Islands: Sanibel and Captiva

( COURTESY BONNIE GROSS / November 30, 2007 )

When you're ready for a change from shelling and beaches, you can explore the history of Sanibel Island in a picturesque village where the island's historic cottages, stores and school have been moved. The Sanibel Historic Village and Museum is a pristine little park located mid-island at 800 Dunlop Road. For $5, you can tour eight buildings, some dating back to 1898, all fully restored by volunteers. The complex is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday seasonally (November through April) with shorter hours off-season. It's closed altogether August to November, but even when you can't tour the buildings, it's worth stopping by to see them from the outside.

For more information, visit http://www.sanibelmuseum.org.