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Toast one another from the deck of a boat as the glowing sun leans down to kiss the vast Gulf waters.
Romance Ideas Around the Clock
Select from these romantic suggestions to craft an itinerary that includes dinner and dancing (but only after shelling on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel). Bicycle oceanside, kayak in the early morning quiet, stroll through art galleries and relax with massages together. Spend the day rediscovering each other and make a wish under the stars with a midnight champagne toast.
By Ryan Nance
Select from these romantic suggestions to craft an itinerary that includes dinner and dancing (but only after shelling on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel). Bicycle oceanside, kayak in the early morning quiet, stroll through art galleries and relax with massages together. Spend the day rediscovering each other and make a wish under the stars with a midnight champagne toast.
By Ryan Nance
Early Morning Seaside
Sunrise
  Kayak area waterways |
Catch the first morning light as the sun rises up over the horizon. From Sanibel, Captiva, Lover's Key or Pine Island’s eastern shores, watch the clear light streaming across the water – it’s a dazzling start to a magical day.
Beach Stroll
Stroll the white-sand beaches of Sanibel and Captiva islands in search of sun-bleached and sea-polished shells. You can find about 400 species of multi-colored seashells here, each one a gorgeous souvenir of your stroll along the blue Gulf of Mexico.
Breakfast
Settle down for a romantic breakfast in the bright morning. Order up room service – white linens, silver tea service, baskets of pastries – you get the picture. If you can breakfast outdoors, orange juice – that little glass of sunshine – enjoys the sun’s company.
Kayak
Entering the glassy blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico just before the early morning sun climbs above the treetops is truly magnificent. The Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail too will enchant you. Drift along together in the beautiful silence of the many serene waterways and spot dolphins and manatees gliding through back bays and estuaries.
City Pleasures
 Bokeelia |
Visit funky art galleries on Pine Island and Matlacha, a quaint shopping village in Boca Grande for fresh breads and produce, and even the latest fashions. Peruse the shops on Sanibel Island’s lush Periwinkle Way for the perfect outfit for your relaxed romantic adventure or Captiva’s Andy Rosse Lane, where you can find vibrant art to take home.
Spa
Enjoy a relaxing Swedish massage in the couples suite of Aquagene Spa at the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa, before slipping into the couples therapeutic multi-massaging shower.
Lunch
Lunch on Cabbage Key Inn at the Cabbage Key Inn, said to be the inspiration for Jimmy Buffett's song, "Cheeseburger in Paradise." You’ll have to take a boat to get to the small island, but that’s half the fun.
A Shell Museum
Visit the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, featuring shells from around the world, including Southwest Florida's barrier islands, and linger over some of the sea's finest treasures.
Bicycle
Ride together along the lush paths of Lakes Park in central Fort Myers or through the flowered lanes of Captiva and Sanibel islands. The cool Gulf breezes in your hair, the sun streaming across your faces, white sands and crystalline waters beyond – bicyclette romantique!
Happy Hour Begins
Wine Tasting
Sample sumptuous wines together at Eden Vineyards and Winery, tucked away on twenty acres in a beautiful, Old Florida setting in the small rural community of Alva just east of Fort Myers.
Happy Hours
At waterfronts pubs, dockside lounges and downtown bars, happy hour with your beloved is a great way to rekindle that spark of your first date. Brick Bar, just above Harold's on the Bay offers themed nights to strike anyone's fancy.
Sunset Cruise
Toast one another from the deck of a boat as the glowing sun leans down to kiss the vast Gulf waters – Captiva Cruises’ Sunset Serenade Cruise is the perfect way to end the day.
Dinner & Dancing
Dinner
Find one of the many area restaurants that serve delectable dishes dockside. Entrées with the shimmering night waters taste more… shall we say, alluring? Chloë’s Restaurant & Lounge at the Diamondhead Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach serves up a breathtaking view of the Gulf with its dishes.
Live Music
Soak up some local atmosphere (and some rustic romance) by catching some live music, from blues to folk, at Bert's Bar & Grill in Matlacha. This storied establishment jams with local musicians five nights out of the week.
Moonlit Walk
Dr. Stephen Leatherman, a.k.a. “Dr. Beach," has deemed Captiva Beach the country’s “most romantic" for years in a row. Imagine walking hand in hand under the captivating moon on the white-sand rim of the Gulf.
Dancing
Hit the dance floor and salsa your little hearts out. Sky Bar has dancing with live music or a DJ on the weekends.
Just the Two of You
Champagne Toast
Toast the brand-new day together at the stroke of midnight on your hotel balcony. Gaze out at the lights and soak in the warm, breezy night.
Star Gazing
The dark-blue night sky encrusted with stars vaults grandly overhead when viewed with your loved from one of the outer islands of The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel.
Sweet Dreams
From upscale hotels to island resorts, and from fun bed and breakfast inns to funky beach motels, The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel offers so many charming, comfortable and romantic places to stay. A cozy bed and crisp sheets are sure to elicit sweet dreams.
If you go...
Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, 239-395-2233, www.shellmuseum.org
Bert’s Bar & Grill, 239-282-3232, www.bertsbar.us
The Brick Bar, 239-332-7425 www.thebrickbar.com
Cabbage Key Inn, 239-283-2278, www.cabbage-key.com
Captiva Cruises, 239-472-5300, www.captivacruises.com
DiamondHead Beach Resort, 239-765-7654, www.diamondheadfl.com
Eden Vineyards and Winery, 239-728-9463, www.edenwinery.com
Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, 239-461-7400, thegreatcalusablueway.com
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa, 239-463-6181, www.pinkshell.com
Sky Bar, 239-332-7425
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