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My husband and I along with our 2 teenage boys will be coming down to the Fort Myers area the end of March to watch the MN Twins in Spring Training, and enjoy some sun and sand. We're planning to stay in a vacation condo, but not familiar with the area. Anyone have any tips on areas to stay or avoid? Are the beaches mostly public or private? Any thoughts or tips would be appreciated!
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Mom, you can't go wrong with a trip to Sanibel and Captiva Islands for fun, sun shopping and dining. For baseball nostalgia, Terry Park is an active baseball complex that will probably be hosting northern college teams at that time of year. Terry Park used to be a spring training facility dating back to the days of Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Lou Gerhig, etc..... and they all played there. Enjoy the trip.

Cool
I would not recommend the area north of the river bridge.

Many nice areas in Fort Myers, wonderful golf courses, beaches and tons of retirees!

I agree that a trip to Sanibel Island should be on the schedule. Also agree with the Estro Beach comments.

To see how the other half lives (at least part of the year) you might want to plan a trip down U.S. 41 to Naples and Marco Island.

If you like seafood try either Pincher's or Prawnbrokers, both on McGregor Blvd. Also consider the Sanibel Steakhouse. And of course they have all the regular chain restaurants as well.

Bob,
"Doing nothing is still a course of action"
Thanks very much for the info!

I did some more research also, and we are thinking of staying at Carlos Pointe condos, on the south end of Estero Island, which says it is walking distance from Lover's Key state park which I think is the one Sark21 mentioned. Haven't confirmed the reservation yet ... would rent a 2BR condo direct from the owner.

Also, I got creative on airfare and got a better rate and more convenient schedule by flying into Orlando and flying back from Fort Myers. So now we are starting our vacation for 1 or 2 nights in Orlando ... 1 if my hubby insists on driving to Fort Myers the next morning, 2 if I can convince him to stay one day in Orlando.

Orlando Attractions:

If you were going to spend just one day at one Orlando attraction with 2 teen boys ages 15 and 17, before heading out for baseball and beaches, which Orlando attraction would you take in? I'm thinking maybe Universal Studios?
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IOA has the most roller coasters and thrill rides, and it's small enough to get around easily in one day --- hence its popularity with teenagers. There are also two park passes, if you'd like to take in Universal as well.

If the family insists on Disney, I'd recommend MGM --- manageable size, and a good selection of thrill rides and some enjoyable shows.

If pos, let's get together...I'm about 10 minutes from Universal. I'll PT you with info!

---------------------------------
From 'Nice Guys Finish Last' by Leo Durocher:

Baseball lives at the center of a never-flagging whirl of irreconcilable opinions.
MN-Mom---

You make sure to say "hi" to Mike Ryan from his hometown fans in Indiana, PA! I know he's been in town helping at baseball camps, signing autographs, etc., since the end of the Twins' season, but we haven't run into him. He's a regular townie here---so very cool he's made it to the Bigs!

Sounds as if your son has made the big college decision! PT me when it's official!

Regards! Big Grin

Karen

Is this heaven?...

Going for a new record in thread resuscitation!  

That said, it's been two years since I've been to AZ and I'm really sorry not to be going this year, especially since I REALLY like how the Giants did over the winter -- in fact, they look so good on paper that I'm kinda worried; teams that look that good on paper rarely do quite so well in real life.    I'm going to try to drag the wife there next year. I've been whispering sweet nothings about hiking in the desert, shopping in Sedona, hitting the FL Wright museum, chilling by the pool, spa days, etc. and she seems to be almost sold.  Just don't tell her that it won't be nearly as fun for me as going to spring training with a 12yo son.

Looking forward to spring training here is AZ.  Am a little bummed that my son won't have his spring training here  now that he's with a different team where he has to report to Florida.  I'll really miss him for spring training.  Always knew that was a possibility.  Though I won't be able to see him play, there are may other players who we know from being former teammates of my son that I can go watch and maybe visit with some of their family that come to town.  Though it'll be different this year, it'll still be a fun time as baseball season gets underway. 

MidAtlanticDad posted:
Truman posted:

Looking forward to spring training here is AZ.  Am a little bummed that my son won't have his spring training here  now that he's with a different team where he has to report to Florida. 

MLB.TV is broadcasting 275 spring training games this year, if that helps.

Thanks for the heads up.  I do subscribe to MLB.TV, so I'll check out the schedule.  

And I plan on subscribing to MiLB.TV to catch any of the AA games he may be in.

If anyone is reading this that have kids with a spring break in March, do try to go to Florida or Arizona at least once for Spring Training.  Most of the private schools have spring break in March, but this year the public schools break is in March since Easter is early.  The year we went, we got to 3 games, 6 different teams, and it was so much fun!   

JCG posted:

Going for a new record in thread resuscitation!  

That said, it's been two years since I've been to AZ and I'm really sorry not to be going this year, especially since I REALLY like how the Giants did over the winter -- in fact, they look so good on paper that I'm kinda worried; teams that look that good on paper rarely do quite so well in real life.    I'm going to try to drag the wife there next year. I've been whispering sweet nothings about hiking in the desert, shopping in Sedona, hitting the FL Wright museum, chilling by the pool, spa days, etc. and she seems to be almost sold.  Just don't tell her that it won't be nearly as fun for me as going to spring training with a 12yo son.

My wife went to spring training in AZ last year and absolutely loved it, especially Sedona. We're both going this year with a hike in Sedona definitely on the agenda. After a few days at LHP's spring training, we're heading to FL to see RHP at spring training. Can't wait!

Hi - 

I'm jealous of your trip!  We stayed very close to Carlos Point at Island Winds last summer when my son played PG WWBA.

HIGHLY recommend The Heavenly Biscuit on Estero Blvd - name says it all!  This was our go-to stop on the way to the ballpark in the morning for huge fresh baked cinnamon/pecan rolls, and homemade banana bread pudding.

Another good spot close to Terry park is Ford's Garage.  Really kool burger spot that you (& your kids) will enjoy.

Have a great trip!

The Padres used to do spring training in Yuma. That alone was a statement about the Padres. When Steve Garvey was asked how Yuma compared to Vero Beach he replied, "There's a lot of beach. No ocean. 

One year I drove to Yuma to see a friend playing for the Brewers. We discovered the only benefit to Yuma was when its dive bars closed it was a short drive over the state line/time zone for another hour of beers in some grungy town in California. When those bars close its only ten miles to Mexico.

Last edited by RJM

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