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Family Vacation Critic, published by online travel specialist, The Independent Traveler, a subsidiary of TripAdvisor LLC, has announced the ten Best Islands in the United States. Sanibel and
Captiva Islands were named No. 2 on the list.
The Sanibel Public Library originated in a closet-sized room in the Sanibel Community House. After a half-dozen moves and expansions, the library continues to welcome all islanders and visitors to use the library facilities. The Sanibel Public Library Corporation is a non-profit organization named “Friends of the Library.” They elect a governing Library Board of Directors. The Library is supported by membership fees and property taxes collected by Lee County.
You will be surprised to learn that a small, out-of-the-mainstream island holds such a progressive, modern, and flourishing center of library resources and culture which includes adult programs with book discussion groups and author lectures and book signings, changing private collection and exhibits, rotating local and national artist displays, state-of-the-art electronics and internet access, several computers, computer and internet classes, numerous videos and DVD’s, collection of more than 50.000 books in print, on CD, on tape and downloadable online, “Books for Babies” programs, story hours and other youth programs, and lake view reading porch with rocking chairs. There are beautiful and interesting shell displays in the Library. Library volunteers contrbute thousands of hours of time and energy to the Library’s on-going success. The Library is an island oasis within an island. Parking is very convenient. The Sanibel Public LIbrary is definitely worth checking out.
Read MoreBowman’s Beach, one of Sanibel Islands most popular public beaches and the most isolated, has been named one of Shermans Travel’s Top 10 Secluded U.S. Beaches. The City of Sanibel maintains Bowman’s Beach in its natural state. Sanibel Island is renowned as a world-class shelling and birding destination. Bowman’s Beach is located near the west end of Sanibel.
To get there from the Sanibel Causeway: Take a right on Periwinkle Way to Tarpon Bay Road. Turn right, head north to Sanibel-Captiva Road where you turn left. Follow Sanibel-Captiva road until you see the Bowman‘s Beach sign, turn left to Bowman Beach Road for approximately 1/10 mile and turn right into the public parking area. Parking is $2 per hour, strictly enforced. There are some large spaces for RV parking there also.
There is a short (less than 5 minute) walk along a boardwalk, scenic trail, and across a brackish and fresh water bayou, by means of a wood footbridge. You have an opportunity to see different kinds of wild life as you cross over Clam Bayou. Most days you could observe fish jumping from the water, perhaps a night heron resting in the water by the mangroves, or a white egret standing at the top of a dead tree near the water. Take your camera!
The beach is wide and there are not usually many people there. But, it really doesn’t matter because you have miles of beach available. The shelling is like all other beaches on Sanibel. Sometimes there are lots of shells, sometimes less, but it‘s doubtful you would leave empty handed.
It’s a great place to spend the day on the beach and have a picnic. There are plenty of tables and grills placed in shady areas so you can get out of the hot sun. There are also pay phones, bathrooms, showers, changing rooms, a play ground, pavilions, hiking trails, and bike racks. The trail to the beach is wheelchair accessible. You can easily turn a day here into a relaxing adventure.
The public can reserve a pavilion or schedule a beach wedding at Bowman’s Beach by calling the City Manager’s Office at (239) 472-3700.
Read MoreIf you happen to be on the Sanibel Island next month, maybe you would be interested in joining about 500 others who will be running along our Sanibel roadways. Friends in Service Here (FISH), a leading non-profit, non-sectarian, human services organization focused on “neighbors helping neighbors” on Sanibel and Captiva is hosting it’s second annual 10-K road race on Saturday, October 16th. Everyone is invited to participate or just go watch to cheer for your favorite runner.
The race begins and ends at the Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island, with a prompt 7:30 a.m. start time. FISH will be hosting an expo at the House from 7 a.m. to 12 noon with music and refreshments as part of the pre- and post-race festivities.
The entry Fee is $25.00 (pre-registration price) and Race Day registration is $30. Deadline for pre-registration is Friday, October 9 2010.
For more information on this road race that is growing in popularity, and helps fund a great local organization, visit www.fishofsanibel.com.
Christmas Luminary Trail & Open House Nature and Outdoors Sanibel and Captiva Islands
Sanibel Island, FL
December 02, 2011 and December 03, 2011
Read MoreFor up to date photos of the Sanibel Beach, shells, birds, turtles, etc., check out my Sanibel friend’s blog about her lazy life style: http://sanibeltoots.blogspot.com/
Read MoreWhen visiting the Islands, put the Sanibel Museum and Historical Village on your itinerary. Located next to Big Arts on Dunlop Road, this small but mighty statement about life on Sanibel offers history buffs and the layperson a perspective of Sanibel, the farming community. Sanibel provided the Northeast with fruits and vegetables, especially during the winter months. Later, as other farming communities on the mainland began competing, Sanibel became a shelling and wildlfe preserve for tourists to enjoy during season.
The seven buildings located in the Historical Village are original residences and businesses moved to this location from 1983-2004. The Packing House, used for archives, is the only replicated structure. Interiors of each building are decorated with period furniture, many are antiques donated by families of the original homesteaders.
Come see the original schoolhouse from 1896, a fishing cottage dated 1898, and a grand old 1913 Cracker House. The original Bailey’s General Store and the Post Office are from 1926-1927. The Sears Roebuck kit house from 1925 also is on site.
Docents conduct tours and will answer questions, or a printed guide is available for self-guided tours. Plan on spending an hour or more as there is much to see.
Open November through April 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and May to August 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Special group tours are available Sunday through Tuesday and can be arranged by calling 239-472-4648 or 239-472-9075. Donations of $5.00 per adult are appreciated.
Read MoreRefuge Concession and Guide Services – Tarpon Bay Explorers at the J. N. “Ding” Darling Natinal Wildlife Refuge offers the best wildlife viewing and educational tours including Tram Tours of Wildlife Drive, guided kayak tours along the Commodore Creek Water Trail or to the Rookery Islands and private fishing charters. Also, the Sea Life and Nature Cruise (aboard a 26-passenger {handicap accessible} pontoon boat) is the perfect way to see Tarpon Bay with no paddling required. This tour includes a 30-minute Touch Tank Exploration and is great for all ages to see and learn about the creatures that live above, at, and below the bay surface. There are also Breakfast and Evening cruises! A full-day eco-adventure in the Florida Everglades is the newest offering by the Everglades Explorers. This tour includes an airboat ride, a boardwalk, a wilflife drive, and much more. Tarpon Bay Explorers also rent kayaks/canoes, motorized fishing canoes, fishing tackle, bicycles, and more. Check on their website for more more information and to make reservations: http://www.tarponbayexplorers.com
Read MoreCaptiva Cruises have some new ones in addition to their standards. The Science at Sea cruise and the Sailing Under the Stars both are fun (www.captivacruises.com)
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) has a lot of activities involving butterflies, turtles, native plants, and other indigenous things and activities. One of their new ones is the Caloosahatchee Oxbow and Riverlore Cruise. It will take you back in time. (www.sccf.org)
Big Arts always has something going on that is enjoyable and worthwhile. Check out their website at www.bigarts.org and click on calendar.
Biking is always a joy on Sanibel. The island has miles of trails that are safe and interesting.
Read MoreBIG ARTS and DigiScreen/Opus Arte present Swan Lake as part of the Covent Garden series. Thursday, April 15, 7:30 PM
Admission: $20
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