Fort Myers & Sanibel

     Escaping winter for warmth and sunshine in Florida is a longstanding tradition for those of us living in the northeast and Canada. With some of my family re-located to Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, I have only lately begun to discover the pleasures of Florida's west coast.

Sanibel is an island reached from Fort Myers by a series of two bridges called "the causeway." It has a population of about 7,000, some beautiful beaches with an astounding array of seashells (Bowman Beach is my favorite) and large swaths of conservation area that are well worth visiting (especially the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge).

Lots of wildlife on Sanibel. Bird life is abundant, including many species of shore birds, roseate spoonbills, pelicans, terns and the rare mangrove cuckoo (which, I am told, one must be "blessed" to see). Also, alligators, hares, an occasional bobcat and turtles. Manatees and dolphins are easy to spot in the local water.

Dolphin at Bowman Beach

Many people use bicycles on Sanibel because (1) there are excellent scenic bike paths, and (2) traffic coming and going off the causeway can be miserable, especially January and February. Another benefit of bicycles is that they need not pay the $4./hour parking charge at beaches.

For food shopping, I like Jerry's supermarket mid-island, which also has a good, reasonably priced cafe attached and a Love Boat Ice Cream outlet store in the same complex.

Back on the mainland, a few more suggestions for hungry:

1. Trico Seafood Market (1300 Main Steet, Fort Myers) is a great place to buy fresh seafood, especially fresh shrimp. This is not your usual frozen stuff from Asia. This is your Bubba Gum fresh and fantastic shrimp, that comes off the boat for you. Ask the dead-pan lady to boil up a pound with same Bay seasoning, buy a lemon and some cocktail sauce, and eat 'em outside at the picnic table.

Ann C. fries those Trico shrimp to perfection

2. The Prawnbroker is one of the most popular family restaurants in Fort Myers and with good reason. http://www.prawnbroker.com/#_=_ The location on McGregor Blvd. is a hive of delicious and efficient activity, with super-fresh seafood and reasonable prices. Have grouper or king crab or shrimp or anything else from the sea. They serve specials with baked sweet potatoes, veg and home-made bread. The key lime pie is excellent for dessert.

3. Love Boat Ice Cream. Check out the best in homemade ice cream at the 16229 San Carlos Blvd. location, although you can find it at other outlets. www.loveboaticecream.com. The line is out the door after dinner time but well worth the wait. Lots of homey memorabilia on the walls and hungry kids ready for their fave flavors.

Finally, a plug for The Cracker Box at 16910 McGregor, a restaurant and bar that is aptly named. This is Old Florida, old Country/Western music, an evening from another time. I can recommend the burgers and the grouper, and if you have an open mind and are not in a hurry, you will enjoy a fun evening. Jody sings very well and will belt out a few tunes after her duties as owner/waitress let up.

Jody about to kick off "Satin Sheets"