Beach Getaways 2008 - (Page 11) beach ABOUT FERNANDINA BEACH Arleen writes: What is the place called Fernandina Beach like? getaways IF YOU REALLY WANT TO Charlaine writes: Hi David, we are coming to Orlando from Canada in March with our children. They want to see a beach on both coasts to compare and we were hoping to do it in a day – one coast in the morning, the other in the afternoon! ROMANCE IN SPRING Leslie writes: Would appreciate your recommendation for a romantic vacation with a good beach, but other things to do as well in late spring. We are 50. David responds: Arleen, Fernandina Beach is one of several beach communities on Amelia Island. It is an affordable and historic community with a pretty good mix of motels, condos and beach cottages. Fernandina Beach is a relaxed residential community with a four-story height restriction on new construction. Fort Clinch State Park is also located on Amelia Island. David responds: Charlaine, here’s a suggested itinerary. (Note: It can be switched if you want to see an Atlantic sunrise and Gulf of Mexico sunset.) • 9:15 a.m. Arrive at Clearwater Beach • 10:30 a.m. Depart Clearwater Beach • 11:30 a.m. Stop in or near Lakeland for lunch • 12:30 p.m. Depart for Cocoa Beach • 3 p.m. Arrive in Cocoa Beach BACK FROM IRAQ April writes: My 26-year-old son will be returning from Iraq in early summer, and he and his buddies are looking for a beautiful beach that is great for swimming and surfing, has outrageously fun nightlife, and is reasonably priced. Military discounts would be great. They want spring break style but won’t be home in time for that. David responds: Hi, Leslie. For a romantic beach vacation, the first place that comes to my mind is Sanibel and Captiva islands, near Fort Myers on the Gulf coast. You’ll find lots to do on the islands: bike riding, shelling, kayaking, birding, walking the beach, visiting the many art galleries and crafts shops, taking a boat ride, eating in a different restaurant for every meal, seeing live theater and much more. DISABLED BEACH TRAVEL Melanie writes: Hi! I have a 9-yearold daughter who has cerebral palsy, so she must remain in a wheelchair. She wants to go to Florida for her birthday, so we would like to know some handicapped-accessible destinations, particularly south Florida beach areas. Watch VISIT FLORIDA Beach Videos Online Panama City Beach. Photo courtesy of Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau. David responds: I know where I’d go – Panama City Beach. The water and the beach are beautiful, and there are lots of clubs and other entertainment in addition to water activities. Summer is the high season, so there will be plenty of people, including plenty of young people. There are lots of beachfront hotels on Panama City Beach from which to choose. I’m not sure which ones might offer a military discount (you can search for “deals” on VISITFLORIDA.com), but you can find out with a quick phone call. I know he’ll have a great time there. And thank you so much for the personal sacrifices that he and your family are making. David responds: I suggest the book Wheelchairs on the Go: Accessible Fun in Florida, which is available at online bookstores. It has information on beach wheelchairs (available at many public beaches, including Siesta Key in Sarasota, seen above), ADA restrooms, lifeguards and boardwalks. You can type “disabilities travel” into the VISITFLORIDA.com search box. The site has a helpful article called “Florid-able,” which includes resources for physically challenged travelers. FORT MYERS BEACH ANNUAL SANDSCULPTING CONTEST Every November, people from all around gather in Fort Myers Beach to test their skills in the annual sandsculpting contest. Watch as our Beach Expert learns some tips from the sandsculpting masters at this sunny, sandy event. Beach Getaways 11 http://VISITFLORIDA.com http://VISITFLORIDA.com
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