- PUT THIS PRISTINE BEACH ON YOUR CALENDAR NOW!

Diane,
This was in the NY Times this morning (10/3/08): http://tinyurl.com/4eednl

I checked Google Maps and it's 100 miles from the Shingle Creek hotel. This beach is #1 on the best-beaches in America list compiled each year by the guy known as Dr Beach and has so consistently been on the Top 10 list that after this year he's retiring it from contention.  Here's the 2008 list: http://www.drbeach.org/drbeach/best_beach_list_2008.htm
I definitely plan to rent a car and check it out.  
Stephen


Thanks for sending.  I missed it.  I agree, it sounds wonderful.  And, one of the islands is Honeymoon Island!  It says that you can only get to Caladesi Island State Park by boat or ferry and that the ferries can fill up, so call ahead for reservations: 727-734-1501  Also,  I was curious so checked out beach #3, Siesta Beach in Sarasota Fl.  It's also 100 miles from the conference hotel and just 55 miles south of Caladesi Island beach.  #1 and #3 beaches in the entire country – probably worth checking out both while you're at it.   - diane