Fort Myers "Footprints from Gardens at Beachwalk" ...

Home Sales in Lee County Buck National Trend -- Almost Double Prior August Results ! And, yikes, 'bidding wars' and "housing bubbles" are back!

2009-10-16T21:06:00.004-05:00

The Lee County housing market fell harder and faster than the national average, and is now blowing away the national market on the upswing as well -- year-over-year August sales were almost DOUBLE in this portion of southwest Florida ... (The median price of a house sold was $89,300, off 39 percent from the $146,900 a year earlier. )

Another recent article (see links at end) provides further evidence that the Fort Myers real estate market might be on the mend >> the return of 'bidding wars' !!

If you've been thinking the time is right to make your move, consider staying with us while you shop for your piece of paradise ! We're booked thru April 2010, but offering the period May thru September 2010 at the 'economy blues' rate of just $1100 per month TOTAL ! That includes all utes, the exit clean, AND the 11% Florida taxes !

And here are the links to the full News-Press.com articles ...

Article re Doubled Housing Sales for August '09
Article re Lee County Market First-Timers Find Prices are Right

And how long before this Las Vegas trend emerges in Fort Myers ?? ... Oct 16'09 Business Insider article re "Seriously Folks, The Housing Bubble is Back"

(And, no, I'm not a realtor ! Just like to keep our readers informed, and then maybe they'll stay with us in return !)

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Has the Fort Myers Housing Market BOTTOMED !?

2009-08-30T21:43:00.006-05:00

It would seem YES, according to a recent article in the News-Press.com >> "Existing Homes are One Hot Ticket in Lee County" !!

Here are some excerpts ...

"What we're seeing is the low prices and the beginning of the buyers' thinking the market's settled and as good as it comes" ...

"... there have been about 10,000 homes sold this year, about as many as there were in all of 2008. The record 12,000 houses sold in 2005 at the height of the boom likely will be surpassed in a few months and "2009 will be in the record books as the strongest ever ..."

""The turnaround in the housing market appears finally to be here and indeed may be gaining some speed ..."

Here's the link to the full article, including a database of sale prices (median price $87,900) ...
news-press.com article re Existing Homes are One Hot Ticket

And here's the link to a more recent article (8/30/09) about deals on homes on freshwater canals ... 08/30/09 news-press.com article re Waterfront Property Now a Good Bargain

And see following posts for additional tips about navigating the Fort Myers real estate market AND why you should stay with US while you shop around !

Ready to book and start your treasure hunt ?! Call Jo at 608 / 358 1459, or send me an email via the email 'button' near the bottom of our website >> http://www.jmgetaways.net/

Stay with Us While You Shop the BUYER'S MARKET !

2009-04-30T06:18:00.004-05:00

Resurrecting this post as the time couldn't be better to shop for your OWN gulfcoast getaway OR investment property -- historically-low interest rates AND firesale prices as a result of the foreclosure wave ...

And as I mention below, there are a lot of great bargains right here in our Gardens at Beachwalk community ! Just bring your laptop and set up your 'bargain shopping headquarters' in our condo -- we provide HI-SPEED internet and a printer/copier/scanner ... Go "firesale shopping" for a couple hours and then unwind by hanging out at the pool, or take your laptop out on the balcony and enjoy the lake/sunset view, OR drive or bike to the gulf and let the sound of the surf clear your head !!

Lee Collier Realty has the best site I've found for locating the perfect second home or vacation condo in southwest Florida ! You can sort by condo, single family home, community, existing homes, new construction sales, etc. ! Here's the link to condos, arranged by community -- you'll find a lot of good buys right here at the Gardens at Beachwalk ! ... For Sale - Gardens at Beachwalk

(Notice the red tabs at the top of the page that provide various other useful searches ... )

And if you want to see what's sold recently, here's a useful link provided by the local newspaper, The News-Press ... Recent Sales - Fort Myers Area

Plug in our zip code of 33908 to see what properties in our vicinity have sold for recently, or plug in more specific search criteria and go nuts ! Be careful -- it's easy to lose track of time ...

And, again ... No, I'm not a realtor ! Just like to keep our readers informed, and then maybe they'll stay with us in return !

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Our Deluxe "Gardens at Beachwalk" Condo (Seasonal/Vacation Rental)

2009-04-28T12:00:00.006-05:00

(Clarification: this is our monthly vacation rental -- e.g., 1 mo, 2 months, 3 months, etc. with rates adjusted for peak and off-peak seasons -- rates are subject to change, so check out our homepage for current prices. Longer-term rentals certainly considered if availability exists, just ask!)

Here's a quick summary about our condo (supplemental information for our homepage ) ...

located in desirable Gardens at Beachwalk community
super-convenient location ...
- just minutes from Fort Myers Beach/gulfcoast
- only 23 minutes from the Fort Myers Southwest International Airport
- walking/biking distance to groceries, 24-pharmacy, ATM, post office, discount stores, eats and treats, bus stop and free beach trolley (in season), etc.
SuperTarget opened in July 27, 2008 ! just two blocks away -- take our bikes !
Peaceful lake views, complete with stunning sunsets, from the main living areas and walk-out balcony
not only a second floor unit (no one walking by your windows, no headlight 'surprises'), but also a TOP floor unit, so no footsteps/noises from above !
in one of the buildings closest to all the fabulous amenities -- just 100 steps to the pool !
our building is on the 'inside' of the community, away from thru streets and traffic
plenty of surface lot parking

Unit Amenities:

Fully-loaded kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, dishwasher, full utensils, etc.)
In-unit washer and dryer
Separate dining area
Very comfy queen bed, as well as microsuede queen sofa sleeper
Professionally decorated with well-crafted furniture and tasteful accents
Two large cable tv's (with remotes), dvd/vcr, cd player/radio, printer/scanner/copier, answering machine; and HI-SPEED INTERNET !
Walk-out balcony off living room -- striking lake and sunset views !
Plenty of storage in large bedroom walk-in closet and the entertainment center
'Guest Info' binder (e.g., who to call, where to go, etc. !)
We also provide a ground-floor storage unit which contains the following for your use/pleasure: 2 bikes, 2 sets golf clubs, 2 lounge chairs, cooler
We try to keep everything in 'brand new' condition and super clean (with special thanks to Marge, our cleaning goddess !)

Gardens at Beachwalk Community Amenities:

HUGE pool with large sundeck, plenty of comfortable loungers, tables with umbrellas, outdoor bar area with soda vending machine
Large jacuzzi
Fitness Center (just off the pool area) with state-of-the-art equipment
Beautiful clubhouse complete with comfy sitting areas, wet bar, fireplace and billiard table
The premises and all amenities are swipe-card protected
And as they say, last but not least, meticulously landscaped grounds (we're not called the Gardens for nothin' !) complete with lighted fountains in the lakes -- makes for a lovely evening stroll ...

And don't forget ... if you've been a guest of ours, any referrals you send our way that turn into a booking are worth $30 in your pocket !

Please check our availability calendar ... JMGetaways Calendar

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New SUPER-Target just 2 blocks away from our condo !!

2008-07-26T18:15:00.001-05:00

The new SuperTarget opened July 24 2008 ! And, as shown in this aerial photo, the new store is practically in our backyard !! Just a couple blocks away -- walk or take our bikes (one has a basket) and avoid the parking lot frenzy !

If you're not familiar with the SuperTargets, in addition to very-nice-but-not-too-pricey merchandise and apparel, the 'Super' versions also offer groceries, fresh produce, a delicatessen/meats, and sometimes Starbucks coffee and optical services ! (Will be a nice compliment to Publix, one block away in the other direction !)

Here's the 7/24/08 article from News-Press.com re the SuperTarget Grand Opening !!

Details: 15880 San Carlos BlvdFt Myers, FL 33908 (intersection of San Carlos & Kelly Rd)
phone: (239) 265-9002
Hours: M-Fr: 8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; Sat: 8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; Sun: 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

Pharmacy, Optical, Photo Center, Wine Available

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New Toy -- 'Street Views' for our Condo Area now available in 'Google Maps' !

2008-07-24T10:06:00.002-05:00

So what does 'Street Views' mean ?? You'll have to try it for yourself to get the full 'flavor', but basically, it provides the experience (and views) of driving down the street in your vehicle and looking out the windows ! All the windows ! Hey, isn't that the entrance to Gardens at Beachwalk on the left ? And there's the site of the new SuperTarget on the right .. Or 'drive down' to Fort Myers Beach and check out the great shops, and what's that directly behind us ? Oh, that's the beach and 'Mr. G's House of 2000 Flavors (of ice Cream)' !

Basic steps ...
- enter 'maps.google.com' in your browser's address/URL box, or click on this link ! Google Maps link
- once you're in Google Maps, enter San Carlos Blvd & Beach Walk Blvd in the address box >> this will take you to the intersection at the corner of Gardens at Beachwalk
- click on Street View
- now click on the directional arrows to 'drive' your vehicle up and down the street ! be patient -- can take awhile to get the hang of it !

Here are some 'street views' of our condo area and the Fort Myers Beach area -- in the following order ...

- Driver's side view of "Biscotti's Corner" -- intersection of San Carlos Blvd and Beach Walk Blvd -- shows the entrance to our Gardens at Beachwalk community with Biscotti's (ice cream, sandwiches, etc) in the background, with the location of the entrance to the new SuperTarget just across the street ...

- Driver's side view going over the San Carlos bridge to Fort Myers Beach -- notice the pedestrians -- that's where you can also walk your/our bikes if you decide to bike to the beach!

- Passenger's side view going over the San Carlos bridge to Fort Myers Beach ...

- Front-on views of ...

- the shops of Fort Myers Beach, and finally,

- swivel around (360) and there's the beach and Mr. G's !!

Watch out though -- this 'toy' can be addicting !

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The "Gardens at Beachwalk" Community

2008-03-22T10:00:00.002-05:00

(Supplemental information for our homepage ! :o)

The Gardens at Beachwalk is a relatively new (2004) community located just minutes from Fort Myers Beach and only 25 minutes from the South Fort Myers International Airport. The Gardens consists of eight mediterranean-style buildings (320 condos total) situated around meticulously landscaped grounds which include two lakes with lighted fountains and sometimes alligators ! And then there's the communities crowning jewels >> clubhouse, HUGE pool with spacious sundeck and plenty of loungers, large jacuzzi, and fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment (and a tv too!) All amenities and the community itself are swipe card protected ...

But another one of my favorite features of the Gardens at Beachwalk is its location ... If you've ever been to Florida (or any large city for that matter) you know about 4 lanes of traffic in each direction , and intersection lights which seem to take forever to turn green, and how long it takes just to run an errand or pick up some groceries ! ...

Not the case once you get to the Gardens -- after all, you can't lounge around the pool all day ! You already know we're only minutes from Fort Myers Beach (by car), but even better, the main drag to the beach is just down the corner (San Carlos Blvd). And if you have to run an errand, you'll probably be able to find what you need within walking/biking distance of our condo ! The intersection of San Carlos and Gladiolus has malls/centres at all four points of the intersection >> groceries (Publix), discount shopping (KMart and Dollar General), pharmacy and ATM (24-hour Walgreens), eats/yummies (Biscottis, Subway, numerous restaurants), postage, souvenirs, etc.

And down San Carlos (toward the beach) you'll find bus stops, including the stop for the FREE beach trolley (when in season), AND a bike path that will get you from our condo to the gulf/beach (of course, everyone has their own pace, but we can do it in about 35 minutes at a moderate pace).

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Perhaps the next best thing to an AARP card !!

2008-03-21T23:11:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to share another great site for us boomers >> www.50Plus.com

In addition to their free newsletters (see logo), they also offer great articles for people of our 'lifestyle' !! e.g., How drinking can slow dementia!, facelifts in the fridge!, how to curb the winter blahs, etc ...

Check it out and share the link with your friends/family !!

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Panthers and Gators and 'Anoles*', Oh My !!

2008-03-19T23:32:00.000-05:00

I've already devoted a section to birding, but don't want to forget the lovers of wildlife and flora ! Florida has some unique offerings ! (Warning: If you've never been to southern Florida, don't be surprised when you see 'Panther Crossing' signs -- just let them do what they want!)

The 'Parks, Gardens and Zoo' section of this 'Discover Our Town' website provides a comprehensive list of terrific preserves to visit within 5 - 30 minutes of our condo !

And this Fort Myers-Sanibel website offers a great links for the following ... identify flora, wildlife, birds; best bets for nature and the outdoors; mangrove estuary; ' treasure hunt in nature'; florida eco-tours; etc.
*according to this website, the 'anole' is a green lizard often mistaken for a chameleon ... check out the cute little guy at the right !

But alas, it turns out you don't even have to go farther than our walk-out balcony to see some good 'gator action ! Apparently, there are a couple 'baby' gators in our lake (about 6 feet!), which according to our Christmas-holiday guests likes to put on quite a show under the light of the moon ! (In their words, who needs the Nature Channel when it's right outside the condo !)

When we bought our condo, we thought those "Do Not Feed the Alligator" signs were just fun examples of Florida humor ! (lol) And then there were the 'sitings' by guests, but we still weren't buying into it until we got picture evidence from our October (3-peater!) guest !

But not to panic -- our SECOND floor condo/balcony offers great 'box seat' viewing from a safe distance !

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Another Seafood Restaurant Recommendation ...

2008-03-19T20:27:00.011-05:00

Just wanted to share this recent article re the Shrimp Shack restaurant >> 3/22/08 News-Press.com Article re Shrimp Shack. This place prides itself on turning out fresh/made to order seafood lunches/dinners in less than 20-30 minutes !

And, we're fortunate to have TWO locations within 12 minutes of our condo: (1) 13361 Metro Parkway, just north of Daniels Parkway, Phone: 239/ 561-6817, and (2) 1400 Colonial Blvd. #57, Phone: 239 /277-5100. Here's a map to the Metro Parkway location (closest), about 7 miles away ... Mapquest Map/Directions to Shrimp Shack from our Gardens at Beachwalk Condo

TIP: Definitely make sure you go on your birthday ! Birthday guests get all of the following for free (when you provide birthday 'proof' and the coupon off their website: FREE Meal up to $13.25 value, FREE beverage (soda, coffee, tea) and FREE icecream for dessert ! Here's their website ... Shrimp Shack website (and link to Birthday Coupon !)

Already on our must-do list for next visit !

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Craving fresh seafood ?

2008-02-23T08:29:00.006-06:00

It doesn't get much better than dipping your favorite seafood into drawn butter while sitting gulf-side with the harbor lights twinkling in the background !! Ummm ...

They're so close, you'll be tempted to try a different gulf-side restaurant each night ! And why not ? That's what vacations are all about !

But while it's NOT seaside, we do have to put in a personal rave for Bahama Breeze -- it's atmosphere, serving sizes and overall deliciousness more than made up for the lack of harbor lights off in the distance ! We had just picked up yet another carload of supplies at Home Depot ('turning over' our other condo -- long story, won't go there!) when we decided we needed to call it a day and splurge on ourselves ! The Bahama Breeze is at the end of the Home Depot parking lot so we thought we'd give it a shot, providing of course we could find a parking spot in the crammed parking lot ! We did and it turned out to be just what we needed !

Very fun, exciting atmosphere/decor, but with plenty of room between booths/tables so that you can separate yourself from the masses -- as their website sez, "the feeling of a Caribbean escape." Of course, there's a great tropical drink selection, a massive offering of "caribbean-inspired seafood, chicken and steak", and we had a dessert to die-for >> the "Chocolate Island". While we ate inside, they also offer a large patio-dining experience, complete with live music !

Even their website is fun and gets you in the mood with the island music ! You can enjoy a slideshow 'tour', check out their complete menu selection, and even come away with some recipes ! Check it out >> Bahama Breeze website

As mentioned earlier, the Bahama Breeze is only about 8 minutes away from our condo, at the Gladiolus Dr and Tamiami intersection (anchored by Home Depot, SuperWalmart and Lowes). Specific address is 14701 Tamiami Trail ... Map/Directions from our condo to Bahama Breeze

Here's their phone and hours: (239) 454-9234, Su-Th 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM, Fr-Sa 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM

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And here's a recommendation from two of our return guests: Parrot Key Caribbean Grille. Sounds like a combination of Bahama Breeze WITH the twinkling harbor lights ! Or, as they say on their website ... "The casual open-air restaurant features a spectacular view of Matanzas Harbor" >> Parrot Key website

Their extensive website also provides a sneak peek of complete menus, entertainment -- from tableside magicians to live music to car shows, etc. -- and directions for access by both car and boat ! Map/Directions for Parrot Key -- by land AND water !

But, hey, don't take our guests' word for it. The Parrot Key boasts the "News Press Best of Southwest Florida - Best Waterfront Restaurant" for the last three years !

Specifics: 2500 Main Street - Fort Myers BeachPhone: 239-463-3257, Fax: 239-463-2415

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And since these same guests seem to know how to pick a good restaurant!, here's the scoop/website for their other recommendation: Prawnbroker Restaurant and Fish Market - website

The Prawnbroker also has some bragging rights: ".... consistently chosen as Ft. Myers' favorite seafood Restaurant in almost every local poll or competition, including numerous Taste of The Town and Gulf Shore Life Magazine selections. "

The Prawnbroker is located at 13451-16 McGregor Blvd.Ft. Myers, FL 33919; Phone (239) 489-2226, and reservations are suggested ! Just a 4-minute drive from our Gardens at Beachwalk condo ... Map/Directions to Prawnbroker Restaurant and Fish Market

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And here are reviews from people who do this for a living !

- Restaurant Reviews on various fort myers BEACH restaurants

- Restaurant reviews for the general Fort Myers Metropolitan area

And last, but not least, here's a map (courtesy of mapquest.com) to all the restaurants in the immediate area ...

Map/Directions to Restaurants within 30 minutes of our Gardens at Beachwalk Condo

Bon Appetite !

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Got a Month? Check Out a Different Beach Each Day !

2008-02-22T19:35:00.004-06:00

... and they're all within a 2-hour drive from our Gardens at Beachwalk condo, with several just minutes away !

From the more populated beaches* which provide great people-watching to the quiet, natural settings of Bowditch Beach (described in greater detail in a separate post), check out this comprehensive list compiled by travel author (and Florida native) David McRee ...

28 Beaches within Minutes of our Gardens at Beachwalk Condo

(*of course, the population level also depends on the season ! e.g., if you don't want to dodge teens/20-somethings, you might want to just hang out by our own incredible pool during Spring Break!)

Of course, the closest beach to our condo is Fort Myers Beach, but here's the complete one-a-day beach list covered by Mr. McRee: Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Beach, Sanibel/Captiva, Cayo Costa, Boca Grande, Palm Island, Manasota Key, Venice, Casey Key, Siesta Key, Lida Key, Longboat Key, Anna Maria, Egmont Key, Ft Desoto Park, St Pete Beach, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Redington Beaches, Indian Rocks Beach, Sand Key Beaches, Clearwater Beach, Caladesi Island, Honeymoon Island. (Our current guests raved about Siesta Key !)

The photos provided here, which give you a flavor of the beaches during peak season, have been 'lifted' from a 39-picture slideshow of SWF Beaches run in News-press.com. Here's the link to the entire slideshow ! Enjoy !

Beaches of SWF (39 pics) - from News-Press.com

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You scream, I scream ....

2008-02-17T07:37:00.007-06:00

Don't let the outside of the building fool ya ! We have it on good word from a guest that the ice cream at "Love Boat Homemade Ice Cream" is killer stuff ! And only a 5 minute bike ride from our condo (on the left hand side as you head toward the gulf -- 16229 San Carlos Blvd to be exact, phone: 239/ 466 7707).

While we haven't yet had the pleasure to visit Love Boat, we DID accept the challenge of "Mr G's House of 2000 Flavors" -- right over the San Carlos bridge, on the beachside of the main drag at Fort Myers Beach (phone: 239/ 765 1131). Four down, 1,996 flavors to go .... (*my* personal favorite: chocolate/peanut butter mix on a waffle cone -- yummie ! And hey, when you bike there -- about 25 minutes -- it's like zero net calories anyway !)

And don't forget Biscottis Ice Cream and Coffee Bar -- right at the corner where Beachwalk Blvd (our main drag) meets San Carlos Blvd (you probably saw it when you drove in). According to their website -- Biscotti's website -- they have "24 of the richest flavors ever imagined, with PURE ingredients all the way from Italy -- no colorings or flavorings added ! In addition to specialty ice cream and coffee, they also serve pastries/desserts, made-to-order signature wraps and salads; and they've received 'Taste of the Beach' awards two consecutive years: 2005 for Best Dessert, 2006 for Best Sandwich. Phone: (239) 437-1900

According to this mapquest(tm) map), looks like there's another 'homemade' option within biking distance of our Gardens at Beachwalk condo >> Queenies Homemade Ice Cream, over at 16681 McGregor Blvd, Phone: 239 /432 0098.

Here's the complete map of tasty options ! Mapquest(tm) map - Nearby Ice Cream Stops!

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Fort Myers been very, very good to baseball !

2008-01-12T21:21:00.001-06:00

As you probably already know, Fort Myers serves as spring training ground for the 2007 World Series champions Boston Red Sox AND the Minnesota Twins ! As shown by the picture at left (courtesy of news-press.com), tickets for pre-season Twins games were a hot commodity this weekend !

As usual, I won't pretend that I can capture the excitement of spring training as well as professional sports writers; rather, I'd just like to narrow down your search to key links ... For starters, here's a great synopsis posted last February on Associated Content: Spring Training in Fort Myers, by Associated Content

The Red Sox train out of the City of Palms Park, which is just 20 minutes from our Gardens at Beachwalk condo at 2201 Edison Avenue. Here's a map and directions: Map/Directions to Red Sox Training Field - City of Palms Park

Here's a link to their 2008 Schedule -- 12 games between Feb 28 and March 15, before they head off to Japan ... Red Sox 2008 Spring Training Schedule and here's a bit of history as well as ticket prices ! Red Sox Spring Training Ticket Prices and 'City of Palms Park' History

And now for the Twins ! The Twins train at Hammond Stadium, which is just 11 minutes from our condo (at 14100 Six Mile Cypress Parkway). Map and directions: Map/Directions to Minnesota Twins Training Field - Hammond Stadium

And here are links to THEIR 2008 Schedule -- 16 games between Feb 29 and end of March !! -- as well as THEIR ticket prices ....

Minnesota Twins 2008 Spring Training Schedule

Minnesota Twins Spring Training Ticket Prices and 'Hammond Stadium' History

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50+ Picture Slideshow (w/ captions)!

2008-01-05T16:12:00.002-06:00

Check it out !! 50+ Picture Slideshow for our Gardens at Beachwalk Condo ! I've programmed it on Fast speed so I don't lose ya half-way thru ! And all of the pictures have a caption, just in case the picture isn't worth a thousand words !

(Note: the captions can be turned on/off as follows: click anywhere on the picture -- this produces a 'utility bar' on the bottom edge of the picture; click on the box-shaped icon in the lower left corner and voila' !)

Enjoy the show !

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Maybe more fun that people-watching . . . . . . . . . Bird-Watching !!

2007-12-15T16:10:00.004-06:00

As I mention on our 'picture page' (more pictures for our Gardens at Beachwalk condo), there's great birding right from our walk-out balcony -- as evidenced by this series of three pictures !

One (returning!) guest said she had FIVE birds in one picture frame ! And, while i'm not positive, i think this is also the same guest that left behind a great birding book at our condo -- thanks 'anonymous' (my guess is linda!?) Per my review of the book, i have determined that my little series here consists of a blue heron (top left), blue heron with black chicken (top right), and white ibis (left). Ok, well maybe the 'black chicken' was just a guess ...

And if you don't want to take OUR word for it, how's this for an endorsement: according to the following website, the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel were "named best in the U.S. for birding by USA Today" -- see full details as >> Fort Myers-Sanibel Wildlife/Birding website. According to this site, "more than 300 species of birds reside full- or part-time on the beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, so you can catch a glimpse of them any month of the year. You simply need to know when and where to look ..." The site then offers links to the best birding locations: Sanibel Lighthouse, Six-Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, Fort Myers Beach, etc.

Need further proof ? The Caloosa Bird Club (CBC) is based in Fort Myers ! 'Nuf said ! Their home page (CBC Home Page) has tons of great links, including ... Florida Rare Bird Alert, Official Checklist of Florida Birds, Bird and Bird Humor, etc.; but here are my favorites !

(By Caloosa Bird Club):

Birding Hotspots

Members Photos

According to the "Birds of Sanibel Island" website, the best time for Fort Myers birding is May, but based on a report from our February 2007 guests, that month (Feb) can be quite exciting too! (well, as long as you carry an umbrella !) . Here's an excerpt from the local newspaper, News-Press.com (klollar@news-press.com): "(headline) Robins Darken Skies. Scary ornithological reports are coming in from around Lee County: Huge flocks of American robins are swarming through Southwest Florida like Mongol hordes, eating fruit and worms and, in some cases, making a heck of a mess..

I'll wrap this up with one more site with wonderful links: Birding.com (Where To Bird-Florida)

Heads up !

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Bowditch Point -- Natural Beauty

2007-11-29T20:38:00.004-06:00

Bowditch Point is at the northern tip of Estero Island (e.g., when you arrive at the island via the San Carlos bridge, take a right !) The regional park has over 17 acres of parkland on the San Carlos Bay side of the island, but we approached via bike/foot on the gulf side ...

Simply beautiful ! And such a contrast in such a short stretch of beach -- from the busy-iness of beach toys and activity in front of the Pink Shell Resort to the more secluded, natural beauty of mangroves, beach grasses and driftwood-like vegetation. We were lucky enough to see a small dolphin playing in the wake of a boat heading out from the bay, as well as a couple of smallish black fish -- sharks? couldn't tell for sure -- leaping in and out of the water. (unfortunately the only photos i got were of just a piece of the fin/tail as they went back under -- see picture which appears to be just water and sky -- darn!)

Lots of pelicans and gulls catching lunch. Boats leaving the bay just feet off shore. Large-wheel water 'jeeps'. Groups on wave-runners headed out for a dolphin look-see. Colorful sailboats, umbrellas and beach chairs stuck in the sand. Activity everywhere !

For information about the regional park, contact Lee County Parks and Recreation at 239 / 463 1116.

Here's a mapquest(tm) map showing you how to get to Bowditch Point from our Gardens at Beachwalk condo: Map to Bowditch Point

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Beach Toys - Continued ...

2007-10-01T18:54:00.001-05:00

Two more excellent sources for beach toy rental ....

(1) Fun Rentals, a 20-year standby on Estero Island, offers everything from baby equipment to motorcycles. Originally opened as a bike shop, they now offer scooters/mopeds, motorcycles, baby equipment, waverunners, parasailing equipment, and naturally, a wide assortment of bicycles ...

See all the details at their website: Fun Rentals website Phone: 239 / 463 8844

Fun Rentals is right off Fort Myers Beach at 1901 Estero Blvd. Click here for a map and directions from our Gardens condo: Map and Directions to Fun Rentals

(2) 'Wheel Fun' Rentals carries a bit more eclectic array of toys: pedal boats, bumper boats, canoes, kayaks, rollerblades, wheelchairs, mopeds, 'scoot coupes' (kiddy race cart!), pedal 'roadsters', and surreys. Don't make me try to describe some of these items ! Your best bet is to check out all the pictures at there 'what we rent' website: 'Wheel Fun' Rentals -- Inventory/Availability/Rates (Three-wheeler photo courtesy of Andrea Stetson, news-press.com)

They have rentals for every energy level, from 1 hr, to 4 hrs, to all day !

'Wheel Fun' offers two convenient rental locations in the Fort Myers Beach area ...

a) Pink Shell Beach Resort and Spa, 275 Estero Blvd . Phones: 239 / 463 6181 or 888 / 222 - 7465 AND

b) Lakes Regional Park, 7330 Gladiolus Drive. Phones: 239 / 332 BIKE or 239 / 989 - 2863.

Great pictures at both sites: 'Wheel Fun" Rentals - Two Locations

Less than 10 minutes to either location -- take your pick !

Map/Directions to the 'Wheel Fun' Pink Shell Resort Location

Map/Directions to the 'Wheel Fun' Lakes Regional Park Location

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The 'Southwest Florida International Airport' (RSW)

2007-09-29T20:17:00.001-05:00

Thanks to the proximity of the Southwest Florida International Airport -- right here in Fort Myers -- you can get to the Gardens at Beachwalk from pretty much anywhere in the world !!

And once you collect your baggage and find your transportation, it's just 23 minutes to our condo !

Here's a map and directions courtesy of mapquest.com ... Map/Directions to/from the SWF International Airport

Tips: The airport code is RSW
Also known as Lee County Port Authority

Visit their website for all the typical airport information (arriving and departing flights, airlines, etc.) ... SWF International Airport website

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Take in a Show at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall !

2007-09-29T19:45:00.001-05:00

Comedians, Broadway plays, musicals, symphony orchestras ... They've got it all at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall -- just 8 minutes away from our condo !

You might want to check out their calendar of events at least a couple weeks before your vacation to see if you should purchase tickets in advance and/or pack that little black dress !

Key links and info ...

- Calendar of Events

- General Information (e.g., how to purchase tickets)

- Map/Directions from our Gardens at Beachwalk Condo
(if you're familiar with the area, go to the Edison Community College campus and just head for the tallest building !)

- Phones: 239 / 481 4849, 1 / 800 / 440 7469

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Pull in the Big One, Matey !! Or take a Charter to the Keys !

2007-08-19T10:30:00.001-05:00

Want the thrill of pulling in a big mackerel or snapper (but maybe you'd like someone else to take it off the hook !?)

Or maybe you just want to sit back, soak up the sun (and perhaps some suds!), enjoy the ocean breezes on your face, and take in the coastal views as you make your way down to the Keys -- and then maybe stay the night and enjoy the Keys night life !

Well then, you'll definitely want to visit the Getaway Marina during your stay at our condo (likely more than once !) -- just 5 minutes away, straight down San Carlos Blvd (on the right-hand side) at 18400 San Carlos Blvd. (Here's a map courtesy of MapQuest.com(tm) if you want to see how close we are for yourself ! >> Directions/Map from Gardens at Beachwalk to Getaway Marina )

Specialty #1 -- Deep Sea Fishing ! For just $44* per person, you can do a half-day fishing trip in a 90' charter boat (complete with air if you so desire !) and this includes everything you need: rod, reel, bait, tackle and license. All you have to bring is the suntan lotion and a fun attitude !

Of course, FULL-day fishing trips are also available; or maybe you'd prefer the evening 'snapper trips' every tuesday and friday nights -- just $60* adults, $40* kids (from 6pm to 1am) !!

Specialty #2 -- Private Charters and/or Group Charters to the Keys !!

*Visit their website for current prices, full details and tons of great photos >> Getaway Marina website Their website also provides coupons for $3-$7 off certain excursions ! But I gotta warn ya, their photos will have you 'hooked' (lol).

Oops, almost forgot -- here are their phone numbers: 239-466-3600 or 800 641 3088 (toll free)

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Harbor Casino/Dinner Cruise !

2007-08-18T08:34:00.002-05:00

Like to gamble (vegas-style) !? and/or ... Like to eat and drink !? How 'bout if you could do all of this while enjoying the beauty of the Fort Myers Beach shoreline, gorgeous sunsets and maybe even see a few dolphins !? Then you'll want to book a visit on The Big 'M' Harbor Casino/Dinner Cruise ship !

This 186' 'gaming' yacht offers poker, roulette, black jack and numerous slot and video poker machines; as well as bingo on the early-day cruises and all-you-can-eat buffets and live entertainment on the evening cruises !

Just 7 minutes away and parking is free ! MapQuest(tm) map and directions from our condo: Map/Directions (from Gardens at Beachwalk to the Big 'M' Casino/Dinner Cruise)

And here's the link to the 'Big M' website for all the specifics ... Big M Harbor Casino/Dinner Cruise website

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Beach Toys for Adults !

2007-08-15T21:30:00.002-05:00

Never had the time (or courage!) to parasail ! How 'bout jetskiing or water skiing ? OR .. maybe you'd like to get up-close and personal with some dolphins ? OR ... maybe you're looking for a unique way to propose to your special someone ??

Well here's your chance ! Maxx Fun Rentals, located on the sugar-white sales of Fort Myers Beach, can make any or all of these things happen ! They even offer free lessons for first-timers !

They offer the full array of adult beach toys ...
- jetskis / jet boats -- up to 4-seaters !
- water skiing
- parasailing
- tubing, and
- wakeboarding and hotdogging (altho i guess i'm too old to know what the latter is !)

Take a friend and split the cost !

And here are some of their packages -- they take care of all the details !
- romantic "proposal" over the gulf (via parasail)
- book the 'fantastic dolphin tour' (via jetski or jetboat)

Check out their website ... Maxx Fun Rentals website ... and then give them a call at 239 / 628 9339 for reservations (their address is 1901 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach)

Again, just minutes from our condo -- here are directions and map courtesy of MapQuest.com(tm) ... Map/Directions to Maxx Fun Rentals

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Who Wants to go Shopping !?

2007-08-15T21:18:00.001-05:00

The Tanger Factory Outlet Mall is just 20 minutes away from our condo ! (Address: 20350 Summerlin Rd # 4145, Fort Myers, FL 33908, US. Phone: 239 454 1616)

Here's a link to their website ... Tanger Outlet Mall website

... and here are directions and a map courtesy of MapQuest.com(tm) ... Directions/Map to Tanger Outlet Mall

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The Local Newspaper Rocks !! ("The News-Press")

2007-08-05T21:46:00.002-05:00

You can't beat the internet for staying current, and the News-Press is one step ahead of the game ! Great content in easy-to-use format ... I won't bore you with the details -- check it out yourself ... The News-Press

They have a great calendar feature which includes events two months out ! Search by city, date or venue/category (comedy, opera, martini bar, etc.). Put a note in your tickler file to check the calendar a couple weeks before your trip so you don't miss anything ! Here's the link ... News-Press Events Calendar

Remember Wilma (no, not Flintstone -- the hurricane!). Some friends of mine had booked a hotel room on Fort Myers Beach and wanted to know if the hotel survived ! The News-Press not only provided continual coverage, photos and updates, but also provided a list of which hotels had to shut their doors. (My friends got lucky and didn't have to cancel their trip !)

... a great way to keep tabs on new restaurants and bars popping up in the city, as well as (ugh) road construction and detours in the Gardens at Beachwalk area ...

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Golf Galore !

2007-08-05T20:44:00.001-05:00

Here's a link to the names, addresses and phones for over 170 courses in the Fort Myers area -- from Marco Island to Sanibel Island (courtesy of Lee Collier Realty) ... Ft Myers Area Golf Courses (see also our 'Map' section for a pre-set map showing directions to all courses from Gardens at Beachwalk ...)

We've only had time to play a few courses ourselves and have put a copy of the scorecards in the Guest Info Binder at the condo. One interesting surprise was the 'aqua range' -- you hit floating golf balls into a large pond, complete with yardage markers ! (see photo) Apparently, they eventually all float to the perimeter where they get scooped up by staff. The balls have the same weight and feel of regular range balls ...

And if you want some practice before you hit the links, there's a large range -- with lights! -- just 5 minutes from our condo -- the Summerlin Ridge Golf Range. Go west on San Carlos; take a left at Summerlin and another left at Pine Ridge -- look for the tall nets, you can't miss it ! Reasonable rates. Also provide a lighted 18-hole executive course, altho we haven't yet played it ...

Feel free to use the two sets of golf clubs provided in the storage unit !

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Transportation in Fort Myers, including the Beach !

2007-06-10T19:13:00.001-05:00

Fort Myers has a wonderful public transportation system called "Lee Tran". One of the best features of this system is the FREE beach trolley which runs every 10 minutes 'in season' (about mid-November thru mid-April; check website listed below for changes). According to the website, the shuttles are very spacious and provide plenty of room for all your beach gear ! (Reminder: We provide a cooler and two loungers in our storage unit for your use at the beach ...)

As mentioned in another post, 'regular' bus stops are just a block away from our condo, on San Carlos Blvd; and the bus stop for beach trolley is located just a few more blocks away at the Summerlin Shopping Centre (look for the trademark 'big Perkins flag' !)

As bus routes and schedules can change, please get exact information at the following LeeTran website ... LeeTran Transportation System

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Fort Myers Beach

2007-06-10T16:41:00.001-05:00

As mentioned, Fort Myers Beach(a) is only about 5 minutes away from the Gardens at Beachwalk by car, about 35 minutes by bike(b) ! And in season (which I believe is mid-november thru mid-april), there is a FREE beach trolley which can be picked up just blocks from our condo -- at the Summerlin Shopping Center (which has a Perkins and the big Perkins flag at the corner). As illustrated here, the beaches have dynamic 'personalities' -- from peaceful and reflective to crazy busy !! (Photo at upper-right courtesy of Amanda Inscore, news-press.com)

At the end of this post I include the link to the FMB Chamber of Commerce, so I won't go into full detail about all the island/beach has to offer, but it really is nice ... In fact, FMB is considered one of the world's safest beaches because of its shallow water and lack of undertow; you can walk the island's entire distance -- seven miles -- without worry! Or you can just lay back on the sugar-sand beach, do some people watching, rent some beach toys (scooters, jetskis, parasails, etc.), or stroll amongst the numerous shops.

Added January 13, 2008 -- link to 39-picture slideshow of the beaches of Southwest Florida ! (by news-press.com): SWF Beaches (39-pics)

And before you get to the beach 'proper' you'll find several businesses that offer charters to the Keys, deep sea fishing excursions, harbor casino/dinner cruises, etc. There's even a golf course at the Bonita Bay side of the island and that's also where you'll find the famous Lovers Key park and beach.

I'm sure there are a lot of bars that offer 'sunset shots,' but the one we usually go to is Jimmy B's Beach Bar (see photo at left), across the street from McDonalds. Jimmy's also provides free outdoor entertainment/music on a frequent basis -- doesn't get much better than listening to live music while you're watching the sun go down over the gulf !!

As I said, the Chamber has already done a good job of highlighting everything FMB has to offer -- with pictures ! Here's their website: Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce

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Notes:
(a) FM Beach is on Estero Island, and Estero Blvd is the main drag which runs from one end of the island to the other; i.e., from the Fort Myers access point to the Bonita Bay access point. (I only mention this because the first time we visited FM, we asked several locals how to get to Estero Blvd and they didn't know ! Apparently, they only refer to the entire island as Fort Myers Beach !?)
(b) While the bike path runs MOST of the way from our condo to the gulf/beach, it does stop short about a block shy of 'the bridge'. No bike riding is allowed on the bridge -- but there's plenty of room for bikers to walk their bikes in both directions. (don't worry if you're afraid of heights. so am i, and i managed to live thru it ...)

Fort Myers (City of) ...

2007-06-10T16:28:00.000-05:00

I can't possibly do a better job of singing Fort Myers' praises than our Chamber of Commerce, so I'm just going to provide the link to their website ... Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce

Couple quick points of information >> Fort Myers is located in Lee County ! And the Gardens at Beachwalk community is actually closer to Fort Myers Beach than downtown Fort Myers (but not necessarily a bad thing !)