go_laura

Hi,

So excited to be heading out tomorrow to Sanibel Island. A few questions for any inclined to help!

I know Sanibel's supposedly less crowded than many other Florida beaches but is it still crowded enough this time of yr that we need to make reservations for dinner, places?

Am I right to assume that dress is casual everywhere (sundress or shorts for me, shorts for husband), or does dh need pants for some places?

At Sanibel, is the water warm enough to actually go in (I don't care too much one way or the other but if might affect packing decisions)?

One day during the week we're going to a 1PM spring training game in Fort Myers; any advice on when to travel to/from the island for best traffic avoidance, and if answer to that leaves us with extra time in Fort Myers before or after the game, recs for things to do and/or restaurants (we're pretty much open to all kinds of ideas, tho' no major water activities).

Finally, we're staying at the Sanibel Arms condo (not Sanibel Arms West, tho' I think that might be very close) on the east end of the island, does anyone know if that's walking distance to shops/restaurants?

Thanks!
Laura

J62

I was in Naples last week. The water was about 75 degrees. Warm enough to go in for me to cool off, or to go for a long swim, but not warm enough for the casual bather. Very few people were in the water.

Florida is very casual. Sun dress & dress shorts are ok, even at fancier places. I would recommend making a reservation, especially for a popular place on a weekend. Even more important for a large group.

MollyinFL

I am soooooo jealous, the weather is perfect. I would pack one pair of pants, the evenings are still cool, the water may be too cool to get in but shelling in a bathing suit will be fine. Be sure and bring sunscreen, I always take #45. I have spent a week the last 3 summers vacationing on Sanibel and love it. It is less crowded, the dress is casual, tho you really don't want to go anywhere just in a bathing suit. Shorts, tanks and flip flops are the dress code. I don't think there are any restaurants within walking distance, most all the shopping and restaurants are on the main drag which is Periwinkle. I live in Lakeland and Detroit trains here, do allow for extra time for traffic, it is a nightmare here. Maybe someone else knows more about Ft. Myers. On your way over to the island stop at the Publix and get your groceries, there is a small market, Bailey's that does have groceries but it is a little pricey. Be sure and eat lots of seafood including a grouper sandwich. Have fun!

Ackislander

1. Always allow a lot more time to get across the bridge than logic would suggest. If it opens, there goes your schedule. Eat in Fort Myers.
2. The Edison-Ford Estates near downtown Ft Myers is amazingly interesting. Two of the richest and most important men of their day spent their winters in houses that are modest in the extreme, the exact opposite of today's millionaires.
3. If you want to grab a meal while at the Edison estate, look for the McGregor Cafe on McGregor Boulevard toward Sanibel. Simple food, good chicken salad, been there forever and shows it a bit. Usually busy since it is a local classic, but you wo't need nor will they offer reservations.
4. What MollyinFL said about stopping at the Publix before going to Sanibel is really good advice. It is hard to miss on the main route from the airport.

Should be fabulous weather, and the water will be warmer than much of the east coast in summer.

go_laura

Thanks for the quick replies/advice! I am beside myself with excitement. Yesterday I was meeting with someone at work, and two minutes into the meeting, she just stopped, and said, "I'm sorry, but I just have to observe, you seem VERY happy today!"

Ackislander (or anyone else), knowing that we want to err on the side of leaving too much time, so we can be relaxed and not worrying about the bridge opening, getting lost, traffic, etc., how long would you estimate to leave to get from the east end of the island to Ft. Myers?

That's very interesting about the Edison-Ford Estates, I didn't know that. And, will definitely stop at the Publix, would it be a "can't miss" on the way, or should I gps to nearest one when about 20 minutes out of airport?

emalloy

Do stop at Edison-Ford Estates, if not in the morning before the game then if you have a down day.

jubilada

Sanibel is not uncrowded,the traffic can be horrendous and dinner reservations when taken are essential. go to the sunday farmers market if you can.

go_laura

I love farmers markets! In fact our usual vacation deal with each other is we go to at least one farmers market for me, and one baseball game for dh. But I hadn't gotten to looking it up yet. Where is it?

cd

if you get to Captiva, eat at the Mucky Duck ( grouper sandwich) it's more or less a institution.

go_laura

great, thanks!

dh reminded me that I forgot to ask about parking when wanting to shop and/or dine (tho' the main agenda item for the week is the beach, we ARE foodies, hate to admit, and I do like to explore shops at some point in most vacations). Any tips?

MollyinFL

The bridge does not open, so no chance of that happening. I just looked up the Publix and it is at 20321 Summerlin Road, can't miss it. If you want liquor buy it in that shopping plaza, on the island is expensive. Island Cow is a good choice and always busy, we always eat at Cheeburger Cheeburger, they are good and the onion rings to die for. I would say that traffic is bad at morning and evenning rush hour, the main road after the bridge is a 4 way stop. I have never had a problem with parking and you might want to rent bikes, the island is bike and pedistrian friendly. There is a great antique shop, nice to look, never bought, they are expensive and not willing to deal. Where are you coming from?

jubilada

the farmers market is at city hall, easy to find.
Restaurants generally have parking.

lifes2short

go_laura, I wanted to add a comment in case you're still checking for replies. You didn't mention whether your spring training game is at Hammond Stadium or jetBlue Park, but in case it is at jetBlue, you should be aware that the local news has been filled with horror stories about traffic around the new ballpark. Gridlock on Daniels appears to be routine, and some reports I've seen are advising folks to allow 3 hours to get to the park !

As crazy as that sounds, it's even crazier given that none of the reports ever mention the starting points for that long journey. Do they mean 3 hrs. from Marco Island? From Port Charlotte ? Maybe even from N. Ft Myers ? Who knows ? But as alarmist as this all sounds, I'd be willing to bet that Sanibel is one of the starting points that could take the longest. If you're headed to a Twins home game (Hammond)there should not be quite as much traffic, even though Daniels Parkway is also one of its access roads.

A quick note re: Sanibel restaurants: when we're coming home from the beach, looking for good seafood in a casual setting, we love the Lazy Flamingo. When we're spiffed up, pressed and more presentable, then it's Traders. Both are excellent choices, IMO. Each has a website, I believe.

Hope you enjoyed today's wonderful weather and that the rest of your vaca is terrific !

Stinkerbell

Sorry do not go to the Mucky Ducks terrible food..Key
Lime bistro or the local Mexican Restaurant there on the corner are great choices

go_laura

Thanks for the extra tips! We're here, listening to the waves as I write this.

Amazing weather, able to be in the water a lot, so lovely! Already had grouper twice. Farmer's market was terrific! Luckily thursday game is at hammond but even so we'll be sure to leave plenty of time. Trip report to come, likely not til back home. Thanks, all! I'm in heaven!

volcanogirl

Bookmarking.

cd

Laura, so glad you're having a good time!

MollyinFL

Laura, glad to hear all is well, the weather could not be better for ya'll