Chelle Koster-Walton - Explorers Guide Sarasota, Sanibel Island, & Naples

Copyright 2017 by W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.
Copyright 2013, 2011 by Chelle Koster Walton

Maps copyright by The Countryman Press

Series cover design by Steve Attardo

Cover photograph Picture Alliance / Robert Schlesinger

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To my husband, Rob, with whom I first discovered
Southwest Floridas treasures and pleasures.

EXPLORE WITH US!

Heres how this book works: The area bounded on the north by the Manatee River and on the south by Ten Thousand Islands is often lumped under the heading Southwest Florida. Sometimes the BradentonSarasota area is omitted from the region this heading defines and otherwise grouped with Tampa as Central West Florida. For the purpose of this guide, the BradentonSarasota area is included in the coverage. It explores in depth the cities, towns, and communities from BradentonPalmetto in the north to NaplesMarco Island and the Everglades in the south.

I have sliced this delectable pie into five regional chapters, north to south: Bradenton & Mid-Coast, Sarasota Bay Coast, Charlotte Harbor Coast, Island Coast, and South Coast. Within these chapters I scan under separate headings each regions culture, recreation, lodging, dining, shopping, and annual events.

HIGH FIVES In the Information chapter, I have rated listings within a number of funand sometimes quirkycategories, from Splurge Accommodations and Martini Meccas to Kid Cool and Paddle Happy. They begin under the Chelles High Fives heading on .

Within the chapters, listings that have earned a High Five get a next to their name.

WHATS WHERE In the beginning of the book is an alphabetical listing of special highlights and important information that you may want to reference quickly. There youll find everything from good places to spot alligators to the location of the best beaches.

LODGING Ive selected lodging locations for mention in this book based on their merit alone; we do not charge innkeepers and hoteliers to be listed. I check every property personally and have stayed at most of them.

KEY TO SYMBOLS

PRICES Rather than give specific prices, this guide rates dining and lodging options within a range.

Lodging prices are normally based on per-person/double occupancy for hotel rooms and per unit for efficiencies, apartments, cottages, suites, and villas. Price ranges reflect the difference in the off-season and high season (usually Christmas through Easter).

Generally, the colder the weather up north, the higher the cost of accommodations here. Rates can double during the course of a year. Many resorts offer off-season packages at special rates. Pricing does not include the 6 percent Florida sales tax. Furthermore, many large resorts add gratuities or housekeeping charges, and most counties also impose a bed or tourist tax, proceeds from which are applied to beach and environmental maintenance.

If rates seem high for rooms on the Gulf Coast, its partially because many resorts cater to families by providing kitchen facilities. Take into consideration what this could save you on dining bills.

Dining cost categories are based on the range of dinner entre prices or, if dinner is not served, of lunch entres. Restaurants at some large resorts add gratuities to the tab. This is also customary for large parties at most restaurants, so check your bill carefully before leaving a tip. Satisfied diners are expected to tip 15 percent or more.

Heavy state taxes on liquor served in-house can boost a drinking tab quickly. Paying as you drink is a wise way to prevent sticker shock.

PRICE GUIDE

(An asterisk after the pricing designation indicates that the rate includes at least a continental breakfast in the cost of lodging and possibly more extensive meal service as noted in the listing.)

We would appreciate any comments or corrections. Please write to:

Explorers Guide Editor

The Countryman Press

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CONTENTS

MAPS

M orning dawns like a boaters dream. The sky is clear except for a trace of last nights moon: wispy, like a wadded-up cloud. The water stretches cellophane-taut between Sanibel and Pine Islands. It is a morning to wonder why anyone does anything else on days off except return to the sea. On cue, a family of three dolphins pierces the surface with their fins and their smiles. The show has begun.