“…A
vacation is change, not rest”,
to paraphrase a celebrated observation.
Change is also a result of variety and
variety is the product of choices of
activities while vacationing on
Southwest Florida’s Charlotte Estuary
Coast. The Sand Dollar Villa is
idyllically located in the middle of the
Estuary Coast, providing you with
choices of places to see and things to
do, all within easy driving
distance. Take a minute to study this
and you will agree!!
Sand
Dollar is situated in the picturesque
northwest section of Cape Coral’s canal
system and offers all that may be
desired in a perfect tropical vacation
location. The Villa incorporates an
unusually spacious 2750 square feet of
living area, with 3 large bedrooms and
their adjoining bathroom suites, and
enough separation to insure privacy
between families. There is an elegant,
free form salt water (chlorine free)
swimming pool, a boat lift with a wrap
around dock offering “no-lock” access to
Matlacha Pass, Charlotte Harbor and the
Gulf of Mexico. Now kick back and enjoy
the oversize, covered lanai or relax on
the sun deck and soak in that wonderful
sunshine and fresh air. Enjoy a cold
cocktail and experience the enchantment
presented by the home’s western
exposure. Just relax and take in the
endlessly changing colors and beauty of
another tropical sunset over the Gulf of
Mexico. You cannot escape noticing the
endless parade of exotic waterfowl or
the faint rustle of the breeze in the
palm trees and mangroves. Perhaps you
may wish to take a boat ride or maybe
engage in an hour’s casual bicycling on
the surrounding scenic byways.
Cape Coral
offers an exceptional variety of
shopping opportunities just driving
minutes away from Sand Dollar. Take some
time to visit the Pine Island Market
Place (12 min), The Shops at
Surfside (10 min), Coral Wood
Shopping Center (18 min) and TJ
Maxx and Wal-Mart Super Center
(23 min). These locations feature
upscale stores such as Belk’s,
Kohl’s, Bealls, Target and Penny’s.
If you want to spend a little more time
in upscale shopping then drive (25 min)
to Punta Gorda. You will be pleased
visiting this historical seaport with
its restored period homes, and quaint
streets. Punta Gorda offers antiques and
art galleries, and even a symphony
orchestra. For the sophisticated shopper
the prime location is “Fisherman’s
Village” with it’s 11 boutiques and 16
gift and specialty stores. And yes,
there are four lovely restaurants to
choose from for a luncheon of local
delicacies served on the shores of
Charlotte Harbor.
Local
artists are presented in Matlacha and
Bokeelia galleries, within easy driving
time from Sand Dollar. NOTE! No one
leaves the Estuary Coast without
visiting the totally restored
Edison-Ford Winter Homes on the lovely
river-front of Fort Myers (27 min).
Where can
we go to eat? The answer is—not far!!
Local menus emphasize local seafood.
However there are also many
establishments having excellent menus
that feature Mexican, Cuban, Italian,
Chinese, German and American cuisines.
The finest of exquisite dining
experiences are offered at, Giorgio’s
Italian Restaurant (14 min), Sakura’s
Japanese Steak House (20 min), Rum
Runners at Cape Harbor (21 min) or
Captain’s Table in Punta Gorda (29 min).
Of course the fishing village of
Matlacha (10 min) has several small
family owned bistros where harbor view
ambiance is offered while dining on
local specialties. There are also many
“order in” and fast food establishments
within 10 minutes of Sand Dollar.
Perhaps
serene relaxation and shopping is not
your total cup of tea. Would you like to
play some golf? How about a different,
challenging course every day, all of
them within 15 minutes drive from Sand
Dollar. So pull out your Florida golf
course ratings and let’s list them.
Burnt Store Marina (10 min); Coral Oaks
Municipal (6 min); Palmetto Pine Country
Club (15 min); Royal Tee Golf Club (11
min) and, are you feeling adventurous?
Take a 23 minute drive to Alden Pines
Golf Club in Bokeelia. If you can’t find
a tee time and a course of your
liking—you are not trying!
A bit
weary of relaxation, shopping, culture
and golf? Maybe you would like to
reserve a day for a guided and
individual Kayak tour of the Matlacha
National Wildlife Preserve. Pick up the
phone and call a Kayak Guide firm in
Matlacha (10 min), you’ll be on the
water in no time and falling in love
with the waterfowl and manatees right in
their natural habitat! Or perhaps you
would prefer the company of a
professional fishing guide to take you
to those “special places” for snook,
tarpon, snapper, redfish, jack, sea
trout and pompano (perhaps on a fly
rod?). Again a short 10 minutes to
Matlacha. Finally for the ardent “sun
and sand” devotee, there is the free
sand beach at the Cape Coral Yacht Club
for sun bathing and swimming (28 min).
Sand
Dollar Villa offers you a proximate,
convenient and relaxing “home base”
location from which to visit the
attractions of the Estuary Coast. Of
course the Villa is completely
furnished, tastefully appointed and
fully equipped with all necessary linens
and utensils. There are even 4
televisions for independent, cable TV
entertainment. Full high speed internet
access is provided along with a
telephone, printer, scanner and fax
facility.
