Vacation to Florida..I Need Ideas...Places/Things?

Thanks, Outtahere for the good suggestion...

Our teenage son had fun looking for shark's teeth at Venice Beach, but he would enjoy a new area to search... Hopefully we'll make it back to the area next year!

[renferme]

Originally Posted by ebisky

so many ideas.

I think we're going to visit the Bok Sanctuary, that place looks pretty relaxing.

We may also stop by Edison's Winter home on the way back from the airport when we first get down there since we are flying into Ft. Myers.

If anyone else has more ideas, let me know by Wednesday, because that's when we're leaving!

By all means, stop and see Edison's home - very worthwhile !
.

[Outtahere]

Manasota Key is not far from Venice Beach, I've been there too, just too crowded for me.

[Ed_The_Gypsy]

oh, yeah:

If you are driving, pump your own gas. Don't let the attendent anywhere near your car. Chase him off. Unless you want to buy a new set of tires or a new alternator.

Ed the old carney

[Maximillion]

I have spent almost a month here, Highway 19 is INSANE.

Sarasota and Dunedin have turned out to be the places we will look seriously at for spending winters, Sarasota has a good edge, neat place, very artsy.

ALL People we have met have been very friendly, I also am now more convinced that there is a Real Estate Bubble.

Huge building projects, prices 3 x that of a few years ago, lot of flipping of properties.

Weather is 80, and Honey Moon Island north of Dunedin is agreat place to laze and to fish.

Most places and all Parks do not let you take in Pets, if you are travelling with a dog, you will pay a surcharge, here it is almost $150.

[lets-retire]

I agree real estate is expensive here.* The main reason, is it is close to Tampa and the county is pretty much built out.* All of this means it probably won't get any more congested and your close to everything, making it a great place to retire if your from a city.* Me, I'm a countryboy and will be vacating this area within the next couple of months for pastures.* Hey if your interested my house will be for sale real soon and I'll make you a great deal.

[audreyh1]

Sanibel/Captiva is wonderful.

One of the BEST vacations I ever had was when we went to the Colgate School of sailing on Captiva island to get our keelboat sailing certification. You stay at a resort there.

It was a BLAST. Sailing racing sailboats in 20 knot winds no less!!

Bald eagles hang out on the golf course. Ospreys everywhere.

The beaches are amazing - inches thick with shells.

We also visited the Ding Darling NWR. One of our all time favs.

Audrey

[sailor]

Originally Posted by audreyh1

Sanibel/Captiva is wonderful.
One of the BEST vacations I ever had was when we went to the Colgate School of sailing on Captiva island to get our keelboat sailing certification. You stay at a resort there.

Are they already open?
I heard South Seas Resort have been wiped out by the hurrricane last year.
BTW: It was the most expensive marina I ever docked at. But DW liked it.

South Seas on Captiva is supposed to open this week.* It sustained a lot of hurricane damage but has been renovated and is supposed to be much better than before because of all of the upgrades, etc.*

We heard about the opening last week while on Captiva..

[johnlw]

Eating spots:

St. Petersburg:

Burger Joint/Sports Bar: El Cap
Smoked Fish: Ted Peter's Smoked Fish
Upscale Fish Joint: Bonefish Grill ( the one on 4th street)


Tampa:

Cuban Food: La Terisita (cheap, lots of food, and good)
Steak House: Bern's (a landmark, the kitchen tour is interesting) or Charley's (both are pricey)

Tarpon Springs:

Great Greek Food: Hella's (Everybody say: OPA! Make sure to visit the adjoining bakery)

Hudson (north of Tarpon Springs)

Quirky, unique french Restaurant: Ile De France (Great tableside flambe, also, you have to love a place where the owner and the cook come out and sing)

Land O Lakes:

Italian: Benedetto's

[audreyh1]

Originally Posted by sailor

Are they already open?
I heard South Seas Resort have been wiped out by the hurrricane last year.
BTW: It was the most expensive marina I ever docked at. But DW liked it.

We got our sailing certification in December 1997! I forgot about that nasty hurricane in 2004. Glad to hear they have finally opened.

I bet it's an expensive Marina! We enjoyed watching the rich folks lounging on their fancy yachts with drinks in their hands. The yachts were all decorated in Xmas lights - very pretty.

Manatees hung around the marina too. They come in for the fresh water.

Further down in Captiva we saw a policeman stopped with lights flashing. Two teenagers trying to carry a full-grown alligator across the road - WHAT?!?

Audrey

[Nords]

Originally Posted by audreyh1

Two teenagers trying to carry a full-grown alligator across the road - WHAT?!?

Probably to get it to the other side...

[cute fuzzy bunny]

Why the heck didnt they just staple it to the chicken then?