by David Cosgrove
Let’s start this off-beat blog post with a confession: I am a Type-A+ attorney. And it is for that very reason that the finite activity options on Sanibel and Captiva Islands in Florida are perfect for me and my personality. These two tiny islands on the Gulf–connected by a short scenic expanse bridge–are a mere thirty minute drive from the Ft. Meyers airport. Once you settle in, however, you will feel as if you are a hundred miles away from the main-land.
Don’t get me wrong–there is plenty to do on these islands. Tarpon Bay to the north of Sanibel has a peaceful refuge for kayaking and canoeing. You can catch an island hoping boat or fishing charter at Jensen’s Marina on Captiva. The beaches are perfect, however, so no one could fault the weary attorney for doing nothing on the islands other than to enjoy them with a great non-legal piece of writing. A good book by Nelson DeMille or Garrison Keillor comes to mind. Finally, the sunsets over the Gulf are the best in the nation but for, perhaps, Hawaii.
How about fresh seafood? Try the stuffed grouper at Green Flash or the barbeque shrimp! at the Mucky Duck on Captiva. If you don’t like fresh fish you are missing out, but you need not panic. Mazaluna on Sanibel is a great Italian place with papers and crayons on the tables for the kids. Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille on Sanibel gets excellent reviews, but I am yet to make it there. One thing you are sure not to find on these uncluttered islands is an ugly Denny’s or IHOP Restaurant.
If you need to let loose a bit–and I suspect you do–you can dance to live music at the Keylime Bistro on Captiva or the Island Cow on Sanibel. And if your thirst can’t wait for night fall, you might enjoy beer from a keg at the picnic tables outside the Mucky Duck. And last but not least–be sure to have lunch and a dictionary-sized piece of cake at the quirky Bubble Room.
So where should you stay on this haven for mentally abused lawyers? The Sundial Resort on Sanibel is great if you are foolish enough to pack offspring. I prefer to stay on Captiva, but lest I generate competition for reservations—I’m not telling you where. See you at the Mucky Duck. And don’t forget to forget your cell phone.