FLORIDA Q&A

Hi Delta,

Sanibel Island (in SW FL) is one of the best places to shell on the entire planet.  Blind Pass Park on Manasota Key has tons of shark’s teeth and fossils as well as shells, and Anna Maria Island offers some decent shelling, too.

Here’s a little about each area:

·    Anna Maria Island tends to have LOTS of affordable beachfront lodging, and it’s really cute, just a little sliver of an island without high rises and WITH lots of white-sand beaches.
·    Sanibel is lovely and charming, with no traffic lights at all. It features miles of bike trails and lots of shopping and eating options. It tends to be more upscale than Anna Maria Island but you might be able to find a bargain there through the visitor’s services.
·    Manasota Key and the Englewood area tend to be quiet and also tend to be affordable. The beaches tend to fall off a little more steeply but they are not crowded and many are very beautiful.

To figure out which destination sounds most like ‘you,’ type its name into VISIT FLORIDA’s search engine and it will give you lots more info you can filter by blog, video, article or photo.

As far as specific hotels, I would recommend calling the visitor’s services of whatever area you choose and specifying exactly what you are looking for – for instance, if it has to be on the beach, or if you’re willing to drive a short ways, or walk across a road, and if you need a kitchen, etc. They’ll know about any current deals, too, and can help you find a match quickly.

You can find the a link to each area’s visitor’s services by looking on the right hand side of the page after you’ve brought up the area on the VISIT FLORIDA search engine.

Have a great time!

Lauren

PS: If you choose your area and want more info, write me back with details of what you want and I’ll help you find a specific hotel or resort.

 

The St. Pete Beach area has some gorgeous beaches. Very cheaply, you can take a shuttle to Shell Key or Egmont Key where the shelling is beautiful and the beaches are pristine. As far as hotels, I'd recommend the Plaza Beach Hotel. Great rates, family-owned, beautifully renovated and they offer free beer and wine every day! Check them out  - I promise you'll be satsified here!