Like everyone else in the nation, I've been roped into the BP Oil Spill fiasco which has left me more irate than a jilted lover. My husband and I used to vacation in Clearwater, FL, shortly after we were married, and we often marveled at the clarity of the water, the smooth and sand-dollar crusted beaches and the crisp, salty air. In fact, we do hope to vacation there sometime soon (I hear Tony Hayward is going to be far, far away….which is all well and good).

So, when I got wind of some great travel deals in the Gulf Coast waters by Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, my eyebrows started arching and twitching just like those of Groucho Marx. GULF COAST? NOW? I would sooner take that dip into the lethal waters of the Amazon than go to the Gulf Coast, even for the deals.

But reader, it's really not so bad. The waters of the Gulf Coast around Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key are really clear and oil-free (in the picture below, the immediate weather outlook is a little gray, but that should quickly clear up). What's more, this region is offering great deals for the upcoming fall season.

If you don't believe me, perhaps you'll believe the Seaside web cams? Here is a web cam of how the Gulf coast waters of Anna Maria beach look like today:

One reason why you would want to visit during the fall season is because of the great deals that several hotels in the area are dangling. Take a look at some of these offers, and determine if vacationing in this area is for you:

Third Night FREE Participants:
Country Inn & Suites By Carlson®, featuring daily hot continental breakfast and outdoor pool, is offering a third night free for visitors paying for two nights. Call (941) 363-4000. For more information, click here.

2 Heron’s Landing offers a third night free. Guests are welcome to bring their boat, Jet Ski or kayak to dock at their door step. Call (713) 498-3549. For more information, click here.

Sand Cay Beach Resort, featuring 60 two-bedroom units, is offering a third night free. Call (800) 843-4459. For more information, click here.

To view more deals, visit this link.

Florida has always been a magical place for me to visit. Ever since I was a child, I remember with great fondness, my trips to Disney World, Clearwater, and most recently, Miami (for my first cruise). The sunshine state may be the brunt of several geriatric jokes (and trust me, I've made a few), but it still is the first state I think of whenever the smallest, tiniest whiff of cold weather enters the New York City atmosphere.

So, if you're into Beach horseback riding, fishing or just like beachin' it with a good old fashioned novel (or your Kindle), take a closer look at this neck of the woods and see if  you're feeling its pulse. I might just give it a shot soon.

- Charu Suri

Additional Reading: