Sanibel Islamd

You'll probably need to go over the bridge. I'd suggest checking out Point Ybel Brewing if do. They always have great beer

 

Will be there in March. Asking the same question.

 

@Barhoppin13 is on target. Sanibel/Captiva is a great place but still a bit behind the times on the craft-beer scene. And crossing the bridge can be expensive. If drinking the IPAs at a bar is the critical element, I'm not sure how much help I can offer. I think Great White Grill may be your only option. There are a couple of shops on-island that may have decent selections. Point Ybel Brewing is on the mainland. And once you're there, you could hit Total Wine to pick up some stuff to bring back to the island with you.

@twizzard, it sounds like you're already at Sanibel so this won't be of much help to you but @Jnashed: If you're driving down, you can hit up the places I just mentioned. Also, you could stop at Cigar City (it's not TOOO far off 75; in fact, you could make the argument that driving 275 over the Sunshine Skyway is the prettier route) or Cycle (if you're already on 275, it's not TOO far off that) to get crowlers filled for the beach ... or any of the other nearby breweries for growler fills. There's also a Total Wine a stone's throw off 75 in Sarasota. If you're flying in, you pretty much HAVE to go to CCB since it's minutes away from the airport (and there's a Total Wine right next door) ...

 

If you fly into RSW/Fort Myers, hit the Total Wine on the way to the island (close to the a airport). They'll have good stuff.

Once on the island, the best draft list I saw at a restaurant was Doc Ford's . The local grocery store (Jerry's) had a few 6ers of CCB and the Publix just across from the island should as well.

 

Thanks. Family trip for us in end of March and we are flying into Ft. Myers and renting a car to drive out. Hope to bring the fly rod also and fish and have a few good beers in the sun.

 

Most DEFINITELY bring a fly rod; it's the best way to do inshore fishing! I would second @DWheeler379 about stopping at Total Wine, which should have a solid selection of Cigar City stuff. You also may find canned offerings from other Tampa Bay-area breweries (e.g., 3 Daughters, Big Storm, Tampa Bay Brewing; I'm not saying they're on the same level -- with the exception of Tampa Bay Brewing's Reef Donkey, which I think is a damn fine American pale ale -- but for a variety/change of pace ... ) as well. Publix should have the CCB core lineup (i.e., Florida Cracker, Hotter Than Helles, Jai Alai and Maduro).

 

Also if you want to spend an afternoon site seeing and drinking at local breweries check out www.swflbrewerytours.com
(Shameless plug for my start up brewery tour)
I'll start local tours at the end of the month. I'm doing one to Funky Buddha this weekend for their MBCP release.

 

Foul. Yellow card. Shameless is accurate.
Will you be concentrating on regular tours to everyday breweries or are you going to focus on driving geeks to special releases?

 

Regular tours, supporting our great local breweries!

 

If you fly into RSW airport I'd definitely hit ft. Myers brewing company on the way. Their high five ipa is excellent

 

Don't forget about Fresh Taqueria in Sanibel guys. Nice little taco place with a solid draft list. Last week they had BCBS on tap, and some decent Florida beers.

https://untappd.com/venue/709198

 

Ft Myers Brewing is a good option