Ft. Myers, FL

[Sonya]

Hi - every winter/early spring, we try to escape the cold of MI and head south for a few days. We pick a spot warm that we can fly nonstop from our local airport at a reasonable price, Airtran has the best rates around here for that. Last year was Vegas. Great time.

This year it's Ft. Myers, FL for 6 nights mid March...I've already booked my flight $525 round trip nonstop on Airtran for two people (cheap...I love it). Booked the hotel...not fancy, but ocean beach front, a full service Best Western for under $100 night...also cheap for spring break prices. We will be renting a car at the airport, so will be able to travel where we want, but don't want to take too long of trips, maybe 2 hours tops.

We do plan on a full day fishing charter one day (expensive $600) and other than that, relaxing at the tiki bar/pool and on the beach, don't really have an agenda. I want it to be a relaxing vacation, not having to run around constantly, but do want to see a few things without spending tons of cash.

I've been to FL once, many eons ago to Disney World. Hubby has never been to FL, so he is very excited, especially for the fishing charter.

So, what's there to do/see within a 80 mile radius of Ft. Myers, FL? I want to keep it as inexpensive as possible too.

I can't wait to go, I'm already sick of the cold!

Thanks in advance!

 

[mininik]

I lived in Punta Gorda, not far from Fort Meyers. I say drive to Key West. Take Alligator Alley, stop and do a tour of an Alligator farm on an airboat through the everglades. Key West is an experience all it's own, with all sorts of things to do from shopping to dining to scuba diving to visiting the wildlife centers to chartering out to the Dry Tortugas. You won't be disappointed.

 

[Marty]

So you want to be a snowbird?

Well Sonja, that's my old stopping grounds. Not a whole lot really in that area as compared to other places like in the Kissemee area but still a nice area to rest up and enjoy and unwind. You might want to visit the Shell Factory. Its right there on HWY 41 and has expanded a lot since I was there last. Located in North Fort Myers.

http://www.shellfactory.com/waltzing_water.html

The Edison Mall is pretty big, located on Hwy 41.

Naples is right down the road but I don't know what they have to offer anymore at all.

Used to be a lot of polo ponies there

Fisherman's Village is in Punta Gorda. Little tourist trap but not bad or too busy. Walk out on the warf and enjoy some boutique shops and enjoy a little lunch. Punta Gorda Isles has some fabulous waterfront homes with amazing landscaping for a nice drive by.

http://www.fishville.com/

Across the bridge is Port Charlotte. Right to your right, coming off the Peace River bridge is the Harbor Inn Restaraunt. Great food, little bar and dancing nightlife. Watch the boats come and go.

If you head down toward my home town, you will find Warm Mineral Springs for your aching bones outside of North Port. I used to ride my bike there and that water is very warm all the time and it is said to be a healing spring. Also located on HWY 41. http://www.warmmineralsprings.com/

Afterwards, enjoy a lovely lunch or nice dining at the Old World Cheese Shop. Great food, very nice place but casual dressing of course is everywhere.

Past there about 5 miles is where I used to go in my canoe to see the Mantees on the inlets running in and out of the Myakka River. You can rent a canoe and paddle about and look for them at Ramblers Rest Resort Campground on River Rd. They are amazing. Its gator infested so I wouldn't be rocking the boat.

http://www.fl-camping-review.com/?n=ramble...426&t=hotel

Keep going past there and hit Venice. LOVE Venice.

You might be able to pick up a horse show at Fox Lea Farm

http://www.longtermcarespecialist.net/foxleafarm/

There is nothing like Venice Beaches. Shark tooth capital of the world. Travel down Venice Ave towards the beach area and enjoy the little boutiques along each side of the road. Park and walk. Its a tourist must do. You might get lucky and see a regatta go by. Daily fishing tours by the Blue Seas.

This is probably more than 80 miles but if possible, try to get to Sarasota to Siesta Key. Wonderful beaches and super gorgeous boutiques, sidewalk cafe's. Worth the ride over to enjoy the scenery and blue waters and boating

Oopsie I forgot something. When you go to Venice Beach, go out to the jetties and the docks where you can walk up and down and see the boats. There is a place there to eat called the Crow's nest. Fantastic.

Notice how I know all the good places to eat. (sigh).........

 

[LittleRibbie]

Sonya, you better come visit me!! Marty gave you some great places and directions. The Best Western on Ft.Myers Beach is really a nice place. All kinds of things to do close by!! Are you bringing a dog...I know of a great dog beach too!! The airport is about a 5 min drive from my house. What airline? Date? Time?Please plan to visit!!

 

[Barbie]

And if you come about 40 minutes north of Venice - you can come visit me in Parrish. I'm about 2 1/2 hours, maybe a little less from there.

Have a great Florida vacation.

Barbie

 

[stacyeking]

Go to the Lani Kai on Fort Myer's Beach and sit in the swings upstairs and read the newspaper and drink bloody marys and look at the ocean and the beach all day long at least one day. If you are not a drinker, just go and go upstairs and sit in the swings and soak it up. Oh my goodness that was the best day of our last vacation. My hub lived there and we went for a few days and it was great. Now we try to go at least once a year, though sometimes we don't manage. I still have a pic on my phone from the last visit...

Stacye

 

[Sonya]

Thanks so much everyone....you all have me really excited to go! Thanks for all those links Marty, I'm printing out your post for my vacation folder I'm making up.

I definately want to do that airboat trip! Dogs are staying home for this trip. I also want to swim with dolphins and do some snorkeling. I would love love to go scuba diving, can't though or my lungs will burst, so I have to stick with snorkeling. Hubby decided against the day fishing trip (I'm glad, I think it was too expenisive) instead he just wants to go on a head boat. It's a huge boat with lots of people on it, you can fish off the side of the boat. It's much much cheaper because you don't get the one on one attention like you would with a private charter.

Go to the Lani Kai on Fort Myer's Beach and sit in the swings upstairs and read the newspaper and drink bloody marys and look at the ocean and the beach all day long at least one day.

oh I definately plan on doing some relaxing with some cocktails on the beach!