About Bonita Springs and Naples

A Vacation in Sunny Bonita Springs - Florida is the Best!
By Colleen Delisle

A Florida vacation makes me a better person. I can leave for Bonita Springs feeling tense and stressed, and even after a quick 3 or 4 day visit, I feel refreshed and reinvigorated. People in Florida seem to be happier, nicer and more relaxed.

I'm not certain if it's the sunshine, the ocean breezes or the palm trees but when you meet people while riding your bike or walking, they say "Hi," or "Good morning." How cool is that?! Strangers seem more open and friendly. A Florida vacation offers so many things I love to do. Walking on the beach and collecting shells, sitting on the beach watching the ocean or even better, watching the sunset, or "Sunset," in Floridian.

"Sunset" in Bonita Springs can be different everyday depending on the sky conditions. It's way better than TV.

One of my favorite things to do is lay in the sun. I really don't understand why something that feels sooo good is so bad for you. The sun in Florida is very intense, so caution is advised. I use a 20-30 SPF sunscreen, just to be safe. Of course your skin type and tendency to burn will determine to what extent you protect your skin.

I enjoy going to Lake Trafford for an airboat ride. They say this lake has the largest population of alligators of any of Florida's lakes. On one of our trips we counted over 70 ranging in size from very small to large, 14 foot gators. You see a huge variety of birds, too. It's not cheap, but I think it is well worth the money.

The Caribbean Zoo in Naples is definitely a must see. It has an open theater where they present live demonstrations with animals. You can also watch them fed the alligators. It's small enough that you can easily see the entire zoo in one day. And they're all about natural habitat and treating the animals humanely.

Oh, and what woman does not love to shop? Well, you'll be happy to discover that there's no shortage of shopping in the Bonita Springs, Naples area. You could shop every day of your visit, and not put a dent in the number of different places to shop! You'll find anything you may be looking for, from very expensive to the outlet mall.

A trip to Florida is not complete unless I have browsed through the Best of Everything store. How can you beat $5.00 sunglasses? If you visit the store during off season, the store in empty. In season shopping there, is a whole different story. Sometimes the line wraps around the store! Patience is certainly needed when the store is a zoo, like this!

Corkscrew Sanctuary is a delightful place to visit for those who enjoy a long walk and enjoy nature. But for those not used to walking, it can be tiring especially if it's a hot day. Bring your water bottles!

Orange picking was very different experience - watch out for the bees! Where we picked, you were encourage to taste the different varieties. If you've never had tree ripened fruit, you'll be pleasantly surprised! Don't be put off by the not-so-perfect skin. I think tomato picking would be fun, too. Tomatoes are a huge crop in Florida. We haven't done that, yet...

No Florida vacation is complete without dining out. Something I like to do and there's no shortage of restaurants. The Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers areas have plenty of restaurants to choose from. Every type of cuisine at every price point.

No trip to Bonita Springs is complete without visit the "Royal Scoop." This ice cream shop is known for its wonderful, homemade ice cream. Off season, you can go just about anytime and be served fairly quickly. In-season, is another story.

But even when there's a huge line, everybody seems to be in a good mood. The ice cream is so delicious; it is certainly worth the wait. Their flavors change, but you can be sure they'll always have one of your favorites - coconut, coffee or cookies and cream are my favorites.

I am always a bit sad when my Florida vacation comes to an end, but I immediately begin planning my return trip to the Bonita Springs/Naples area. Always hoping for sooner, rather than later!

Colleen DeLisle leased private homes for several years prior to buying her own property and making it available to others for their vacations.

For more information on her home in SW Florida, please click on the following website: Best Florida Vacation Rentals