightfully tropical Island eateries that have musicians perform on a regular basis. For starters, The Keylime Bistro on Captiva with an airy and "mist"tified outdoor patio has great singers perform regularly. Sit outside sipping a mango colada with a fan sending breezes and fine sprays of water your way. You will feel like you are in heaven. And we particularly like it's Toucan logo!



Offering Island eats at breakfast, lunch and dinner, RC Otters on Captiva is ever popular with visitors and locals alike... which tells you something! Also serving house micro-brew. Three seating choices: indoors, on the covered veranda, or outdoors on the patio (with live island music). Next to The Island Store in Captiva Village.



Another great outdoor area for casual dining and good listening is the deck at Holy Smoke on Captiva. This mostly BBQ serving, friendly environment is a great spot for a family or group with a more limited budget. And the music is as easy on your ears as the price is on your wallet.



Traders Cafe and Store on Sanibel is not only a restaurant but a really neat place to buy items ranging from jewelry to clothing. Best of all, there is live entertainment on Tuesday and Thursday nights year round.


Other venues include Traditions on the Beach on Sanibel offers beach front dining along with live music and a gluten free menu. The Stone Crab, also on Sanibel, is a fun and funky place with music that will get your feet stomping.


In season, if you want a more formal evening of listening, you will have a grand opportunity at places like Big Arts which offers classical concerts. And, several of the boat cruises also entertain with live music.


This is not a comprehensive list, to be sure, so we encourage vacationers to look around and ask. They will be sure to find something nice any time they come!

The Keys, Marco,Naples, Sanibel....Choices and Chances

From time to time, we will be contacted by a prospective rental guest stating that they are looking at several options on where to spend their holidays.

The choices expressed are most often other locales in SW Florida.

While we don't often have time to do a compare and contrast over the phone, we would like to create a think paper here on this blog as a place to point to when the need arises.

Essentially, the decision should rest on the kind of vacation you want, the kind of environment you prefer, and the kind of beach you dream about.

The Keys are a great choice for those seeking a largely boating or fishing adventure. The poetic statement, "Water, water everywhere" has no better application than in the Florida Keys. The thin strip of land on which the Keys are built is flanked on one side by the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. If all that water were not enough, the Keys are full of mangrove swamps and lagoons. There is literally no end to the water front dining one can enjoy while vacationing at most of the Keys, and probably the best snorkeling and scuba diving in SW Florida is possible there as well.. But, and those who love the Keys and bask in the spectacular sun sets and sun rises would agree, there are few beaches on the Keys. Even more disappointingly, those that do exist have such low tides that to actually swim, one needs to do a lot of walking to reach deeper waters. Development on the Keys, with the exception of one or two beautifully landscaped residential areas, has not included much greenery though the condos and hotels are often planted nicely and are low key. If you are seeking, lush, however, the Keys will probably disappoint.

Marco Island does have great beaches and great spots for swimming. Gulf front accommodations range from hotels to condos, and we have it on good word that the pricing is very competitive. It, like the Keys, is not abundantly green and most of the beaches are lined with high rise buildings. If you seek a vacation on a largely residential Island with special beaches, Marco could be a good choice for you.

The same could be said for Naples, though one distinct attraction in Naples is being able to be on a beach within walking distance of so many downtown, fine dining (and quite lovely) restaurants. The gourmand may find a Naples beach vacation the most appealing, as might the shopper given the number of stores where one can browse and buy all day long.

Sanibel is a small barrier Island with great verdant stretches of land and a large parcel of protected land that takes up 2/3 of the Island. The beaches on Sanibel are often full of gorgeous shells and fairly deserted. Bird watching is both easy and pleasing as the Island is home to 220 species of birds, many, if not most, easily observed and recorded. The topography is highly diversified, low density in buildings and copious in topicality. Twenty five miles of lightly used walking and biking paths thread the island, and boating adventures take place from both east and west locations. There are a couple of fine dining eateries, but many more casual places offering an interesting mix of menus. Shopping may not be as plentiful as Naples, but will definitely offer more choices than the Keys (excluding Key West) or Marco.

We hope that this post will be of help to those who want to plan their future travels.