Archive for May, 2010

10 Restaurants to try when renting a house near Charlotte Harbor.

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

Here are 10 restaurants to try when renting a house near scenic Charlotte Harbor and the surrounding barrier islands.  To find more nearby restaurants in Sanibel/Captiva Island and Boca Grande, check out our Southwest Florida Travel Guides for more local information.

Portofino-Waterfront Dining
23247 Bayshore Road
Port Charlotte, FL‎ 33980
(941) 743-2800‎

Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q
1152 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33954
(941) 613-1114

La Esperanza Restaurant‎
2150 Tamiami Trl # 24
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
(941) 235-3642

The Captain’s Table
Fishermen’s Village

1200 West Retta Esplanade #55
Punta Gorda, FL 33951
(941) 637-1177

Ice House Pub‎
408 Tamiami Trl # 111
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 575-0866

Perfect Caper‎
121 East Marion Avenue
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 505-9009

Laishley Crab House‎
100 West Retta Esplanade
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 205-5566

Wood Street Grill Catering‎
221 Wood Street
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 815-1899

Bin 82 Tasting Room
258 W. Marion Ave.

Historic Downtown

Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 916.9581

Cafe Ruelle Coffee House and Wine Bar
117 West Marion Avenue
Punta Gorda, Florida 33950
(941) 575-3553

SelectDwelling
Long-term and Seasonal Home Rentals in Southwest Florida

Booking a great summer rental in 6-steps.

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

When you think of summer, you don’t necessarily think of Florida, right? But should you? There are a lot of good deals this time of year on vacation home rentals, if you like the heat, like us. Here are 6-steps to booking a great summer rental in Southwest Florida:

1. Decide which part of Southwest Florida you’d like to stay.
Finding your accommodation for your summer vacation will be easy once you choose what you’d like to be near—downtown city center, shopping outlets, or the beach. With so many great towns to choose from this might be the hard part!

2. Start your search and book early.
Today there are many online vacation and seasonal home rental companies to check out. Browse a few to find what you’re looking for. Summer is almost here!

3. Talk directly with the home owner.
Once you find a great property, ask the property owner any questions you have. Good key questions to inquire about:
• Is there a security deposit?
• How are keys handled?
• What time is check in and check out?
• Do you offer cleaning services?
• How do you operate the central air (AC)?
• Could I have a few references?
Don’t do all your communication via email. It’s always advised to speak with the owner on the phone, so you establish a relationship with them and help protect you, the renter, against any rental fraud.

4. Send your payment.
Make your payment for your vacation rental via check or credit card. This way you will have a receipt of your transaction. Never send cash.

5. Verify with the home owner.
Contact the owner to verify that they received your payment to book the rental and to ensure that you’re all set.

6. Back your bags!
It’s time to go on your summer vacation to Southwest Florida.

Check out our Southwest Florida Travel Guides to learn more about each town.

SelectDwelling
Long-term and Seasonal Home Rentals in Southwest Florida

Top 5 Things to do in Fort Myers

Thursday, May 6th, 2010

When you visit Southwest Florida here are the top 5 things to do in Ft. Myers:

1. Edison and Ford Winter Estates – The museum offers exhibits on two of America’s most famous inventors: Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. Visitors can also tour the botanical garden.
2350 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901   239-334-7419

2. Imaginarium Hands-On Museum and Aquarium – Interact with over 60 exhibitions including a touch tank and a weather experience like no other. A wonderful place to take the kids!
2000 Cranford Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33916 
 239-321-7420

3. Lovers Key State Park – Go to the beach and observe nature. Home to a slew of wildlife, you may see dolphins, spoonbills, marsh rabbits and more while you swim and frolic at the beach.
8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931    
239-463-4588

4. Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium - Attention Wildlife enthusiast!  The museum and planetarium offers over 100 acres of things to see. Get up close with native animals and watch feedings, and you may even get to touch one of the animals. Great outing for families.
3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33905 
 239-275-3435

5. Lee County Manatee Park – Opportunities abound at this year round park, as visitors can canoe, kayak, fish, or picnic with friends and family, but the best part is that you get a chance to see live manatees.  
10901 State Road 80 (Palm Beach Blvd) Fort Myers, FL  33905  239-690-5030

Want to know more things to do when visiting Fort Myers and the Southwest Florida region? Check out our Free Florida Travel Guides for Fort Myers.

SelectDwelling
Long-term and Seasonal Home Rentals in Southwest Florida

Florida rental condo: Estero 1-bedroom

Monday, May 3rd, 2010

Estero rental condoNeed to rent a condo in Estero? The Tides is a fun, relaxing gated community nestled between Fort Myers and Naples. Located near the Coconut Point Mall and not far from local beaches, this Florida annual rental home has it all: clubhouse, spa, tennis courts, and more. Contact the owner today and this one-bedroom Estero condo could be yours

SelectDwelling
Long-term and Seasonal Home Rentals in Southwest Florida