Thank you all SO much!

We are looking at NM, but are really partial to the beach after looking at pics of Anna Maria, Sanibel and Captiva. Quiet is good! Are there plenty of restaurants still open that time of the year?

There are at least 2 dozen on Sanibel/Captiva in fine dining and good casual category, plus plenty of diner and family casual... If you wish to leave the islands, nearby Fort Myers has plenty more ... Eating will not be a problem...

Thanks, Garyt22. Where would you recommend staying? We would prefer quiet, but not a B&B. Also, is the water warm that time of year? We are seriously considering this suggestion to do this instead of the Keys. Thanks in advance for all your help!

Maybe something like Tween Waters Inn on Captiva?

http://tween-waters.com/gallery/

I have to agree that the timing is really, really bad. Hurricanes await ;)