Sun, Sand & Seashells: Roaming Gnome Visits Southwest Florida

I have a secret. My most favorite souvenir can’t be purchased. It’s not something you can find in a local shop or buy online. What is it you might ask? Seashells! And not just any seashells, but the ones you hunt down and find yourself on a warm, sun-kissed beach. Not only are they free, but they are so fun to find! Throughout my adventures around the world, there’s one place where you’re guaranteed to find a huge variety of shells, and you don’t even need your passport to get there. It’s in Southwest Florida’s beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel Island. And I’m heading there for shellcation like no other, just in time for National Seashell Day! The official day falls on June 21 — subsequently the official start of summer, too! — but I’ll be there from June 17-21. Because who would choose one day of shelling when you can have five?

For a sneak peek of what I have up my Gnome-sized sleeves during my escape, take a look at my itinerary below. And as always, you can follow along with me on Twitter and Instagram for a play-by-play of all the mischief I get into.

June 17

I’ll be arriving in Fort Myers mid-afternoon, the perfect time of day to stroll the downtown River District and explore my surroundings. This historic palm tree-lined hub is home to unique music, art and my favorite cultural experience — food! Each time I’ve been here the food was absolutely divine, so I know that wherever I walk into I’ll leave full, satisfied and with my belt one notch looser. (Oops!)

Once my belly is filled, I plan to head to Salty Sam’s Marina for their Pieces of Eight Pirate Cruise. This 90-minute interactive comedy adventure is the perfect introduction to the Gulf of Mexico. And who hasn’t dreamed of living the pirate’s life?

June 18

My second day begins with a drive to Sanibel Island, where I’ll be arriving with shell bag in hand! Blind Pass is one of the best spots to capture unique shells and to just spend the afternoon relaxing under the Floridian sun. I absolutely love the variety of seashells you can stumble upon here, each one telling a different story about the area. It’s beachcombing at its finest!

If I need a break from the rays, or an unexpected shower hits, I’ll check out the Bailey-Matthew National Shell Museum. Here I can fulfill my love for seashells as I peruse both local and worldwide shells, with over 30 permanent exhibits to explore. It’s a great place to not only view shells, but to learn about their roles in history, culture, art, design, medicine and more! A trip to Sanibel isn’t complete without a photo with the Sanibel Island Lighthouse … and cake at Captiva Island’s Bubble Room Restaurant! If ever there was a place to not feel guilty about eating dessert first, this is it! To cap off the day, I plan to have a drink at the nearby Mucky Duck, a beachfront pub offering epic views and ice cold brews. (My favorite pairing!)

June 19

I’ll be heading to Fort Myers Beach and couldn’t be more excited! This is a watersport lover’s paradise, and I plan to hop atop a stand-up paddleboard and get a little Gulf waters on my toes.

If my memory serves me correct, paddleboarding can work up an appetite — ok, let’s be honest, traveling in general does! Luckily ice cream is on the menu at Times Square. No, this is not the hustle and bustle you’d expect from the Big Apple, this is Fort Myers’ Times Square, a slow-paced plaza filled with some of Florida’s best restaurants and shops. After checking out the Square, I’ll want nothing more than to kick back and watch the dolphins dance in the ocean waves. I’ve booked an excursion with Captiva Cruises for an adventure cruise, which nearly promises you’ll spot a few dolphins with a 95% probability. I like those odds! I’ll then cap off the day with a land tour, courtesy of Captain Bubby. This is the best way to get a VIP view of Lee County’s top sights and sounds, with several different options to suit your travel style and mood.

June 20

I can tell a great fish story with the best of them, but when I cast my line at Matlacha Bridge I likely won’t have to! Known by many as the “The Fishingest Bridge in the World,” this is The Spot to catch Southwest Florida’s prime fish … no tricks needed. Expect everything from snapper and trout to redfish and shark! Though I’m not sure what I will do if I reel one of those in. After a successful morning of fishing, I’ll be ready to cool off and celebrate my catches at Sun Splash Water Park. As the area’s largest waterpark, it has 14 acres of water slides and pools — so I’m to bound to find some relief from the Florida sun!

Once I’ve had my fill of water slides I may take a bike ride over Four Mile Cove in Cape Coral, and I’ll definitely spend some time with a pint at Big Blue Brewing! The menu of original beers and upscale “bar food” for this new brewhouse already has my mouth watering.

June 21

With just a few more hours left of my Southwest Florida escape, I’ll make the most of my time by spending it outdoors. Maybe I’ll relax at Six Mile Cypress Slough, a nature preserve that everyone from alligators to otters call home. Perhaps I’ll kayak through the mangroves of Koreshan State Park.

Or I could do both. One thing’s for sure, I know I won’t want to say goodbye.

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