BeachBum

New apps help you beat the traffic on memorial Day Weekend

2011-06-24T15:00:00.001-07:00

Is it Memorial Day Weekend yet?
Can’t wait? I’m ready, too. It’s a major traveling holiday, of course, which means there could be — will be? — congestion out there on the highways.
To help travelers across the country this Memorial Day, www.Appitalism.com , the mobile app superstore, has put together a list of the top apps [...]

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Evening on Sanibel Causeway

2011-06-24T03:00:00.001-07:00

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Happy Memorial Day. Thanks to all that have served!

2011-06-23T03:01:00.001-07:00

This weekend is Memorial Day and we hope everyone has a good holiday and enjoys Sanibel & Captiva. While you are out enjoying the beaches and water, make sure to give thanks to all of the soldiers through out our country?s history who have given their life for the United States.

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TripAdvisor.com Lists Sanibel and Captiva Island Among the World?s Best Beaches!

2011-06-22T14:01:00.001-07:00

Wow! This is really cool! TripAdvisor.com is one of the most active travel sites on the web with the basis of its service being real customer reviews based on real experiences of travelers to a particular location. This year, 2011, is the first time that they have put out a list of the “Best U.S. [...]

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Beach camping at Lake Tahoe

2011-06-22T00:00:00.001-07:00

Beautiful Lake Tahoe is renowned for being the hub of some of the best skiing in the world. Squaw Valley, Heavenly and Alpine Meadows are just a few of the world class ski resorts that surround this famous alpine...

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B&B in One of the Most Beautiful Villages in France

2011-06-20T23:00:00.001-07:00

There are 150 villages dotted around France that have the prestigious designation of ?most beautiful villages of France?. Charroux, in central France, is just one of these villages: with charming stone walled cottages, ivy covered gateways, beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and every store selling either locally produced foods or handicrafts. With no lack [...]

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ResortQuest Southwest Florida Names Trevor Hind General Manager

2011-06-20T11:00:00.001-07:00

In his new role at ResortQuest, Hind will oversee 75 employees in nine offices in a span of 150-miles along the Southwest Florida coast. Areas include Bradenton, Sarasota, Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island, Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva Islands and Naples.

(PRWeb July 23, 2007)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/resortquest/general-manager/prweb541121.htm

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Ramada Suites Orlando Airport

2011-06-18T23:00:00.001-07:00

An ideal accommodation for the business traveler or vacationer trying to avoid the tourist crowds, the Ramada Suites Orlando Airport is located less than a mile away from the Orlando International Airport and just a short drive from all of the attractions that have made Orlando an international tourist destination.

Guests of the Ramada Suites Orlando Airport can enjoy free amenities such as high speed wireless Internet, hot breakfast, outdoor parking, airport shuttle, fitness center and newspapers in the lobby. Nearly a dozen restaurant chains are a short walk or drive from the hotel. The hotel?s business center includes a computer, copy fax service and printer. Best of all, guests have room to move about in this all-suite non-smoking hotel with separate sitting areas.

Ramada Suites at Orlando International Airport is also a proud member of the Wyndham Rewards program a free travel rewards program where guests can earn points redeemable for hundreds of rewards, just for staying at one of Wyndham?s more than 6,000 locations around the globe. Travelers looking for an ideal ?base of operations? for their next trip to Orlando can get started at the Ramada Suites Orlando Airport.

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Gulf Coast seeing tourism increase since last year?s oil spill

2011-06-18T11:00:00.001-07:00

All along Florida?s Gulf Coast, the hotels, restaurants, and other tourism industry related businesses are hoping that visitors will soon be coming back to the beach after last year?s spill in the Gulf of Mexico caused environmental damage and kept tourists away, even in areas that had been untouched by the BP/Deepwater Horizon industrial accident.

The Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Blog is reporting that tickets purchased through Expedia.com to Panama City Beach for March are up by 156 per cent compared to last year, which is a hopeful sign to local businesses that were devastated by the loss in revenue during the 2010 season. As the college students begin their spring break vacations, Panama City Beach hotels, bars and restaurants are already hosting special events that cater to the youthful crowds.

And just to make sure Panama City Beach is ready for the influx of students this season, the VisitPanamaCityBeach.com website has a full listing of events?as well as a listing of spring break dates for just about every major university east of the Mississippi River.

Farther down the coast, the beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel is reporting that nearly 178,000 visitors who spent $288.5 million during the month of January 2011. According to the Lee County Tourist Development Council (TDC), total visitation was down 2.5 percent from last January, but the number of visitors in paid accommodations increased 2.2 percent.
More information on events and accommodations at the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel is available at www.FortMyersSanibel.com.

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Sanibel and Sunshine: Things to Know Before You Go

2011-06-17T23:00:00.001-07:00

We are full throttle into summer, the days are hot and sunny and though off set by other factors, visitors should not be mislead. Neither the cooling waters of the Gulf nor the balmy breeze through the trees will protect you from the sun's rays. If you want to be outdoors, the only real defense against sun burn is staying in the shade.

But, hey, who is going to come all the way to the beautiful and tropical Island of Sanibel and stay in the shade all day? You know you will want to jump into the sea, take a dip in the pool, bike the Island or in some way immerse yourself in the inviting embrace of el sol.

But before you slather up, there are some things to keep in mind about the efficacy and impact of using sun screen. According to recent research, some sun tan lotions are more harmful than beneficial.

A form of vitamin A is added to some sunscreens to minimize the aging effects of the sun. What?s not to love about that? Potentially plenty: Researchers with the National Toxicology Program say retinyl palmitate?a vitamin-A compound used in at least 40 percent of American sunscreens?may speed up the development of skin cancer?related tumors and lesions when used on skin hit with sunlight.

And Vitamin A isn?t the only controversial ingredient slipped into some SPFs. Oxybenzone and octinoxate, common block chemicals, are linked to allergic contact dermatitis and photocontact dermatitis (irritation caused when certain chemicals are on skin that?s exposed to sunlight), as well as hormone disruption, in lab animals. But your sun screen can not only damage you, it can damage the environment as well.

Twenty thousand tons of sunscreen wash off swimmers, divers, and surfers into the oceans every year, eventually affecting marine life, according to a 2008 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives. And coral reefs are getting especially creamed. Researchers say sunscreens with octinoxate, oxybenzone, parabens, or camphor derivatives are killing hard corals (which could negatively impact biodiversity and reef ecosystems). None of this is a problem if you?re hiking, biking, or sunbathing on dry land. But if you plan to swim in the sea, slather on a biodegradable sunscreen that doesn?t contain ingredients that are mean to marine life.

Before using any sunscreen, make sure it has not expired, has been stored properly, and that any medication you are on will not make you more prone to burning.

Sanibel sunshine awaits your arrival, but do play it safe!

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Deep sea fishing without a boat at the Florida Skyway Fishing Pier

2011-06-16T23:00:00.001-07:00

Sunshine Skyway BridgeAnyone that has driven any distance around the state knows that here in Florida old bridges never die; they just become fishing piers. I came across one of the most elaborate I have encountered as I...

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ResortQuest Southwest Florida Launches a New Real Estate Website

2011-06-16T11:00:00.001-07:00

ResortQuest Naples launches a new, comprehensive Real Estate website with numerous features to guide the potential buyer and seller.

(PRWeb March 03, 2008)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/ResortQuest-Naples/Real-Estate/prweb724674.htm

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Sanibel's First Day of Spring

2011-06-15T21:00:00.001-07:00

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Top ten California beach camping sites - part two

2011-06-14T20:00:00.001-07:00

Continuing my list of favorite beach camping spots in California we head south towards San Francisco and the central coast area. Like most of the campgrounds to the north these top ten spots are State Park Campgrounds...

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2007 Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup Comes to Punta Gorda

2011-06-14T08:00:00.001-07:00

Recognized as one of the most visible and lucrative redfish tournaments in the world, the Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup will offer more than $1.1 million dollars in guaranteed cash payouts to anglers. ResortQuest provides discount Port Charlotte stays for weekend visitors.

(PRWeb April 11, 2007)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/redfish-cup/fishing-tournament/prweb517999.htm

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Perfect Sanibel Weather

2011-06-13T20:01:00.001-07:00

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Gulf Coast seeing tourism increase since last year?s oil spill

2011-06-12T20:01:00.001-07:00

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Top ten California beach camping sites - part two

2011-06-12T08:01:00.001-07:00

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Sanibel: THE Place for a Baby Moon

2011-06-11T20:00:00.001-07:00

Are you expecting?

Are you needing a break with your spouse before the new baby arrives?

Are you looking for a romantic getaway?
A tropical retreat?

A break from the cold and icy weather where you are?

Sanibel could be the magic bullet for all that ails you, offering near perfect destination for mom and dad to be.

This quiet, lush Island will provide the expecting couple an opportunity to connect and enjoy each other before the bouncing baby boy or baby girl enters their world. With 12 miles of walking and biking trails, 2/3 of the Island a nature preserve and beaches that are only gently used by other humans, Sanibel is a rare find in the continental USA.

Want to enjoy a candle lit dinner where you can whisper sweet nothings to one another? Several Sanibel restaurants will give you the white table cloth and beautifully presented meal you need to feel pampered. You might dine at The Thistle Lodge or The Mad Hatter, both Gulf view restaurants renowned for the creativity in their kitchens.

How about a massage geared for the pregnant mom? The Sanibel Day Spa has just the right therapy for you. Enjoy this therapeutic relaxing massage on the comfort of our specifically designed body cushioning system. (Mommy to be must be past the first trimester for this massage)

Want to bring home something that baby can keep for ever and be told stories of how mommy and daddy enjoyed themselves while expecting? The beaches of the Island never disappoint. There are miles and miles of beaches with beautiful shells for collecting. What more lovely and symbolic a souvenir of your trip than a sea shell from the Island that offers the best shelling in the continental USA.

And if your preferences for a baby moon include some gentle exercise, there are many ways to stretch your legs and limber up. Walk the beach, bike the trails, explore Ding Darling Nature Preserve by foot.

Best of all, Sanibel Island has many vacation rentals so that you can spend your baby moon in a condo, house or cottage where just the two of you can really find the quietude and privacy to enjoy talking and thinking about your joyful event.

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Taste of the Beach in Fort Myers Beach, Florida

2011-06-10T20:00:00.001-07:00

12th Annual Taste of the Beach Takes Place on June 3, 2007 ResortQuest offers Fort Myers vacation homes and condos for visitors.

(PRWeb April 19, 2007)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/fort-myers/taste-beach/prweb520106.htm

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Top gifts for traveling dads? Cheapflights.com has ideas

2011-06-10T08:01:00.001-07:00

Wondering what to get for the world?s No. 1 dad this year? Cheapflights.com, the online travel site,�offers some ideas in its�list of Top�10 Father?s Day Travel Gadgets.
Below is a sample of the list, which yuo can find at www.Cheapflights.com
? Kodak PlaySport Video Camera – When you want to shoot video without lugging around a large [...]

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Central Florida Fair in Orlando Feb. 24 ? Mar. 6

2011-06-09T20:00:00.001-07:00

Orlando is no longer known for cattle ranching and orange groves, but it still upholds the 101 year old tradition of hosting the Central Florida Fair February 24 ? March 6, 2011 at the Central Florida Fairgrounds just three miles west of downtown Orlando on Colonial Drive (State Road 50).

For a fraction of the cost of the Orlando theme park attractions, visitors can enjoy festival food, midway games and rides and live entertainment, plus traditional agricultural fare such as livestock shows, exhibits, demonstrations and competitions.

The gate admission prices for the 2011 Central Florida Fair are as follows:
? Adult admission: $10
? Student and senior admission: $7
? Child admission: $5
? Children 5 and under: FREE
? Ride wristband (unlimited rides): $20 weekday/$25 weekend

Parking is free (another difference from the major theme parks) and tickets can be purchased in advance at reduced prices up until February 25 at 6:00 p.m. at the Central Florida Fair website. The website also includes a full listing of scheduled and entertainment fairground hours of operation for the Central Florida Fair.

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Travel Deals

2011-06-08T20:01:00.001-07:00

Keep track of Travel Deals to Sanibel and Captiva Islands; Updated Weekly

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A few Florida destinations ? including Disney World ? make this list of best Memorial Day beaches

2011-06-08T08:01:00.001-07:00

Somehow, I don’t really consider Disney World to be an authentic beach, but what do I know?
The Orlando attraction earned a spot on Oyster.com?s list of the top Memorial Day Weekend Beach Getaways.�Oyster?s expert hotel reviewers picked the eight best beachfront spots for just about everyone.
Oyster?s hotel “investigators” visited every property in person and took�hundreds [...]

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Sanibel Captiva Redneck O?Limp?ics, American Legion Post 123 2011

2011-06-07T20:00:00.001-07:00

Sanibel Captiva Redneck O?Limp?ics, American Legion Post 123 2011�Sanibel Captiva Redneck O?Limp?ics, American Legion Post 123 2011 was a great event! All had a wonderful time for a great cause. Check out the pictures below and remember you can download for free. Enjoy Sandy K P.S These are really funny!!!!

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Sanibel Video

2011-06-06T20:00:00.001-07:00

Sanibel Island Seashells - Sanibel Island is known world-wide for its seashells, but the beach is full of other mysterious items. We explain some of the island's odd beach finds and share Hot Tips in this short video.

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All About Fort Myers and Its Cheap Hotels

2011-06-06T08:01:00.001-07:00

Fort Myers has several tourist attractions such beautiful beaches postcard-perfect urban landscapes golf courses and oceanfront resorts Fort Myers is also known as the City of Palms

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Sanibel & Seashells

2011-06-05T20:01:00.001-07:00

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Hey all, Brandon Huff said a big hello to all on Sanibel Captiva!

2011-06-04T20:00:00.001-07:00

Hey all, Brandon Huff said a big hello to all on Sanibel Captiva!Hey all, Brandon Huff said a big hello to all on Sanibel Captiva! Brandon worked at Tween’ for years and we ran into him at Sam Selters in Fort Myers. Stop by and say Hi.

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Oh Yes The Shelling Is Wonderful

2011-06-04T08:00:00.001-07:00

Shelling on Sanibel Island Sanibel Island is a barrier island located off the southwest coast of Florida by Fort Myers. It has a population of 5,600 that quadruples during the winter which is prime tourist season. Sanibel Island is twelve miles long and four miles wide. Thousands of visitors flock to this island yearly to [...]

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Check out this hammer head shark caught off the beach!

2011-06-03T20:00:00.001-07:00

Hammer head on Sanibel Beach
This guy landed this hammer head shark on the beaches of Sanibel. It is a beautiful example of nature at it’s finest.
<embed src=”http://blip.tv/play/AcDiKozVUw” type=”application/x-shockwave-flash” width=”640″ height=”510″ allowscriptaccess=”always” allowfullscreen=”true”></embed>

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Visit Naples, Florida

2011-06-02T20:00:00.001-07:00

Naples is one of Southwest Florida’s gems. It boasts superlative beaches and many beautiful, challenging golf courses. It is widely recognized for its world-class shopping and abundant restaurants. Opportunities for outdoor recreation are numerous and varied: salt-water and fresh-water fishing, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, bird watching, and more. Explore the nearby Florida Everglades or take a [...]

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Key West Songwriters Festival April 27-May 1

2011-06-02T08:00:00.001-07:00

The island better known as Margaritaville will host more than 100 top songwriters performing some of their biggest hits in an intimate setting during the 16th annual Key West Songwriters Festival, which takes place Wednesday, April 27, through Sunday, May 1, featuring more than 40 shows on 28 stages.

The artists scheduled to perform include Raul Malo, lead singer for the Mavericks; award-winning Nashville hitmaker Jamey Johnson; Jerrod Niemann; Bo Bice of ?American Idol? fame, singer/songwriter Robert Earl Keen, Bob DiPiero; Randy Houser and songwriting legend Keith Stegall, who produced the number-one smash ?It?s Five O?Clock Somewhere? for Jimmy Buffett and Alan Jackson. Other performers include James Slater, who penned ?Key West Address,? and Chuck Cannon, who co-wrote ?How Do You Like Me Now?? with Country legend Toby Keith.

The venues for the Key West Songwriters Festival range from popular Key West bars and restaurants to musical sunset cruises, including Thursday and Friday night shows at the majestic San Carlos Institute Cuban cultural center. For event information, a full schedule and ticketing, visit www.kwswf.com.

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ResortQuest Southwest Florida Welcomes the 10th Annual Sarasota Film Festival

2011-06-01T20:00:00.001-07:00

Sarasota hosts a leading film festival in North America that will feature an outstanding line-up of feature films and documentaries, and attended by several celebrities. ResortQuest Southwest Florida offers hundreds of Sarasota vacation rentals, homes, condominiums and resort-style properties near the film festival

(PRWeb March 06, 2008)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/resortquest-sarasota/film-festival/prweb725023.htm

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Island Special Events

2011-05-31T20:00:00.001-07:00

A calendar of special events, activities and current information for Sanibel Island and Captiva Island, Florida

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Turtle Walk Thursday

2011-05-31T08:00:00.001-07:00

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Plein Air Paintout in NW Florida

2011-05-30T20:00:00.001-07:00

Art enthusiasts are invited to travel to NW Florida for the 2011 Plein Air Paintout, May 13-22. Plein Air painting first captured the hearts of artists in 19th century Europe. John Constable was one great artist to leave the studio behind. He painted the natural world as he saw it, when he saw it. Simple [...]

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Return to Lisbon, 2011

2011-05-29T20:00:00.001-07:00

I was in Lisbon alone for four or five days in 1994, I was in a surrealist movie, Manual of Evasion: LX94, directed by Edgar P�ra and featuring some great Portuguese actors plus me, Terence McKenna, and Robert Anton Wilson. I wrote up my 1994 impressions of the trip in a piece ?The Manual of [...]

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Punta Gorda Celebrates Wine and Food at Annual Festival

2011-05-29T08:00:00.001-07:00

The second annual Wine and Food Festival in Punta Gorda, Florida is Saturday, January 20, 2007. ResortQuest Southwest Florida offers Port Charlotte vacation rentals for visitors.

(PRWeb January 13, 2007)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/charlotte-harbor/vacation/prweb496847.htm

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Waterstone Association Management Announces that Connie Lang Director of Association Management has Earned PCAM Designation

2011-05-28T20:01:00.001-07:00

The Professional Community Association Manager PCAM designation is the highest level of professional recognition in the community association field.

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Tripping to Sanibel: Some "Insider" Tips On the Most Visited Advisor

2011-05-27T20:00:00.001-07:00

Like many vacation rental owners on Sanibel Island (and world wide), we market our properties on our own. We are professionally managed which certainly helps the long distance oversight, but we do put in a lot of effort to bring visibility to both our condo and house on the Island.

We do this in part because we know we will invest more time marketing per property than any agency can possibly do, and we do it in part because we like to. We like keeping some level of communication open with rental guests, feeling that it gives the guest as well as ourselves a greater level of confidence.

We use traditional vacation rental portals to market our places as well as social media. We like to think of the difference as the short tail versus the long tail of an internet search. Yes, we do get many bookings from people who find us on large (and small) vacation rental websites. But we also get good conversation going with people who bump into us on various social media. We don't care which direction an inquiry comes from. All are welcome.

A recent boost in inquiries has been through FlipKey/TripAdvisor. And I just wanted to point out some things a rental guest might want to keep in mind when searching these venues, though most inquiries come from TripAdvisor rather than the newer lesser known affiliate Flipkey.

TripAdvisor, which has featured both our properties in mass emails recently, offers a feature that I think may be a bit obscure but certainly important to rental guests. Not only can you search TA by number of rooms, availability and price, but you can drill down even further. Options to search by number of reviews and ratings by travelers are also available.

Of course it is self serving (we have 24 reviews for our condo and 15 for our house) to suggest that this function be utilized.

But let's face it. Once you know what condo or house is available for your dates, don't you want to know how many people have given your choice a good rating?

I know that information would be important to me!

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Best beach fireworks for your 4th of July travel

2011-05-27T08:00:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th of July!
I love professional fireworks shows, and of course the 4th of July brings out the best of the best. Although I agree that fireworks are awesome against the backdrop of skyscrapers, the skies above...

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ResortQuest Southwest Florida Offers Canada at Par on Condo Style Properties

2011-05-26T20:01:00.001-07:00

ResortQuest Southwest Florida offers Canada at Par on Condo Style Properties.

(PRWeb December 07, 2005)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/12/prweb319454.htm

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For a beach vacation on the cheap, try camping!

2011-05-25T20:00:00.001-07:00

One of the most important things to me when planning and taking a beach vacation is having a room with a view at a resort right on the beach. I know there are differing opinions on this matter, and...

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Islands? Night at the Ballpark Set To Remember Sam Bailey

2011-05-25T08:00:00.001-07:00

Anyone in the mood for baseball? Well, on Wednesday, May 18th, we carry forth the lovely memory of island legend, Sam Bailey, and one of his two legacy events, “Islands’ Night”. Started in 1993 as “a way to celebrate the two islands, Sanibel and Captiva, together”, he suggested an evening out at the baseball stadium [...]

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Top ten California beach camping sites - part two

2011-05-24T20:00:00.001-07:00

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Amelia Island Birds

2011-05-23T20:00:00.001-07:00

Sunset with Amelia's Birds Join the naturalists at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation and enjoy the spectacular view of the sun setting over the marsh. Guests will travel around the natural surroundings, spotting egrets, herons, waterfowl, and maybe even a bald eagle feeding and roosting. The cost is $10 per person and binoculars are provided for the event. Additional information is available at www.omniameliaislandplantation.com or by calling (904) 321-5082.

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Great Food on Amelia Island

2011-05-23T08:01:00.001-07:00

Eating out is one of the best parts of traveling. When we leave home we turn off our stoves, unplug our toasters, and hang up our dish towels. We feel content knowing we won’t be cooking or doing dishes again until we return. On vacation, others cook for us. Amelia Island Florida Bed and Breakfasts [...]

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Turtle Walk Thursday

2011-05-22T20:00:00.001-07:00

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Summer Family Vacation in Smugglers? Notch Vermont

2011-05-21T20:00:00.001-07:00

Last summer, my family went on a three-night vacation to Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont, and my kids are still talking about how much they loved it.� We’re planning to visit again this year, in July or August. One of the best things about Smuggs is that it’s a full resort – with kids’ camps, summer programs, [...]

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Sanibel: THE Place for a Baby Moon

2011-05-21T08:00:00.001-07:00

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SunPass Addresses and Phone Numbers

2011-05-20T20:00:00.001-07:00

Florida 's Turnpike Enterprise
SunPass Program

(General Mailing Address and Enrollments)
PO Box 880029
Boca Raton, FL 33488-0029
or
7941 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33434-3115

(TOLL-BY-PLATE Invoice)
PO Box 880089
Boca Raton, FL 33488-0089

(Replenishments)
PO Box 880049
Boca Raton, FL 33488-0049

(Violations)
PO Box 880069
Boca Raton, FL 33488-0069

Toll-Free Phone*	1-888-865-5352
Local Phone*	561-470-6650 ext. 7501
Fax (Toll free in FL only)*	1-888-265-1725
Fax (Out of state)*	1-561-470-6699
*Hours of Operation: 7:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M. Monday to Friday.

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No shoes, no pants, no problem at these clothing-optional beaches

2011-05-19T20:00:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite travel planning websites, Tripadvisor came out this week with their top five clothing optional beach picks. Based on my personal experience and research, I have to say I concur wholeheartedly with their selections...

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Lovin' Sanibel Today!

2011-05-19T08:01:00.001-07:00

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No shoes, no pants, no problem at these clothing-optional beaches

2011-05-18T20:01:00.001-07:00

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Daytona Beach is Biker Festivals, Beach Driving and a Great Fall Vacation

2011-05-17T20:00:00.001-07:00

When I think of Daytona Beach several things come to mind. I remember hanging out on the beach during the day getting ?the perfect tan? then going back to the room to freshen up, out to dinner and then clubbing all night. I really enjoyed meeting all the people from all over the country there [...]

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Sanibel's Warmth and Humidity

2011-05-17T08:01:00.001-07:00

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Sanibel Manatee Easy to See....so say some

2011-05-16T20:00:00.001-07:00

At our little farewell wine and cheese with our French neighbors here in Naples, we were entertained with a variety of stories.

The funniest one was of the French family's recent trip to Sanibel Island. Like us, they love Sanibel, and, like us, do find some distinct differences between the main land and the Island.

Apparently, the mom and dad are accustomed to getting up early and going to the beach while the two daughters sleep in. And this one morning, they jumped into the Gulf for a refreshing swim, but it did not last long. No sooner were they in the water than the dad felt a heavy hit to his torso. He yelled, mom began a desperate swim away and both were amazed as a huge, bewhiskered face lifted from the water and sprouted water from its huge mouth. They, and all those watching from shore alerted by the father's yell, just thought this was hilarious.

To be honest, I would have been frightened to death were it me. And to be perfectly honest, we have never seen a Manatee on Sanibel Island. Dolphins yes, birds of all kinds, yes, alligators, yes, even a couple of glimpses of bobcats, but not yet a Manatee. Yet our French friends claimed that they saw Manatees every day during their stay on Sanibel.

I have to believe them. A Manatee is a pretty hard thing to miss. Manatees have a mean mass of 400 to 550 kilograms (880 to 1,200 lb), and mean length of 2.8 to 3 metres (9.2 to 9.8 ft), with maximums of 3.6 metres (12 ft) and 1,775 kilograms (3,910 lb) seen (the females tend to be larger and heavier). When born, baby manatees have an average mass of 30 kilograms (66 lb).

In addition to their pure bulk, they have a face one would not forget. They have a large flexible prehensile upper lip that acts in many ways like a shortened trunk, somewhat similar to an elephant's. They use the lip to gather food and eat, as well as using it for social interactions and communications.

And, they are "up in the air" a great deal of the time, again making them an easy target. Half a manatee's day is spent sleeping in the water, surfacing for air regularly at intervals no greater than 20 minutes. Manatees spend most of the rest of the time grazing in shallow waters at depths of 1?2 metres (3.3?6.6 ft). The Florida subspecies (T. m. latirostris) has been known to live up to 60 years.

Though sometimes attacked by sharks and alligators, their main threat is man. Hurricanes, cold stress, red tide poisoning and a variety of other maladies threaten manatees, but by far their greatest danger is from watercraft strikes, which account for about a quarter of Florida manatee deaths.

They are mutilated by propellers on a regular basis, and the descriptions posted are pretty horrifying.

As on land, operators of moving vehicles are told to "slow down"....a good piece of advice for their own well being as well as those of the creatures threatened by life in the fast lane!

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Amelia Island Birds

2011-05-15T20:00:00.001-07:00

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ResortQuest Southwest Florida Employees Raise Money for American Cancer Society

2011-05-15T08:01:00.001-07:00

ResortQuest employees rose over $1,300 at the Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society in Naples, Florida.

(PRWeb May 06, 2008)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/resortquest-swfl/American-Cancer-Society/prweb905534.htm

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Sanibel's Warmth and Humidity

2011-05-14T20:00:00.001-07:00

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72 Years of Shells on Sanibel Island

2011-05-13T20:00:00.001-07:00

ResortQuest offers numerous Sanibel vacation rentals near the Shell Fair and Show

(PRWeb February 13, 2009)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/02/prweb2013604.htm

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HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO SANIBEL ISLAND AND CAPTIVA ISLAND!

2011-05-11T08:00:00.001-07:00

HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO SANIBEL ISLAND AND CAPTIVA ISLAND!

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This Blog is Taking Off

2011-05-10T20:00:00.001-07:00

Sanibel Bloggers are coming Ocean Reach Resort?s Sanibel Island Blog is extending its hand to more and more viewers every day. With a place for comments, sanibel photos, interviews, slideshows, videos, and more, Sanibel Island Blog is the blog to be on. Ocean Reach Resort is a condominium complex situated beachfront on the Gulf Coast [...]

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For great Sanibel-Captiva accomodations check this out!

2011-05-09T20:00:00.001-07:00

For great Sanibel-Captiva accommodations check this out!For great Sanibel-Captiva accommodations check this out! Are you looking for a piece in paradise on your next visit. Be sure to call Sanibel�Holiday for more info or click here to learn more. :�www.sanibelholiday.com????

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Stay in the Old South with Port Orleans Riverside at Walt Disney World

2011-05-09T08:00:00.001-07:00

While Port Orleans French Quarter is themed to the heart of New Orleans, Port Orleans Riverside brings the theme of the Old South/Bayou Country to Walt Disney World’s resort options. Long time Disney fans may remember the resort was originally called Dixie Landings (I don’t really know why they changed the name), and it’s separated [...]

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Happy Easter

2011-05-08T20:00:00.001-07:00

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Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week

2011-05-07T20:00:00.001-07:00

10-day dining event, Savor Sarasota will showcase Sarasota's chefs and dining establishments. Patrons will be able to enjoy multi-course meals at participating restaurants

(PRWeb May 07, 2007)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/sarasota/savor/prweb524479.htm

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ResortQuest Acquires Turtle Crawl Inn on Longboat Key

2011-05-07T08:00:00.001-07:00

The management contract expands ResortQuest's presence in Southwest Florida, where it currently manages nearly 1,000 vacation rentals.

(PRWeb August 15, 2007)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/longboat-key/turtle-crawl/prweb546421.htm

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Sarasota Film Festival Runs From March 31 ? April 9, 2006

2011-05-06T20:00:00.001-07:00

Sarasota hosts a leading film festival in North America that this year will feature an outstanding line-up of feature films and documentaries, and be attended by several celebrities.

(PRWeb April 03, 2006)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/04/prweb366075.htm

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ResortQuest Acquires The Beach Club at Anna Maria

2011-05-05T20:00:00.001-07:00

ResortQuest Southwest Florida has been named property and resort manager of The Beach Club located on Anna Maria Island, Florida. The management contract expands the ResortQuest presence in Southwest Florida, where it currently manages over 1,000 vacation rentals.

(PRWeb September 02, 2007)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/Anna-Maria-Island/vacation-rentals/prweb550814.htm

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My Day at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

2011-05-05T08:00:00.001-07:00

By Beverly Collins
I am a huge Harry Potter fan, I was there the day the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure and I have made many other friends who are just as big of fans as I am. I’ve met a lot of these people while writing what we [...]

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On and Off Island: A Sanibel Sampler

2011-05-04T20:00:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since I posted.

The oil spill worry has been consuming me. And though the experts are predicting only a 10 percent chance of the oil hitting Sanibel, I am concerned none the less. I am concerned for Sanibel and for the Gulf as a whole. Florida is accustomed to hurricanes, they come through on occasion. They are a major inconvenience, but they leave. The spill may take a very long time to dissipate, and the damage it has/is/will cause is yet to be calculated. All these thoughts kept me from posting more regularly.

And then there has been the move. We left New Jersey 2 weeks ago, settling into our condo in Naples while we renovate our house on Sanibel and fulfill our rental agreements.

The area where we are living in Naples is quite lovely. It's low key, nothing fancy, but quite lush and tranquil, only a 5 minute drive to a great beach and a 10 minute drive to the glamorous sections of this beautiful town.

Being as comfortable with these current surroundings as I am, it was a really nice comparison to leave Naples yesterday to do some business on Sanibel.

And, yes, Virginia, there is a difference between being on and off island.

The island environment is just smaller, more compact. The roads are smaller. There was no traffic anywhere to be seen, and, of course, no traffic lights. We opened up some bank accounts on Island and the fellow who helped us was dressed in a polo and chinos. He said that is how he comes to work every day.

We stopped at Jerry's for groceries and a light bite surrounded by folks who had thrown something over their bathing suits, but with their hair still wet and sand clinging to their toes.

There are few GRAND houses on the Island, and if you want to see them you need to search. We remembered when Hurricane Charlie had come through Captiva and how surprised we were to see the vegetation blown away revealing very modest homes on that very pricey island. No high rises on Sanibel or Captiva, and nothing taller than a palm tree on Sanibel itself.

The few cars moving moved slowly, almost the pace of the Island tortoises. The few people we saw were on their bikes. The few birds barely moved at all. It was as if time was standing still.

The towns off island such as Naples, arguably the liveliest and prettiest of them all, have a lot to offer. But if one is looking for a truly laid back, tropical and natural experience, none of the towns can compete with the 12 mile long Sanibel.

We love where we are. We love where we are going. We are so, so lucky!

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Pasco County Fair invites visitors to ?C?mon Get Happy?

2011-05-03T20:00:00.001-07:00

Visitors are invited to ?C?mon Get Happy at the 64th annual Pasco County Fair at the Pasco County Fairgrounds in Dade City, just a 45 minute drive up I-275 from Tampa. The 40-acre site will host plenty of food, fun, and Ferris wheel entertainment February 21 ? 27.

In traditional County Fair style, there will be an abundance of festival food, midway games and rides, pageants for babies, girls and young women, livestock shows and other competitions and exhibits. Live entertainment includes musicians, comedians and performing artists and the professional rodeo and demolition derby --- both included in the fair?s gate admission --- make the event an even better bargain and even better time for fairgoers of all ages.

The Unlimited Midway Ride Special is $16 with Purchase of Wristband & Gate Admission on Feb. 21 ? 24, and $20 on Feb. 25 ? 27. On most nights the exhibits close at 10:00 p.m. and the midway closes at 11:00 p.m. For ticket prices, entertainment schedules, and more details about the Pasco County Fair, visit the official event website.

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Taste of the Beach in Fort Myers Beach, Florida

2011-05-03T08:00:00.001-07:00

12th Annual Taste of the Beach Takes Place on June 3, 2007 ResortQuest offers Fort Myers vacation homes and condos for visitors.

(PRWeb April 19, 2007)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/fort-myers/taste-beach/prweb520106.htm

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Overflow, or, Three Regimes of Fluid Flow

2011-05-02T20:00:00.001-07:00

I live near the Lexington Reservoir, which is next to Highway 17 near Los Gatos, CA. It?s very rare for the Lex to overflow?the last time I clearly remember it happening was nearly twenty years ago, late in 1992, shortly after Bill Clinton had won his first Presidential election. Today the Lex finally overflowed again. [...]

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Looking forward to Christmas at the beach? Start planning now!

2011-05-01T20:00:00.001-07:00

The fall chill is in the air, the days are getting shorter and the kids are back in school. Ski season is just around the corner, the jeans and flannel have started reappearing and I noticed driving down...

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ResortQuest Southwest Florida Announces Travel Agent Booking Website

2011-05-01T08:00:00.001-07:00

ResortQuest Southwest Florida adds new booking feature for Travel Agents to http://www.ResortQuestSWFL.com

(PRWeb December 14, 2008)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/vacation-rentals/travel-agents/prweb1743674.htm

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Matzaluna Moves to Top Spot for Dining on Sanibel

2011-04-30T20:00:00.001-07:00

One of the very nice things about Sanibel Island is the wide variety of choices in restaurants. Our trips to Sanibel Island to check on our vacation rental properties always have us looking forward to a new adventure in eating out.

Though the truly casual places such as Schnappers and the Island-elegant such as Thistle Lodge are on either end of the spectrum, the middle is crowded with contenders for best.

We love Grandma Dot's for the easy, breezy (no AC) marina feel and great view. We enjoy eating at Traders because of the large menu and comfortable seating. There are dozens more.

And we have eaten at and enjoyed our meals at Matzaluna on many occasions.

But in the past couple of weeks, we "discovered" an aspect to dining at Matzaluna that has propelled it into the number one spot on our preferences.

The seating in Matzaluna is comfortable, the decor is delightful and the service has always been good as has the food. Yet, because I have to be gluten free, I have not been able to eat much in the way of Italian selections and have stayed with the chicken or fish entrees. The world has opened up with the introduction of a gluten free menu.

The General Manager, Sal, whose charge it is to over see the preparation of food, came to our table when he heard I wanted a meal that was gluten free and was considering the eggplant parmigiana. He explained that he could prepare it in two ways, grilled or fried, and that both would be gluten free. Well, other than home made eggplant parmigiana that was made gluten free, I had never had this dish out and was contemplating my choices.

Recognizing my dilemma, Sal said because it was a light night for business, and he wanted my feed back, he would prepare it both ways and I could have and evaluate both.

The eggplant in both styles had the added ingredient of ricotta cheese (in addition to the mozzarella) and that made the difference. I had never tasted eggplant this good, not even before my diagnosis of having Celiac Disease. It was not just good or even great, it was extraordinary.

That first experience was two weeks ago and we returned 2 nights ago and I did make the selection of the fried style and was once again bowled over with delight. My only "complaint" was that the portion was too large, but that was easily remedied with a leftovers package that sits tauntingly in the refrigerator.

To all you gluten free eaters out there (a growing number to be sure), put Matzaluna on your musts for your next trip to Sanibel Island. You won't be sorry, I promise that!

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Sanibel Sunsets

2011-04-29T19:00:00.001-07:00

Sanibel Sunsets�http://www.sanibelcaptivadaily.com/Sanibel Sunsets

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Easter on a Sanibel Beach

2011-04-29T07:01:00.001-07:00

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The Mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs

2011-04-28T19:00:00.001-07:00

About an hour south of Inglis Florida Bed and Breakfasts and forty minutes north of Tarpon Springs FL Bed and Breakfasts is a curious place known as Weeki Wachee Springs. Mermaids swim in the waters of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, one of the first roadside attractions in the state of Florida, and certainly one [...]

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Lisa From Island grooming knows how to garden, check out the tomatoes!

2011-04-27T19:00:00.001-07:00

Lisa From Island grooming knows how to garden, check out the tomatoes!Lisa From Island grooming knows how to garden, check out the tomatoes! She has been doing a ton with her garden and look what has arrived! Yummy is to say the very least. �More to come on her and her gardening skills.

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Sanibel Island Captiva Island, Sailing Lessons, Sailing Charters, or Sunset Sails. New Moon Sailing Offers it all.

2011-04-27T07:00:00.001-07:00

Sanibel Island Captiva Island, Sailing Lessons, Sailing Charters, or Sunset Sails. New Moon Sailing Offers it all. Sanibel Island Captiva Island, Sailing Lessons, Sailing Charters, or Sunset Sails. New Moon Sailing Offers it all. We had a great day on the island. Started with my friends at Courtney’s Tiki Bar for a drink (that Courtney [...]

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By: Bonnie Gross

2011-04-26T19:00:00.001-07:00

Thanks for the question, John.

It's cold here (Fort Lauderdale) today! But that is really rare. I hope you're lucky and get one of our warm winter weeks when you visit. Florida's forecast was for a warmer than usual winter, but that doesn't exclude cold snaps (as we have today.)

Those wooden cabins on Cayo Costa are designed for hot weather and I doubt there's much you can do to stay warm inside if you hit a cold spell. The windows have Bahama-type shutters that can be closed to eliminate the breeze you seek the rest of the year. That will make the cabins a little dark, even during the day, so battery-operated lanterns will be important. Warm sleeping bags will help, of course.

Beyond that, the unpredictability of winter weather here is one reason you can still book cabins in January. If you look at cabins in March -- much more reliably warm and still dry -- Cayo Costa is pretty well booked up.

I hope this helps.

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70 Years of Shells on Sanibel Island

2011-04-25T19:00:00.001-07:00

Largest and longest running Shell Fair and Show in the United States takes place on Sanibel Island, Florida. For Sanibel vacation rentals close to the fair, ResortQuest Southwest Florida offers hundreds of homes, condominiums and resort-style properties in locations such as Sanibel and Captiva Islands.

(PRWeb February 23, 2007)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/sanibel/shells/prweb507180.htm

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Anything Better Than Being Stranded in Paradise?

2011-04-25T07:00:00.001-07:00

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Sanibel Manatee Easy to See....so say some

2011-04-24T19:00:00.001-07:00

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Where to stay?

2011-04-23T19:00:00.001-07:00

So I suppose the most pressing question after deciding to vacation in sunny Sanibel is where to stay. Luckily, there are many options to suit most lifestyles and budgets. We opted to stay in a at Sanibel Arms on the southeastern side of the Island. After researching all our options and deciding that a condo [...]

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For the Ultimate Sanibel Holiday Vacation, Check out http://www.sanibelholiday.com/

2011-04-23T07:01:00.001-07:00

For the Ultimate Sanibel Holiday Vacation, Check out http://www.sanibelholiday.com/For the Ultimate Sanibel Holiday Vacation They offer tons of great rates and places to stay on your�For the Ultimate Sanibel Holiday Vacation We at www.sanibelcaptivadaily.com highly recommend this company for great service and super vacation! Don’t forget to check out the cool blog:�http://www.sanibelholiday.blogspot.com/

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Local Islanders having fun at Friday Happy Hour Tiki Bar West Wind

2011-04-22T19:00:00.001-07:00

Local Islanders having fun at Friday Happy Hour Tiki Bar West WindLocal Islanders having fun at Friday Happy Hour Tiki Bar West Wind. Click below to see some fun pictures via IPHONE.

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Biking in Sanibel

2011-04-21T19:00:00.001-07:00

Our family rides bikes a lot. So when we found out there was a bike path on Sanibel that you could effectively ride from one end of the island to the other we were ecstatic. We didn’t bring our bikes with us since it would’ve been a hassle and because we normally ride mountain bikes, [...]

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ResortQuest Vacation Rentals Partners with CROW, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, this Holiday Season

2011-04-21T07:00:00.001-07:00

ResortQuest Southwest Florida, offering over 150 vacation rentals on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, partners with The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife support the wildlife of Southwest Florida.

(PRWeb December 05, 2007)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/resortquest/crow/prweb574072.htm

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Royal Shell Vacations Inc. Sanibel Island-Captiva Island via the www.sanibelcaptivadaily.com

2011-04-20T19:00:00.001-07:00

Royal Shell Vacations Inc. Sanibel Island-Captiva Island via the�http://www.sanibelcaptivadaily.com/ Check out�Royal Shell Vacations Inc.Sanibel Island-Captiva Island via the www.sanibelcaptivadaily.com by going to�Royal Shell Vacations Inc. via the www.sanibelcaptivadaily.com We hope this site helps you with you for ??�?Royal Shell Vacations Inc. via the www.sanibelcaptivadaily.com

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South Beach Miami - An International Beach Destination With Dining, Dancing and Upscale Clubs

2011-04-19T19:00:00.001-07:00

I have a friend I met while in college recently come back for a visit. He’s French and is used to international type beaches, shops, cafes and clubs and often brags that there isn’t anything like them anywhere else in the world so while he was here I set out to change his mind. [...]

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Even a Hot Dog Tastes Like Gourmet Cooking on Sanibel

2011-04-19T07:01:00.001-07:00

As Joe and I advertise blatantly on our website, we are fussy. We got into the vacation rental business because we are so often disappointed with accommodations and bought several of our own so that we could make them the way we want. We insist on a comfortable king sized bed, lots of cooking aids, good electronics and decent linens in our places, as much for our selves as for our rental guests.

We are equally fussy about food and ambiance....most of the time. We don't mind paying more for fresh ingredients, a nice presentation of food including the table setting, good service and a pretty restaurant.

There are several restaurants on Sanibel that meet our needs in all of those respects and we do go there when we want to eat out on the Island.

But we were on Sanibel today doing further inventory on our Toucan House and bringing over some things from our Naples condo to prepare for some updates to Toucan House.

It was a bright, sunny, breezy day and we needed to take a break so we went to lunch.

We were in a bit of a hurry to return to the tasks at hand, so we went to Schnappers, the closest thing you can get to fast food on the Island. The bright colored "shack" is exactly what you would expect inside. Simple, easy, limited in choice but not in taste.

My hot dog (without the bun) and french fries were so particularly good, better than ever, in fact, that I had to ask at the eatery if they had changed cooks, or formulas or owners. No, I was assured, everything was exactly as it has been for years. I told them things were crisper and more delicious than ever and all seemed pleased.

But not nearly as pleased as I. The crispy dog and crispy fries hit the spot. And sitting under the umbrella at the outdoor table feeling the breezes and watching few cars pass by was all I needed to feel on island and on point.

Even fuss pots like us can appreciate the simple things in life, and life on Sanibel can make even the simplest things feel absolutely grand!

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Romance at El Colibri Hotel and Spa, Cambria, CA

2011-04-18T19:01:00.001-07:00

Relax and unwind at El Colibri Hotel and Spa Our teenage son, newly armed with his driver’s permit, was anxious to log some behind the wheel hours. What better way for him to rack up the miles than to drive from the San Francisco bay area to California’s central coast? With my husband acting as [...]

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Sanibel Island Through A Child's Eyes

2011-04-17T19:00:00.001-07:00

Though I am kind of embarrassed to have left this blog sit idle for so very long, I really had to write this post.

For several years, I have been gifting books about Sanibel to the little boy of my second cousin.

He is an adorable little boy, precocious and precious and, like his mom, very fascinated by animals and nature. He is not yet in school, but as articulate as a first grader and as good a reader as well.

So I have given him the wonderfully educational book put out by C.R.O.W, the calendars with extraordinary photos of the birds of Sanibel and, most recently, the book DILLO which tells the tale of a baby Armadillo living on the island.

His mom has told me that every night for the past year, he insisted that she read him some pages from DILLO before going to sleep. He now knows what comes next, and like those fans of cult movies, can recite the words out loud simultaneously with the reading.

When his birthday was coming up, mommy and daddy offered a trip to Disney World as his gift, having taken him to the various natural museums on previous trips. He (remember we are talking smart young child here) said he wouldn't mind going to Disney World but that he would like to get to the Bailey Tract on Sanibel where much of DILLO takes place. In fact, truth be told, he stated that if he had to choose, he would prefer Sanibel Island over Disney World.

Well mom and dad are no fools and it was an easy choice for them. Why deal with the crowds in Disney World when the beach beckons and Sanibel is not yet inundated with winter warriors and snow birds? And so the 3 of them came to Sanibel.

And they walked the Bailey Tract, rode their bikes through Ding Darling, got up with the sun to gather shells on the beach and rejoiced in the calm, gentle waters of the sea green Gulf. They visited C.R.O.W. and the Periwinkle Campground Zoo, marveled at the tropical birds at Jerry's, went canoeing and took a boat cruise to see the dolphins dance.

Each night they ate out or in and then told stories on the lanai about adventures taken and imagined.

In short, it was a magical experience, for all 3 but especially for my precious little third cousin.

Weeks have gone by, and when ever and where ever he can, the little guy expounds on his experience with Sanibel. Ask any question...."what birthday gift did you like the best?", "where would you like to go?", "where would you like to live?", "what would you like to do next year?" and the answer is always the same.

Sanibel Island.

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Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation?s 19th Annual Tennis Tournament on April 8-9-10

2011-04-17T07:00:00.001-07:00

It’s that time of year again when great tennis comes to Sanibel Island at the Dunes! The 19th Annual SCCF Tennis Tournament begins on Saturday, April 9th and runs through Sunday, April 10th with an opening reception on Friday night, April 8th. Men’s, Women’s and Mixed Doubles are the categories and the deadline for entries [...]

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Where to stay?

2011-04-16T19:00:00.001-07:00

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