Good afternoon from sunny Sanibel Island!
It feels so, so good to breathe in the salty sea air and feel the warm sunshine on my skin. There’s no place like the beach and I’m happy I’ll have almost a week here to relax and enjoy some quality time with my family.
Longtime PBF readers may remember our past Sanibel adventures… Visiting the island is an annual tradition that my grandma and grandpa began more than 25 years ago. My mom and our family and my aunt and her family started coming a few years after my grandma and grandpa started the tradition and ever since then, our families have tried our best to make it to the Florida island every February! Of course, this wasn’t always possible and when life got in the way, the Sanibel gang thinned out at times and this year is our smallest gathering to date.
My grandma reserved the condo months ago, but unfortunately her health prevented her from making the trip this year. Travel plans were set and my plane ticket was booked when she told us she felt like traveling right now would be too much, but she insisted we still enjoy Sanibel and think of her. Mimi, we miss you and see your face all over this place! My mom and I actually have plans to visit my grandma before the end of the month, so knowing I’ll see her soon makes me smile!
Arrival + Lunch
I arrived in Sanibel just before 10 a.m. Waking up at 4:15 a.m. and catching two pre-8 a.m. flights was rather brutal, but touching down in Florida before lunchtime made the early wakeup time worth it. And so did seeing my mom’s smiling face at the airport! My mom picked me up and we headed off to run some errands. We wanted to be sure to grab some food for the condo fridge so we could make lunch and be at the condo in time for my sister and dad’s late afternoon arrival.
Today’s lunch included a ham and cheese sandwich on whole wheat toast with tomato and lettuce, served with a side of grapes and Trader’s Joes rosemary almonds. (The almonds are awesome by the way… Highly recommend them if you love rosemary.)
Simply walking into our Sanibel condo makes me smile! There’s something so comforting about returning to the same vacation spot year after year. Little memories always creep back into my mind whenever I visit Sanibel. The island holds a very special place in my heart and I’m so happy to be here.
Now it’s time for me to change into my bathing suit and put my toes in the sand! Have a great Wednesday evening!
Question of the Afternoon
- Have you ever returned to the same spot for a vacation?
- If you could visit one place for vacation every year, where would you want to go?
I’d love to visit Hawaii every year. Our trip to Oahu a few years ago was unbelievable. Hawaii is a magical place!
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That sounds so lovely right now!! Ahhhhh the beach. Enjoy your vacation 🙂
My mom is Swiss, so we actually go to Switzerland every 4-5 years to visit for a few weeks. I loooooove it there!
I used to go to Cape Cod every summer with my family and now it holds I very special place in my heart! I haven’t been in four years and I’m really excited to return this summer with some of my closest friends and introduce them to all of my favorite places 🙂
We too went to Sanibel on family vacations growing up. Not every year, but enough for it to have a soft spot in my heart. We actually just got back from the Floriday Keys last night. The warm weather and gorgeous water were amazing. I hope you have a wonderful trip!!
SANIBEL!!!!!!
You asked if we ever return to the same vacation places? YES! Ever since I was a kid we have vacationed in two locations, Colorado (to see family) and Bonita Springs (to see family). The first year I met my (now) husband, we went to Bonita Springs and stayed at my Grandpa’s sister’s condo on the gulf. We drove around and discovered this magical little island called Sanibel. We love Bowman’s beach. We love collecting sea shells and looking for sand dollars where Sanibel and Captiva meet. We love avoiding any conversation with fishermen, because I’d rather NOT know what kind of big fish are being caught where I just swam! We love the sign that says “please wipe the snow from your shoes” at the Chamber office. We love everything about this little neck in the woods, and I LOVE that other families call it a favorite as well. I won’t lie – I’m incredibly jealous, because this is the first spring we don’t have a trip south planned. So soak up the sun, sip a miami vice, and hug a palm tree for me!
I love exploring new places and I’ve seen so little of this world that I prefer going somewhere new when we have the vacation days.
That said, we planned our honeymoon in Key West knowing it was a place we could *hopefully* always afford to travel to and easy enough to get to even when we get old.
We used to visit Delray Beach in Florida every year to visit my grandparents who spent winters there. They aren’t around anymore, but my parents have a house there now so it’s a nice tradition we still get to enjoy.
My family went up to June Lake (in the Sierras) every summer when I was growing up. I love it up there! My parents bought land and built a house up their a few years ago and it’s so nice. I don’t make it there as often as I would like, but we’re planning a week reunion this summer!
I’ve never heard of Sanibel (I’m way up in the PNW…Pacific Northwest). It looks beautiful!! Hope you and your family have a great time. Love those Trader Joes almonds too!!
So jealous! Have a great and relaxing time! 🙂
How fun! Enjoy the sunshine!
We’ve been to Hawaii (islands as a whole) 13x. Kauai is our favorite for sure although the Big Island is a close second. Both completely different. We have stayed at the same condo on Kauai 4x now and it feels like our second home. We always notice if something was added or have even bought stuff for the place like a DVD player about 10 years ago which is still there. 🙂
My parents honeymooned at Sanibel! Also, I am 10 kinds of jealous right now, as I stare at my computer monitor is bleak Arkansas. Ugh! Have so much fun!!!
Have so much fun on vacation!
I went to Hawaii three summers in a row while I was in college. Getting to go back with Josh last year after a few summers away was SO special.
Josh and I honeymooned in Cancun and are going to Puerto Vallarta for our second married summer. I’m hoping to make this an annual thing! 😀
It looks like an absolutely beautiful spot! I don’t think I’ve been to the same spot twice for a vacation, unless you count Paris. I think I’d rather go to different places each time. Though I think making memories and traditions in the same place would be cool.
Seeing this post filled me with such joy!
My parents live in Jonathan Harbour (it’s right before you hit the Sanibel bridge, at the same turn off for the Lighthouse Restaurant) and I so wish I was down there visiting also. Well, actually it’s been in the 70’s here in Denver so maybe when the temps drop again I will be more desperate for a visit.
I adore the SWFL area though, and hope you have the best vacation with your family!
*The Bubble Room on Captiva is a must visit if you have never been. Doc Ford’s on Fort Myers beach is a fun spot also but, further away. Randy Wayne White owns the place and it’s named after his best selling books main character. His books are kinda fun to read, especially if you know the Sanibel area.
I love family holidays!
I’m from Vancouver Island, BC and my mom, sister and I used to always go to these rustic cabins on the seaside. I have such fond memories from there and we have all agreed that our next vacation we will keep it simple and go back there!
From reading your blog for awhile, I think you would really love and appreciate Vancouver Island. We stayed at Beach Acres, but Tigh Na Mara is far more well known and also a fantastic getaway.
Enjoy your vacation!!!
We visit Washingto, DC A LOT for family vacation. When I was first out of college 10 years ago, we actually went 4 years in a row. Ha.
Um, that should be WashingtoN, DC. 😉
I’m heading to the beach Friday, this makes me even more excited! Enjoy your family time!
My husband along with my brother and his wife have been visiting Sanibel annually for about 30 years. When our kids were younger they came along with us and now occasionally they visit with us as well as the grandkids. With the exception of three times, we have stayed in the same condo. Looking forward to our visit to Sanibel in June.
We have a place in Sylva, NC also. I will be retiring in a couple of days, so I will get to visit North Carolina a bit more frequently and for longer stretches of time. Love both Sanibel and the mountains.
Enjoy your time in Florida. (We live in central Florida.)
I love this question! Currently debating this with hubby & we can’t decide! So far we always go to new places, but for skiing we have been to Park City two years in a row & wondering if we should make it ‘a thing’!
I’ve been wanting to plan a trip to Park City! Can I get your email to discuss?!?
Hey Monica!
I love talking skiing and Park City!!! Email: Mrs.Christina.Nickles@gmail.com
I’m jealous of your time on a sunny, warm(er) island! Enjoy the girl time with your mama!
So fun! I love Hilton Head Island since our family (with grandparents and cousins) all went almost every summer growing up. We don’t go as often any more, but it’ll always have a special place in my heart!
What an awesome trip! I am so sorry that your grandma couldn’t come though 🙁 I would love to go somewhere tropical each year!!!
Julie, I’m a long time reader, but have never felt as compelled to comment as I do today. (everyday i’m trollin’)
My family has been visiting Sanibel for over 50 years — since my mom was 7. Truthfully, it started on Captiva, but after the house we rented every year burned down (RIP) and then the hurricanes hit South Seas, we moved inland to Sanibel. My parents are there still now — they go for 6 weeks every winter! — but I was just there about a month ago.
I’m sure you’ll recap us with your favorite places to eat, but a trip is not complete for me without a trip to the Bubble Room, Sanibel Grill, Over Easy, or the Lazy Flamingo.
Have so much fun and enjoy the beach!!
I love Sanibel! And I bet you are loving the warmth! My family went to Islamorada in the Keys EVERY single summer when I was growing up. Sooo nice there!
Sanibel! We’ve been going for 35 years! My husband and I now have a condo at Gulfside Place. We were there in January and going back in March. My most favorite place on earth is Sanibel! Enjoy the sunshine and seashells
I love that you love it here so much! Sanibel really is such a neat place!! 🙂
That looks so warm! We have snow 🙁
My boyfriend’s family has a lake house up in Canada, so that’s the go-to vacation spot for us. Added bonus is it’s only about a 7 hour drive away 🙂
We live just next door to Sanibel in Estero and love it!! You must try the Bubble Room, they have the best food and dessert!
My husband and I have been making a yearly trip to Hawaii for the last three years. We actually leave this Saturday for the Big Island!!! But previous years we’ve gone to Kauai and Maui. I have to agree that it’s a magical place. I think that’s why we keep returning!
I am in fort Myers visiting my parents this week and we went over to sanibel and captiva today for lunch! The traffic was so bad on the way home it took us an hour to get off the island. I hope your family didn’t get stuck in that traffic. The water is so gorgeous there. Enjoy your trip!
I live here in Fort Myers and that’s normal traffic time to the island (especially in season right now!) To get from one part of town to the other herer it’s at least 30 minutes. Just be patient with the traffic, the lights are at least 5 minutes, too (worst traffic lights of anywhere I’ve lived 🙁 ) so you just gotta plan ahead! but HEY i’ll take the traffic and SUN versus snow, cold weather, and clouds aANYDAY though! enjoy your visit! & i LOVE captivia island <3 the colorful and beautiful houses are just amazing!
I don’t get to go every year, but the Smoky Mountains are my favorite. The mountains and trails are beautiful, and even though I’ve done my fair share of hiking, nothing beats the Smokies.
I hope you have a fantastic trip!
How lovely to be at the beach right now! Have a great time with your family.
That place looks so welcoming and beautiful! It’s a shame about your Grandma…I hope she feels better soon and I am sure she is smiling knowing you are all there because of her right now! Have a great trip!
I had a family vacation to Sanibel years and years ago and LOVED it. It’s beautiful there-I need to go back soon!
Ahh that weather looks so wonderful! It is currently about 8 degrees here in Buffalo, NY and under about 3 feet of snow. A vacation spot my family went on for many years was to Long Beach in Canada. It is right across the border from Buffalo and I love it because it is still just old cottages for rent and the beach is nice and quiet most of the time! If I could go somewhere every year I think I would choose Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It has been one of my favorite vacation spots! Enjoy your time with your family!
My best girlfriends from high school (we are all now out of college) just visited one of the girl’s grandma’s condo in Sanibel! The condo was full of pictures of all of her grandchildren and it was their family vacation spot as well. Her grandma sadly passed away a couple years ago, but we still are trying to keep the tradition alive by making it an annual trip with just us girls. So I definitely understand what a wonderful place it is to enjoy the company of family and friends!
I love that you’re keeping the tradition alive! <3 So great!
My great aunt lived in Sanibel for the longest time. She passed away 2 years ago, but I have fond memories of visiting her there. I haven’t been back since, but I hope to go sometime in the near future.
Enjoy your trip! 🙂
I live in Bonita Springs about 30 minutes south of Sanibel! I never spend enough time on that beautiful island because 1. The $6 toll and 2. We have a beach 10 minutes from home! I need to make it up there to enjoy the great eats and the amazing atmosphere of Sanibel. Enjoy your week here!
I’ve heard such great things about Sanibel Island! One of my former co-workers went on his honeymoon there and said he saw the most amazing sunsets! I hope you have a great week there!
Not to the exact same spot, but I usually travel to Cuba every year. Love it!
I was just on Sanibel last week as that has been our regular family vacation spot too! My parents are there for a few months in the winter and have discovered some new places to eat now that they are there longer than a week each year! There is an amazing little Italian place that they just took me to for the first time, El Tesoro. It was incredible! A little pricey but my favorite meal of the trip!
Ahh! Definitely jealous! Temps here aren’t going to get above freezing until Monday! Yikes!
My family & I travel to Hilton Head Island every July. It’s one of my very favorite places. 🙂
My husband’s parents have a house in Cape May, NJ so we travel there a few times every summer. But for our big vacations, we like to travel to different places. I want to see the world and so far I’ve only been to Jamaica and Nicaragua, but we actually just booked our flights for an Italy trip in the fall! I’m so excited 🙂
My family used to go to Sanibel every year for Spring Break! Miss that place!
I would definitely like the tradition of going to the same place every year, but our family never really did that. Now that I am married maybe we can start some traditions of our own like that!
Have you ever returned to the same spot for a vacation? My family and I always went to Florida to visit my grandparents growing up. Florida still holds a special place for me.
If you could visit one place for vacation every year, where would you want to go? I agree with Hawaii. i have never been there but it is on the top of my list for places to travel.
My Mom goes each May to rent a little home near Clearwater.
I live here! Have fun! You have to go to Bennet’s…they have an amazing maple bacon doughnut!!
My sister and I just got back from a bike ride and passed that place and said we HAVE to go there when we saw their sign for homemade doughnuts!! It’s on our list!
Ahh, it looks beautiful! My husband and I plan to take a babymoon this spring, and I’ve seriously considered this island. We’re also trying to save money, though. Do you have any tips for staying here inexpensively/good places to stay?
We usually try to get as many people as possible in a condo or vacation rental! My grandma usually books it, but I would definitely check out VBRO.com for options!
My family has owned a beach house on Tybee Island outside of Savannah GA since 1947. We went for a week or two every year as a kid, I honeymooned there, and my mom is there now. You could say it’s more than just a vacation spot, but yea we are certainly repeat offenders.
How fun! We visited Jekyll Island a few years ago and loved it! 🙂
I hail from the land of 10,000 (plus) lakes (Minnesota), and I have wonderful, blissful memories of going “up north” to a resort/lodge on Leech Lake (ignore the name, most people will tell you that they’ve yet to see a leech on it. It’s an old, old, translation from the Ojibwe tribe. I went there for 17 straight years and never met a leech!)
The lake, like many here, is so large you can’t see across it. A freshwater sea if you will, and visible on an entire map of the stte.
And my husband and I repeatedly go up to the North Shore (along the shores of Lake Superior – largest body of freshwater on earth, by surface area.)
The North Woods, the boundary waters, and so on, are an international destination and have their own happy woodsy smell – that’s one of the things I love. Meeting people from all over the world and smelling that smell!
We’ve been to many repeat places, though, including New York, Arizona, Colorado, and yes, Florida! So I totally relate to that happy, familiar feeling. It’s priceless! Enjoy your vacay!