This Secret Island Escape In Florida Was An Easy Flight From My Midwest Home

A man stood in the warm sand, watching a fishing line that floated in the aqua water. Nearby, a heron stood in the retreating surf and watched the man and his line. Nothing was biting, and no one seemed to care in this Florida secret waiting to be discovered.

“When you talk to people here, they say, ‘Don’t tell anyone about this place,’” the man, a vacationer from Barron County, Wisconsin, said with a smile.

Welcome to Manasota Key. I recently traveled to this little stretch of paradise, trading in a gray Wisconsin sky, frozen earth, and cold wind for picture-perfect sunsets, an endless sand beach, and a Gulf breeze that smelled like summer. Overshadowed by other Florida destinations, this island gem is a place you can make your own. The Manasota Key Resort was my base camp - the ideal place to stay on the island. Like the fisherman I met on the beach, I was in for a good time.

Editor's note: Our writer in Wisconsin escaped the state for a little bit of a reprieve from this winter's drear. This is his story.

Manasota Key is an 11-mile-long barrier island, separated from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway, and connected by a bridge. There are a lot of ways to get here. I flew into the Fort Myers Airport and departed via the Sarasota Airport.

When I arrived, I knew I was somewhere special. The front desk at Manasota Key Resort is just steps from the water – and the Lemon Bay Market. The market serves fast and delicious food, as well as cold beer and wine that you can enjoy at one of the patio tables, or by a fire pit.

The resort has a range of accommodations for groups of all sizes – its suites and vacation homes can accommodate couples, families, and groups.

Once you're checked in, head to the beach. The island offers some spectacular Florida sunsets on the Gulf side. When the sun dips below the crashing waves, you might hear someone down the beach blowing a celebratory honk through a conch shell.

Everything here is close to the water – I stayed steps from the sand and I listened to the waves as I fell asleep.

But I did not sleep in. The great thing about the island is that it also offers some great Florida sunrises – just walk over to the Lemon Bay side. I photographed this bird right on the resort’s grounds.

When the sun was up, I noticed a number of people were searching the beach for something. Seashells?

Nope. Shark teeth. They are scattered across the beach, and you’ll see people searching and sifting for these little treasures.

It’s a relaxing way to spend time on a Florida beach, and there’s a lot of ground to cover. Look around and you'll be sure to find one.

The island is also home to a lot of wildlife. At night, the outdoor lights cast a warm amber glow – it’s a strategy to protect the sea turtles that nest here.

While the resort has its own delightful stretch of private sand, there’s even more beautiful Manasota beach to explore nearby.

Stump Pass Beach State Park covers the end of the island, as well as two adjacent islands.

It’s laced with trails, surrounded by soft sand, and the entrance is a short stroll from the resort.

If you want to get away from it all, there are plenty of places that you can have all to yourself.

This stretch of Florida water is home to manatees and dolphins, but not many people. I found my own Florida secret waiting to be discovered. And there, I watched the sun rise from the beach.

But if you feel like enjoying some company, you can also find that in Manasota Key. There are some lively Florida dining spots on the island that offer great seafood, live music and cold drinks.

I had lunch at the Beachcomber and sat close to the water. I had to make sure I didn’t lean back too far, or I’d end up dining with the dolphins!

The resort has kayaks and bikes that you can use for free, and the chef in your group will find a well-equipped outdoor kitchen that’s complete with a pizza oven.

If you’re an angler, great inshore fishing can be had right from the dock, and there are also slips available if you want to tie up a boat. You can find beach supplies at the market; or you can pick them up at home before you visit.

But what I mostly did on my trip here was relax.

While I felt far from home, I felt completely at home at the resort. When you see the resort’s corn-hole games, you’ll get a clue to the vibe: Manasota Key Resort is decidedly unpretentious, and it caters to people who want to relax on their own terms.

One of the best things about a resort like this is that you don’t have to do anything.

It’s why that fisherman really didn’t care that the fish weren’t biting – it’s perfect here, and it could be your secret.

I’m already looking forward to a return trip - I miss those Gulf waters! The weather on Manasota Key is pretty wonderful any time of the year. If you have flexibility, months like May and December can be great times to visit Manasota Key - it’s a little quieter, so you’ll have the biggest selection of accommodations. Book early to secure the perfect place, and make it your Florida secret waiting to be discovered. Learn more about Manasota Key Resort on Hotels.com.

Disclosure: I was invited to this location by Manasota Key Resort, with expenses covered. However, all opinions and thoughts expressed in this piece are my own.