Sanibel Island Offers Peace and Beauty -- and a World-Class Restaurant

by Sallie
(USA)

Some people love the Florida Keys, but I prefer Sanibel Island off Fort Myers on the Gulf Side.

There are some darling cabins at the Castaways and Between-the-Waters. There are even a few on the beach.

The Gulf of Mexico is usually calm and sparkles aquamarine in the golden sun. You can laze in the sun and then go back and laze in your cabin, a deux.

Sanibel and its mate island, Captiva, are well-known for shelling.

Periwinkles grow profusely by the side of the road in white and violet-blue.

Musician Michael Franks has a home on Sanibel. You can understand how this lovely setting might influence his laid-back musical style.

There is a bird sanctuary and bike rentals. You can ride through this peaceful setting.

There are many restaurants but by far the best is The Mad Hatter. It offers truly world-class dining in a small venue with a water view. I don't know for sure, but I suspect the owner may have been told he or she was mad as a hatter for starting a first-class restaurant in a tourist place.

The Mad Hatter is the perfect place to end a day in this romantic island getaway.