Florida Snowbird Paradise CoastShare
Coasts of Florida continued… Every coast of Florida is bathed in sunshine, but this sparkly title belongs to that stretch along the Gulf of Mexico from the Everglades, through Naples and Fort Myers—and along the legendary white sand beaches of Sanibel and Captive islands. A Great white egret watches over a boardwalk at Corkscrew Sanctuary. With well over 100 galleries in Naples, the region is definitely on the map as a cultural destination. Also at Naples is the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, where you can follow a 2.25-mile boardwalk through four distinct natural environments.
Thomas Edison and Henry Ford who were good friends built adjacent winter homes in Fort Myers. If you enjoy a slower pace, visit the beautiful beaches of Sanibel and Captiva near Ft. Myers Beach. Here, you’ll find some of the world’s best shelling. Spend the morning strolling along the beach collecting shells and enjoying the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Within 15 minutes of arriving here, you’ll be combing the beaches, doing the famous “Sanibel Stoop.” Then head to J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where footpaths, canoe trails, and a five-mile scenic drive invite you to explore its 6,000 acres. Here, you may spot any of 291 species of birds, more than 50 types of reptiles and amphibians, and at least 32 different mammals. Continuing north are tarpon-rich Boca Pass, Charlotte Harbor, and Punta Gorda, charming Venice, then Sarasota, flanked by the luxurious island of Longboat Key and Bradenton, surrounded by barrier islands. In Sarasota, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is located at the rambling estate of the greatest showman in the world, along with a circus museum. From Fort Myershead inland along the Caloosahatchee River for excellent fishing on lovely Lake Okeechobee. A gator in search of lunch at Highlands Hammock State Park as seen from a tram tour. Next is the Tampa Bay area with bustling Tampa and artsy St. Petersburg. Enjoy a side trip north to the charming Greek sponge fishing village of Tarpon Springs. With 35 miles of powder white beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area is known as “Florida’s Beach.” While in the area be sure to visit Fort De Soto Park; in 2006 it was rated America’s number one beach. You can even camp at its full-service campground but you’ll need to book well in advance.
At Highlands Hammock State Park you can enjoy a one-hour tram tours into remote areas of the park where you will see alligators, turtles, and wading birds. Airboat tour at Myakka River State Park. At Myakka River State Park, two of the largest airboats in the world, the Myakka Maiden and the Gator Gal, shuttle visitors along the shores of the Upper Myakka Lake in search of wildlife and gators. While there you can also enjoy a tram tour. Gold Coast The Gold Coast boasts some of Florida’s most glamorous resorts with the marinas reflecting the wealth of the region. With 23 miles of coastline, boating isn’t just a hobby here, it’s a lifestyle. The movie-set world of Miami—a mecca of art, music, film, and fashion —is the metropolis of the Gold Coast. And you can’t even think of coming here without exploring South Beach. The 1930s buildings have been painstakingly restored to their original brilliance with porthole windows, marble bars, and terrazzo tile floors. Exclusive West Palm Beach is the winter home and hideaway of the rich and famous. More than 300 miles of navigable waterways and canals has given Fort Lauderdale the nickname “Venice of America”. Once a haven for spring break revelers, this area now attracts a better-behaved crowd and is home to genteel historic mansions and notable museums. To be continued tomorrow… Worth Pondering… Life here is a world apart It is perhaps a more fortunate destiny to have a taste for collecting shells than to be born a millionaire. —Robert Louis Stevenson One cannot collect all the beautiful shells on the beach. One can collect only a few, and they are more beautiful if they are few. —Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Gift From the Sea
|
|
