My husband and I along with our 2 teenage boys will be coming down to the Fort Myers area the end of March to watch the MN Twins in Spring Training, and enjoy some sun and sand. We're planning to stay in a vacation condo, but not familiar with the area. Anyone have any tips on areas to stay or avoid? Are the beaches mostly public or private? Any thoughts or tips would be appreciated!
Posts: 3640 | Location: Minnesota | Registered: January 04, 2003
Mom, you can't go wrong with a trip to Sanibel and Captiva Islands for fun, sun shopping and dining. For baseball nostalgia, Terry Park is an active baseball complex that will probably be hosting northern college teams at that time of year. Terry Park used to be a spring training facility dating back to the days of Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Lou Gerhig, etc..... and they all played there. Enjoy the trip.
Posts: 145 | Location: Florida | Registered: January 17, 2003
Sorry, but, I live in Panama City, in the panhandle of Fla. I don't know anything about availability of condos in the Ft. Myers area. Best of luck and when you find out the information, please pass it along to me as I have occassional need to be there myself.
BEST of luck and enjoy the spring training.
Mike
Posts: 210 | Location: Panama City, Fl. | Registered: December 28, 2002
Plenty of beautiful public beaches, many on Sanibel and Captiva Islands about 30 minutes from downtown Ft. Myers. Traffic is heavy that time of year so be patient. Have fun and catch a foul ball!
Geaux Cajuns!!
Posts: 4795 | Location: Florida | Registered: December 26, 2002
I would not recommend the area north of the river bridge.
Many nice areas in Fort Myers, wonderful golf courses, beaches and tons of retirees!
I agree that a trip to Sanibel Island should be on the schedule. Also agree with the Estro Beach comments.
To see how the other half lives (at least part of the year) you might want to plan a trip down U.S. 41 to Naples and Marco Island.
If you like seafood try either Pincher's or Prawnbrokers, both on McGregor Blvd. Also consider the Sanibel Steakhouse. And of course they have all the regular chain restaurants as well.
Bob, "Doing nothing is still a course of action"
Posts: 1507 | Location: Tennessee | Registered: December 22, 2002
I did some more research also, and we are thinking of staying at Carlos Pointe condos, on the south end of Estero Island, which says it is walking distance from Lover's Key state park which I think is the one Sark21 mentioned. Haven't confirmed the reservation yet ... would rent a 2BR condo direct from the owner.
Also, I got creative on airfare and got a better rate and more convenient schedule by flying into Orlando and flying back from Fort Myers. So now we are starting our vacation for 1 or 2 nights in Orlando ... 1 if my hubby insists on driving to Fort Myers the next morning, 2 if I can convince him to stay one day in Orlando.
Orlando Attractions:
If you were going to spend just one day at one Orlando attraction with 2 teen boys ages 15 and 17, before heading out for baseball and beaches, which Orlando attraction would you take in? I'm thinking maybe Universal Studios?
Posts: 3640 | Location: Minnesota | Registered: January 04, 2003
Islands of Adventure at Universal studios is a great place for teenage kids and parents alike. You can let the kids go and stillhand out at the Cigar Bar or Jimmy Buffets all day long. We all know that it is 5 o'clock somewhere! That is one of my favorite places.
"I love the HSBBW"
Posts: 5108 | Location: South Florida | Registered: December 26, 2002
IOA has the most roller coasters and thrill rides, and it's small enough to get around easily in one day --- hence its popularity with teenagers. There are also two park passes, if you'd like to take in Universal as well.
If the family insists on Disney, I'd recommend MGM --- manageable size, and a good selection of thrill rides and some enjoyable shows.
If pos, let's get together...I'm about 10 minutes from Universal. I'll PT you with info!
--------------------------------- From 'Nice Guys Finish Last' by Leo Durocher:
Baseball lives at the center of a never-flagging whirl of irreconcilable opinions.
You make sure to say "hi" to Mike Ryan from his hometown fans in Indiana, PA! I know he's been in town helping at baseball camps, signing autographs, etc., since the end of the Twins' season, but we haven't run into him. He's a regular townie here---so very cool he's made it to the Bigs!
Sounds as if your son has made the big college decision! PT me when it's official!
Regards!
Karen
Is this heaven?...
Posts: 2177 | Location: Western PA | Registered: January 01, 2003
