Newsletter 31 - Beach Vacation 4 Me

BEACHVACATION 4
ME
, LLC
September 2011
Sarah Rapp
Hanging onto that summer feeling
It seems hard to believe the summer vacation season has ended and we have just
Inside this issue:
Public Beach Access
Shut up and Fish
2
2
One Suitcase Needed
Guest Comments
2
3
Pet Friendly Rentals
3
Wine Selection
4
Let’s Rapp it up
5
Sarah Rapp
Licensed Real Estate Broker
Beach Vacations 4 Me, LLC
www.beachvacation4me.com
celebrated Labor Day. I hope you all had a wonderful summer. For our family summer was a
time to do the things we love, with the people we love. As I write this newsletter it gives me
time to hang on to that summer feeling, even as time forces on. I hope you had time to slow
down this summer and create many new memories of time spent with the ones you love.
As I look to the fall, I will be traveling quite a bit experiencing the sites and sounds
of Southwest Florida. During October I will spend several weeks on both North Captiva and
Boca Grande. I feel blessed to have such a spectacular job navigating the barrier islands.
Experiencing the travel like you will be doing helps me to provide you the best tips and accurate information for your special vacation. I meet the all the providers, managers, tour
homes, eat fabulous meals, etc. It is a great job! I plan to share all my experiences with
you! November I will return to North Captiva where our family celebrates Thanksgiving. Truly, Thanksgiving on North Captiva is a special time for us.
Now is definitely the time to plan your next trip to Southwest Florida! Fall is a glorious time to
travel. The crowds are gone, the weather is beautiful and the prices are down. If you want to
squeeze a few more warm days like summer, Southwest Florida is a spectacular destination
location. Before you know it the holidays will be upon us. The larger homes are already filling
up. My recommendation is not waiting if you want to get the perfect home for your
group. Spring breaks weeks are also being reserved quickly too. I do think guests are tending to reserve earlier.
Remember you can think of me as your travel coach. As your navigator I will provide you honest realistic information about traveling to one of these fantastic barrier islands. I pride myself
in being customer focused. It’s hard to believe this will be my ninth year doing a job I love so
much. Experience has brought me great wealth of knowledge that I can share with you. Being a Florida licensed real estate broker I will provide you accurate information about the
properties.
Inquiries and reservations
for North Captiva and Boca
Grande:
I hope you enjoy this newsletter and can savor the memories of your last vacation together. Why not start planning today your next trip. So grab your flip flops and sunscreen. Let’s go to the beach.
 Toll free (866)587-6420.
 Mobile (740)334-8840
 Our guidance and informa-
tion is from experience .
We know the drill! We know
what works. We look forward to assisting you with
your vacation plans.
Where To Stay When You Have A Late Flight or Early Departure
from Ft. Myers Airport (RSW)
I am frequently asked by guests traveling to Boca Grande and North Captiva via the
Ft Myers airport (RSW) where a good place to stay on the arrival or departure
end. On our recent trip to SW Florida our family stayed at the Hilton Garden
Inn. Conveniently right next door is the Homewood Suites. Both are brand new
hotels. These hotels are located just outside the airport grounds on Corporate Commerce Way, Fort Myers, FL 33913. Excellent restaurants, movie theaters and
shopping (including a Costco) are located across the street at the Gulf Coast Town
Center. This location is ideal for a relaxing night spent close to the airport.
Sarah Rapp
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Public Beach Access for Boca Grande and North Captiva
There are many public beach access locations on Boca Grande. Most are free of
charge.
Many guests like to visit the public beach located where the Boca Grande Lighthouse is
located. The State of Florida charges a $2 admission fee. At the beach are the famous
Boca Grande Lighthouse and the Lighthouse Museum, which features a look back not
only at Boca Grande but the reason for the lighthouse in the
first place.
On North Captiva there are several public beach access locations. Many of the public beach access locations are noted
and you will find parking for your golf cart at the access. Several lanes lead to the beach between Escondido and Airstrip. The island’s north half is all private homes, where visitors can’t shortcut under decks. If you have questions about
the beach access, don’t hesitate to ask.
North Captiva Access above
Shut Up and Fish!
We invited my son’s Elon college friends
down for a little summer sun, fun, and of
course, fishing. One of Sarah’s customer’s
had been on Boca Grande many times and
recommended a guide for us to try. We
decided to call Bo Johnson and Deidra
Bridger to see if this would work. Well it
was a great time with everyone catching
their biggest fish. Three college men together can be a hoot by itself but pulling in
several sharks, Goliath Grouper and having a couple tarpon on the line in four hours was more than we expected. One way to
have three social college kids stop talking is to have a shark on the line. Captain Bo
Johnson and First Mate Deidra Bridger of FishTenacity competed in the Mad Fin Fishing
tournament and were the 2012 Mad Fin Shark Series Tournament winners and will be on
the Outdoor Channel in January. Go to www.fishtenacity.com to catch up with Bo and
Deidra or on Facebook by searching Tenacity Guide Service. This was a great experience
for all and the college guys are still talking about it. Thanks to Bo and Deidra from Dan,
Jordan, Rob, and Mike. By Mike Rapp
One Suitcase Needed!
Several folks have asked me to write an article on what to pack when traveling to North
Captiva. Two words come to mind – PACK LIGHT. Quite frankly there is no reason why
you cannot pack all the clothes needed in a carry on bag. Now I understand this can be
difficult for some as I have a 22 year old daughter who likes to make a fashion statement,
but let me tell you North Captiva is extremely laid back. Here are the items I would recommend: bathing suit, cover-up, pajamas, and sneakers, flip flops, a few t-shirts, and some
shorts. Some folks like to bring a golf shirt or sundress for an out to dinner evening, but
really everything in informal on North Captiva. It never a bad idea to throw in a rain jacket
just there is rain. All homes are equipped with washing machines and dryers so you can
wash and wear as needed. From November through Feb, I would recommend jeans and
a sweatshirt for the evening.
866-587-6420
Toll Free
Reservations,
Information and
Quality Customer
Service
Sarah Rapp
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See What Our Guests are saying:
A recent guest posted this comment on Trip Advisor! It is my goal to provide you a seamless trip. This comment was greatly appreciated!!!
Our repeat visits to North Captiva Island since 1993 have recently been enhanced considerably by working with: Sarah Rapp, a realtor who planned and executed our rental flawlessly for the second year in a row. Sarah made everything super easy and extremely convenient from start to finish especially with her quick E mail responses. We felt extremely
well looked after!
Beer Margaritas - A Twist on an Old Favorite
A sparkly twist on the classic! You will absolutely love this recipe and you cannot taste the beer.
Prep Time - 5 minutes Ready in 5 Minutes Yields 6 one cup servings
Ingredients: One 12 fluid ounce can frozen Limeade; 12 fluid ounces of Tequila, 12 fluid ounces of
water; 12 fluid ounces of beer; ice and 1 lime cut into wedges.
Pour limeade, tequila, water and beer into a large pitcher. Stir until well-blended and limeade has
melted. Add plenty of ice, and garnish with lime wedges. Adjust with additional water if needed.
Pet Friendly Rentals
Both Boca Grande and North Captiva offer a variety of pet friendly rentals for guests who like to
travel with their family pet. Homes in both locations charge a small non-refundable pet fee when
bringing your pet. I have a couple great pet friendly rentals listed below.
Remember there is a leash law in SW Florida so doesn’t forget to pack your leash when preparing
for your trip. Please note on North Captiva Island, pets cannot visit the bird sanctuary (all state
land), leash or not.
The time is NOW to
RESERVE your
Holiday and Spring
Break Rentals.
Tropic Ten – Located on Boca Grande – Pet Friendly
The Tropic Ten is a Dunes of Boca beachfront villa. This villa is located
on the north end of Boca Grande. The grounds are meticulously maintained in this gated community and
the views are priceless. What is that saying in real estate; location, location, location! This is it. The Tropic Ten is an extremely spacious and
fully stocked with just about everything you need. Books, games, beach
towels, every kitchen item imaginable and I must not forget….a commercial ice maker.
The Dolphin Den – Located on North Captiva – Pet Friendly
Imagine sitting in the roof top hot tub gazing at the stars! This
spectacular three bedroom home features a private pool, hot tub,
many new amenities including flat screen TV’s and more. The
house even has a complimentary slip you can use if you bring your
own boat. Each time I rent this home I receive rave reviews.
Sarah Rapp
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North Captiva Island Club – First class customer service!
Kudos to the staff at the North Captiva Island Club for their excellent customer service! The guests are continuously telling me how responsive and quick the club has been
handling their needs. From the time your reservation is secured, they are tracking your
needs and sending reminders if they do not hear from you. Their new customer support
website (NCICR) has been an incredible communication tool for both guests and homeowners. Everyone staying at a North Captiva Island Club home is requested to sign in
and start navigating for their trip. Whether you want to order groceries, book a service or
request maintenance, it can all be done here. I am not kidding you, it is instantaneous that
at least three people are receiving your message and you will be contacted quickly. If you
have questions about navigating NCICR, please do not hesitate to call. It is a wonderful
tool and the people behind the website (staff at NCIC) are ready and willing to help.
Spectacular Wine Selection at Boats & Fun, North Captiva
The Boats and Fun Store now has a great selection of wines. This includes a great variety
of wines from California, Italy, Spain, South Africa and Argentina. Among the regions and
varietals wines you will be able to find in reds: Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet from California, Malbec and Tempranillo from Argentina, and mixes between Cabernet and Shiraz
from South Africa. You also can find Montepulciano from Italy and wines from Rioja, La
Mancha and Ribera del Duero from Spain. Boats and Fun also has a great selection of
white wines like Chardonnay from California, Pinot Griggio from Italy and Torrontes from
Argentina. The prices are very competitive with wines stores in the mainland so you don't
need to carry wines with you when you go to the island anymore!
866-587-6420
Toll Free
Written by Matias Barbero
Got Fish!!
Captain Dennis Really – North Captiva Island Charters (239)707-9701
The summer fishing report is provided to us from Capt. Gretchen Falk of the North Captiva
Island Charters. This picture is from one our guests who caught a red that was over the
size limit of 27" and had to go back. What a nice fish!! The Snappers, Redfish, Sea Trout
and Sharks were biting. Gag Grouper and Snook seasons were still closed too. You can
catch them but you can't keep them. Once the water starts to cool down in late September
we should start seeing Spanish mackerel and Bluefish returning in schools along the
sandbars and the back bay flats.
Reservations,
Information and
Quality Customer
Service
Sarah Rapp
Let’s Rapp It Up with some or our favorites from our summer trip!
Shut Up And Fish – see the article on page 2. This was an incredible day on the water
for boys. It is something I plan to experience in Oct. Capt. Bo Johnson and first mate
Deidra rock!!! This is something you can do from Boca Grande or North Captiva.
Lap swimming at the NCIC pool – being a gym rat at home, I am always looking for
ways to keep fit while traveling. You will find me every morning swimming laps in the
NCIC big pool. There is never anyone there and it is a great way to start the day.
Pine Island Tropical Fruit Market – features the best mangoes around. Florida is the
main United States producer of this fruit and they are right here on Pine Island. Yummy!!
North Captiva Island Church – Rev. Bob and Sue Ann Cousar open their home on Sunday morning for church. The service is non-denominational and there is always a great
message and fellowship. Thank you to them both!!!
Kayla (front office at NCIC), Hillary (pool bar) and Brian (pool bar) are some the friendliest
people on the island. They make the sunshine on a rainy day!!
Pink Elephant – Boca Grande Owned and operated by the Gasparilla Inn. This is another island favorite. On our last day trip we stopped in for a yummy lunch. It was just
delicious and located right where we pulled in to dock our boat.
I said it before and I’ll say it again……
North Captiva Island Groceries by Sandie are the ultimate luxury. After a long day of
travel it was so nice to have our groceries stocked in the house waiting for us. And…a
must do is the Jet Ski tour with Robin from Boats and Fun. My adult children want to experience this every time they visit and each time can’t stop talking about it. We refer to
Robin as the Jet Ski God!
Boca Grande
Southbeach Grill – grouper ruben; Loose Caboose – homemade ice cream; some of the
nicest beaches in Southwest Florida!
Campfires prohibited on the beach!
I am frequently asked if campfires are allowed on the beaches. Campfires are prohibited
and strictly enforced on both North Captiva and Boca Grande. Recently I had a guest
write me to share how they were able to prepare their favorite S’mores On The Grill. The
directions are to preheat your grill to medium-hot. Build your smore. Wrap in aluminum
foil. Grill wrapped S’more for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Mmmmmm…I tried it and it
was delicious!
Now is the time to Book your
Vacation Rental For the Holidays and
Spring Break!!
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