Gulf Coast Vacations - by BeachGuide.com

Grayton Beach State Park

noreply@blogger.com (charlie) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:49:00 +0000

If you’re looking for the “The Real Florida”, Grayton Beach is the ideal place for you. Located near the town of Grayton Beach on County Road 30A south of U.S. 98, you’ll find award-winning beaches, campgrounds, and cabins here along with vacation fun for the whole family!

Grayton Beach State Park has been consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole county, where you can take long walks along the pristine sugar-white sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico and leave nothing but footprints! Visitors can go swimming, sunbathing, and surf fishing, or paddle a canoe or kayak across scenic Western Lake.

There is a 4-1/2 mile interpretive hiking and biking trail, and for less adventurous hikers, there is a 1-mile scenic nature trail, where you’ll enjoy views of scrub oaks, magnolias and pine flat woods. Look for the entrance to the trail just across from the park entrance on Highway 30-A.

If you’re interested in spending the night, overnight stay options include modern cabins and a full-service campground facility. For more information about Grayton Beach State Park, please call 850-233-5059.

Click here for a list of Beaches of South Walton vacation rentals, or read more about vacations on Highway 30A.

Lovers Key

noreply@blogger.com (charlie) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:54:00 +0000

Lovers Keys is a natural undeveloped barrier island between nearby Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach which offers outdoor enthusiasts excellent opportunities for shelling, swimming, sunbathing, hiking, fishing, boating and much more! Once a courting site for young couples prior to the construction of Bonita Beach Causeway, the island is best known today for its remote solitary beach which is consistently ranked in the top 10 beaches nationally.

Here you’ll find a beautiful long, wide beach with plenty of space for secluded sunbathing, even during the high season. The spectacular 2-mile long beach is accessible by boardwalk or by tram which makes for the perfect afternoon getaway for those wanting to spend some leisure time in a totally natural environment. Lovers Key is actually one of four islands which make up Lovers Key State Park, and is a haven for wildlife including manatees, dolphins, roseate spoonbills, ospreys, marsh rabbits and bald eagles. There are biking and hiking trails as well as sheltered paddling areas for canoeing and kayaking.

This is also a great spot for wade fishing and many days you’re likely to have the whole beach to yourself! If you prefer to take out a boat, the park has a public boat ramp for anglers and pleasure boaters to launch their craft. Park rangers give regular guided tours and teach everything from cast net throwing to proper bird watching techniques. Restrooms, showers and vending facilities are available as well as fishing and bait supplies, an observation area, volleyball net and a gazebo. Hours are from 8 am until sunset daily. Call (239) 463-4588 for more information.

Gasparilla Island

noreply@blogger.com (charlie) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:17:00 +0000

Gasparilla Island is a scenic barrier island located just off the southwest coast of Florida between Fort Myers and Sarasota. Separated from the mainland by Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor, this idyllic tropical island boasts recreational opportunities for swimming, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving and nature viewing along with world-renowned fishing! If you enjoy saltwater angling, you certainly won’t be disappointed with trophy tarpon, snook, redfish and speckled trout inhabiting these waters. Shelling is another popular activity here which is particularly good during the winter months, and there are two picnic areas which offer pavilions for resting in the shade after a long day at the beach.

Boca Grande is the largest town on the island, and has a charming mix of restaurants, shops, art galleries and inns. But be careful to watch out for the golf carts which are the preferred method of getting around on the island, which is not surprising given that this quiet community is sometimes known as the “Nantucket of Florida”. After all, this is an island that has no high rises or stop lights which makes it the perfect island retreat!

One of the centerpieces on Gasparilla Island is the restored Boca Grande Lighthouse on the south end of the island which was built in 1890. From this point, visitors have a very scenic view of Boca Grande Pass, a swift-moving waterway that leads to the entrance to Charlotte Harbor. The seven-mile long island is also home of the Gasparilla Island State Park which draws visitors throughout the year. Access to the island is via the Boca Grande Causeway (private toll) at County Road 775 from the nearby town of Placida.

Caledesi Island State Park

renee@beachguide.com (Renee) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:43:00 +0000

Caledesi Island is the only natural island on Florida’s Gulf Coast where you can enjoy the nation’s #1 rated beach, take a hike, go kayaking, have a picnic, and visit the island’s snack bar and gift shop—all in the same day! Beach lovers can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Not only that, but the island is accessible only by private boat or ferry service so you’ll basically have this white sand paradise all to yourself!

There is a 3-mile hiking trail and recreational activities abound. Nature enthusiasts can view ospreys, gopher tortoises and a rich diversity of plant life. Saltwater anglers can fish from their boats or wade in the surf, and the park even has a marina with electric and water hookups. The kayak trail winds its way across the surrounding bay through scenic mangroves and makes for a relaxing getaway in the warm tropical sun! The next time you’re planning to visit Tampa Bay area, make sure to set aside some time to visit this magnificent natural treasure, which is located just one mile west of Dunedin and only a short distance from Clearwater. Click here to see a list of Clearwater Vacation Rentals.

The cost for the ferry is $10.00 for adults and $6.00 for children ages four to twelve. Trips depart hourly beginning at 10 a.m. and ferry passengers are allotted a four-hour stay on the island. You may contact the ferry office at (727) 734-1501 or the Caladesi Island State Park office at (727) 469-5918 for more information.

Driving Directions to Perdido Key

renee@beachguide.com (Renee) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:05:00 +0000

Directions to Perdido Key Beach:

Take I-65 South from Birmingham

Take Exit 69, Flomaton/Wallace (@180 miles from Homewood)

From Exit ramp, turn left on Hwy 113

Go 14 miles, then turn right on Hwy 29 South

Go 1 mile, then turn left just past Hardee’s

Go 38 miles, then take I-10 West toward Mobile

Go 3 miles, then take Exit 7, Pine Forest

From Exit ramp, turn left on Pine Forest

Go 2.5 miles, then turn right on Blue Angel Parkway (Hwy 173)

Go 10 miles, then turn right on Serento (Hwy 292)

Go 7 miles (you’ll go over a bridge into Perdido)

These driving directions were sent in recently from a friend who goes this way often and has used and shared these directions for several years. They were also tested recently by some Beachguide employees. If you try these directions, please provide any comments or suggestions for our fellow Beachguide travelers. Thanks!

Last-minute Family Beach Vacations

renee@beachguide.com (Renee) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:36:00 +0000

Conditions are perfect on the Emerald Coast for a last-minute family beach vacation. Emerald green waters are crystal clear – in Destin there is no sea weed and no jelly fish in sight – a nice improvement over the past few weeks. Summer has finally warmed the water to a pleasant, relaxing temperature. Some of the crowds have gone home, making it easier to dine out without the wait or drive through some of the more congested areas. We were also in Panama City Beach and the Hwy 30A area this week and they looked even less crowded.

The past week my daughter and I enjoyed our annual trip to The Track – one of our favorite amusment parks in Destin. We try to go early or late summer when the park isn’t too crowded, but we hit it just right this year – arriving aound 5:30 there were no waiting lines for either Track. We also visited The Gulfarium in Fort Walton for the first time. The dolphin and sea lion shows are all outside, so the warm sea breezes kept the summer heat under control. My daughter loved the shows – they were certainly entertaining – I got an extra kick out of the 1950’s-style ambience. We also stopped by the Silver Sand Outlets this week for some last-minute back-to-school shopping – we found some great bargains. It was a trip we don’t make in the middle of summer because of traffic and crowds and heat – but this was a great week to spend a little time shopping. We also went to look at some of our favorite art galleries and shops in Seaside and the Grayton Beach area.

We’re so thrilled the weather is cooperating for one more week before school starts back (mid-August for us) – especially because Red Snapper season closes August 14th. We’ve enjoyed some spectacular days on the Gulf recently, catching mainly snapper and grouper. We love taking friends out – recently my husband and I took our 7-year old daughter, her teenage cousin and another friend. We didn’t look like a serious threat to the fish in the sea, but we loaded the boat with black snapper, red snapper and grouper. My brother-in-law Henry makes an awesome Greek-style baked snapper that’s relatively easy to prepare – you just coat the fish with fresh lemon juice, Lowry’s seasoning, garlic powder, finely chopped onions and tomatoes; then drizzle with feta cheese and plenty of olive oil. We love fish grilled, fried, sauteed – all kinds of ways – but this is one of our best and easiest recipes.

We had so much fun on that trip that the following weekend we went again – just the three of us this time – heading out into some questionable weather. There were only a few other boats out – I was concerned – but I’ve been at sea (and in the air) with my husband John enough to know that we’d probably survive and have plenty of fish to show for it. The 5 or 6 foot waves slowed our trip out, but once we got there the fish were biting and we all reeled in a few before the rain started. Clouds and rain got so heavy we lost sight of land, but the fish were still biting and we couldn’t stop until we reached our limit of snapper. John pulled in a whopper grouper, well over the 22-inch minimum requirement, with our last piece of bait.

Besides relaxing and playing on the beach, there is really an endless supply of activities for family fun on the Gulf – and just a little more time to enjoy them before school starts back. Charter a fishing trip, take a sunset cruise, a dolphin excursion or even a snorkel trip . Or rent a boat or jet ski or bike or kayak for the day. Go parasailing! Visit area museums, art galleries, shops, golf courses. And of course enjoy dining anywhere from the numerous casual beach-front seafood eateries to world-famous gourmet restaurants. It’s all on the gorgeous Gulf Coast in Alabama and Florida. For more information on planning your perfect beach vacation getaway, visit http://www.beachguide.com/.

Discover Florida’s Forgotten Coast

noreply@blogger.com (charlie) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:48:00 +0000

The natural unspoiled environment known as “Florida’s Forgotten Coast”, which is comprised of the quiet coastal communities of Apalachicola, St. George Island and Eastpoint, offers a unique look into the rich traditions of Florida’s Gulf Coast. This colorful area is best known for its excellent oysters, superb fishing, and mouth-watering seafood, but there is much more to this charming region which surrounds Apalachicola Bay than the fishing and seafood industries. Life always seems to run at a slower pace around here than the rest of the world, and judging by all appearances, that’s just fine with the locals and visitors alike.

The bustling town of Apalachicola dates back to 1831 and was originally a hub in the booming cotton trade, which is still evidenced by its wide streets and brick warehouses that were designed to accommodate cotton after it was unloaded at the docks. Today, Apalachicola is truly a Gulf Coast traveler’s dream and boasts a burgeoning collection of charming hotels, acclaimed restaurants and trendy gift shops. Visitors to “Apalach”, as this delightful town is more commonly referred to by its residents, can take a walking tour of the historic downtown area, line up a fishing guide, sailing charter, diving trip, or eco tour, and still have time left over to take a sunset cruise. A little known fact about Apalachicola is that the John Gorrie Museum houses the first ice machine designed by local physician John Gorrie way back in 1851 to treat yellow fever patients, which was the predecessor to modern air conditioning. While you’re here, also be sure to visit the Apalachicola Museum of Art, Maritime Museum, Chapman Botanical Garden, Dixie Theatre, Lafayette and Battery Parks, Trinity Episcopal Church, and Cape St. George Lighthouse out on St. George Island.

For nature lovers, there are miles of uncrowded beaches, protected bays, and State and National forests to explore. You’ll definitely want to check out St. George Island State Park, St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Tate’s Hell State Forest, and St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge. St. Vincent Island is an uninhabited barrier island at the west end of Apalachicola Bay which is accessible only by boat (visitors can take a shuttle which departs and returns daily from nearby Indian Pass). The island features a unique wildlife habitat which includes the endangered red wolf, exotic sambar deer which were imported from Southeast Asia in 1908, and 260 species of birds. Tate’s Hell State Forest is located at the other end of the bay beyond Eastpoint, and offers visitors thousands of acres for hiking, biking, canoeing, and nature viewing. Both the St. George Island and St. Joe State Parks have miles of beautiful white sand beaches, majestic dunes and salt marshes with abundant opportunities for walking, birding, camping, swimming and snorkeling.

One of the highlights in Apalachicola every year is the Annual Florida Seafood Festival which is held in early November, and offers arts, crafts, and entertainment for the entire family. In addition to being the state’s oldest seafood festival, the Florida Seafood Festival features the annual crowning of Queen Retsyo, who is escorted ceremoniously down the Apalachicola River in a cabin cruiser befitting the occasion by a small flotilla of boats (in case you’re wondering the meaning of “Retsyo”, that’s O-Y-S-T-E-R spelled backwards). The Florida Seafood Festival is the perfect opportunity for newcomers to get a flavor of the region and its people, not to mention a delicious sampling of the area’s fresh local seafood, whether you like it broiled, grilled or fried.

St. George Island, the other jewel on the “Forgotten Coast”, may be reached by taking Highway 98 east from Apalachicola over John Gorrie Bridge and then taking a right on Highway 300 in Eastpoint over newly renovated Bryant Patton Bridge (still referred to by the locals as “Two Dollar” Bridge since it used to be a toll road). When you first drive onto St. George Island you’ll be transported to another world of natural beauty, seclusion, and simplicity. By all accounts, once you arrive on the island and get a feel for the place, it’s rather hard to make yourself leave. After all, you can find basically everything you need on the island and if you can’t find it here, it’s probably not worth going back for anyway!

Whether you decide to stay in Apalachicola, East Point, or St. George Island on your vacation, you’ll have a wide variety of beach houses, condominiums, hotels, and bed and breakfast inns from which to choose. Accommodations range from cozy beach cottages and rustic campgrounds to multi-story million-dollar beach houses with Mediterranean-style tile roofs, exhilarating views, and every modern convenience. Regardless of where you stay in this scenic coastal paradise, it’s a safe bet you’ll be back to experience the unique carefree joy of living which can be found on Florida’s beloved “Forgotten Coast”!

Sight Fishing on the Flats

noreply@blogger.com (charlie) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:50:00 +0000

Sight casting for permit and bonefish on the flats in the Florida Keys is like no other fishing experience you’ll ever have. The fishing guide is paid to expertly maneuver one or two anglers across the flats in a specially designed shallow water skiff. Standing on a raised platform so that he can spot tailing bonefish from greater distances, the guide uses a long pole to push the boat into position so that the angler can make the perfect cast to the fish.

Most guides use the clock system to help direct the angler to the fish. Twelve o'clock means the fish has been spotted in front of the boat, ten o'clock means the fish is on the left side of the boat, and two o'clock means the fish is on the right of the boat. Normally, the guide will also try to let the angler know approximately how many boat lengths the fish is from the boat.

Sometimes the angler will see the fish but often the guide is the only one who is able to spot the fish. It’s truly amazing sometimes how the silvery sides of a bonefish or permit can be concealed against the bottom even in the slightest wake. It’s up to the guide at this point to instruct the angler exactly where to cast and how to retrieve his bait or fly, depending on how the fish reacts. More often than not, the fish gets away but if the conditions are just right and the bonefish takes the bait, the angler knows that he is getting ready to be in for the fight of his life!

Key West Fishing is the Stuff of Legends

noreply@blogger.com (charlie) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:16:00 +0000

When you fish in the crystal clear turquoise waters surrounding Key West, Florida, you’re entering into a world where fishing legends were born. There’s no escaping the influence that fishing greats such as Ernest Hemingway and Zane Grey have had on generations of fishermen, whether they’re seasoned professionals or just taking up the sport. Hemingway is best known, of course, for his high adventures on the waters of the Florida Straights between Key West and Cuba where he pursued giant blue marlin, while Grey preferred backcountry fishing for acrobatic sailfish and tarpon. With over 225 species of game fish prowling these waters, it’s little wonder that Key West has developed a lofty reputation as one of the top saltwater fishing destinations in the world. From big game sport fishing in over 1,000 ft. of water to backcountry fishing for tailing bonefish in mere inches of water, Key West has it all! In addition to sailfish, tarpon and marlin, there are opportunities to catch bonefish, permit, dolphin, cobia, amberjack, wahoo, and pompano.

Luckily, you don’t have to be a fishing legend to catch fish in Key West. You can enjoy the thrill of big game fishing year-round in this southernmost tropical paradise. The months from May through October are all productive fishing months in Key West. If you fish offshore during this time of year, you can match wits with fast-running dolphin, or you can fish inshore for bonefish and giant “silver king” tarpon with a fly rod or light spinning tackle on the Atlantic and Gulf flats. The world-renowned flats in Key West are alive this time of year with migrating permit which are returning from spawning and traveling in large schools. Bonefish are also plentiful during the summer, and you can have some great fun reef and wreck fishing for red snapper and grouper. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can charter a boat and a guide to take you out to the Gulfstream just like Hemingway, where you can test your "blue water" angling skills by trolling for sailfish and marlin. Party boat charters also make daily trips as far west as Dry Tortugas to fish for black grouper and mutton snapper and there are plenty of kayak and eco tours available. Best of all, you won’t have any trouble finding a restaurant in Key West to cook your catch when you return, making for the perfect ending to a successful day of fishing!

Let’s Go Fishing in Marco Island!

noreply@blogger.com (charlie) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:28:00 +0000

Welcome to Marco Island, located on the Gulf of Mexico in sunny Southwest Florida, where you can enjoy saltwater fishing at its finest. As the largest of the 10,000 Islands chain which stretches south all the way to Florida Bay and the Florida Keys, Marco Island is the northern gateway to a unique pristine coastal wilderness, with Naples and Everglades City only a short boat ride away. The limestone Gulf bottom surrounding Marco Island is a natural fish attractant with underwater reefs and shipwrecks which draws fish from miles around! Here you can enjoy the fishing experience of a lifetime, with rod-bending action and adventure in a coastal setting that is second to none.

Professional fishing enthusiasts and novices alike will agree that Marco Island provides some the best saltwater fishing anywhere in the world, with miles of uninhabited islands, scenic mangroves and unspoiled scenery. Visiting anglers can try their hand at backwater fishing, fly fishing, deep sea fishing, offshore fishing, or more relaxed reef and wreck fishing. Some of the most popular species of game fish which can be found in the Marco Island area include redfish, snook, tarpon, grouper, speckled trout, permit, snapper, king mackerel, black drum, barracuda, bonito, pompano, cobia and shark. Live bait such as shiners, blue runners and threadfin herring is often used to catch some of the biggest fish. Guided trips may be reserved which depart regularly from the Casa Marina at Goodland Bridge, Marco River Marina, Cedar Bay Marina, Collier Boulevard Boating Park, and Calusa Island Marina. If you prefer to fish on your own, there are plenty of marinas and bait and tackle stores where you can find boat rentals, fishing tackle, and expert advice.

You can just about always count on the temperate waters of the Gulf of Mexico around Marco Island to provide a year-round environment for catching lots of fish! From March until September, thrill seekers can take advantage of fabulous tarpon and shark fishing found in these waters. The Marco Island region is well known for producing its share of monster 100+ pound tarpon, and if you like fishing for sharks, you’ve come to the right place, with Blacktips, Bulls, Tigers and Hammerheads making this area home. Marco Island is without question the ideal destination for fishermen who want to combine top-notch sports fishing with spectacular natural beauty, and you’ll find a breathtaking array of island passes, sandbars, bays, creeks, and mangrove shores just waiting to be explored. One thing’s for sure, wherever you cast your line in this stunning natural habitat, there’s likely to be a hungry, prowling fish lurking nearby, ready and willing to take your bait!

Fishing Adventures in Boca Grande

noreply@blogger.com (charlie) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:41:00 +0000

When you come to Boca Grande in Southwest Florida, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy guided fishing adventures in some of the most famous fishing waters in the state! The backwater habitat surrounding Charlotte Harbor, Pine Island, Matlacha Pass and Gasparilla Sound has been referred to as an angler’s paradise and for good reason. Within our pristine waters, you’ll find trophy snook, redfish, and speckled trout just waiting to run and jump with your line.

The sport fishing and fly fishing can be excellent year-round at Boca Grande. There are literally hundreds of miles of shoreline, grass flats, and mangrove islands to explore, and a vast network of creeks, bays and inlets. Underwater wrecks attract a wide variety of saltwater fish and make for excellent fishing spots for visiting anglers.

There are many any other species of fish in Boca Grande that will put up a good fight such as sharks, Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle, kingfish, barracuda, dolphin, pompano and cobia. If you enjoy eating fish as much as catching them, grouper, trout, snapper, redfish, flounder and tripletail are all good bets to enjoy a memorable day of fishing on the water and put a good meal on the table. With so many back country, flats, and near-shore fishing opportunities, Boca Grand at the entrance of Charlotte Harbor in Southwest Florida has a fishing experience for everyone!

Fishing is King in Destin!

noreply@blogger.com (charlie) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:36:00 +0000

Destin is not known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” for nothing! The fishing action in Destin can be hot and heavy inshore, offshore, and from beach piers and jetties. All of you do-it-yourselfers will be happy to know that you don’t need a boat to enjoy an excellent day of fishing in Destin. Many species of sport fish can be caught right from the shore including pompano, whiting, sheepshead, bluefish, cobia, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel & jack crevalle. This type of fishing is best between April and October, during the peak pompano runs. Live bait, frozen bait, and artificial baits are all effective when fishing from the shore, depending on the tide and weather conditions.

Inshore fishing on Choctawhatchee Bay and its bayous is good year-round! You can expect to catch diverse species of fish including speckled trout, sheepshead, white trout, redfish, channel bass, and flounder. Of course, blue crabs are a favorite in this area and can be found in abundance along the shores of the bay. During the warm summer months from June through August, blue crabs move into the shallow bay and beach areas and can be netted by novices and serious crabbers alike.

The inshore trolling season runs from March through November and normally begins with the cobia run in the spring. The most popular and successful method for catching cobia is by sight casting from a boat, either to a single fish or to a school. Once you’ve hooked a 100lb cobia on light spinning tackle, believe me, it’s not an experience that you will soon forget! Inshore trolling can also produce great catches of Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, bonito, amberjack, and schooling dolphin. Inshore charter fishing trips are available for full day or half day excursions.

Most of Destin’s renowned fishing fleet specializes in deep sea bottom fishing for half day, full day or overnight trips. The favorite targets of these deep sea bottom fishermen are primarily red snapper, grouper, amberjack, scamp, triggerfish, and cobia, which are all highly prized fish for the dinner table. Destin maintains a large fleet of party boats for deep sea bottom fishing which can accommodate from 25 up to 100 persons. Party boats are available for full day or half day fishing trips, and can be reserved for large groups.

Most offshore “blue water” trolling takes place beyond the 50 fathom curve (300 foot depth), from 25 to 50 miles out. This method of fishing has proven to be very productive for Destin anglers who want to go after white marlin, blue marlin, sailfish, dolphin and wahoo. Billfish may be caught from April to December, but August through October is normally the most productive fishing period for this type of fishing.

Each year, the Destin Fishing Rodeo in October is the ultimate fishing tournament in Northwest Florida. More than 30,000 anglers compete during the month of October for over $100,000 in prizes! There are prizes given for men’s, women’s, and junior fishing categories and virtually every type of game fish is recognized with awards during the Rodeo. Best of all, it’s free for anglers to fish aboard any of the boats which have been registered for the Rodeo, so make plans to come on down during the month of October and join in the fun! For help in planning your visit, check out this list of Destin Condo Rentals and Destin Hotels.

A Taste of Spain in Sunny Florida

noreply@blogger.com (charlie) — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:05:00 +0000

Since 1905, Columbia Restaurant has been serving up authentic Spanish cuisine in beautiful open-air Mediterranean-style surroundings. As Florida’s oldest and most time-honored Spanish restaurant, Columbia Restaurant has been family-owned and operated for five generations. Serving up a long list of delicious recipes in the classic Spanish tradition, it is little wonder that Columbia has been recognized as one of Florida’s top restaurants every year since 1967 and in 2006 was named to the Golden Spoon “Hall of Fame", which is the highest award given by the Florida Restaurant Association to one of its members.

A wonderful assortment of taste-tempting salads, hors d’oeuvres, seafood and steaks adorns the menu along with along with a fabulous selection of all- time favorite Spanish recipes and select Cuban dishes. Pollo Riojana, Snapper Adelita, Roast Pork a la Cubana, Mahi Mahi Cayo Hueso, and Paella a la Valencia, the national dish of Spain, are just a small sampling of the delicious entrees to be found at this “Gem of Spanish Restaurants”.

The next time you’re in Southwest Florida, be sure to visit one of Columbia’s scenic restaurants, located “In the Historic District of Ybor City” in Tampa, “On Beautiful St. Armands Circle” in Sarasota, “At the Pier Overlooking Tampa Bay” in St. Petersburg, “On Sand Key’s Intracoastal Waterway” near Clearwater Beach, “In America’s Oldest City” of St. Augustine, or “In Central Florida’s Town of Celebration” near Orlando. You’ll definitely be glad you did!

Stretch your vacation dollars this year with some fabulous deals!

renee@beachguide.com (Renee) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:36:00 +0000

Vacation shopping is paying off big time for families looking to make the most of their vacation dollars. Many resorts are offering 10% to 25% or more off regular rates. Others offer fun packages, free nights, complimentary admissions to area attractions, free dinners, anything to entice beachgoers into making plans for a special trip to the beautiful Gulf Coast.

At Beachguide.com, we’re now sending a weekly e-newsletter, Gulf Coast Vacation Deals, full of the latest and greatest offers, plus news on upcoming events for each week’s Featured Destinations. If you haven’t already signed up to receive a FREE subscription, visit our website and sign up today. Simply enter your email address in the sign-up box in the top right corner.

We also have a Gulf Coast Vacation Deals page on our website

that lists current specials by resort area. Resort Managers can upload their special deals anytime, so choices are always changing – it pays to check back frequently.

For best availability, you’ll want to book your reservations early. But if you’re willing to wait, you’ll find opportunities are out there for some great last-minute deals and special internet-only deals.

Island Living in the Florida Keys

noreply@blogger.com (charlie) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:22:00 +0000

Imagine a lifestyle so sublime and so removed you’ll swear you’re on a deserted isle somewhere in the middle of the Caribbean. Throw in some “R & R”, snorkeling, palm trees, and reggae music and you’ll have all the ingredients for fun in the sun in the Florida Keys!

From the time you arrive in Key Largo on the Overseas Highway (AKA Highway 1), you’ll enter a world of endless beauty, fascination and intrigue. What never ceases to amaze me is that this is an island destination which is less than 60 miles from downtown Miami and is totally accessible by car! Not only that, but you can easily cover the entire length of the Florida Keys from Key Largo to Key West in barely over two hours—but be sure to watch out for the crocodile crossing as you approach Key Largo and be careful to observe the speed limit!

If you’re looking for your accommodation, remember that all addresses in the Florida Keys are basically referred to as “Oceanside” or “Bayside” depending on what side of the road they’re on, and normally list the Mile Marker as well, so it’s pretty easy to find what you’re looking for (mile markers begin at “0” in Key West and get progressively larger as you drive north up Highway 1 towards Miami, with Mile Marker 112 delineating the Dade Country Line just above Key Largo). Another word to the wise for first-timers in the Keys—there are only four grocery stores from Key Largo to Marathon, so it’s definitely a good idea to stock up on any essentials you may need while you have the opportunity to avoid any unnecessary backtracking.

When you first stop at the Florida Keys Visitor Center in Key Largo, you begin to get a sense of the multitude of activities which awaits you and your family along this scenic roadway. The Florida Keys are very much a vacation paradise but there is also a homey feel to this chain of islands which is connected by more than 40 bridges like a Caribbean necklace, and stretches for more than 126 miles. There are romantic tales from days of old of swashbuckling pirates, buried treasure, and even hostile Indians, and as always depending on the time of year, there is the threat of tropical storms, dangerous hurricanes and unpredictable seas.

When the Overseas Highway was finally completed in 1938 and later modernized, it opened up a whole new world of vacation pleasures… from world-renowned bonefishing and scuba diving to eco-tours, wicker inns and epicurean delights of every kind (but you seafood lovers are in for a special treat!). One thing’s for sure, no matter where you go in this panoramic island setting, you’ll be surrounded by aquamarine water which stretches as far as the eye can see and seems almost too beautiful to be real, with drifting currents of so many hues they seem to resemble a peacock’s tail.

Key Largo, the first of the Florida Keys you reach coming from Miami, may be only an hour’s drive from South Florida’s two major airports, but believe me, it’s a world away in terms of attitude and lifestyle. Sandwiched in between Everglades National Park to the west and North America's only living coral barrier reef to the east, Key Largo is best known as the “Diving Capital of the World” but it’s also home of the African Queen, the boat made famous in the 1951 movie of the same name which starred Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. One more thing…Key Largo is definitely a place to R-E-L-A-X and play. And don’t forget lobster season which begins around the end of July--it’s been said that some twenty-five pounders roam these waters in search of protection at the Key Largo Marine Sanctuary!

The famous underwater Christ Statue at John Pennecamp Coral Reef State Park seems to beckon visitors from all over the world whether they be nature lovers, kayakers, birders, or just plain folks in search of a well deserved vacation. If you’re one of those who enjoys nature, you’ll definitely want to visit to Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park where you can take a peaceful stroll through an enchanted tropical forest.

Once you get settled in at Key Largo, as the locals will tell you, it’s even harder to leave. There is a wide assortment of restaurants, bars, and beach bistros to keep you occupied, so it doesn’t take long to fall in love with this vibrant, fun-loving island community. Snappers Waterfront Restaurant, Sundowners on the Bay, Café Largo, Snook’s Bayside, and the Key Largo Conch House are a few of the popular eating establishments you might want to try while you’re in the area.

Just down the road from Key Largo is the quiet community of Tavernier which is home to the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center and Harry Harris Park (Tavernier is actually a short distance from Tavernier Key where 18th century wreckers once searched the reefs at night for booty from ships which had run aground and sunk). Tavernier is the perfect choice for visitors who want easy access to Key Largo and Islamorada dive sites and activities. For boating enthusiasts, Tavernier Creek Marina provides excellent access to Florida Bay as well as the Atlantic Ocean. There are also abundant opportunities for diving, snorkeling, shelling, swimming, and fishing.

If you like fishing, you’re really gonna like the next island jewel in the Florida Keys chain. Islamorada proudly bills itself as the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World” and for good reason! This may be the only place on Earth where you can catch a blue marlin or sailfish in the morning, then venture onto the flats in search of an elusive bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook or redfish in mere inches of water.

About a third of the way down the island you’ll come to World Wide Sportsman (owned by Bass Pro Shops) which sells everything you’ll need for saltwater fishing! In addition to fishing tackle, World Wide Sportsman has a marine department, Everglades aquarium, art gallery and Zane Grey Lounge to help put you in the fishing mood. You can reserve a charter fishing guide or wet slip for your boat, and even buy drinks, ice, and bait. Right next door is the World Famous Islamorada Fish Company Restaurant, and if you want to see some big fish up close, be sure to take the kids down to the docks at the end of the day to see the live tarpon feeding!

If you’re not a fisherman, don’t despair…there are plenty of other things to do on this fun-filled island. You can go kayaking, sightseeing, sign up for an eco tour, or take the whole family to visit Theatre Of The Sea where you can swim with dolphins and other sea creatures in a controlled marine environment! Divers and snorkelers will enjoy the History of Diving Museum and music lovers will relish in warm, tropical evenings spent on the lawn of TIB Amphitheater at Founder's Park.

Long Key State Park offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to meander along lush, tropical nature trails and Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park gives tourists a rare glimpse into Florida's unique island history dating back to the early 1800's.

Whatever your pleasure, a trip to Islamorada would not be complete without sampling some of the local island cuisine. Succulent fresh seafood is served everywhere from island tiki bars and dockside fish houses to lively beachfront cafes and secluded island bistros. The Green Turtle Inn (since 1947) has been a longtime local favorite and Uncle’s Restaurant offers scrumptious fine dining in a relaxed, low-key atmosphere. For something different, you may want to check out Hog Heaven Sports Bar & Grill or Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana. Serious shoppers will have no problem finding plenty to do with numerous boutiques and galleries selling unique gifts, apparel and art. The “Catch You Later” sign which you pass as you’re leaving the island is a pleasant reminder that you’re always welcome on Islamorada, which is actually comprised of six islands rather than just one (those being Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, and the offshore islands of Indian and Lignumvitae Keys) …no wonder this “Village of the Islands” is such a popular vacation destination!

As you continue making your way slowly down Highway 1, you’ll pass over a series of bridges, all with breathtaking views, while you cross over Fiesta Key, Long Key, Duck Key and Grassy Key. If you have a chance to stop, some of the best bonefishing in all of the Keys can be found at Long Key State Park which is open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year and also has full-service campsites overlooking the Atlantic.

Duck Key is more of a secluded island with luxury resorts where vehicles can cross over the island’s canals by way of picturesque arched bridges and Grassy Key is a small, peaceful Key which is located just minutes from the heart of Marathon. While you’re on Grassy Key, you might want to visit the Dolphin Research Center which offers tours, swims with the dolphins, and much more!

Marathon is only about a 30-minute drive in all from Islamorada and offers yet another tempting smorgasbord of vacation and leisure activities. This quaint tropical village has new parks, a newly renovated airport, and perhaps best of all, a beautifully landscaped 12.6-acre public beach called Sombrero Beach, which is complete with walkways, picnic grounds, and a roped swimming area.

The “Old Florida Keys” lifestyle is alive and well at the nearby Crane Point Museum & Nature Center, where visitors can get away from modern civilization by hiking through a lush tropical hardwood grove. The Old Seven Mile Bridge is another scenic spot which is listed on the National Historic Register, but no vehicles are allowed since the bridge is utilized strictly as a walking and fitness path. As if that’s not enough, just a few miles offshore, the deep blue waters of the Florida Straits are teeming with billfish, tuna and dolphin.

And if you are looking for a special restaurant where you can spend an hour or two or the evening, there is no shortage of first-class dining with Island Fish Company, Annette’s Lobster & Steak House, Butterfly Café at Tranquility Bay, 7 Mile Grill and Cantina at Hawk’s Cay all in close proximity.

When you’ve had enough of tourist stops, you can always move on to the Lower Keys where you can snorkel and dive over coral reefs, ride a bike down deserted roads, or take a backcountry fishing adventure! Big Pine Key is the largest of the Lower Keys and is best known for its RV parks, lovely campgrounds, and out-of-the-way vacation homes. Just up the road a bit, Bahia Honda State Park offers vacationers a chance to enjoy some real solitude along with beautiful white sandy beaches and abundant wildlife. Perhaps the most unique attraction in all of the Lower Keys is the National Key Deer Refuge where a protected small subspecies of Virginia white tail deer ranges over 2,300 acres of mostly undeveloped pine forest habitat (but be careful to drive slowly through the refuge while the caution lights are flashing, particularly late at night and in the early morning!). The Lower Florida Keys are a melange of stunning islands with exotic-sounding names such as Summerland Key, Big Torch Key, Little Torch Key, Cudjoe Key, Sugarloaf Key, Big Coppitt Key and Saddlebunch Key. In fact, all are within an easy drive to Key West and are laced with a picturesque network of sandy lagoons and mangroves, making this one of the most scenic nature-viewing stops along Highway 1.

If you’ve made it this far, believe it or not, you’re only a short hop or a little over six miles, from the main attraction in the Florida Keys…the granddaddy of them all, Key West! After all, when most people think of the Florida Keys, Key West is usually the first thing that comes to mind. The very name conjures up images of Old Town, Conch houses, Duval Street, Audubon, Truman, Ernest Hemingway and enchanting Caribbean nights…not to mention bizarre shops, tipsy bars, historic hotels, sunset cruises, voodoo spells…and who can forget the biggest draw of all, world famous Key Lime Pie, which seems to be sold on almost every street corner?

Southernmost Point USA, located at the end of Whitehead and South Streets, which is marked by a large red, yellow and black “Conch Republic” buoy and is only 90 miles from Cuba, always draws a large crowd of photograph seekers and what would Key West be without all those bright, meandering roosters crowing their way down bustling, crowded sidewalks? (the roosters—and hens I’m told, were set free by city proclamation after cock fighting was banned way back in Hemingway’s day, and have become a colorful trademark of this eclectic southernmost city ever since). Hourly tours are available during most of the year, with the exception of major holidays, at The Hemingway Home & Museum, Audubon House & Tropical Gardens, Heritage House Museum & Robert Frost Cottage, and Harry S. Truman Little White House. Other major tourist points of interest include the Key West Aquarium, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum, Shipwreck Treasures Museum, Butterfly & Nature Conservancy, and Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden. The Wharf District on Front Street is the departure point for Sunset and Fort Jefferson Cruises, but no matter where you venture in Key West’s Old Town Historic District, you’re likely to see free-spirited Conch tours, mopeds, trolleys, bicycles and scooters of about every possible size and description whizzing past. Sloppy Joe’s Bar, Captain Tony’s Saloon (Hemingway’s original hangout), the Green Parrot Bar, and Hog’s Breath Saloon are some of the better known watering holes, but there are plenty of open-air bars, sidewalk cafes, and uptown bistros vying for your attention as well in about a 4 or 5-block radius as you walk along Duval Street from Greene and Caroline Streets up past Fleming and Southard. Stately homes, gingerbread mansions, quaint hotels, and centuries-old churches line the palm-lined streets, giving Old Town Key West a charming mix of old and new, not unlike a Caribbean-style French Quarter in New Orleans with white picket fences, tin roofs, painted shutters, and fresh island breezes thrown in.

But that’s not all …Key West has a multitude of cultural attractions and events throughout the year, such as theatre, musicals, performing arts, concerts, symphonies and art galleries. There are also numerous antique shows, food tours, walking tours, festivals and literary seminars to keep you busy. On any given day, you can walk the streets and watch as an assortment of pub crawlers make their rounds (Key West is famous for Jimmy Buffet “Parrotheads”, Fantasy Fest revelers, and Bahamian Junkanoo performers, among others), or you can always visit one of Key West’s convenient public beaches and spend a little time fishing, swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling. There’s even a Key West Golf Club located just off Overseas Highway right before you come onto the island if you want to hit the links. Come to think of it, Key West and the rest of the Florida Keys pretty much have it all when it comes to tropical vacations… sometimes just the thought of sitting under a swaying coconut palm tree and watching the warm, turquoise water drift by is enough to make you wish you were there already. The Florida Keys and Key West really are the stuff of which legends are made…here’s hoping we see you and your family in the Keys real soon, so you can begin discovering this unique national treasure for yourself!

Driving Directions to Destin

renee@beachguide.com (Renee) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:14:00 +0000

I-65 to The Beach:

Some people take 331 or 231 from Montgomery to go to several beach destinations. This alternate route below is by far the best way to drive to Destin from any city that goes past Montgomery or Georgiana. When you return, please give us your feedback or comments.

1) Take I-65 South through Montgomery

2) Exit I-65 at #114, turn left to Georgiana, AL (from B’ham 145 miles / 2hr10min) highway 106

3) Go 3 miles and turn right on 31 South (to 55)

4) Go through McKenzie, AL (7.3 miles), road turns into 55 South

5) Go 18 miles to dead end and turn left to Andalusia, AL

6) Go 3.8 miles to dead end (at Covington County Mall) and turn right on 55 South, turns into 29 South

7) Go 12 miles on 29 South

8) Turn left onto Highway 137 (Hwy 137 bears to the left instead of being a sharp left turn. Also, this is not a 4-way intersection and is easy to miss!)

9) Stay on 137 for 14 miles and it will change into SR 189 at the FL state line

10) SR 189 dead ends into US 90 -- turn left on US 90

11) You will cross a little bridge and turn at the first light (less than 4 miles) – Antioch Rd. (used to be called PJ Adams Rd. – there is a new Tom Thumb on the corner)

12) SR 4 (which you are on) will cross I-10 and dead end into SR 85 (at this intersection the road you are on is probably still labeled PJ Adams Rd.)

13) Take a right on SR 85 and follow until it ends (Niceville) Or, if you’re traveling to Fort Walton Beach, watch for signs to turn right to Ft. Walton a few miles before Niceville.

14) Go left on SR 20 and watch for signs to the Mid Bay Bridge (Rt. 293) about 10-15 minutes away

15) There is a $2.50 toll on the Bridge (paid each way)

16) After the bridge turn left on 98 to Sandestin and 30A destinations or right to Destin

Great places to stop along the way:
Peach Park in Clanton, Alabama, exit 205 from I-65. We always stop here for some famous Chilton County peaches and other fresh produce. Peach Park also serves delicious home-made ice cream and excellent BBQ. If you enjoy fried food, try the chicken fingers, peach pies and onion rings.
There are some other fantastic road-side tomato stands along the way. My favorite is Wingard Produce, open seasonally. After you turn right on 31 South (toward 55), look on the left after the road turns into a four-lane. It’s in an old barn-style building next to Country Café, at the top of a hill.Some of our friends stop closer to the beach, on SR 137. They enjoy the tomatoes and watermelons sold in a little trailer, parked on the corner on the right, when you’re getting somewhat close to the end of this road.

From the beach to I-65
1) Cross the Mid Bay Bridge and turn left on SR 20

2) Go right on SR 85 approx 20 miles and turn left on PJ Adams (Tom Thumb at intersection on left)

3) Turn left on US 90 at the light

4) Go over bridge and turn right at SR 4 which turns into SR 189 and then into 137 once in AL (total about 28 miles)

5) Turn right on 29 North (12 miles) and turns into 55 North

6) Turn left on 55 North (at the Covington County Mall)

7) Follow signs to I-65 North and then back to Montgomery, and on to Birmingham, Huntsville, etc...

Naples and Marco Island Are Heaven On Earth

noreply@blogger.com (charlie) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:12:00 +0000

The innkeepers are all fond of saying “My pleasure” in this corner of Southwest Florida, and believe me, after you visit Naples and Marco Island the pleasure will be all yours. The Mediterranean influences are evident everywhere you look in this luxurious corner of the state which is known as “Florida’s Last Paradise”, and certainly deserves its reputation as one of South Florida’s premier wintertime retreats.

The bountiful attractions in and around the charming city of Naples which has fewer than 25,000 residents and was named after Naples, Italy, never seem to cease. From its northern boundary near Bonita Springs to its southern boundary near the crossing of East Tamiami Trail and Collier Boulevard, Naples is awash in enchanted pleasures of just about every description… from symphonies, shelling and bird watching to fishing, boating and fine arts. Whether your pleasure is spending all day on magnificently manicured golf courses, walking along deserted windswept beaches, or checking out the latest offerings at fabulous shops and outlets, you’ll be glad you came.

Perhaps one of the most stunning aspects of Naples is its classical Mediterranean-style architecture which helps to give the city its unique identity. Bright red tile roofs and sassy earth tone facades pervade not only much of downtown area, but also provide a warm, unifying theme in Naples’ new developments as well. From lavish Vanderbilt Road with its historic inns and hotels, to stylish Fifth Avenue with its scrumptious dining and shopping venues, Naples offers a grand getaway that is simply hard to match. If you’re looking for even more diversions to keep you occupied, check out The Village On Ventian Bay, Olde Naples, Gallery Row, Dockside Boardwalk, and Naples Pier. One of the most glamorous areas of town has to be the Third Street Shopping District and famed Gallery Row where ritzy boutiques and colorful art galleries line the streets. Wherever you go in this romantic, one-of-a-kind city, palm-lined avenues, quaint cottages, historic preservations, and beachfront estates add to the gracious, turn-of-the-century atmosphere.

As you’d expect, there are plenty of memorable eating spots in Naples which range from uptown, white tablecloth establishments to more casual, laid-back affairs. The Bay House, Di Julio’s, Sunset Beach Bar, Watermark Grille, Giovanni, Steamers of Naples, Truluck’s, Mangrove Cafe, and Chops City Grill all offer fabulous dining with an atmosphere to match. If you’re looking for good food in more relaxed surroundings, you can’t go wrong with Gulf Coast Grouper & Chips, Michelbob’s, Sunburst Café, and Chrissy’s Café. Whatever your taste buds, Naples is certain to have the right restaurant that will make for the perfect lunch, dinner or late night out.

With so many attractions in the Naples city limits from which to choose, it probably comes as no surprise that there are a plethora of natural wonders close by to explore as well, including the Barefoot Beach Preserve, Ten Thousand Islands region, Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve. Scenic waterways are teaming with exotic birds, alligators and wildlife of every description, but you might want to schedule your trip in advance to coincide with optimal viewing seasons and times. Other outdoor recreational activities abound such as nature photography, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking and boating.

Located just 10 miles to the south of Naples on Collier Boulevard you’ll find Marco Island, the ultimate getaway for pleasure, relaxation, and easy living. Offering upscale lodging, dining and all the perks you’d expect from a world-class destination, you can’t beat Marco for fun, convenience, and location. Marco Island measures just 4 miles wide and 6 miles long, and is home to only about 14,000 year-round residents. It is the largest of the Ten Thousand Islands and is surrounded on all sides by beautiful water, sun-washed beaches and miles and miles of pristine, untouched shoreline. Scenic mangroves, uninhabited islands and superb fishing make Marco Island a true sportsman’s dream. To the south lies over 70 miles of fly fishing heaven and only a few tiny sparsely inhabited fishing villages. With afternoon temperatures averaging in the 70’s and 80’s during the winter months, you can see why Marco Island is such a popular wintertime retreat!

While you’re here, be sure to visit the Tigertail Public Beach on the northwest end of the island, which offers 31 acres of unspoiled natural habitat and beautiful Sand Dollar Barrier Island for shelling and beachcombing. The park is open daily from 8:00am until sundown and has attractive facilities which include a bathhouse, boardwalks, cabanas, restrooms, a picnic area with grills, a sandvolleyball court, and a playground. It is no secret that Tigertail Beach is one of the best spots in all of Florida for bird watching, with numerous species of exotic shorebirds who either call this beach home or migrate through the area.

Although Marco Island didn’t begin to be fully developed until the 1960’s, the first 20-room hotel here opened in 1896 so the island has a long history of hospitality. In addition to swanky high-rises, beautiful homes and first-class resorts, Marco Island has a bevy of top-notch restaurants such as Snook Inn, Tara Steak & Lobster House, House of Mozart, Old Marco Pub, Marek’s Collier House, and Konrad’s Seafood & Grille. Whether you prefer casual or fine dining, elegant houses, condos or hotels…there’s truly something for everyone on this unique island paradise by the sea.

About the time you begin to feel as if you’ve experienced all that Naples and Marco Island have to offer, you’ll likely discover there’s even more that you want to see and do before you leave. Thank goodness there’s always next year, because one thing’s for sure…once you visit this glorious spot on the magnificent Southwest Coast of Florida, you really can’t imagine not returning for an encore!

Puttin’ on the Ritz in Sarasota & Siesta Key

noreply@blogger.com (charlie) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:48:00 +0000

If you’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime, there’s no better time to start than right now! Sarasota, Florida has everything you’d expect—haute couture, fabulous dining, and a charming mix of Mediterranean and Southwest Florida influences. There are beautiful harbors, majestic condominiums, modern high-rises and gleaming yachts of just about every size and description everywhere you look…all wonderfully complimented by neo-classic Spanish architecture, Sarasota chic, and regal palm trees blowing in the cool Gulf breezes. When it comes to luxurious living and stately surroundings, it doesn’t take long to realize that Sarasota doesn’t take a back seat to any other resort destination! If you like leisure activities, you can unwind with some of the best golf, tennis, boating or fishing around, and even take in a cricket or polo match while you’re here.
When you first roll into town (I would suggest taking the Fruitville Road Exit off I-75 to reach downtown and Ringling Boulevard, or the Bee Ridge Exit a little further south to reach Siesta Key),you are immediately overcome with a sense of grandeur, elegance, and quiet sophistication. If you happen to visit any of the trendy shops and restaurants on Main Street or the bustling marina at Sarasota Bayfront Park, you’ll be swept away by a pleasurable tide of adventure, freedom and fun. The famous Kissing Sailor statue which is always on display in front of Marina Jack, seems to embody the very essence of Sarasota’s carefree lifestyleand perpetual “joie de vivre”. You can almost feel the excitement along the waterfront as you drive down Bayfront Drive and catch a glimpse of elegant sailboats and sleek watercraft resting at their moorings. When you reach Golden Gate Point where John Ringling Boulevard splits off from North Tamiami Trail, you can cross over beautiful Sarasota Bay on Ringling Bridge to nearby Lido Key (for newcomers to the area, Tamiami Trail, aka Highway 41, is the major North-South thoroughfare from Tampa to Miami, hence the name “Tamiami”). Whichever direction you look out across this lovely bay, there are magnificent sights to behold, with miles and miles of scenic coastland and blue-green water as far as the eye can see.
The entrance onto St. Armands Key, just before Lido Key, will take you directly to St. Armands Circle and its unique collection of upscale boutiques, shops and eateries. There are so many distractions in the St. Armands district that you can easily spend the whole afternoon here without really trying. Columbia Restaurant, Hemingway’s, Café L’Europe, Crab & Fin, Café Gallante, and La Colonne are some of the restaurants which have earned a stellar reputation on St. Armands. There is also Tommy Bahama Tropical Café, Taste of Italy, 15 South Ristorante, Kilwin’s Chocolates, and Ben & Jerry’s if you’re looking for more ways to pass the time. On any day during lunch, you’re likely to see tourists and locals weaving their way along the crowded sidewalks or relaxing and enjoying the weather in one of the posh open-air cafes. Whenever I visit St. Armands, I always have the feeling I’m in some secluded spot along the Mediterranean rather than in Southwest Florida, but maybe that’s part of the allure of this unique shopping and epicurean destination.
Just up the road, if you follow John Ringling Parkway towards Longboat Key, you’ll find the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium which is located at Ken Thompson Park on City Island. The Mote facility features science and education exhibits in addition to a world famous aquarium, complete with a variety of marine life and a 135-gallon shark tank! From Mote Aquarium, if you continue heading north on Gulf of Mexico Drive and cross over the bridge, you’ll come to fabulous Longboat Key which is packed with even more world-class vacation resorts, restaurants, shops, golf, tennis, secluded parks and unspoiled beaches. You can actually drive all the way up Longboat Key in about 30 minutes or so (depending on the traffic) if you’d like to visit Bradenton Beach or Anna Maria Island, but be careful to observe the 45 mph speed limit!
When coming from Sarasota, if you continue straight across St. Armands Circle, you’ll come to Lido Key which offers a perfect beachfront setting only a quarter mile away! Lido Beach is very private and has easy access, but remember that you’re on your own while you’re at the beach since there are no lifeguards in this section (and swimmers beware, since the current can be very swift!). There are restrooms, concessions, gift shops, and cabana beach rentals for your convenience, plus an observation deck and parking for 400 cars! If you have any nature lovers in your group, be sure to stop by the Nature Center at South Lido Park in the Hamsen Bayou at the south end of Lido Key. The park is bordered by four bodies of water (Gulf of Mexico, Big Pass, Sarasota Bay, and Brushy Bayou) and offers two kayak trails, a nature trail, a boardwalk, and a picnic area which is shaded by Australian pines! The park also has restrooms, cooking grills, a beachside playground, a volleyball court, and an observation tower.
To reach Siesta Key from downtown Sarasota, all you have to do is follow Bayfront Drive-Highway 41 South around Sarasota Harbor until it turns into Mound Street, then turn right at the intersection of South Washington Boulevard. You’ll stay on South Tamiami Trail (Highway 41) for about 2.5 miles, then turn right on Siesta Drive which will take you directly to “downtown” Siesta Key (if you continue straight on Highway 41 South for another 3 miles, you’ll intersect Stickney Point Road which is the other access onto the island). Simply stay on Siesta Drive and bear left where it intersects with Higel Avenue, then turn right on Ocean Boulevard just past Midnight Pass Road. This will lead you right through the heart of Siesta Key Village where you’ll find many of the island’s top attractions including restaurants, bars and shops. Some of my favorite spots in the Village include the Old Salty Dog, Siesta Key Oyster Bar, Daiquiri Deck, Lobster Pot, Café Continental, Village Café, Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill, and Bella Roma Italian Restaurant. One thing’s for sure--there always seems to be a jovial, upbeat crowd of tourists milling about, whether they’re enjoying fresh oysters on the half shell or checking into their tropical accommodation of choice.
If you like tropics, you’ll absolutely love Siesta Key! Beautiful towering palms, lush tropical foliage and majestic banyan trees greet you everywhere you turn. Once you make your way through Siesta Key Village and turn left on Beach Road, you’ll be right at Siesta Key Public Beach where another of Siesta Key’s natural wonders awaits…over a half mile of the finest white sand beaches to be found anywhere in the U.S.! There are volleyball, softball, tennis and food concessions facilities here for the whole family with water sports of every kind. Lifeguards watch over the public beach all year long to ensure the safety of swimmers and group picnic pavilions are available for a nominal fee. There’s even an 800-car parking lot but be sure to arrive early because parking spaces have been known to go fast!
Crescent Beach which is located just south of Siesta Key Public Beach is usually a little less crowded and has the same fine, white sand. It stretches for about one and a half miles down to Point of Rocks approximately halfway down the island, where scuba divers like to explore the stunning underwater scenery. Point of Rocks is home to the Siesta Key Marina, which offers a wide selection of fishing equipment along with dry boat storage, parasailing, Jet Skis, boat rentals and more! Just look for the big blue anchor sign over Stickney Point Bridge right after you come onto the island. While you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to check out Clayton’s Siesta Grille, Anna’s II Deli, and the Crescent Beach Grocery.
At the southern end of Siesta Key, last but not least, you’ll find Turtle Beach Park. The sand here may be a bit coarser, but the shelling is better! Turtle Beach is also quieter, and although there are no lifeguards or food concessions, there are plenty of picnic tables and grills, with ample parking and playground equipment. The nearby Turtle Beach Pub Restaurant has casual family dining and daily happy hour from 3-6:00 pm, and just down the street Ophelia’s On The Bay, now in its 17th season, offers serious fine dining and spectacular views of Little Sarasota Bay. But that’s not all folks…Siesta Key is literally brimming over with fabulous places to stay, and finding the Perfect Vacation Rental has never been easier than visiting Beachguide.com/SiestaKey!
Before you and your party leave Sarasota, you should definitely plan to visit the world renowned Ringling Museum of Art, Selby Gardens and Sarasota Island Park & Marina. And after you’re through, there are plenty of bars, pubs and restaurants in the downtown area from which to choose. Polo Grill & Bar, Marina Jack, Mattison’s, C’est La Vie, Morel, & Bijou Café are just a few of the popular casual upscale dining establishments that come to mind. Whether you like arts, shopping, sports, fishing, concerts or festivals, Sarasota and her sister islands have something for everyone…a blend of old and new, casual and refined, but always warm and inviting, and just waiting to be discovered!

Clearwater & St. Pete Always On My Mind

noreply@blogger.com (charlie) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 20:31:00 +0000

One visit to the Clearwater-St. Pete area is normally all it takes to make this a regular stop on your annual vacation itinerary. There’s so much to do, it’s hard to know where to begin. For starters, I would suggest taking the Courtney Campbell Causeway east over the Tampa Bay to Pinellas County, then following the signs on Gulf to Bay Boulevard to Court Street and the historic town of Clearwater.

Founded in 1915, Clearwater is the epitome of heritage, arts, culture, dining and nightlife all rolled into one. The heart of downtown is located at the busy intersection of Cleveland Street and Highway 19, where you’ll find the financial district surrounded by an interesting mix of clothing stores, coffee shops, book stores, cafes, martini bars and the like. There are cozy restaurants to try plus a multitude of interesting store windows to check out. On any given day during lunchtime, you’re likely to see business people, students and tourists alike as they stroll around while enjoying life in this multi-faceted city. If time isn’t a big factor and you’d like to explore a bit more, believe it or not there’s another whole neighborhood of shopping and gastronomic delights just up the road.

Just off the coast of Dunedin are two of Southwest Florida’s best kept secrets…the Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands, but please promise not to tell anyone! Honeymoon Island State Park is less than a five minute drive from the mainland and offers the perfect getaway for boating, swimming, fishing, picnics, and nature exploration. Caladesi Island State Park is only accessible by ferry or by private boat, and was recently named “Best Beach” in America according to Dr. Beach, who is widely regarded as America’s top beach ranking expert.

When you come to John’s Pass (just before Treasure Island), you can’t miss Gator’s Café & Saloon on the harbor side which proudly bills itself as the “World’s Longest Waterfront Bar” and always seems to draw a vibrant crowd of party-goers (but beware college football fans, there may be some Florida Gators lurking about!). Nearby John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk is consistently ranked one of Pinellas County’s top tourist attractions and features shopping, restaurants and accommodations. There are over 100 merchants in this turn of the century village, including fishing charters, cruise lines, and boat rentals such as parasailing and jet skiing. If you’re a beach lover, don’t despair…the beautiful sugar white sands and aqua blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico are right across the street!

From John’s Pass Village, it’s just a hop, skip and a jump over the bridge to Treasure Island, where you’ll find even more interesting things to do and exciting places to stay. A short ways down the road you’ll come to Blind Pass, and if you like, you can reach the mainland by taking a left on Pasadena Avenue just past the Sweetbay Supermarket. My reason for mentioning this is really quite simple--one of American’s all-time great dives (in my opinion), called Ted Peter’s Famous Smoked Fish, which was recently featured on the Food Channel’s “Diners, Drive-ins & Drives”, is located just up ahead on the right. Ted Peter’s may not look like much from the outside--indeed I passed it at least a dozen times before I finally decided to give it a try--but believe me, their famous smoked fish more than makes up for the lack of atmosphere (unless you call sitting in an open-air diner with cars zooming past atmosphere). Big butterflied golden fillets of smoked mullet are the main attraction at Ted’s, but you won’t be disappointed by their German potato salad and ice cold beers on tap. When you’ve eaten just about all you can hold at Ted’s, but still think you might have room for dessert, you can always stop by Larry’s Olde Fashioned Ice Cream on St. Pete Beach. Larry’s offers 70 different flavors of ice cream, funnel cake sundaes and Italian Gelato, and is a sure crowd pleaser. The Twistee Treat just down the street (look for the big cone) is another local favorite, where tourists from around the world often gather to indulge in their favorite frozen treats.

Another “must-see” in the Clearwater-St. Pete area would have to be downtown St. Petersburg, complete with its waterfront attractions and recently completed $40-million BayWalk entertainment complex. This dynamic Mediterranean-themed development known as the “Soul of St. Petersburg” includes bars, restaurants, and a 150,000 sq. ft. open-air plaza which is anchored by a 4,200 seat, 20-screen Muvico Theater. There’s also the famous landmark St. Pete Pier which features a 5-story inverted pyramid with shops, restaurants, boat docks, aquarium and live music! On the top floor, you can enjoy tropical dining at Cha Cha Coconuts and spectacular views of Tampa Bay from the huge observation deck. If that’s not enough, there are still other attractions in the immediate vicinity such as Tropicana Field, Al Lang Field at Progress Energy Park, Salvador Dali Museum, Florida International Museum, and Florida Museum of Natural History which are guaranteed to keep you busy. Almost before you know it, you can easily find yourself spending your entire vacation strolling around the palm-lined streets of St. Petersburg while exploring all of the cafes, galleries, and waterfront parks that this unique city has to offer.

When your vacation is over and it’s time to start packing to go home (if you do decide to go home), stop for a minute, take a look around, and take a deep breath of the mind-healing salt air…and while you’re thinking of it, don’t you think you’d better go ahead and pencil in the words “Clearwater-St. Pete” on next year’s vacation calendar?

Click here for information on Clearwater Beach Vacation Rentals.

January on the Gulf Coast

renee@beachguide.com (Renee) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:13:00 +0000

This photo says it all!

We love to go to the beach during the off-season. September and October are the best months for enjoying great weather, fishing and fun without the summer crowds and heat, but we also love to go just after Christmas. We spend so much of the holiday season indoors as the days get shorter and shorter that we are just thrilled to arrive in Destin in late December to enjoy the sunny days and warmer weather.

This year we had beautiful weather, with average temperatures ranging from the low to upper sixties. We went swimming -- well, I went into the hot tub while everyone else went into the heated pool. It was a breezy day, the coldest of the week – around 63 degrees. We loved it! We also took afternoon boat rides almost every day, only once needing a heavy jacket with maybe a hood or cap. (Many of the tourist boats and dolphin cruises were also out in the harbor and bay.) We went bike riding, walking on the beach, searching for sea shells, shopping without crowds, and dining without crowds. We flew kites and played in the waves on the beach. Not bad days for January!

Some of our favorite Destin Restaurants

renee@beachguide.com (Renee) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 15:50:00 +0000

It’s so easy to eat great food in Destin. If you’re here once or twice a year for a vacation, that’s great news! For us frequent visitors, the temptation to simply head out to a great restaurant is always, literally, right around the corner. So we often take advantage of the opportunities. We love to dine on delectably fresh seafood while enjoying the gorgeous ocean and harbor views.

For the view and a fun, party atmosphere, you can’t beat AJ’s Seafood restaurant on Destin Harbor. During the busy season, we make sure to head that way before the dinner crowds arrive. There’s always a band playing lively beach music. When it’s time to order, most people in our group love the seafood gumbo -- it‘s full of plump, fresh seafood, okra and rice. AJ’s also serves a fantastic grilled grouper sandwich. Their fried shrimp is some of the best we’ve had in Destin. For children, the chicken fingers are excellent -- not too heavily breaded. I usually try to avoid the fries, but they’re always freshly prepared, lightly fried, and so tasty. Some favorites of our friends’ teenagers include the strawberry daiquiries (without alcohol)-- almost a meal in themselves -- and the cheeseburgers. The inside menu has a greater variety, and although the seating is indoors the water views are also spectacular.

Callahan’s is another restaurant in Destin that we could not do without. It’s located just off Hwy. 98, one block east of Main Street (last year it was located on Holiday Isle). There’s no view, but they don’t need one because the food is consistently some of the best in Destin, or really anywhere. There are so many great options. My favorite is the steak Caesar salad. It’s a huge portion, so we usually split an order, or have another meal leftover. Their fried shrimp is excellent, also the Reuben sandwiches, vegetables, the hot dogs, any of their ever-changing specials, including the fried seafood platter. And their shrimp salad is perfect -- we always order some to go for sandwiches the next day. Other items displayed in a long case at the front of the restaurnant include deli meats and cheeses, fabulous steaks, salads and scrumptious desserts. Actually, everything we’ve ever ordered there has been fabulous -- and the menu is extensive. Every day the chef offers a dozen or more specials. To avoid waiting, plan to arrive a little early or late for lunch or dinner -- this is a popular restaurant -- and you’ll see why after just one meal.

We often go to Pepitos for Mexican food, also located just off Hwy. 98 East a couple of blocks past Main Street. We usually go for lunch, but last week, between Christmas and New Year‘s, we headed there for dinner around 6:30 and were surprised to find it packed, especially since Destin is not normally so crowded during December. My daughter loves their soft tacos and refried beans -- also the chips and salsa. Prices are very reasonable on the children’s menu and the regular menu. I’m always amazed at the variety of their menu, and they’ve done a great job of featuring many of the entrees in photographs on the menu. The chips and salsa are among the best of any Mexican restaurant we’ve visited. The chips are always fresh out of the oven and the homemade salsa is so good we really would go there just for a few bowls of that. My husband always orders a combination platter that includes his favorite item -- Chile Rellenos. I’ve always enjoyed the fajitas -- especially the shrimp fajitas. The shrimp quesadillas are also excellent. This time I tried something new -- the grilled fish served over finely chopped, seasoned vegetables with lettuce and beans on the side. Everything was delicious. Despite the large crowd, we waited only briefly at our table for the salsa to arrive. Service is always excellent. We also enjoyed a fantastic Margarita -- neither too sweet nor too sour, it was just right. (The Top Shelf Margarita is worth the extra couple of dollars.)

For fine dining options, we have several favorites. Marina Café is located on the harbor and is always a favorite because they have a great upscale menu, lovely ambience, and a convenient location -- on Hwy 98 just 5 minutes from our Holiday Isle location. My favorite menu item is the redfish. It’s one of their signature dishes that they’ve kept on the menu for years. Their salads are consistently great. Dinner is pricey, but reasonable and worth it. However, they do have some great specials. We love to go to there Sunday-Thursday 5-7 pm for half-price sushi rolls or gourmet pizza (we usually have enough of a crowd to have both) and half-priced drinks, including wine, beer and mixed and specialty drinks. (We’d go just for the martinis -- I love the classic dry martini, but they have a huge list to suit any taste. Until at least the end of Janury this bar special is also available weekends.) I’ve enjoyed every meal I’ve ever had there, but some friends report occasional disappointments. Still, I recommend this place highly and I always want to go there when we have a babysitter available. It’s not recommended for children.

My absolute favorite dining experience is Café Provence. It’s not in Destin, but close enough. It’s located on Hwy. 98 just before the turn to Hwy. 30A, if you’re heading there from Destin. Every time we’ve been the whole evening has been fabulous. The French chef/owner and his wife usually greet their guests during the meal. The atmosphere is relaxed, quiet and casually elegant. On our first visit there, I ordered the grouper entrée, and it was so tender and flakey and tasty and fresh that I’ve ordered it every time we return. My husband always orders something different, either lamb or beef and he’s always been delighted.

Last summer the much-anticipated Commander’s Palace opened in Destin. We went a couple of times, once with our daughter for the jazz brunch. She declared shortly after arriving that this is her favorite place and she wants to come here all the time. It is fancy and the view and décor stand out even among the other great Destin establishments. “Well, that’s nice,” we said, “but this is a special occasion place” -- even for brunch it was a pricey outing, but definitely worth the splurge. We enjoyed everything about the whole experience, from the delightful cocktails to the beautiful views of the East Pass, Gulf of Mexico and Destin Harbor to the charming jazz musicians who visit each table and take requests.

Some of our other favorites are Hog’s Breath -- not just barbeque and ribs -- their seafood is awesome. However, back to barbeque -- we always order a pound each of the pulled chicken and pulled pork, plus a few sides, such as coleslaw and potato salad, to keep in the fridge while we’re in town. (Be sure to get plenty of sauce, especially the white sauce for the chicken. )We don’t usually order ribs unless we’re entertaining guests, but they have the best fall-off-the-bone, tender juicy ribs. And we love their Brunswick stew. All their sides are big crowd-pleasers as well, including the slaw (we’re picky about slaw and this passes the test -- it’s not too sweet), the potato salad and the baked beans.

A few other Destin restaurants we highly recommend, and will visit again soon (and write about here), include Louisianna Lagniappe, Harbor Docks, Harry T’s, Ocean Club, Zampieri's, Dewey Destin’s, The Boathouse, La Paz, The Crab Trap, Gourmet Entrees to Go, Gugliemo’s, and Beach Walk Café. We also regularly visit Staff’s in Fort Walton, and we’ll drive to Hwy 30A for many of their great restaurants, including Basmati’s, Bud & Alley’s, Café 331, and the famous Red Bar in Grayton Beach -- among others.

See Ya on Anna Maria

noreply@blogger.com (charlie) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 19:07:00 +0000

Anna Maria Island, located just off the southwest coast of Florida, was first discovered by local Indian tribes and later by Spanish explorers, but it wasn’t until the early 1900’s that that the island began to be settled. Much has changed since those early days, but even now Anna Maria Island has a certain innocence and charm about it which is unmatched by any other tropical destination. The old wooden bridge from the mainland is long gone, having been replaced by a more modern structure making it easy to access the island on Manatee Avenue from the nearby town of Bradenton. If you happen to be in Sarasota and wish to take the scenic route, you can follow Gulf Of Mexico Drive all the way up Longboat Key until you pass over the crystal clear waters of Longboat Pass and make the short drive over from nearby Bradenton Beach. Either way you choose to get here, you’ll be glad you came.
When I first visited Anna Maria, I was moved by the friendliness and simple lifestyle of the island natives, and I must say the longer I was here, the more at home I felt until I didn’t want to leave at all…it’s that kind of place. There’s plenty to do and explore on this enchanted island, from restaurants and shopping to fishing, golf, and water sports of all kinds. Of course, some folks prefer to do nothing at all unless you count walking on desolate beaches, swimming with the dolphins, and catching up on your reading. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that this island community offers a free trolley service, but there are plenty of bicycles and mopeds to go around as well. For all you boat lovers, there are two full-service marinas on the island which offer boat slips, fishing charters, and everything you’ll need to store and maintain your boat. You’ll find museums, historical attractions and eco-tourism opportunities aplenty to enjoy during your stay – so there’s never a chance you’ll run out of things to do. Best of all, there is no need to plan your day around the best times to avoid big crowds, long lines and traffic delays like so many other resorts.
When approaching Anna Maria on Gulf Drive, it’s impossible not to get a little excited as you prepare to leave all of your cares and worries behind. As you round the bend and pass by Manatee County Beach on your left, you can almost feel the warm sand between your toes and the waves lapping at your feet. Almost before you know it, you’re here – right in the middle of “downtown” historic Anna Maria on Holmes Beach! You begin to feel a bit more relaxed as you prepare to check into the lodging of your choice, knowing all to well that you really deserve this vacation. Whether you’ve chosen to stay in one a 1 or 2-bedroom cottage, a quaint island home, or a magnificent 5-bedroom retreat, you’re in store for a real tropical getaway. If a Bed and Breakfast is more your cup of tea, Anna Maria has just the place for you. You can stay inland, close to the island’s cultural center, or right on the beach! Whichever type of accommodation you prefer, you’re sure to make a whole new set of friends while you’re here and discover the true meaning of carefree island living.
There are simple, delightful gastronomic surprises here to be sure, from the delicious homemade sandwiches prepared daily at Jessie’s Island Store, to the authentic Bohemian jerk chicken, bangers and mash served just a short hop away at newly restored Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Whether it’s a good hamburger you crave, fine dining, or some of the best seafood you ever tasted, you won’t have to look far to find a restaurant that will satisfy your cravings. Some of the more popular dining choices on the island include Beach Bistro, City Pier, Da Giorgio, Duffy’s Tavern, Sandbar, and Waterfront Restaurant which overlooks Tampa Bay.
One of the nice things about Anna Maria Island is that it’s so easy to get around – the island has a well-defined perimeter and it’s actually quite possible to cover the whole island in under thirty minutes by car! Gulf Drive basically parallels the beach and will take you all the way to the north end of the island. From there, you can simply follow North Shore Drive around to Bay Boulevard on the bay side, which will lead you back to Bimini Bay and Marina Drive in the heart of the cultural district. While you’re at the north end of the island, be sure to take timeout for a carefree stroll at Bean Point where you can watch the seagulls, sandpipers and pelicans frolic in the surf while clusters of sea oats wave lazily in the steady island breezes. If you follow Pine Avenue all the way to where it intersects Bay Boulevard on the bayside, you can park your car for free and walk out to the end of City Pier which offers splendid fishing and sightseeing in addition to delicious casual dining. If there are shoppers in your group, Bayview Plaza across the street has a fine collection of upscale shops which sell everything from apparel, antiques, art, and gifts to gourmet coffee and ice cream. You can even stop by the Post Office while you’re here if you need to pick up a stamp or mail a postcard. Wherever you go on this tropical island paradise, you’re sure to find more of the same – friendly people, pleasant surroundings and a laid-back attitude that is unmatched anyplace else.
When you consider that Anna Maria Island is located within an hour’s drive of Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota, you begin to get a sense of the endless cultural, sports and entertainment adventures that await you – from the Dali Museum, Ringling Museum of Art, Selby Gardens and Mote Marine Aquarium to Tampa’s Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, and the Sarasota West Coast Symphony. If you like sports, there’s plenty to go around between Tampa Bay Buccaneers football, Devil Rays baseball and Tampa Bay Lightning hockey, not to mention the David Ledbetter Golf Academy, Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy and IMG Academy which are all located in Bradenton. However you choose to spend your time during your stay, there’s something for everyone on this scenic tropical wonderland, which has been welcoming visitors now for over a hundred fun filled years.

Living Is Easy On Sanibel and Captiva

noreply@blogger.com (charlie) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 20:57:00 +0000

From the moment you cross over the newly renovated Causeway Bridge onto Sanibel Island ($6.00 toll for all 4-wheel vehicles), there is a mixed sense of coming home, nostalgia, and time standing still…but above all a profound sense of relief that you’ve finally made it back to this idyllic spot on the planet which surely must have been heaven-sent. The feeling begins to grow as you pass familiar sights…the blue and yellow Chamber of Commerce sign which warmly welcomes you onto the island, and the four-way stop a short distance up ahead which quietly beckons all incoming traffic to a halt…and then becomes downright overpowering as you make a right turn onto Periwinkle Way and gaze down its long straightaway at tall, majestic coconut palms swaying on either side of the road in soft island breezes.

There’s the Lazy Flamingo next to Dairy Queen on the right (the only fast food joint other than Subway that’s made it onto the island), and a little further up, the aqua and pink She Sells Sea Shells By The Seashore gift shop (which if I must admit, I still have trouble saying). There are my two favorite Italian restaurants Dolce Vita and Matzaluna, and before you know it, the Beachview Golf Club’s fairways come into view as they stretch out alongside the road, which lets me know for sure that I really am back on Sanibel (and also serves as a reminder that I need to set aside one day for lunch at Beachview so I can enjoy one of their delicious chicken salad sandwiches). While I carefully mind the customary 35mph speed limit and plod lazily along, Billy’s Bicycle Rentals suddenly appears out of the lush, green foliage and I smile to myself as a fresh group of island tourists merrily begin hopping on their bikes to set out on an “official” tour of the island. It’s only when I catch a glimpse of the Bank Of The Islands a little further up, that it all officially begins to sink in, and I realize that I must be almost to Jerry’s Foods, which just happens to be one my favorite grocery stores of all time and certainly the most colorful (I still wonder how a bunch of Minnesotans found their way to Sanibel, much less managed to open a trendy, upscale grocery store).

Knowing that it’s virtually impossible to pass by Jerry’s without stopping, I pull over in the quaint parking lot and pause just long enough while I’m getting out of the car to take in a long, deep breath of relaxing salt air. Yep, I’m baccckkk alright…and it almost feels too good to be true. As I make my way up the sidewalk toward Jerry’s, I begin to hear the loud, intermittent screeching of all those bright tropical parrots resting in their cages outside the store, who seem all to eager to carry on several conversations at once with curious passers-by, young parents and their children. I make sure to check out all the local notices and announcements posted on the store windows, and take a quick peak inside adjacent shops selling everything from beachwear to fine spirits. As I walk into Jerry’s Foods, I am overcome with a sense of prosperity and well-being…even though the rest of the world may be in utter chaos – all seems well here at Jerry’s on Sanibel. After I peruse the shelves and salad bar and pick up a few essentials that I know I can’t live without, it’s time to do some exploring and see what’s new on the island since my last visit.

Feeling a little shopped out at this point, I decide to pass by the Tahitian Gardens just this once, which is yet another array of boutique shops, specialty stores, and restaurants nearby featuring the Sanibel Cafe…and yes, the original Cheeburger Cheeburger, best known for its delicious shakes, HUGE cheeseburgers, and “Invent Your Own Taste” hamburgers and salads, which my diet says is strictly off limits for now. If it’s a jolt of caffeine you want, you can’t go wrong with the Sanibel Bean, a favorite local establishment serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, but best known for its tempting selection of island coffees, homemade pastries and hand-dipped ice cream (also advertising free wireless Internet and a friendly welcome to “polite” dogs). Just up ahead at the intersection of Periwinkle and Tarpon Road, which happens to be one of the main intersections on the island, you’ll find Amy’s Over Easy Café across the way which I consider to be one of the top10 breakfast places in the entire universe. Amy’s is open daily for breakfast and lunch, but be sure to come early during peak season because the line has been known to stretch clear around the building! Whether you prefer fancy omelets, French toast, mouth-watering blueberry pancakes or eggs Benedict in the morning – they have it at Amy’s, but don’t you think of leaving without trying one of their giant orange or cinnamon rolls – they’re to die for!

While we’re on the subject of hangouts, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention another of my all-time favorites, Doc Ford’s Sanibel Rum Bar & Grille, which is located just off Sanibel-Captiva Road, the main drag to Captiva. Serving fresh seafood and a complete repertoire of sandwiches, salads and appetizers (not to mention raw oysters out back in Dinkin’s Bay Raw Bar), Doc Ford’s has one of those one-of-a-kind atmospheres that definitely needs to be a part of your Sanibel experience. If you find you’ve left something at home, not to worry! Since 1899, Bailey’s General Store has sold specialty items and groceries so that you’ll never have to worry about going back to the mainland once you set foot on the island. They’ll even deliver your groceries right to your door – just phone in or fax your order.

By the way, while you’re here, be sure to visit the “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge which is home to a wide variety of shorebirds, alligators and native plants, and offers traveling exhibits, education programs and lecture series throughout the year. The Wildlife Drive at the refuge is open Saturday-Thursday from 7:30 am until sunset year round, and the Education Center is open daily from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm January 1-April 30 and from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm May 1-December 31. It is no secret that Sanibel has long been considered to be one of the top shelling destinations in the world, with December through April generally being regarded as the best months for shelling. Just pick up a shelling bag, set out on your favorite stretch of beach, and before long you should be able to bring home some memorable seashell treasures! While you hunt for that special seashell, you’ll be able to enjoy some quiet time and witness some of the most spectacular sunsets that you’ll ever want to see. Whether you prefer fishing, golf, or just plain kicking back and enjoying Sanibel’s laid-back island lifestyle, there’s something for everyone on this scenic tropical oasis.

If that isn’t enough to satisfy your tropical longings, you’ll find another jewel in this sparkling crown of Southwest Florida just a stone’s throw away. Captiva Island may not be as large or as well known as its sister island, but it ranks right up there with Sanibel in terms of exclusivity and charm. Frolicking seagulls and dolphins greet you as you cross the unassuming 2-lane bridge onto Capitva, and right away you're transported to an idyllic setting of tranquility and contentment. Breathtaking foliage and flowers make this a tropical wonderland laced with stately homes and magnificent retreats. A little further up and you'll come to Captiva Village, an eclectic collection of shops, restaurants and vintage inns. If it’s early evening, you’re likely to hear the lively notes of guitars and saxophones as they drift up on gentle island breezes from the outdoor courtyard at the Keylime Bistro. Across the street, The Island Store sells all the groceries and necessities you will need so that you won’t have to stray once you’ve settled in. RC Otters is popular for its micro brews and Latte Da Café makes yummy fresh sandwiches and salads to go with their gourmet coffee and award winning desserts. There’s even an English Pub close by called Mucky Duck which has been serving up fine food and authentic British atmosphere for over 25 years. Then there’s the ever popular Sunshine Café offering such specialties as Asian marinated duck breast, Colorado lamp chops, and wood grilled filet mignon, all prepared in an open kitchen. Needless to say, when you take into account that Captiva Island boasts some of the finest resorts found anywhere in the world, you can begin to appreciate what a true gem this “little sister” to Sanibel really is.

When planning your vacation to Sanibel or Captiva, you’ll find a fabulous selection of resorts, homes and condominiums from which to choose, just begging to serve as your island headquarters for a few days, a week, a month or even longer! Some things in life never seem to change…life on these enchanted islands is easy, but just remember that when it’s time to leave…it’s not too early to begin counting the days until your next visit to this beautiful paradise by the sea.

renee@beachguide.com (Renee) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:32:00 +0000

Save BIG on your Beach Vacation Getaway

Savvy travelers know that www.BeachGuide.com is one of the net's best sources for beach vacation planning. And now our site is better than ever, with an updated Vacation Specials section that offers info on hot deals all along the Florida and Alabama Gulf Coast. Just click on www.BeachGuide.com/Specials for discount hotel reservations, affordable family vacation packages, last-minute vacation packages, golfing packages, and other travel incentives. We've made it easy for resort owners to revise their information, so it's always up to date. Check out our Specials, and book a dream vacation at a very affordable price.

Summer Travel Budgeting Tips from BeachGuide.com

o Plan ahead to discover the shortest route. Tips from locals can often save hours of travel time and gallons of gasoline. They also should be able to point out the best spots for bathroom breaks and meals en route. Also, check out our blog post from May on Quick Driving Directions to Destin, SanDestin, Hwy 30A and Fort Walton.

o Rent a condo or single-family home. These are incredible vacation values for those traveling on a tight budget because they offer fully equipped kitchens. It's easy to save money by eating fewer meals out.

o Buy tickets to water parks and other attractions online. Many times, purchasing online saves $5 to $10 per person on entry fees.

o When renting a house or condo, check out the property management firm's website for coupons and other money-saving offers. Often, these management professionals have already negotiated discounted fees from local vendors.

o Fill the gas tank prior to arrival, and bring bathing suits, towels, floats, and nonperishable groceries. Tourist areas generally have higher prices on just about everything, especially gasoline. In fact, filling the tank about an hour away saves an average of 10 to 20 cents per gallon. Finally, just relax and have fun. An annual vacation is a priceless time to enjoy family and friends.

renee@beachguide.com (Renee) — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:41:00 +0000

DAC Fitness Center opens in Destin

Do you exercise regularly, but dread getting out of your routine when you go on vacation? If you're headed to Destin, Florida you'll be pleased to know there is a new Destin Athletic Club Fitness Center by Holiday Isle in Destin, Florida. The location is convenient to all areas of Destin – in the Shoreline Village Mall next to West Marine and the Texaco on the corner of Gulfshore Drive and US 98 East. I’ve been in to exercise numerous times and really appreciate the relaxed atmosphere, the variety of machines, and the friendly staff.

We bought an annual family membership. However, the club offers daily, weekly or monthly memberships. Another option is to buy a 10-visit punchcard that can be used by families or individuals.

I was glad to see that this gym has all the latest Cybex weight resistance training equipment. There are always staff members nearby if you need assistance. To arrange a personalized training session call 850-837-7300 or visit their website at http://www.dacfitness.com/.

Lining the back wall you’ll find treadmills, ellipticals, and all kinds of bicycles – recumbent, upright and two with interactive video games. Be sure to bring some headphones – you can plug directly into a TV at your cardiovascular machine and tune in whichever TV channel you prefer.