Charming Little Tropical Hide-Away With Private Gulf Beach Access

I stayed in this unit three months, Jan thru March 2008 and am returning for the same period in 2009. My late wife and I stayed previously in two larger rentals on Manasota Key. Yes, this studio is small, but the price, location and grounds at the resort are great! Christa, the owner, is a wonderful person and very attentive to the needs of her tenants! The single kitchen sink is a bit of a hassle, but having a full size refer is a big plus over many studios. Modern coin laundry machines (2 washers & dryers) are just steps away and you can watch birds, fish and even an occasional manatee while doing your laundry! The large swimming pool is also just a few steps away. It's a one block walk to get the newspaper and I'd get there early as the machines are often sold out by 9AM. It's also only 1-1/2 blocks to the gulf. I recommend packing a picnic lunch and hiking south on the beach less than a mile down Stump Pass to three covered tables for lunch or a sunset dinner! I seldom dined out in the area, but I heard nothing but praise for Howard's Restaurant (turn right at McDonalds and drive south just a few blocks). It is always very busy! I did entertain my date for lunch at Pop's Sunset Grill south off Albee Road on the waterway just before crossing the drawbridge to Casey Key up north at Nokomis. A bit pricey, but excellent food and atmosphere with many boats on the waterway. Take a short drive south on Casey Key to watch fishermen on the jetty, then drive north on Casey Key and look at the fabulous homes along the shore! Unbelievable! Stephen King lives in one of them. There's a one-way bridge at the north end of the key back to US 41. All in all, you'll find that Manasota Key is a treasure! Just don't tell anyone about it or it'll get too crowded! I don't recall how we found it clear up here in the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State, but I'm now an annual visitor!