Best-kept local secrets in FM/FMB areas (Sarasota, Fort Myers: rentals, house)

[shukertj]

Hi All,

I know this is a pretty vague question, but what would locals consider as some of the area's best-kept local secrets? Restaurants, quirky attractions, natural sights . . . anything that is off the beaten path and generally known only by locals and isn't overrun with tourists. We'd like to get a sense of the REAL Fort Myers. Thanks in advance for all your suggestions! : )

[tomno00]

barefoot beach,,, well it's in bonita springs, but IMO the most beautiful beach in the area and is never crowded...

what kind of food do you like? This weekend I tried Cafe Barcelona off 12th in Naples. Tiny, but very good food

[to570717]

Plaka's on Mcgregor (the one closest to College) for Greek food.

Asia for Sushi near Gulf Coast Hospital.

McGregor Cafe for lunch.

Giovanni's Italian market for pizza or Tuna hogies. Pizza Fusion is also good pizza.

[mnpedwards]

How about Paesano's in CC?

Paesano's Italian Market Home page

[kroeran]

barefoot is tops

check out the fun things to do FAQ

places we particularly like
- Ca D'Zan mansion (Sarasota)
- Fisherman's Village (PG) for sunset dinner
- Gasparilla Local History and Flora/Fauna/Shell Museum in the lighthouse and "downtown" strip
- Arcadia antique row (check website for monthly festival)
- Manatee Park on cold days (call ahead to see if they are there)
- Olde Time Pottery (much more than Pottery)
- FM Downtown (days or festivals)
- Edison Ford estate/Burroughs Mansion
- Total Wine [& Crispers for lunch] (across from Bell Tower)
- Ding Darling Sanibel and Captiva end of the road beach
- FM Pier
- Dog Beach Lovers Key
- 6 mile slough on free tour mornings
- Orange Ice Cream at Sun Harvest Citrus
- Fresh Market at Bell Tower
- Two Meatballs in the Kitchen (Daniels)
- Miromar outlets to buy, (Coconut Point and Waterside to look)
- Turtle Club beach dining
- Stilts Restaurant on Marco (pick a low wind day, ignore the parking lot timeshare pitch)
- Naples Zoo (natural settings)

[shukertj]

Thank you for all the suggestions! : ) Today we rented a pontoon on Ft. Myers Beach for the entire day and it was so fun--dolphins chased our boat much of the time and we were thrilled with their playful antics!

Ate lunch by the marina at Parrot Key, and then found LIVE sand dollars on the beach. I'd never seen one alive before. Did you know they are a type of flat sea urchin?!?

I am going to put Barefoot Beach on my must-do list. Tomorrow we're going to Tin City in Naples--sounds touristy but I guess we'll have to do a bit of that too. Maybe we can try Cafe Barcelona while we're there.

Also met with a realtor and took a look at one house on the water in Ft Myers. There were manatees swimming in the canal, but I didn't get too good a peek at them. Need to turn in now, as I'm still on Denver time and end up sleeping half the day away!

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by to570717

Plaka's on Mcgregor (the one closest to College) for Greek food.

There is a Plaka on Fort Myers Beach, also.

[kroeran]

note that the Naples Segway tour people are right beside Tin City.

[shukertj]

Kroeran, I've been dying to take a segway tour ever since I first laid eyes on them! We have two preschoolers who wouldn't be able to go with us, though, so that puts a damper on that adventure. We had fun on the beach today--our vacation rental came with beach chairs, umbrellas, and lots of buckets and sand toys. : )

[SWFL_Native]

They also do Waverunner rentals at Tin City. The nice thing is that you can go anywhere with them rather than staying in a small pre-defined zone. We did a 1/2 day rental and rode down past Marco to the Everglades entrance and back. Was a great time!