 |
Local Information: |
|
|
Travel to Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina |
|
About: |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Sanibel Island, The Bahamas alternative |
By: Maria Coder |
How would you like to get away to a tropical island where you can toast in the sun, ride bike trails, and share the views with pelicans?
Sounds expensive right? It’s not. In fact, it’s so affordable you could dip your toes in exotic waters twice a year for what you’re likely to pay for one trip to The Bahamas!
So fill up and go. That’s right… if you live in the U.S. you can DRIVE there. And if you live in South Florida, chances are one tank will get you to the Gulf of Mexico and back.
“There’s rustic island charm, a kind you find in the Bahamas. The shelling, the people from the Bahamas come to our island to shell,” said Katrina Salokar, Vice President of Earth Travel Networks, which founded Sanibel-island-hotels.com, a Web site offering booking services to island hotels.
Sanibel Island is one of the world’s top shelling spots. More than 200 species of shells are scattered along the island’s shoreline. Sand dollars, scallops,”good luck” kitten’s paws, and even rare junonia’s (only found a few times each year) are known to wash ashore.
Animal lover’s will see alligators, raccoons and birds throughout the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which takes up nearly a third of the island.
Bicycle enthusiasts will enjoy pedaling their way through 25 miles of bike paths, including the 4-mile loop called Wildlife Drive that runs through the “Ding” Darlings Refuge. (See Map of Sanibel bike path) The paths offer a hidden look at Sanibel, since most take riders to places cars are unable to reach. Another trail popular among riders is Rabbit Road. This path runs behind a home and along a canal. Early morning riders may catch Grey Marsh Rabbits feeding along the path. Salokar says Sanibel is a bicyclist’s dream, “there are no traffic lights or skyrises.”
Sanibel draws its biggest crowds in late winter, but from late May through mid-December rates drop, and sometimes there are more bicyclists and in-line skaters than there are cars.
For those of you seeking nightside adventures, the island has more than 60 restaurants happy to tempt your taste buds. There are plenty of bars and after-hours spots as well for a night by the sea.
The Big Arts Society, a non-profit cultural organization of Sanibel and Captiva dedicated to enhancing cultural opportunities on the island, makes sure national and international artists and performers are frequently in the area. While events, art classes (more than 160 classes!), and workshops are scheduled throughout the year, this November kicks off another concert series. “We call ourselves the home for all the arts,” said Liz Fowler, Big art’s Executive Director. “Chances are If it’s in the arts, we’re doing it.”
Next month is a milestone on the island. October 12-17th marks the anniversary bash for Ding Darling’s (wildlife refuge) 100th birthday. Preparations are currently underway for a nature photography exhibit.
For more information on Sanibel visit Best of Sanibel & Captiva Islands. To check availability and/or book a reservation at a Sanibel hotel visit Sanibel-Island-Hotels.com.
|
|
|
|
Email this Article
Print this Article