DIVERSIONS

It’s just silly!
But great fun!  Don’t miss a dinner at the Bubble Room on Captiva Island.  Electric trains run amok, there are miles of Christmas lights and a tree, 2,000 movie star photos, Superman in a phone booth. Waiters and waitresses are dressed as bubble scouts.   There is more, but it has to be seen to be believed.  Super sized portions and huge desserts are legendary.

Indulge
Give yourselves a treat and book a spa package at Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa.  For some real romance, try the Caloosa Experience, a couple’s favorite.

Mingle with the Vanderbilts
From Jensens’s Marina on Captiva Island, take a water shuttle to picture perfect Boca Grande.  Pedal down Banyan Street and visit the old Gasparilla Inn, a favorite from the Vanderbilts to the Bush family!  Have a waterside lunch at Harpers.  Be sure to visit the historic lighthouse.

Paddle the trails of the Great Calusa Blueway
The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel offer hundreds of paddling opportunities for beginners and experts alike. The Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail is comprised of 190 miles of marked waterways and trails along the Gulf of Mexico coast.

Explore calm waters.  See spectacular birding.  Experience dolphin in the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve.  Take in Mound Key State Archaeological Site, believed to have been the capital of the Calusa Indian nation some 2,000 years ago.

Peek inside two of the area’s famous estate homes
Visit the beautiful homes (Edison & Ford Winter Estates) of famous next-door neighbors, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.  Located on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, tour botanical gardens, Edison’s laboratory and a museum with the world’s largest collection of his inventions and memorabilia. The Estates are also a popular site for memorable weddings.

Have Some Fun
Mail a coconut (yes…mail!) with a message back home from the Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens on Pine Island.  Pick out your favorite message:  “We are never coming home!”

Push some pedals!
Rent bikes and explore 23 miles of paved bike paths on Sanibel Island.  There are even bikes for two! Meander through shopping areas, past beautiful gulf homes, tour through diverse parts of the island.  Quaint shops and restaurants provide fun rest stops. Wheelchair bikes are available.       &nbs p;     

What is a romantic getaway without some shopping?
Stroll along Captiva’s picture-perfect Andy Rosse Lane and its eclectic galleries.  Stop in the pastel-colored Seaweed Gallery, a whimsical place filled with work from both up-and-coming and established artists.  Mediums include paintings, furniture, jewelry, glass and pottery.  Nearby is Jungle Drums, “The Ultimate Wildlife Gallery,” which showcases works in bronze, glass, clay, mixed media, resin, wood and others. Be sure to check out the hand-painted Adirondack chairs - they'd make a great reminder of Captiva's laid-back lifestyle.  And if you seek something unusual, visit the colorful galleries of Matlacha and Pine Island.

Share a Cheeseburger in Paradise
Head for this beautiful tropical island and leave a dollar at Cabbage Key’s historic restaurant and inn, where the walls are covered with thousands of signed dollar bills (a tradition that began when a thirsty fisherman left a bill taped to the wall to make sure he would have a cold drink during his next visit).  Built atop a Calusa Indian shell mound, the island has cottages for rent but don’t look for telephones or TVs!

ROMANCE PACKAGES

Be sure to visit www.FortMyersSanibel.com for a full list of accommodations from quaint cottages to colorful inns to upscale Gulf resorts with special romance packages:

The Gasparilla Inn & Club, Boca Grande
Grande Romance Package
Guests enjoy a romantic escape and spend time together in this beautiful, peaceful environment. The getaway includes a complimentary bottle of vintage champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and lavish accommodations. Couples can choose from a wide variety of activities while escaping the stress of everyday life. Rates: begin at $424 per room, per day. Available Feb. 11 – April 4, 2010.  For details and reservations:  (941)964-4520 or www .gasparillainn.com.

Holiday Inn Ft. Myers Airport at Town Center, Fort Myers
Love is in the Air Romance Package
Celebrate with a romantic getaway that includes two nights in water view king room, private dinner prepared by a chef around the firepot, roasted marshmallows and chocolate smores, champagne cheeses and cigars.   Rates begin at $299.  Available Feb. 13 - 14.  For information and reservations:  (239)561-1550 or w ww.hiftmyersairport.com.

Murder Mystery Train, Fort Myers
Sweetheart Express

A strolling violinist completes a romantic evening aboard the Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Come celebrate this festive holiday with onboard dinner and impress your special someone. Departure times are 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 12 and 13, 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 14. Tickets are $65 to $75. For details and reservations:  (239)275-8487 or
www.semgul f.com.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Forum
Rendezvous at the Forum Package
Package includes one night stay in Jacuzzi suite, complimentary breakfast buffet, a bottle of champagne and Norman Love Chocolates.  Available through May 1, 2010. For details and reservations:  (239)936-0410 or ww w.hiexpress.com/forum.

Courtyard by Marriott at Gulf Coast Town Center
Valentine's Day Package
Package includes overnight stay in a king room, breakfast for two in the Courtyard Cafe, complimentary drink in the Courtyard lounge and $50 gift certificate for dinner at PF Changs OR Carrabba's Italian Grill.    Rate begins at $159 per night.  Available Feb. 12-14, 2010.  Reservations must be booked no later than Feb. 5, 2010.  For details and reservations:   (239)332-4747 or   www.courtyardfortmyers.com.