For Valentine’s Day: Look to the Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel for unspoiled island sanctuary

01/2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS: Nancy Hamilton, Lee Rose, Katie Meckley (239) 338-3500

LEE COUNTY, FL – The sparkling beauty of The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel has all the ingredients for a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway on southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. With spectacular sunsets, white sand beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, sparkling waters and unspoiled natural beauty, the area is as romantic as it gets!

Love connections for Valentine’s Day!

Lovers Key State Park was named among the “Top 10 Romantic Retreats” by Coastal Living magazine in its January/February 2008 issue. Located between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach, Lovers Key was only accessible by boat for many years and legend has it that lovers traveled to the island so they could enjoy its secluded beach. Today, it is one of four barrier islands that make up the state park.

With its pristine beaches and outstanding wildlife viewing, Lovers Key provides couples a true castaway experience. Visitors can ride the trolley or walk the boardwalks over tidal lagoons to a recently renourished, white sand beach. Guests can ride a bike, hike through the woods, see gentle manatees, kayak through inner waters, fish or have a picnic on the beach.

With its 2.5 miles of powder white beach along the Gulf of Mexico and its scenic, secluded gazebo perched above the waters, Lovers Key is also a popular wedding destination.

According to Coastal Living magazine, Lovers Key “is popular, but it still offers secluded nooks and stretches of beach where Valentines can get away from it all.” For more information, visit www.floridastateparks.org/loverskey.

Sweet treats!

Consumer Reports has named Norman Love Confections in Fort Myers the number one chocolate to “sigh for” on Valentine’s Day. Love and his team of chocolatiers specialize in handmade, all-natural confections that dazzle both the eye and the palate. This year’s Valentine delights include white chocolate covered strawberries, raspberries and vanilla cupcake. Milk chocolate Tahitian caramel and peanut butter and jelly along with dark chocolate passion fruit and cookies ‘n’ cream are just a few of Love’s special selections.

Visitors may stop by the Chocolate Salon in Fort Myers to purchase chocolates or to enjoy pastries, gourmet coffees, lattes and smoothies. For details: www.normanloveconfections.com.

Think romance with a tropical twist

Kick back. Relax. Fall asleep in a hammock to the rhythm of island breezes. Indulge in a sunset cocktail. Count the dolphins. Escape to a deserted island. Rent a kayak. Book a romantic dinner cruise. Browse charming boutiques and galleries. Walk on shell covered beaches. Sleep late. Do nothing.

Couples’ getaways and vacation packages are available for all interests. Check out a few ways to escape for a romantic vacation.

RECONNECT

Leave all your cares behind.
Start a shell collection. Relax away the hours. Watch exotic wildlife. Learn why Anne Morrow Lindbergh was inspired to write her best-selling book, A Gift from the Sea, while visiting Captiva Island.

Sleep on an uninhabited island
Book a really rustic cabin or pitch a tent at Cayo Costa State Park. Sleep under the stars and walk on unspoiled shell-lined beaches along this deserted island.

Another romantic beach
Many are enthralled by the charms of this area each year and it is no wonder. Captiva Island has been ranked as one of the most romantic beaches in the country. Relax in the sun. Watch dolphins frolic. Enjoy award-winning sunsets!

Dine in a Victorian mansion
Watch the sun set surrounded by the historic elegance of the award-winning Thistle Lodge on Sanibel Island.

Escape all ties to the mainland!
Let Captiva Cruises whisk you away to an outer island for lunch on Cabbage Key or Useppa Island. Sunset serenade cruises are also available to capture the beautiful Gulf of Mexico sunsets!

For a really romantic evening…
Take a starlight dinner cruise on the 100-foot luxury yacht, Sanibel Princess at Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa.

Watch the best sunset view
The Mucky Duck at the north end of Captiva Island is a favorite with visitors and locals who claim it has the best sunset views in the area. Aside from British dishes like steak and sausage pie and fish 'n' chips, the menu also boasts Florida favorites including grouper sandwiches and Key lime pie.

Paddle on the wild side
Meander through a lush mangrove forest. See white pelicans, roseate spoonbills, manatees, wood storks, bald eagles, ospreys, herons…all in their natural habitat. Many endangered species call this area home.

See the sunrise by kayak
Follow in the wake of early explorers. Take a sunrise paddle. Tunnel through mangroves. Travel through the heart of Buck Island, site of an early Calusa Indian fishing village. Watch dolphins play. Experience the beauty of natural Florida as your day begins.

DIVERSIONS

It’s just silly!
But great fun! Don’t miss a dinner at the Bubble Room on Captiva Island. Electric trains run amok, there are miles of Christmas lights and a tree, 2,000 movie star photos, Superman in a phone booth. Waiters and waitresses are dressed as bubble scouts. There is more, but it has to be seen to be believed. Super sized portions and huge desserts are legendary.

Indulge
Give yourselves a treat and book a spa package at Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa. For some real romance, try the Caloosa Experience, a couple’s favorite.

Mingle with the Vanderbilts
From Jensens’s Marina on Captiva Island, take a water shuttle to picture perfect Boca Grande. Pedal down Banyan Street and visit the old Gasparilla Inn, a favorite from the Vanderbilts to the Bush family! Have a waterside lunch at Harpers. Be sure to visit the historic lighthouse.

Paddle the trails of the Great Calusa Blueway
The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel offer hundreds of paddling opportunities for beginners and experts alike. The Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail is comprised of 190 miles of marked waterways and trails along the Gulf of Mexico coast.

Explore calm waters. See spectacular birding. Experience dolphin in the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. Take in Mound Key State Archaeological Site, believed to have been the capital of the Calusa Indian nation some 2,000 years ago.

Peek inside two of the area’s famous estate homes
Visit the beautiful homes (Edison & Ford Winter Estates) of famous next-door neighbors, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Located on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, tour botanical gardens, Edison’s laboratory and a museum with the world’s largest collection of his inventions and memorabilia.

Have Some Fun
Mail a coconut (yes…mail!) with a message back home from the Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens on Pine Island. Pick out your favorite message: “We are never coming home!”

Push some pedals!
Rent bikes and explore 23 miles of paved bike paths on Sanibel Island. There are even bikes for two! Meander through shopping areas, past beautiful gulf homes, tour through diverse parts of the island. Quaint shops and restaurants provide fun rest stops.Wheelchair bikes are available.

What is a romantic getaway without some shopping?
Stroll along Captiva’s picture-perfect Andy Rosse Lane and its eclectic galleries. Stop in the pastel-colored Seaweed Gallery, a whimsical place filled with work from both up-and-coming and established artists. Mediums include paintings, furniture, jewelry, glass and pottery. Nearby is Jungle Drums, “The Ultimate Wildlife Gallery,” which showcases works in bronze, glass, clay, mixed media, resin, wood and others. Be sure to check out the hand-painted Adirondack chairs - they'd make a great reminder of Captiva's laid-back lifestyle. And if you seek something unusual, visit the colorful galleries of Matlacha and Pine Island.

Share a Cheeseburger in Paradise
Head for this beautiful tropical island and leave a dollar at Cabbage Key’s historic restaurant and inn, where the walls are covered with thousands of signed dollar bills (a tradition that began when a thirsty fisherman left a bill taped to the wall to make sure he would have a cold drink during his next visit). Built atop a Calusa Indian shell mound, the island has cottages for rent but don’t look for telephones or TVs!

ROMANCE PACKAGES

From quaint cottages to colorful inns to upscale seaside resorts, it is available at The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. Special packages for romantic getaways include:

The Gasparilla Inn & Club, Boca Grande
“Island Romance Package”
Bottle of vintage champagne, chocolate covered strawberries and luxurious accommodations. The Island Romance Package starts at $273 per night, based upon double occupancy. Various meal plan options also available. Offer is subject to availability through June 2009.
Reservations: ( 941)964-4520 www.gasparillainn.com

The Country Inn & Suites, Sanibel Gateway, Fort Myers
"Romance Getaway" package
Champagne and chocolates upon arrival. 2 p.m. late check out. Continental
breakfast for two delivered to room.
Rates begin at $214 per night. Available through Dec. 31, 2009
Reservations: (239)454-9292 www.countryinns.com/sanibelfl_gateway

Holiday Inn Ft. Myers Airport at Town Center
"Romantic Getaway" package
Celebrate with a romantic getaway at the new Holiday Inn Fort Myers Airport at Town Center. Package includes a welcome bottle of champagne, two glasses, rose and exclusive Norman Love Chocolates, dinner for two in "Oasis" restaurant and breakfast for two on the following morning in the restaurant or through room service. Rates begin at $199 per night. Available through Dec. 31, 2009.
Reservations: (239)561-1550 www.hiftmyersairport.com

Holiday Inn Fort Myers Beach Resort, Fort Myers Beach
“Romantic Escape” package:
Two night minimum stay. Includes deluxe overnight accommodations, breakfast in bed for two each morning and dinner for two. Price: beginning at $347 per night. Valid Feb. 1 - 28, 2009. Ask for Code: IKRMC.
Reservations: (239)463-5711 www.fortmyersbeachhi.com

For more information on planning a romantic vacation to Florida’s unspoiled island sanctuary, visit www.FortMyersSanibel.com.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Romantic-themed images are available by request.

Media contacts for details on packages:

The Gasparilla Inn & Club, Boca Grande
“Island Romance Package”
Contact: Lindsey Leibson, public relations manager, 941-964-4520
lleibson@gasparillainn.com

The Country Inn & Suites, Sanibel Gateway, Fort Myers
"Romance Getaway" package
Contact: Theresa Chastonay, director of sales, 239-454-9292 ext. 501
theresa.chastonay@countryinns.com

Holiday Inn Ft. Myers Airport at Town Center
"Romantic Getaway" package
Contact: Ani Farrell, sales manager, 239-290-0031

Holiday Inn Fort Myers Beach Resort, Fort Myers Beach
“Romantic Escape” package
Contact: Karla Feazell, general manager, 239-463-5711

kfeazell@fortmyersbeachhi.com

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