We all know that Sanibel is a natural paradise. A place where children of all ages find delights of all kinds. The sea, the shells, the wild life, the Island ambiance: all of these attract visitors from around the world to our Gulf waters, our beaches, our nature preserve.
But one does not have to pack a brown bag in order to eat well and eat uniquely on Sanibel.
There are more than enough culinary pleasures on the Island and close to the Island to please the most demanding palates.
And we are not just going to round up the usual suspects in this post.
Surely, such eateries right on Island have become familiar to those seeking a breakfast, lunch or dinner out. Among such favorites are the Bubble Room, Amy's, Traders, Matzaluna, Gramma Dot's, Cips as all stand out for ambiance, specialties of the house and overall catering to the hungry traveler.
But there are some discoveries to be made that are not static but dynamic experiences. Not restaurants per se, but special places to taste the best of the Islands, some times solid pleasures and sometimes liquid ones.
One of the sweetest treats in the area is a moving target, generally held some time in summer when Mangoes are ready for eating. The Mango Mania Fruit Fair is a quirky festival held on Pine Island. A celebration of all things mango, the fair includes mango cook offs, mango pie-eating competitions, mango juggling competitions and the longest mango throw competition. Local chefs whip up mango-based drinks, starters and desserts for visitors. Those with a taste for variety will be relieved to hear lychee, carambola, longan, papaya and chocolate pudding fruit – all grown on the island – are also available.
And then there are the liquid heavens that surround the Island.
For the beer and wine drinker, exciting experiences are just a causeway away.
The Fort Myers Brewing Company is the city’s first brewery. Centrally located, it produces a number of award-winning craft ales ranging from Gateway Gold to Cypress Strong. The
tasting room is open on Fridays from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Beecher Brewing Company opened recently in downtown Fort Myers in June. The microbrewery is located in the large, historic McCrory Building, near the waterfront. At the time of writing, Beecher planned to have 25 craft beers on tap, with a regularly rotating menu of beers depending on the season. They also asserted visitors will be able to enjoy tastings with complimentary food pairings.
Eden Vineyards is the southernmost bonded vineyard and winery in the United States. It’s located just east of Fort Myers in the rural region of Alva. The family-run, old-Florida-feel establishment has been running for more than 30 years. Today it produces six wines ranging from the dry white Lake Emerald, to the sweet white Eden Stars. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the venue gives visitors a chance to choose from tutored tastings with the owners or a drive through the vineyards, sampling wines along the way.
These are just the tip of the savory seekers Sanibel. We will post further suggestions in the future!
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
I think I saw a Sawfish! Yes, you did see a Sawfish on Sanibel
We get more than our share of rare and exotic creatures on Sanibel.
They fly into us, they cross the bay by swimming over and some probably hitch rides on trucks and other vehicles that transport them to our Island paradise.
Some are welcomed and allowed to stay, some are a danger to our own natives (humans and non humans) and some are so special that we go out of our way to ensure their release and safety.
On this last consideration, we test our case on the giant Sawfish recently reeled in to our shores.
Recently two teenage visitors , Alexander and Jordan Crabb, staying on Sanibel with their family hooked a really big one. That night they were trying to catch something big, maybe a shark, but what they caught was a 14-foot, 350-pound endangered Sawfish.
"It's insane we had no plan on catching a sawfish," one of the teens said.
Jordan took half a Spanish mackerel out about 75 feet to use as bait.
"We were about to kayak another rod out and we looked over and the other rod was going off," Alexander said. And thus began one of the best fishermen's tales to hit Sanibel.
The sawfish was hooked, but it was a battle to bring it in.
"We weren't gonna lose that fish, we didn't want to lose it," Alexander said.
They took turns, fighting it and working together for an hour-and-a-half.
"During the fight I remember looking back and there had to be at least 100-150 people. It was insane," Crabb said.
Finally they were able to drag it onto the beach and got a good look at their catch.
"We actually didn't see the saw until we brought it up on the beach it was amazing," Alexander said.
The teens knew sawfish are endangered, so they took some photos and measurements, and then let it go. Even though they can't bring the fish home, they're bringing home a pretty great story.
"Definitely the coolest thing I've caught just 'cause it's such a rare fish and it was so big," Alexander said.
Sawfish have been listed as endangered since 2003. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, they can be up to 18 feet long and 700 pounds.
They fly into us, they cross the bay by swimming over and some probably hitch rides on trucks and other vehicles that transport them to our Island paradise.
Some are welcomed and allowed to stay, some are a danger to our own natives (humans and non humans) and some are so special that we go out of our way to ensure their release and safety.
On this last consideration, we test our case on the giant Sawfish recently reeled in to our shores.
Recently two teenage visitors , Alexander and Jordan Crabb, staying on Sanibel with their family hooked a really big one. That night they were trying to catch something big, maybe a shark, but what they caught was a 14-foot, 350-pound endangered Sawfish.
"It's insane we had no plan on catching a sawfish," one of the teens said.
Jordan took half a Spanish mackerel out about 75 feet to use as bait.
"We were about to kayak another rod out and we looked over and the other rod was going off," Alexander said. And thus began one of the best fishermen's tales to hit Sanibel.
The sawfish was hooked, but it was a battle to bring it in.
"We weren't gonna lose that fish, we didn't want to lose it," Alexander said.
They took turns, fighting it and working together for an hour-and-a-half.
"During the fight I remember looking back and there had to be at least 100-150 people. It was insane," Crabb said.
Finally they were able to drag it onto the beach and got a good look at their catch.
"We actually didn't see the saw until we brought it up on the beach it was amazing," Alexander said.
The teens knew sawfish are endangered, so they took some photos and measurements, and then let it go. Even though they can't bring the fish home, they're bringing home a pretty great story.
"Definitely the coolest thing I've caught just 'cause it's such a rare fish and it was so big," Alexander said.
Sawfish have been listed as endangered since 2003. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, they can be up to 18 feet long and 700 pounds.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
See this, Skip that: Travel Zoo and Good Morning America Visit Sanibel
Travel Zoo, a quickly emerging and growing web business, bills itself as "The Deal Experts. Over 26 million Subscribers Worldwide". So when the deal experts team up with Good Morning America to make suggestions about what to see and do on Sanibel, we sit up and pay attention.
Their "See this, Skip that" travel advice is a great read for those who are planning a first or even a return trip to Sanibel, Captiva and the surrounding area.
And we knew we were off to a good start with the introduction to the Island: In some ways, the Ft. Myers/Sanibel area is quintessential Florida, from the beaches to the fairways, and thanks to some pretty enviable weather. But this beautiful spot in the southwestern shores of the Sunshine State is also a destination all its own: history, culture and nature collide here, offering a unique travel experience that other Gulf Coast areas simply can't match.
Their very first recommendation takes the visitor into the most intriguing of Island water activities. The USS Mohawk is a former U.S. Coast Guard cutter that was involved in more than a dozen attacks against Nazi subs during World War II. It was sunk off Sanibel Island in July of 2012 and is now an artificial reef. Located a bit more than 25 miles offshore and 90 feet down, it's paradise to the more experienced diver, for sure. But this summer, it's especially worth the plunge, as it hosts an underwater exhibit of works by Andreas Franke; the Austrian artist superimposed images of models in WWII-era dress onto pictures he took of the Mohawk, encased them in Plexiglas, and then hung them off the side of the submerged vessel. Come October, the images will resurface and go on display at the Alliance for the Arts in Ft. Myers.
And we fully appreciate the knowledge that they pass on about the Island lexicon. "Pink Gold" is our name for shrimp, both for its color as well as for its value.
But the good counsel offered does not end with our looking down on our beautiful , tropical islands. One of the great suggestions proffered is to visit the The Planetarium at the Calusa Nature Center, the only one in Southwest Florida, and the only one west of Miami. There, a high-tech digital projector plays jaw-dropping shows that encompass the entire 44-foot dome, and twice-daily presentations focus on stargazing, tracking the planets and introducing guests to the wonders of the telescope. After your galactic visit, stick around and explore the rest of the 105-acre site, which features a butterfly aviary, several hiking trails, a museum, resident critters – from a fox to a skunk – and a bird display that houses permanently injured eagles, hawks and owls.
What are your suggestions for see this, skip that when it comes to Sanibel?
Their "See this, Skip that" travel advice is a great read for those who are planning a first or even a return trip to Sanibel, Captiva and the surrounding area.
And we knew we were off to a good start with the introduction to the Island: In some ways, the Ft. Myers/Sanibel area is quintessential Florida, from the beaches to the fairways, and thanks to some pretty enviable weather. But this beautiful spot in the southwestern shores of the Sunshine State is also a destination all its own: history, culture and nature collide here, offering a unique travel experience that other Gulf Coast areas simply can't match.
Their very first recommendation takes the visitor into the most intriguing of Island water activities. The USS Mohawk is a former U.S. Coast Guard cutter that was involved in more than a dozen attacks against Nazi subs during World War II. It was sunk off Sanibel Island in July of 2012 and is now an artificial reef. Located a bit more than 25 miles offshore and 90 feet down, it's paradise to the more experienced diver, for sure. But this summer, it's especially worth the plunge, as it hosts an underwater exhibit of works by Andreas Franke; the Austrian artist superimposed images of models in WWII-era dress onto pictures he took of the Mohawk, encased them in Plexiglas, and then hung them off the side of the submerged vessel. Come October, the images will resurface and go on display at the Alliance for the Arts in Ft. Myers.
And we fully appreciate the knowledge that they pass on about the Island lexicon. "Pink Gold" is our name for shrimp, both for its color as well as for its value.
But the good counsel offered does not end with our looking down on our beautiful , tropical islands. One of the great suggestions proffered is to visit the The Planetarium at the Calusa Nature Center, the only one in Southwest Florida, and the only one west of Miami. There, a high-tech digital projector plays jaw-dropping shows that encompass the entire 44-foot dome, and twice-daily presentations focus on stargazing, tracking the planets and introducing guests to the wonders of the telescope. After your galactic visit, stick around and explore the rest of the 105-acre site, which features a butterfly aviary, several hiking trails, a museum, resident critters – from a fox to a skunk – and a bird display that houses permanently injured eagles, hawks and owls.
What are your suggestions for see this, skip that when it comes to Sanibel?
Saturday, August 3, 2013
What you need to know about Sanibel's Cane Toads
We love our wildlife on Sanibel Island, but when a species that is not indigenous makes its presence known and also threatens our native species, we do take notice.
Such is the case with the Cane Toad, a very large toad, reaching up to 5.5 inches in length and possibly near five pounds in weight.
And though that might not sound frightening, given other Island creatures that are significantly larger, the Cane Toad gives new meaning to the term: Don't judge a book by its cover.
This species poses a SERIOUS threat to wildlife on Sanibel, as well as domestic pets. The large glands behind the eyes and above the shoulders (parotoid glands) produce a toxin (bufotoxin) that is both irritating and deadly to smaller wildlife. When a predator grabs a giant toad in their mouth, the toad inflates its body and the toxin oozes out of the parotoid glands into the mouth of the predator. It is well documented that the poison has killed pet dogs in south Florida. The literature and conversations with veterinarians and pet owners indicate it is a horrific death for the animal.
There have even been human fatalities from this species from toad-licking. The tadpoles are also toxic, which can lead to fatalities in many animals that consume them. Special care should be taken to prevent dogs, cats, etc from biting or grasping these toads in their mouths.
And yes, we realize there are no doubt those reading this who are wondering why in the world would any human being lick a toad, so we will provide the answer. Toad licking is a "sport" among those wishing to get high. While the toxin can kill, it apparently also can create a drug like effect.
So the Cane Toad is not exactly a welcome guest on the Island, as you can imagine.
The Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) is asking assistance in finding these toads so that they can be found and removed. They have provided multiple photos and details as well as the sound the toad makes at this page: http://www.sccf.org/content/262/Cane-Toads-Found-on-Sanibel.aspx
It is also good to note that , as in many other cases, the Cane Toad was deliberately introduced into the Florida landscape. Cane toads were brought to Australia in the 1930s to control cane grubs in sugar cane fields. They did not control cane grubs and started eating smaller vertebrates. They have spread throughout northeastern Australia and are still a serious threat. They were released in sugar cane fields in Florida to control a larval form of a beetle as well, hence the name "cane toad." Just like in Australia, they escaped from the area and became established. Also, there is a record of approximately 100 being accidentally released in the 1950s in Miami by a pet dealer.
Their existence on the Island is most likely accidental. They were probably brought here in mulch, pine straw, sod, plants, or even tadpoles hiding in a small pool of water on any object transported to the island.
When using the term unintended consequences, certainly the importation of the Cane Toad is a good example. Please keep a look out during your stay on Sanibel.
Such is the case with the Cane Toad, a very large toad, reaching up to 5.5 inches in length and possibly near five pounds in weight.
And though that might not sound frightening, given other Island creatures that are significantly larger, the Cane Toad gives new meaning to the term: Don't judge a book by its cover.
This species poses a SERIOUS threat to wildlife on Sanibel, as well as domestic pets. The large glands behind the eyes and above the shoulders (parotoid glands) produce a toxin (bufotoxin) that is both irritating and deadly to smaller wildlife. When a predator grabs a giant toad in their mouth, the toad inflates its body and the toxin oozes out of the parotoid glands into the mouth of the predator. It is well documented that the poison has killed pet dogs in south Florida. The literature and conversations with veterinarians and pet owners indicate it is a horrific death for the animal.
There have even been human fatalities from this species from toad-licking. The tadpoles are also toxic, which can lead to fatalities in many animals that consume them. Special care should be taken to prevent dogs, cats, etc from biting or grasping these toads in their mouths.
And yes, we realize there are no doubt those reading this who are wondering why in the world would any human being lick a toad, so we will provide the answer. Toad licking is a "sport" among those wishing to get high. While the toxin can kill, it apparently also can create a drug like effect.
So the Cane Toad is not exactly a welcome guest on the Island, as you can imagine.
The Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) is asking assistance in finding these toads so that they can be found and removed. They have provided multiple photos and details as well as the sound the toad makes at this page: http://www.sccf.org/content/262/Cane-Toads-Found-on-Sanibel.aspx
It is also good to note that , as in many other cases, the Cane Toad was deliberately introduced into the Florida landscape. Cane toads were brought to Australia in the 1930s to control cane grubs in sugar cane fields. They did not control cane grubs and started eating smaller vertebrates. They have spread throughout northeastern Australia and are still a serious threat. They were released in sugar cane fields in Florida to control a larval form of a beetle as well, hence the name "cane toad." Just like in Australia, they escaped from the area and became established. Also, there is a record of approximately 100 being accidentally released in the 1950s in Miami by a pet dealer.
Their existence on the Island is most likely accidental. They were probably brought here in mulch, pine straw, sod, plants, or even tadpoles hiding in a small pool of water on any object transported to the island.
When using the term unintended consequences, certainly the importation of the Cane Toad is a good example. Please keep a look out during your stay on Sanibel.
Saturday, July 27, 2013
The Lion's Paw: Children's Book or Adult Dream about Sanibel & Freedom
Back in 1946, author Robb White came up with a brilliant idea for a book.
Titling it The Lions Paw, a lovely seashell found on Sanibel and Captiva and the name of the boat in the book, White wrote a story designed successfully to capture the imagination of every child from 9 to 90.
It wove together adventure, excitement, mystery, thrills, beauty and even a great deal of true to life descriptions of boating.
While the two orphans in the story escape an orphanage to find freedom and love, the young man they connect with is not so much fleeing as hanging on to the memories of his long lost father and the boat that belonged to him -----now in jeopardy of being sold.
Who could not be enchanted with a story of the sea, animals, friendships, a treasure hunt and an escape from some very nasty adults?
Apparently no would could escape the magic, and The Lion's Paw was a special book for decades, read in schools and in the homes of millions of Americans.
It had gone out of print, but now in its new edition, it is gaining the popularity it once had, despite the fact that it was published so long ago. And, quite honestly, much as it did in its original publication, there are probably as many adults caught up in the magic of this Florida tale as there are children enjoying it.
We have a strong hunch that the descriptions of our tropical islands and the entire sense of escaping reality are strong drivers in the popularity among adult readers.
The rousing dramas described as the boat gets tossed about in storms, as the two orphans find their sea legs and as the young boat captain out thinks and out maneuvers those hunting him down are crowd pleasers and page turners.
And those of us who live on and work on these tropical escapes of Sanibel and Captiva totally relate to the desire to get away. Though we may not be avoiding anything negative, the positive experience of being on a barrier island, away from it all, surrounded by turquoise seas and in the lap of mother nature with her creatures at beck and call is exhilarating.
We encourage all our vacation rental guests to pick up a copy of The Lion's Paw before they arrive. It will only heighten their enjoyment of our beautiful islands!
Titling it The Lions Paw, a lovely seashell found on Sanibel and Captiva and the name of the boat in the book, White wrote a story designed successfully to capture the imagination of every child from 9 to 90.
It wove together adventure, excitement, mystery, thrills, beauty and even a great deal of true to life descriptions of boating.
While the two orphans in the story escape an orphanage to find freedom and love, the young man they connect with is not so much fleeing as hanging on to the memories of his long lost father and the boat that belonged to him -----now in jeopardy of being sold.
Who could not be enchanted with a story of the sea, animals, friendships, a treasure hunt and an escape from some very nasty adults?
Apparently no would could escape the magic, and The Lion's Paw was a special book for decades, read in schools and in the homes of millions of Americans.
It had gone out of print, but now in its new edition, it is gaining the popularity it once had, despite the fact that it was published so long ago. And, quite honestly, much as it did in its original publication, there are probably as many adults caught up in the magic of this Florida tale as there are children enjoying it.
We have a strong hunch that the descriptions of our tropical islands and the entire sense of escaping reality are strong drivers in the popularity among adult readers.
The rousing dramas described as the boat gets tossed about in storms, as the two orphans find their sea legs and as the young boat captain out thinks and out maneuvers those hunting him down are crowd pleasers and page turners.
And those of us who live on and work on these tropical escapes of Sanibel and Captiva totally relate to the desire to get away. Though we may not be avoiding anything negative, the positive experience of being on a barrier island, away from it all, surrounded by turquoise seas and in the lap of mother nature with her creatures at beck and call is exhilarating.
We encourage all our vacation rental guests to pick up a copy of The Lion's Paw before they arrive. It will only heighten their enjoyment of our beautiful islands!
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Fodor's pick for 5 must do Activities on Sanibel Island
Once again, it is accolade time for Sanibel.
And when travel experts like Frommer and Fodor applaud our little island, we have to share the wealth.
We loved the article on Sanibel, and how could we not with an opening stating: Sanibel—an island situated in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Southwest Florida—is one of America's most precious vacation destinations.
We love the word precious, because it is exactly the word we would use to describe Sanibel, meaning of great value; not to be wasted or treated carelessly.
We do appreciate that the piece mentions one of the biggest distinctions between Sanibel and the rest of the state, indicating that , thanks to careful city planning, residents have effectively controlled development and encouraged the preservation of the island's ecology. This has been so since passing the Sanibel Comprehensive Land Use Plan in 1974.
But most of all, we like the "activities" suggested in this article because the emphasis is on the natural enjoyments of the Island.
Rating highest on the list of "must do's" is seeing the island the slow and easy way, on a bike or a segway or even better, on your own two feet. What ever method you choose to navigate will allow you a special view.
Also on the natural side, the suggestion to do the Sanibel stoop focuses attention on two of the highest values on the Island, the beach and the shells. As a side suggestion, and a good one, is the mention of Sanibel's Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. Though there are more shells on display than on the beaches themselves, it is impressive to know that over 250 kinds of shells can be found on the Island.
Another discovery possibility, and one that never every visitor is aware of , is the exploration of Tarpon Bay. Tarpon Bay, on the north side of the island, is a fantastic place to spend the day. There's Tarpon Bay Beach and an expansive bay on which guests and residents alike can kayak, canoe, or enjoy by pontoon boat or standup paddleboard. Tarpon Bay Explorers is the licensed concessionaire at Tarpon Bay as well as the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. They rent fishing equipment, boats, and bikes. They also offer guided kayak and canoe tours plus breakfast, daytime, and evening cruises on covered pontoon boats.
Their final two recommendations are those probably best known and possibly best loved. Ding Darling, by car, foot or bike, offers an undisputed incredible view of bird life and encompasses the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the country. And, of course, the Center for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife is on the must list. The CROW complex features a state-of-the-art hospital manned by veterinarians and volunteers. At CROW's Education Center, get in on interactive games like "Be the Vet," in which participants try to diagnose an animal's medical issue.
While we think there are many more must do's on Sanibel, we see this list as an excellent start!
And when travel experts like Frommer and Fodor applaud our little island, we have to share the wealth.
We loved the article on Sanibel, and how could we not with an opening stating: Sanibel—an island situated in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Southwest Florida—is one of America's most precious vacation destinations.
We love the word precious, because it is exactly the word we would use to describe Sanibel, meaning of great value; not to be wasted or treated carelessly.
We do appreciate that the piece mentions one of the biggest distinctions between Sanibel and the rest of the state, indicating that , thanks to careful city planning, residents have effectively controlled development and encouraged the preservation of the island's ecology. This has been so since passing the Sanibel Comprehensive Land Use Plan in 1974.
But most of all, we like the "activities" suggested in this article because the emphasis is on the natural enjoyments of the Island.
Rating highest on the list of "must do's" is seeing the island the slow and easy way, on a bike or a segway or even better, on your own two feet. What ever method you choose to navigate will allow you a special view.
Also on the natural side, the suggestion to do the Sanibel stoop focuses attention on two of the highest values on the Island, the beach and the shells. As a side suggestion, and a good one, is the mention of Sanibel's Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. Though there are more shells on display than on the beaches themselves, it is impressive to know that over 250 kinds of shells can be found on the Island.
Another discovery possibility, and one that never every visitor is aware of , is the exploration of Tarpon Bay. Tarpon Bay, on the north side of the island, is a fantastic place to spend the day. There's Tarpon Bay Beach and an expansive bay on which guests and residents alike can kayak, canoe, or enjoy by pontoon boat or standup paddleboard. Tarpon Bay Explorers is the licensed concessionaire at Tarpon Bay as well as the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. They rent fishing equipment, boats, and bikes. They also offer guided kayak and canoe tours plus breakfast, daytime, and evening cruises on covered pontoon boats.
Their final two recommendations are those probably best known and possibly best loved. Ding Darling, by car, foot or bike, offers an undisputed incredible view of bird life and encompasses the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the country. And, of course, the Center for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife is on the must list. The CROW complex features a state-of-the-art hospital manned by veterinarians and volunteers. At CROW's Education Center, get in on interactive games like "Be the Vet," in which participants try to diagnose an animal's medical issue.
While we think there are many more must do's on Sanibel, we see this list as an excellent start!
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
More nice words on Sanibel: A compendium of compliments
We who live and work on Sanibel totally appreciate how unique a place it is.
And we realize our vacation rental guests recognize the value of all this topicality and nature in such a wonderfully convenient location.
But despite all this adulation, we must admit we do feel pleased when others , not quite so familiar, write glowingly about our island.
Recently we received international recognition with a BBC publication lauding the island as a sanctuary. And just a few days ago, Sanibel was again applauded for being among the top ten best family beach vacations in the country by US News travel.
We wanted to share some of the lovely language used in the "penning" of these two pieces.
The BBC article lavished praise in great detail, much of it focused on the geographic and natural elements of the Island, distinguishing it from most other beaches in this sunshine state. " Amid Florida’s theme parks and overdeveloped beach fronts, a slow-paced, family friendly refuge cuts against all Sunshine State stereotypes. Sanibel Island, located in the Gulf Coast near the city of Fort Myers, is part hard-won watery nature reserve, part vigorously defended small town, where more than a century of careful design continues to pay dividends to its people and its wildlife."
And we could not agree more that despite its popularity and comfort, Sanibel's development has not significantly compromised its "islandy" feel . "Because of the length of the beach and the set back and height restrictions on the resorts, much of the island feels secluded. Wildlife spills from the refuge, and it is common to see flocks of snowy egrets perched on lawns and several gopher tortoises crawling beside the heavily speed-restricted roads and numerous bike paths."
Similarly, the US News piece concentrates on what is different about Sanibel in its article ranking Sanibel 4 of 10 best family beaches in the USA. According to US News , Sanibel is considered even more low-key, quiet and quaint than its Gulf Coast neighbor, Fort Myers. " Casual is the order of the day on Sanibel Island; a shabby chic vibe permeates the galleries, restaurants and shops; seashells cover every sandy and linoleum surface. In fact, the abundant seashells have become this island's claim to fame. You'll find plenty of beachcombers practicing the "Sanibel stoop" -- what locals call shelling -- on any lengthy stretch of sand. Plan on joining them for at least one afternoon of your stay; that is, if the mood strikes you. The residents of laid-back Sanibel wouldn't have it any other way."
And both publications are absolutely correct.
Sanibel fits no stereotypes. And we would not have it any other way!
And we realize our vacation rental guests recognize the value of all this topicality and nature in such a wonderfully convenient location.
But despite all this adulation, we must admit we do feel pleased when others , not quite so familiar, write glowingly about our island.
Recently we received international recognition with a BBC publication lauding the island as a sanctuary. And just a few days ago, Sanibel was again applauded for being among the top ten best family beach vacations in the country by US News travel.
We wanted to share some of the lovely language used in the "penning" of these two pieces.
The BBC article lavished praise in great detail, much of it focused on the geographic and natural elements of the Island, distinguishing it from most other beaches in this sunshine state. " Amid Florida’s theme parks and overdeveloped beach fronts, a slow-paced, family friendly refuge cuts against all Sunshine State stereotypes. Sanibel Island, located in the Gulf Coast near the city of Fort Myers, is part hard-won watery nature reserve, part vigorously defended small town, where more than a century of careful design continues to pay dividends to its people and its wildlife."
And we could not agree more that despite its popularity and comfort, Sanibel's development has not significantly compromised its "islandy" feel . "Because of the length of the beach and the set back and height restrictions on the resorts, much of the island feels secluded. Wildlife spills from the refuge, and it is common to see flocks of snowy egrets perched on lawns and several gopher tortoises crawling beside the heavily speed-restricted roads and numerous bike paths."
Similarly, the US News piece concentrates on what is different about Sanibel in its article ranking Sanibel 4 of 10 best family beaches in the USA. According to US News , Sanibel is considered even more low-key, quiet and quaint than its Gulf Coast neighbor, Fort Myers. " Casual is the order of the day on Sanibel Island; a shabby chic vibe permeates the galleries, restaurants and shops; seashells cover every sandy and linoleum surface. In fact, the abundant seashells have become this island's claim to fame. You'll find plenty of beachcombers practicing the "Sanibel stoop" -- what locals call shelling -- on any lengthy stretch of sand. Plan on joining them for at least one afternoon of your stay; that is, if the mood strikes you. The residents of laid-back Sanibel wouldn't have it any other way."
And both publications are absolutely correct.
Sanibel fits no stereotypes. And we would not have it any other way!
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