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 Most Online4,124 Sep 5th, 2025 
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OP
 
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Hello All! Hubs and I are trying to plan a 5/6 day vacation over Thanksgiving this year. We are not very familiary with SW Florida and a few places that we have already tried are booked. We would like to be within a 2 hour drive to Marco Island to visit friends (if possible). We have direct flights out of SDF to Naples, Sarasota, and St. Petersburg airports. We prefer not staying at the highrise hotels/resorts. I'm not sure if it's possible, but something laid back, on/near the beach with excellent seafood restaurants nearby. We will have a car.
  Greatly appreciate all reccomendations! :-) 
 
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Joined:  Aug 2000 
Posts: 85,286 Likes: 85  
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Posts: 85,286 Likes: 85  | 
I think most people book for Thanksgiving WAAAAAY in advance.  Maybe try Anna Maria area, as there are lots of places to stay there, but not highrise.. 
 
  
Carol Hill
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Joined:  Apr 2014 
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Check out the Tarpon Lodge in Pineland.  https://tarponlodge.com/ 
 
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Joined:  Aug 2021 
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OP
 
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Joined:  Aug 2021 
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Yeah, we weren't sure we would be able to take time off, so we are late in the process.  Will check Anna Maria out.  Thank you! 
 
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Joined:  Aug 2021 
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OP
 
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Joined:  Aug 2021 
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WIll check Tarpon Lodge out right now!  Thank you for the recco! 
 
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Joined:  Feb 2002 
Posts: 3,673 Likes: 7  
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Joined:  Feb 2002 
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Look at Tripadvisor and VRBO. 
 
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Joined:  Apr 2003 
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Joined:  Apr 2003 
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Take a look @ the Boca Grande/Gasparilla Island area.  No high rise, easy beach access within minutes.  Several pretty good restaurants within 5 minutes.  Many more within 15-20.
  Right now, Red Tide has been affecting the area.  Hopefully it will disperse by November. 
Last edited by Jerry_R; 08/19/2021 07:56 AM.
 
 
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Joined:  Oct 2024 
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Hi there! For a laid-back Thanksgiving vacation in SW Florida, consider  vacation home rentals near Sanibel Island or Fort Myers Beach. Both areas have beautiful beaches, excellent seafood restaurants, and a relaxed vibe, all within a 2-hour drive to Marco Island. Naples is another great option with upscale dining and a lovely coastline. Enjoy your trip!  
 
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Joined:  Apr 2002 
Posts: 7,313 Likes: 6  
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I would not book anything at the moment. If Milton is even close to the forecast I doubt you will want to be in the area before Christmas. Sadly this storm might redefine Florida real estate. 
 
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Joined:  Aug 2000 
Posts: 85,286 Likes: 85  
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Joined:  Aug 2000 
Posts: 85,286 Likes: 85  | 
George--agreed, lots of damage in SW Florida, even before Milton. 
 
  
Carol Hill
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