We had a storm one night so the next morning there was a big mound of shells right in front of Pointe Santo so everyone was finding great shells (even the next day there were still shells in that mound). There were several live clams clicking away and some were jumping around. That was a sign and sound I had never seen/heard. And the sound of the waves skimming the shells - a tinkling sound - was sweet. I had never heard that sound before either. Sunsets were stunning.
We ate out only a few times. We liked Cheeburger, Cheeburger, Doc Fords (which was recommended by locals and they were right), and Lazy Flamingo. We weren't as impressed with the Bubble Room on Captiva. We liked Captiva when we drove through there, but we liked our beach much better, though the landscape and homes as we entered Captiva were definitely beautiful.
Our place at Pointe Santo had a great location (we like the first floor units because we can just go out the door and get to the beach rather than walking down the "back" stairs and around the building). The unit was advertised on VRBO as "Platinum" and "Luxury" and it was FAR from it, but it was definitely well laid out for us, convenient, and met our needs. The units at Pointe Santo are all individually owned so the quality depends on the owner. I have a friend who was also staying there and her unit was definitely top-notch (though I liked our location better).
There is one main street in Sanibel called Periwinkle that is great most times of the day except between 3-6 when it's backed up with lots of traffic (though there are other roads to take to get across the island). Lots of "cute" stores and lots of restaurants. Though it was peak season in Sanibel and most of the rentals were booked, the beach was never crowded which was nice.
Comparing SoWal to Sanibel, for most of the time I'll take SoWal because it is less busy, has more variety in beach communities, and -- of course -- great people. Also, the weather in SoWal is nicer all year round (Sanibel must be VERY hot in summer) and it's nice to be up a bit higher on dunes during hurricane season. They have sharks in Sanibel, too -- and alligators. They don't seem to have much of a concern about rip tides, except in a few areas (but they definitely don't advertise problems with any of these things - our TDC does a VERY good job with the signs and warnings).
Oh, and here's a trick for stopping those ice headaches you get when drinking frozen margaritas. Just stick your thumb up against the roof of your mouth as soon as the ice headache starts and it will stop it pretty quickly. You can also do the same thing with your tongue, but it's more fun sticking your thumb up against the roof of your mouth (and I think it works better, too).
Anyway, I'd go back to Sanibel again, especially in January or February when it's sooooo cold up here in Michigan. We could actually go in the ocean and it was comfortable. And I'd stay at Pointe Santo again. I also thought the management company was very good - Royal Shell -- and would recommend them.
But tomorrow I have to go to work
And I'll be in SoWal a few times in April - definitely for the soiree. Can't wait.
Can't wait to see you in April too!
