Gulf coast

[melfrank]

When we ask questions re the gulf coast there is not much response. Are there any experts who have an advice for the coast apart from giving 2nd hand advice?

[orlandobabe]

When you ask about the Gulf Coast-it is rather huge-which bit did you have in mind.

I have stayed overnight in Sarasota and Clearwater-both are lovely.

We had a hotel right on the ocean for an overnighter in Clearwater just 2 weeks ago. It was the Ramada Jarvis on South Beach and it's worth paying extra for a sea view-trust me-you won't be disappointed.

The sunset was heavenly-and watching the pelicans swoop for fish at Sunset was breath-taking. We ate in Britts restaurant where food is excellent and reasonable.

You can take a dolphin cruise or a sunset cruise. The choice is yours. The beaches are lovely-you do have to look out for sharks though-the area is notorious for them. Then from Clearwater it's only 45 minutes to Busch-so you can kill two birds with one stone. If you are lucky to be at Clearwater in a thunderstorm-it's fantastic and scary at the same time-watching it roll in from the Gulf.

We've only been to Sarasota once. Siesta Key is lovely with fine white sand. St Amand's Key is nice to mooch around with it's upmarket coffee shops and there's an excellent Barneys also. We stayed at the Inn on the Bay but it may have changed it's name-again best to go with an ocean view-not quite as close as the Clearwater one.

From Clearwater you can also visit Tarpon Springs-which is a Greek community-just like visiting Greece itself. They dive for sponges just off the shore. We didn't do an overnighter -but took a 1 hour boat ride into the Gulf where we saw a dolphin.

We didn't have time to visit Dunedin just a short ride away but that is supposed to be nice too.

HTH

[Cowboy]

OB has covered quite a lot and I think she is quite correct in what she says, particular the extent of the Gulf Coast. Perhaps if you would like to ask any specific questions we may be able to help.
Mike.

[Tashmina]

Have a look at this site...
http://www.floridasbeach.com/

we plumped for St Petes after checking this out and also recommendation from friends

Tash

[The Italian Job]

I have a villa at Cape Haze (which is near to Englewood/Rotunda, between Sarasota and Fort Myers) and may be able to help if you have questions specific to this area.

[chrisj]

Weve stayed on Treasure Island, and St.Pete. Both fantastic and as mentioned earlier if you
catch a thunderstorm coming in off the Gulf its fantastic and an experience well worth seeing.

[fiona]

We've stayed at Sanibel twice, Marco Island and Naples. Loved Sanibel, had wonderful holiday both times, enjoyed boat cruises with the dolphins as well as touring the island.

[kay9jess]

i have stayed in redington shores,indian rocks beach,clearwater beach, palmharbour and newportrichey,what do you want to know

[seashellmary]

We live on the Gulf Coast have been here since 1999 owned here since 1992 - it's wonderful to live here and we are getting less and less homesick each year.
Email me if you have any questions at all, I drive all over the Bay area with my children who are in soccer (see I'm already talking like an American!)

[kevinprewett]

quote:Originally posted by melfrank

When we ask questions re the gulf coast there is not much response. Are there any experts who have an advice for the coast apart from giving 2nd hand advice?

Used to run an accommodation agency serving Sanibel/ft.Myers area. Still have many contacts, realtors & private owners. If you're interested in that area just ask.[msncool]