Any place to go for a day trip (Tamiami, Fort Myers: rental, hotels)

[Sweetbottoms]

So my husband and I haven't been on any kind of vacation in 4 years. Well actually we haven't even left Naples in 4 years , I think we wen to Ft. Myers once 3 years ago. We need a day get away. We looked into Marco but hotels are going for $250 a night, even with govt. discounts and thats just absurd for one night. Anywhere in SWFL we can go for a night to get away from the kiddie and just enjoy ourselves that won't break the bank

[theeclipsedheart]

Originally Posted by Sweetbottoms

So my husband and I haven't been on any kind of vacation in 4 years. Well actually we haven't even left Naples in 4 years , I think we wen to Ft. Myers once 3 years ago. We need a day get away. We looked into Marco but hotels are going for $250 a night, even with govt. discounts and thats just absurd for one night. Anywhere in SWFL we can go for a night to get away from the kiddie and just enjoy ourselves that won't break the bank

why not drive up to tampa?

[Beth Mone`]

Try Ft Myers Beach. It's a whole different atmosphere than Naples.

You should find rates from 70 up and that's on the beach. The nicest hotel there is Diamond head, I think they're around 160. The Outrigger and the Holiday Inn are also worth checking as are lots of family owned smaller resorts along the beach. I'm sure there's many to choose from this time of year.

Google Ft Myers Beach accommodations

Have Fun

Beth

[Sweetbottoms]

Originally Posted by theeclipsedheart

why not drive up to tampa?

we only have one day to do something and we have dogs and our daughter at a babysitters so we can't even leave till after dinner so we can take care of the dogs and such

[Squiffynole]

This is a little offbeat but my suggestion is to check out Everglades City and Chokoloskee Island. To get there head east on Tamiami Trail about 40 miles and take a right on SR 29. It is an easy day trip or you can stay at one of the small motels in town. Everglades City is like a snapshot of old Florida with some incredible historic buildings, working waterfronts and fabulous water views, down-home seafood restaurants and a visitor station for Everglades National Park which offers boat trips. Chokoloskee is very quiet but you can see the historic Smallwood General Store where in the old days long before I-75 and US 41 vegetables grown in Immokalee and elsewhere were sailed to market in Key West. If you like to fish there are some great spots along the causeway out to Chokoloskee. On the drive down there you might swing through Collier-Seminole State Park and there is an Indian village / airboat attraction or two. On the down side, when conditions are bad the mosquitoes can be overwhelming early or late in the day or at night. As you can tell, I love the place!

[Sweetbottoms]

Thanks guys we've got some ideas floating around now! Def never been to everglades city so we might give it a shot

[Beckford]

We did a little weekend in Matlatcha area. It really gives you the feel of "Old Florida." Had a great time checking out all the local artwork and ate some amazing fresh shrimp and fish. Yum! We rented a great little house for the weekend.
Something like this : Matlacha Vacation Rental - VRBO 279693 - 1 BR Pine Island Cottage in FL, Waterfront Cottage (http://www.vrbo.com/279693 - broken link)

[Squiffynole]

Matlatcha is a good suggestion. There is the strip of funky old houses / restaurants right at the pass and then Pine Island has some wonderful tropical vegetation and Indian Mounds. Going by boat from one of the marinas to Cabbage Key is fabulous.

They are not for everyone but to me the historic settlements in Southwest Florida like Everglades City, Goodland, Matlacha, Captiva, and Boca Grande are absolutely precious. There are more that have been squeezed by development like Caxambas, Old Naples, Old Bonita, Fort Myers Beach, Punta Rasa, Punta Gorda and others.

[cardgirl]

How about doing a day trip in your area? There are some great ideas to pick through in this new book Days Out Around Fort Myers by Gillian Birch [url=http://amzn.to/YjAUhU]Amazon.com: days: Books[/url]

You can choose somewhere that appeals, read the description, see photos, learn the admission cost, decide where to eat and get directions all in one guide book. There are gardens, water parks, boardwalks, historic homes, museums, things for kids, things for free and, and, and!!