Working Vacation: Florida Gulf Coast

January 2022

Things to Do When You're Traveling Through - Restaurants, Sites on Florida’s Gulf Coast

Sanibel Island

About 15 miles long and 5 miles wide, Sanibel Island is not far from Fort Myers and has beautiful beaches with pastel-colored seashells.  

Jewelry artist Kathleen Clausen lives in Indianapolis, and her family owns a condo on Sanibel Island. They visit it several times a year and have done so for about 35 years. As a result, they have become familiar with Sanibel’s restaurants and points of interest.  

“When we started doing art fairs, we saw some shows that were occurring when we were already visiting, so we decided to try to get into some of those shows,” she said. “That’s how we began, and, over the years, we have tried a few on Sanibel and in the area.” 

Of dining on Sanibel Island, Clausen said, “Over the years, we have tried most of the restaurants, chosen favorites, seen restaurants close and new ones open, etc. We would recommend almost any of the restaurants. We routinely eat at the Island Cow, the Timbers, Matzaluna, and Jerry’s.” 

Amazing restaurants to try: 

There are a variety of indoor dining options at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille’s Sanibel Island location. Photo courtesy of Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille – Sanibel Island
A plein-air artist works on a painting at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Photo courtesy of J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge
Unbelievable number of seashells,” Kathleen Clausen said of Bowman’s Beach. Photo courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel
A couple kayaks at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Photo courtesy of J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge
(click an image to open)

Cool sites to see: 

The Bubble Room Restaurant is known for its desserts.
Photo courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

Clausen also has a couple recommendations for nearby Captiva Island. 

One of them is the Bubble Room Restaurant. She describes it as an “unusual dining experience. Great desserts.” 

Cedar Key

Sunset over Cedar Key. Photo courtesy of Cedar Key Arts Center 

This island city is off Florida’s northwest coast. Known as a haven for artists, it is home to April’s annual Old Florida Celebration of the Arts. Bev Ringenberg is the president of the Cedar Key Arts Center, a coordinating sponsor of that event. 

“You won’t find a better place for your ‘working vacation’ than the Old Florida Celebration of the Arts in the picturesque island community of Cedar Key. Nestled in the center of Florida’s Nature Coast two hours north of Tampa, Cedar Key has been hosting an annual spring arts festival since 1964,” she said. “This juried fine art event has been listed in the Top 5 Small Town Art Fairs in America multiple times in recent years. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere, outstanding artist amenities, and surrounding natural beauty will nurture your artistic soul.” 

She shared these two links for artists to check out before they visit Cedar Key: 

Panama City Beach

Another Florida Panhandle destination is Panama City Beach. John LaRosa and Kathy Garrett said its white sand beaches are a must-see. “It is one of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. The sunsets and water are the most beautiful in the fall,” Garrett said. 

She knows a lot about Panama City Beach. Garrett and her husband live in west central Georgia and vacation in Panama City Beach several times a year. “We just purchased a condo that will allow us to start doing shows all along the panhandle of Florida,” she said. 

They plan to start doing shows there in 2022. Garrett recommended several restaurants and a cool site for others planning to do the Florida circuit. 

“The places I named we have visited over the years over and over again,” she said. “We always prefer local to chain when we are on vacation or at shows.”  

Garrett said Panama City Beach has “received a very bad reputation over the years. It has really taken a turn for the better. It is back to being a great family vacation spot. There are a lot of things to do, or you can just relax on the beach. March (it is illegal to drink on the beach this month) and the fall are the slower, more laid-back times of the year.” 

Destin

Located on the Florida Panhandle, Destin is known for its beaches and golf courses. Garrett, a crochet artist, suggests a stop at Silver Sands Premium Outlets when visiting this community. “If you love to shop, this is the place to do it,” she said. “This is still a great outlet. All of the storefronts are occupied and full of great deals.” 

Navarre

This beach community is east of Pensacola, on Florida’s northwestern tip. LaRosa, a fused glass artist, recommends visiting Cactus Flower Café. He said it has the best chicken tacos.

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