October is a Great Month to Visit Sanibel Island

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October is a Great Month to Visit Sanibel Island

October is a great month to come visit Sanibel, Florida because the weather is just right. But there are many different events happening in the area that we felt you should know about. When you come stay in one of our Blind-Pass Condominiums you will be close to where the fun action is happening!

“Ding” Darling Days

October is a Great Month to Visit Sanibel Island

Beginning on October 12th and ending on October 14th, 2018 you will have a weekend of eco-friendly fun. Take advantage of attending the 30th Annual “Ding” Darling Days. This weekend long fun is filled with activities that everyone in the family will want to attend. There will be live wildlife presentations, hot dogs, crafts for the kids to do, bird watching and other family activities. There is something for the entire weekend for everyone and you will be able to have a good time.

33rd Annual BaileyFest

Come and help celebrate the 33rd Annual BaileyFest on Sunday, October 21st from 12 pm – 4 pm. Bailey’s General Store will be hosting their Annual Fest where you will be able to enjoy some fun while on vacation. There will be solo singers, bands, groups, dancers, a magician, food and so much more. Admission is free to this event but you will be able to purchase food and beverages. What a fun way to spend the day with your family while on vacation!

Halloween Festivities

October is a Great Month to Visit Sanibel Island

Of course, when you are on vacation even in October, you can’t forget about Halloween for the kids. No need to feel like you are going to miss out on the Halloween fun. There will be plenty of things for you and the family to take advantage of during this fun holiday. The city of Sanibel suggests that trick-or-treating happens between 5 pm – 8:30 pm. They will also have police cars loaded with candy for the small children who happen to come their way. And there normally is several different activities island wide for you to enjoy.

October’s weather is the perfect time to come visit and don’t forget about searching for shells with the family. Spend time together as a family whether it’s on the beach, taking advantage of the events above or just spending time together in your Blind-Pass vacation rental. We hope to see you this October while you vacation with your family!

Fall on Sanibel Island is the Best

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Fall on Sanibel Island is the Best

Summer is coming to an end soon which only means one thing, fall is coming! With school beginning back for most kids after Labor Day weekend, why not head to Sanibel Island for a week at the beach. If you happen to be staying with us at Blind Pass Condominiums, you will be close to where all the fun is. Let’s look below at why coming to Sanibel Island is the best in the fall!

Fall Weather

While the weather may be cooling drastically around the county, it’s not really the same as living up north. The average temperatures in the Sanibel Island area for September are roughly 89 degrees at the beginning of the month to being around 87 degrees during the day. At night the temperatures are from 77 – 75 degrees during the month of September. Even though it may not seem like a lot of a drop in the heat, when you are at the coast there normally is a small breeze off the gulf so that will help out some.

Beach Time

Fall on Sanibel Island is the Best

Since the fall is considered the off-season, visiting the beaches of Southwest Florida is just what the doctor ordered. You can have roughly 15 miles of the beach all to yourself and family or at least until Christmastime. This means that you and your family can have a relaxing day, playing in the sand, riding the waves or just enjoying time together. With such a wonderful island with luscious hibiscus and bike paths, you will get to spend all the time in the world together. The crowds will thin out and you will be able to still swim with the family.

Shelling Paradise

While there are chances for it to rain and storm while you visit the state of Florida, this is the best time to be able to enjoy some shelling. The fall weather makes perfect conditions for shelling with the family. We even have a few secrets to share with you to find the perfect shells. If you go an hour before low tide or go the day after a storm, the shells will be so thick that you will have to wear flip-flops to collect them. Taking a net or a bag will help you be able to find the perfect shell collection to take home and share with others.

Sunsets for Days

Fall on Sanibel Island is the Best

And of course, you can’t forget about those sunsets that you will get to see while you are on vacation. If you head to Blind Pass Beach, you will be at the island’s only west-facing beach for you to take advantage of the perfect photo opportunity. Plus, just taking a walk on the beach helps big time too to help relax while you are on vacation.You might even spot a dolphin or two while you are watching the sunset. Don’t miss out on the beauty that this island has to offer you without having to fly or cruise to the tropical paradise in the Caribbean. You will be able to find it here on Sanibel Island.

There are many other reasons to visit Sanibel Island this fall but these are just a few we’d thought you and your family would enjoy. If you are still looking for a place to stay in the area, we know of some pretty great condos for you to rent. Fall on the island where you will be able to enjoy some fun, family-friendly activities for all to love. We can’t wait to see you this fall with you and your family!

Why You Need to Take A Family Vacation to Sanibel Island

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Bowman's Beach best shells ever

Sanibel Island has been named the #1 family-friendly vacation spot in the Southeast! This happens to be the best family-friendly beach in the United States and has been known to have several family friendly things to do. Sanibel Island is a barrier island located near Fort. Myers, Florida in the gulf coast. The island has a laid back tropical Caribbean feel that can offer families gorgeous sunsets and an oasis you’ve been looking for in the US without having to travel outside of the country.

Where to Stay:

3 Bedroom Cond

Now that you’ve made the decision to vacation at Sanibel Island but not sure where to stay? We have the perfect Places to Stay on Sanibel Island! Depending on how many are vacationing with you will depend on what kind of condo or townhome you’d like to rent. We have many options for you to choose from and we do have condos from being 2 bedrooms to 3 bedrooms. And take advantage of what we have to offer you while you stay with us. Play some tennis with a family member, take a walk on the beach, enjoy some time at the pool, or you can take a kayak or canoe and enjoy the wildlife! No matter what you are looking for the sky is the limit!

Where to eat:

We understand that while you are on vacation that sometimes cooking isn’t what you want to be doing. So, there are a few places that we can recommend to you to dine at. If you are looking to dine out for lunch or breakfast, then head on over to Island Cow where they have one of the largest menus on the island. Another good place to visit would be Lighthouse Cafe which offers many favorites for all.

If you are looking for something to eat for dinner we can recommend several places to eat at. If you are looking for seafood, then why not give Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market a try. They have some favorites that many of the locals love to eat as well. Lazy Flamingo is a casual restaurant that is the closest to Blind Pass Condominiums and the menu is family friendly.

What to do:

Wildlife Refuge

When you vacation with us we understand that exploring the island is just what the doctor called for. There are several family-friendly things for you to do and we’d love to share a few of them with you. If you and your children love animals, then head on over to JN ’Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge where you can enjoy an open-air shuttle ride and can explore the education center that includes activities for the kids to do.

Speaking of wildlife, you can visit the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) which is Sanibel’s wildlife hospital for treating birds, reptiles and more. There are plenty for you to do and you children will get a few educational things out of the visit. There is also the Sanibel Island Lighthouse you can visit as well. This is a favorite place to photograph so get those cameras ready!

Sanibel Island Lighthouse Seagrass and Sky

With so many things to do and enjoy while visiting the island the possibilities for you to explore it more each day while you vacation here. No matter what kind of vacation you want, Sanibel Island is the place to be this summer. Allow us to continue to be there for you with each summer vacation.

Sanibel Named Among the “Top 20 Best Places to Vacation in Florida”

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Top-20-FL-Vacation-Spots

With so many Florida beaches to choose from when it comes to deciding where to lay your beach towel, Trip Advisor is here to help.

USA Today recently posted that Trip Advisor confirmed that Southwest Florida is a great place to vacation – specifically Sanibel Island.

Sanibel Island made the Trip Advisor’s “20 Best Places to Vacation in Florida” list far ahead of other major Florida destinations.

Their list focused on rental home vacation properties. The 20 destinations are among the highest rated cities in Florida based on Trip Advisor’s rental reviews. The award highlighted the blissful beaches and sunsets of Sanibel Island.

Top-Places-in-FL-to-Vacation

“You can spend your days at the beach watching the birds or combing through the thousands of pretty shells that wash up on the sands,” the award stated regarding Sanibel Island.

“As travel trends continue to show visitors crave authentic, engaging experiences, we know we can provide that to them here in Florida’s Paradise Coast,” said Jack Wert, executive director of the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“There’s nowhere else in Florida that can provide our level of quality beaches paired with outdoor wilderness experiences in the Everglades as well as a vibrant dining scene, high-end shopping and world-class arts and culture,” Wert said.

“Choosing one of our many vacation rental properties lets families and groups of friends feel at home and experience the area like locals.”

 

Fishing Around Sanibel Island

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If you’re coming to Florida to do some fishing be sure to come on over to Sanibel Island and try your hand in the Gulf of Mexico. This shallow body of water is no deeper than 50-75 ft. just 30 miles offshore. There are numerous artificial reefs and wrecks that make for some fabulous fishing. Some of the best red grouper and black grouper fishing in the state can be found here. Other offshore species include shark, tripletail, tarpon, cobia, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, barracuda, jack crevalle, amberjack, permit and numerous kinds of snapper.

Charter Fishing in Sanibel
When you’re making reservations for your Sanibel Island lodging be sure to give us a call at Blind Pass Condominium. We have 1,300 sq ft two-bedroom units with split floor plans, 1,586 sq ft three-bedroom, two bath units, and townhouse units that are 1,500 sq ft with two bedrooms and two and a half baths.

We’re sure you’ll enjoy the comfortable and open floor plans that you’ll find in both our condos and townhouses. In our Sanibel Island lodging we offer amenities such as Air Conditioning, Dishwasher, Gas Grill / BBQ, Heated Pool, Laundry, Microwave, Stereo, Tennis Facilities, TV and VCR. To make your vacation more relaxing we provide beach chairs, beach towels and beach umbrellas, too.

Once you’re settled into your Sanibel Island lodging you’ll be free to pursue whatever type of fishing interests you most. We have fishing charters and guides, offshore fishing, inshore/Back Bay fishing, fly fishing and fishing from shore or from the piers. Marinas on the islands rent boats, canoes and kayaks as well.
 
 

Sanibel Island Has the Only Shell Museum in the Nation

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Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum

A short distance from our Blind Pass Condominiums, is the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum on the Sanibel-Captiva Road on Sanibel Island. If you enjoy looking at seashells this is a must-visit location for you!

Come learn everything there is to know about seashells on Sanibel – the many different types of shells, the best season to collect shells and the best time of day to go out. You won’t want to miss the Marine biologists who give Live Tank Talks throughout the day.

As the only sea shell museum in the nation, Bailey-Matthews displays shells from all over the world. In addition to displaying shell specimens, they also share insights into the various roles shells have played in the past, today, and in the future.

seashells of Sanibel

The museum takes great care to be accurate, which means their information evolves as new scientific discoveries are made. They have a world-renowned malacologist and two Marine Biologists that are joined by highly educated docents to share knowledge, surprising facts, and rare insights into the lesser-known complexities of shells. You’ll learn all about the science as well as the cultural, historical and culinary facets of shells.

Collecting Sanibel Island shells

In their own words, “…our greatest asset is an innate sense of curiosity and wonder about shells. We have a lot of fun here at the Museum; we thankfully never stop learning and sometimes even get a little goofy about new discoveries — whether brought to our attention by a guest, gleaned from our own research, or found within the larger scientific world. Come see us — you’ll be glad you did!”

The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $15 adults (18+), $9 for youth 12-17, $7 for children 4-11. Children under 4 are admitted free as are active military. Phone: (239) 395-2233. Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, Florida.

Sanibel Island #1 Among the Top 10 Best Shelling Beaches in America

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If you’ve visited Sanibel Island in the past you won’t be too surprised to learn that Travel & Leisure magazine ranked Sanibel Island #1 of the Top 10 Best U.S. Shelling Beaches in the country. The Weather Channel’s Facebook friends’ also voted Sanibel Island as the beach they like best for shelling. Conditions are ideal off the coast of Sanibel and Captiva Islands to acquire the finest and largest number of shells that you have to see to believe.

Sanibel Island #1 Among the Top 10 Best U.S. Shelling Beaches
Some say that both Sanibel and Captiva Islands are created entirely from seashells. When local residents install new gardens in their backyards they often find conchs, whelks, scallops and clam shells — all in pristine condition!

It’s because of the lay out of the land that these islands rank the best in the world for shelling. The Island of Sanibel is a curve shape that follows the coastline. The east-west torque of Sanibel’s south end acts like a shovel that regularly scoops up all the seashells that the Gulf carries in from the Caribbean and other southern seas.

What to Bring if You’re Collecting Shells

Be sure to bring a bucket or other container to hold all the seashells you collect and hit the beach during low tide when shells are more exposed. The best times for Florida shell-lovers to collect are at low spring tides during full and new moons. Gulf storms are also responsible for moving a large number of shells up the Gulf and onto the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva Islands.

Sanibel Island #1 Among the Top 10 Best U.S. Shelling Beaches

Where You Can Find the Best Shells

The best places to go shelling are on the Gulf-side beaches from the Lighthouse to North Captiva Island. With hundreds of thousands of shells, the beaches are sources of every type of shell imaginable; with a fresh supply coming in regularly from the Gulf and Caribbean. Please know that shelling is prohibited in J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

What You’ll FInd

There are many different types and sizes of seashells on these beaches. The smaller seashells can be found on the Lighthouse end of the island chain. But if it’s the larger shells you’re after you’ll want to check closer to Captiva and North Captiva. You can expect to see Conch, Junonia, Lightning Whelk, Cockle, Scallops, Murex, Tulip, Olive, Coquina, among the types found there.

Florida Seashell Laws

Seashells are important to the chain of life on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Because both of these are refuge islands, where all life is considered precious, the State of Florida has outlawed the collecting of live shells on the island. A “live shell” is defined as any specimen that contains an inhabitant, whether or not the mollusk seems alive. The law further protects sand dollars, starfish and sea urchins. Sheller’s are urged to limit even their empty-shell collection.

Where to Stay

When you’re looking for an affordable place to stay on Sanibel Island be sure to check out Blind Pass Condominiums. Our accommodations are beautifully decorated and fully furnished and will easily accommodate most any size group.We look forward to meeting you!

 

For the Best Shelling on Sanibel Check Out Bowman’s Beach

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Best shells to be found are at Sanibel Island beach

If you’re into collecting shells and are trying to choose where to take your next vacation this year, come to Sanibel Island! You’ll return home with the best seashells you’ve ever collected from Bowman’s Beach, right here on the island.

When you’re looking for vacation accommodations don’t miss our Last Minute Deals at Blind Pass Condominiums where you won’t be far from beachcombing to your heart’s content. Bowman’s Beach offers some of the most remote beachfront in the area. Plenty of parking is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Low tide will provide you with the best and most shells. Come early and enjoy having the beach to yourself.

Bowman's Beach

Even if your prime reason for coming isn’t to collect shells, Bowman’s Beach is still an awesome place to picnic and swim with the family. There’s a large picnic area, grills you can use to cook on, outside showers and a bathroom. The beach is about a ¼ mile walk from the parking lot and offers pristine white sand.

Dolphins at Bowman's Beach on Sanibel Island FL

You’ll see things from the beach that you just won’t see otherwise unless you’re on a boat. Watch for the manatees and dolphins as you cross the bridge on the walk to the beach. Be sure to check out the awesome views of the Gulf of Mexico as well.

Best Shells at Bowman's Beach on Sanibel Island

Grab the kids, pack a lunch and plenty of liquids, and don’t forget the buckets or bags to carry your shells in. Treasures like these can’t be purchased in any store! These come wrapped up in the full experience of vacationing on Sanibel Island, Florida, when you stay at Blind Pass Condominiums.

 

 

Spend the Day Exploring Clam Bayou in Our Free Kayaks

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Kayakers and other small boat enthusiasts are sure to appreciate our close proximity to Clam Bayou and the free use of kayaks we provide to guests of Blind Pass Condominiums. Book your stay now and let us know in advance, if you can, that you’ll be using the kayaks.

Spend the Day Exploring Clam Bayou in Our Free KayaksClam Bayou – which is very old inlet – is a part of the Dinkens Bayou area just south of Blind Pass. The entire area is dynamic and always changing. Clam Bayou has been open to the Gulf off and on through the years. In 2016, Hermine, which was a Tropical Depression when it came by here and later became a hurricane, sent sufficient wind and waves to make a small pass to the Gulf of Mexico.

“This is reminiscent of the old days when both sides of Silver Key were open to the Gulf,” said nearby resident Doris Hardy, president of the ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge. “Fishing boats would enter Clam Bayou. We saw sting rays and there were more blue crabs and Gulf critters, for lack of a better word.”

Spend the Day Exploring Clam Bayou in Our Free Kayaks
“This has resulting benefits,” Evans said. “The opening brings in Gulf water and allows some flushing within the bayou. This removes some organic matter in the bayou and allows for an influx of creatures. This influx will provide some additional food in the bayou and will allow for marine life to pass freely between the bayou and the Gulf.”

Maps also note the presence of Old Blind Pass next to Clam Bayou. That, Evans said, is indicative of how things change along the shore. The present Blind Pass where Sanibel meets Captiva has been open and closed through the years. It is in its present spot today only because of human efforts to keep it there.

This entire area provides for a wonderful day of exploration by kayak, canoe and other small vessels that should not be missed no matter what time of the year you visit!

Where to Celebrate the Holidays While Staying at Blind Pass Condos

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A brand new year is fast approaching and with it comes new hopes and dreams. If you’ll be in the area for Christmas stay in our holiday accommodations and enjoy the many events taking place in the area. Say farewell to 2017 and bring in the New Year at any of the area’s special events. Our holiday accommodations at Blind Pass Condominiums will have you in close proximity to not only the beach but to the following local events as well!

Celebrating the Holidays Around Sanibel IslandDon’t miss Edison & Ford Holiday Nights taking place 5:30-9 p.m. through December 31. The winter homes, gardens, and historic buildings of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford are decorated with thousands of lights and traditional holiday decorations. Special events include:

  • Nightly guided Holiday Tradition Tour at 6 and 7 p.m. (First-come, first-served.)
  • Inside the Homes Holiday Tour every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. (additional cost, call for reservations)
  • Children’s Holiday Tree Trail with handmade ornaments created by students from local schools
  • Artist Doug MacGregor as Santa, visiting and cartooning with kids of all ages on November 24, December 9, December 16, and December 23
  • Visit Spark!Lab, our newest Smithsonian hands-on exhibit open 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. during Holiday Nights
  • Patriotic Postcards – nightly activity where visitors can create and decorate postcards to be mailed to active-duty military personnel
  • Ford Holiday Cottage Shoppe, Museum Store and Garden Shoppe open for unique holiday gifts
  • Pure Florida M/V Edison Explorer offers sightseeing and sunset river cruises select days
  • Enjoy waterfront dining at Pinchers restaurant, open 11 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Marina at Edison Ford
  • Liquid Fireworks by Waltzing Waters Inc. returns this year, with a patriotic theme. The show runs continuously during Holiday Nights operating hours, 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. each evening and is included with Edison Ford Holiday Nights admission.

Location: 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL.

New Year's EveNew Year’s Eve Downtown Countdown. Southwest Florida’s best New Year’s celebration kicks off at 8 p.m. at Hendry & 1st Street, Fort Myers, FL. Come early and bring the family for the Junior Balloon Drop at 9 p.m. at First and Hendry Streets with great giveaways for the kids. Five stages with live bands throughout the night! Vendors, great food, drinks, and family fun will go through the evening and end with the Fireworks over the River and the Ball Drop at midnight!

Join Adventures in Paradise as the sun sets on 2017! Take a beautiful and relaxing sunset dolphin cruise out into the waters of Sanibel and Captiva while listening to tropical music and searching for majestic dolphins and numerous wading birds. Gliding through the calm island waters, treat yourself to champagne strawberry cupcakes and bring your own bottle of wine or in this case, champagne. The sunsets along Sanibel and Captiva Islands will capture your heart and help set you on the right path towards your New Years resolution.

Happy New Year 2018Ring in 2018 at Traditions on the Beach! It’s an evening to be festive featuring dinner, dancing to a full band, balloon drop at midnight with champagne toast. Photo booth too! Admission: $185. For more information see our website and call 239-472-4559 to make your reservations! Location: Traditions on the Beach, 3111 West Gulf Drive, Sanibel.

All of us at Blind Pass Condominiums wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year!