2015 SWFL Visitors Guide

Published on March 2017 | Categories: Documents | Downloads: 72 | Comments: 0 | Views: 368
of 48
Download PDF   Embed   Report

Comments

Content

2 | VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015 | 3

ABOUT US

» VIS,TOR’S GUIDE 2015

GREETINGS, VISITORS

M

any people throughout time
have journeyed to this special
paradise known as Southwest
Florida.
If you are a seasonal visitor or tourist, you
— like so many others — know you’re in a
memorable place. Visitors soon learn things are
different here; that can take getting used to.
If you are vacationing in the summer,
expect plenty of hot days, with high
humidity and explosive afternoon showers
spiked with lightning.
Our pleasant winters and spectacular
scenery are your reward for wilting in
the summers. There’s plenty to do in our
fantastic outdoors and inside with sports,
entertainment and artistic venues galore.
The News-Press Media Group is at your
service. In print, online and through special
informative products, like this one. We aim
to get you the information you seek – when
and how you need it.

CONTENTS
Major events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,11
Climate & Critters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Shopping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,16
Performing Arts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Local Language. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Attractions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Day Trips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Dining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Beaches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32,33
Fishing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Boating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Spring Training. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Gardening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
State Parks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Libraries/Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Nature Centers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Museums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Golf. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

ABOUT US
Publisher
Mei-Mei Chan
Vice President / Advertising Sales
Nancy M. Solliday
Vice President/ Executive Editor
Cindy McCurry-Ross
Specialty Publications General Manager
Kathryn Robinson Kinsey
Specialty Publications Team Coordinator
Dennis Wright
News Director
Wendy Fullerton
Consumer Experience Director
Mark Bickel

4 | VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

IN PRINT

ONLINE

} Tropicalia: Your field guide
to paradise, published every
Sunday in The News-Press. Learn
about local history, wildlife and
interesting people and check out
social scene photos.

} news-press.com: For the latest
breaking news, including traffic
and weather information. Join the
community conversation on our
forums. Search databases of public
records. View hundreds of photo
galleries and post some of your own.

} Coastal Life: Celebrating the
best of South Lee and North
Naples every Sunday.
} @home: Published every
Saturday, this section will help you
navigate Southwest Florida’s sense
of home decor and landscaping.
} Gulf Coasting: Published every
Friday, the most comprehensive
local entertainment guide,
including restaurant reviews,
events, movie reviews and more.
} Taste: All you need to know about
dining, entertaining and cooking
in Southwest Florida style. Every
Wednesday in The News-Press.

} Our specialty microsites:
news-press.com/outdoors
(recreation and the outdoors),
news-press.com/taste (food and
dining), news-press.com/causes
(volunteerism and philanthropy),
news-press.com/health (healthy
living), news-press.com/grandeur
(luxury living)

} swflparentchild.com: Read
tips and helpful hints for all
parents. Check out the latest
photo galleries and videos about
Southwest Florida parents and
children.

} Living well: Looking good and
feeling fit in Southwest Florida,
every Tuesday in The News-Press.

ON THE GO

} Lehigh News Star: The

} news-press.com/mobile: Get

community newspaper focusing
on Lehigh Acres publishes
Wednesdays.

} Cape Life: Published every
Thursday, a weekly targeting
young families and busy residents
with community news, sports,
education and business features
and more.
} South Fort Myers Life:
Published Saturday, focused
on what’s going on in schools,
neighborhoods and businesses.

} Grandeur magazine: Published
eight times a year, our glossy
magazine celebrates Southwest
Florida’s good life.

} Southwest Florida Parent &
Child magazine: Our monthly
magazine offers all kinds of helpful
parenting information.

} USA Today: Since October of
2013 you can get all the best of
USA Today national news with all
the local information with your
News-Press every day of the year.

} m.news-press.com: Our website
formatted for your mobile device.
The News- Press app for your
iPhone or Android phone with
the latest stories, sports score,
videos, photos and push alerts on
breaking news.

SOCIAL MEDIA
} news-press.com/share: Upload
your photos and videos

} Facebook: Become a fan at
news-press.com/facebook
} Twitter: Start following @
thenewspress at twitter.com/
thenewspress

WEBCAMS
Check out the views of
the Gulf of Mexico by clicking
on our beach cams at
news-press.com/webcams. You
can look at people walking on
the beach or watch the sunset
from our camera located at the
Lani Kai on Fort Myers Beach.

VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015 | 5

6 | VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015 | 7

8 | VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015 | 9

MAJOR EVENTS

» VIS,TOR’S GUIDE 2015

THINGS TO DO

Sand Sculpting on Fort Myers Beach

W

hether you’re looking to
lend a hand to a charity
gala, peruse art galleries
and museums or relax
at some of the best fishing and
shelling spots in the world, there’s
something in Lee County for you. A
few favorites:

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
READING FESTIVAL
If you’ve never attended this annual
festival, you are missing out on a
fantastic day for the entire family. The
free festival is March 21 in Harborside
Event Center and Centennial Park.
For info, go to readfest.org. The event
includes children’s books and authors,
children’s craft tent and storytelling
sessions.

EDISON FESTIVAL OF LIGHT
After New Year’s celebrations all over
Southwest Florida, the next big thing
is an extended homage to one of Fort
Myers’ most famous winter residents:
Thomas Edison.

10 | VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

Edison first visited Florida in 1885.
He bought property the next year and
began wintering here until he died in
1931. Edison’s friend Henry Ford bought
the neighboring property in 1915.
The celebration begins with the
Day of Discovery at Harborside Event
Center. The Edison Festival of Light and
Grand Parade follows the next week.
Other events in the lengthy festival
involve the whole family, including
an inventor’s fair, junior parade and a
crafts show. The Grand Parade is the
highlight, with a night parade featuring
two hours of national and local
marching bands, floats and more. For
information, go to edisonfestival.org.

STONE CRAB FESTIVAL
IN NAPLES
Join the folks at the waterfront as
they celebrate the arrival of stone
crabs. Sustainably harvested, stone crab
claws are only available during the fall
and winter, and this festival celebrates
the start of the harvest. Listen to live
music as you enjoy your fill of this local

delicacy. For info, visit stonecrabfestival.
org.

RIVERDALE KIWANIS
MEDIEVAL FAIRE
Hear ye’, Lords and Ladies, come one
and all each January to Lakes Park in
south Fort Myers to jest and joust at
this annual fundraiser benefiting the
Kiwanis charitable works for children.
Minstrels, maidens and jesters entertain
while the crowds thrill to see noble
knights joust on horseback. Visit
medieval-faire.com.

MANGOMANIA
In July, join the people of Pine Island
as they celebrate their quintessential
cash crop at their annual tropical fruit
fair that’s so big they have to hold it off
island at the German-American Social
Club in Cape Coral. Enjoy live bands
while participating in mango cooking,
costuming and eating contests. For
more info and to purchase tickets, visit
floridascreativecoast.com.

»

VIS,TOR’S GUIDE 2015

MAJOR EVENTS

FORT MYERS BEACH
PIRATE FEST
Arrrrr mates, buckle ye swatches and
come aboard Estero Island for fun when
the pirates invade Fort Myers Beach. Listen
to music while you grab some grub and
find treasures at the craft tents. Then
get down to the harbor to watch as the
pirate ships fire their cannons upon the
defenders of the good town. The fun all
takes place Oct. 9-11. Find your treasure
map at fortmyersbeach.org/piratefest

OKTOBERFEST
At the German-American Social Club
in Cape Coral, this two-weekend event
draws about 30,000 festivalgoers each
year. Oktoberfest, which will celebrate
its 30th year in 2015, features food, live
music, games and delectable brews. Many
celebrate their own heritage, as Southwest
Florida is home to a substantial German
heritage population, but the festivities
include events enjoyable to everyone.
Children enjoy the carnival rides and
participants get silly during the group
chicken dance while attendees sample
bratwurst and other tasty German fare. For
information, go to capecoraloktoberfest.
com.

BONITA BLUES FESTIVAL
Every March, the home of blues is
at Riverside Park in Bonita Springs. The
two-day music festival features nationally
known blues musicians on the park’s band
shell stage, a laid-back vibe and delicious
food. Ticket sales benefit local charities. For
more information and to purchase tickets,
visit bonitablues.com.

Edison Festival of Light

SAND SCULPTING
Locals create art from sand year-round
on Fort Myers Beach, but in late November
renowned sand sculptors transform the
powdery white stuff into large, intricate
sculptures with such careful detailing
they look like they belong in a gallery. It’s
all part of the American Sand-Sculpting
Championships. The event at Wyndham
Garden attracts an estimated 70,000100,000 people a year who marvel at the
sculptures while listening to live music.
sandsculptingfestival.com.

MORE TO DO
Check out Gulf Coasting in
The News-Press every Friday and
gulfcoastinglive.com
for more listings.

Riverdale Kiwanis Medieval Faire

VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015 | 11

» VIS,TOR’S GUIDE 2015

CLIMATE

CRITTER MANUAL

T

T

Warm, radiating sunshine abounds
year-round, and evenings are
accompanied by balmy breezes and
breathtaking sunsets. And winter
can be the best time of the year, with
lows in the 50s and highs the 70s.
In December, there were two
days with temperatures as high as
79 degrees.
Southwest Florida averages 98
clear days, 168 partly cloudy days and
99 cloudy days each year. The average
annual temperature is 76 degrees. The
average high is 84 degrees and the
average low is 64 degrees.
And while the winter season is
the driest time of year for the area,
the occasional cold fronts often
mean rain. In 1997, a record 5.46
inches were recorded in December.
This past January the average
low temperature in Fort Myers was
56 degrees, that may seem cold to
some – at least to the year-round
Floridian. But temperatures through
February and the month of March
usually average 77 and 80 degrees
respectively.

Here is our guide to the tiny wildlife
found in the Southwest Florida
ecology:

here’s heat, humidity and
the threat of hurricanes,
but most find it’s a small
price to pay for Southwest
Florida’s enviable weather.

103º

All-time high recorded
on June16-17, 1981

26º

All-time low recorded
on Dec.13, 1962.

FACT
Water temps impact the
common snook. Adult snook can
go belly up when water temps
drop below 55 degrees.

HURRICANE APP
Download our
free hurricane app at
news-press.com/hurricanehub

12 | VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

he first time a lizard darts
across the floor or a 2-inch
palmetto bug takes flight,
newcomers realize they’re
not in Ohio anymore.

} Nematodes: Microscopic worms,
many of which are parasites.
} Anoles: The most common are the
native green anole and Cuban brown
anole.
} Geckos: These round-toed lizards
prefer the indoors, where they munch
on ants and roaches.

} Palmetto bugs: Palmetto bug or
water bug for those who refuse to
admit a roach got into the house. The
adults can fly.
} Ring-necked snake: A black snake
with a colored ring around its neck
that maxes out at 13 inches.
} Brahminy: Looks like an earthworm
that is completely dark and shiny.
} Mud dauber: This slender inchlong wasp builds nests out of mud,
cementing them on walls and
doorframes.
} Cane toad: An invasive species also
called the marine or giant toad, these
6-to-9-inch (or bigger) toads secrete
a poison from their skin that will kill
pets.

} Fire ants: They have a venomous
bite that feels like fire embers falling
on your skin and, in most cases, raises
a tremendously itchy pustule.
} Jellyfish: Looking like translucent
water balloons, these creatures float in
saltwater and wash up on beaches.
} Stingrays: Rays are delta-shaped sea
creatures about one foot across, and
they are typically docile, trying to flee
rather than attack. They will defend
themselves by stinging with their
barbed tails if they are trapped by being
directly stepped upon by a person.
} No-see-ums: Tiny biting sand flies,
so small you can barely see them.
} Alligators: Unless it’s the Gulf of
Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean, assume
any body of water you walk near in
Florida has gators in it.
} Palm Rat: It’s a species
of rodent in the family
Muridae. Its natural
habitats are subtropical
or tropical dry forests
and subtropical or
tropical mangrove forests.

TOWNS

T

ens of thousands of people moved to Southwest Florida in the last
decade.While the population stopped growing, and even shrunk
during the deepest nadirs of the recession, people are once again
moving to Southwest Florida. That includes new businesses and
people looking for great deals on housing.

661,115

Residents in Lee
County in 2012,
according to
census estimates.

19.1%

County residents
claiming Hispanic
origins, less than
the state.

63,839

Roughly, number
of vets who lived
here between
2009 and 2013.

19,600,311
State
population,
up 2.6 percent.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

SHOPPING

» VIS,TOR’S GUIDE 2015

SHOP SAVVY

Shopping at Coconut Point Mall

F

rom chic boutiques to upscale
department stores, Southwest
Florida is a retail paradise.
And each year, new stores
open their doors for our shopping
pleasure.
The upscale shops at the hip Mercato
in North Naples offer possibilities.
Nordstrom Rack, the outlet for the highend department store chain, is there.
You can also find Charming Charlie,
where women can pick up accessories
organized in the store by color, and
Sur La Table, a high-end kitchenware
boutique.
Miromar Outlets in Estero features
more than 140 top brand name.
Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store, one
of only five Bloomingdale’s outlets in
the nation, held its grand opening in
2013, joining Brooks Brothers Factory
Store and Cole Haan Outlet among a
lineup of top brand companies. Aqua
Beachwear has remodeled its store

14 | VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

1,200,000
Square footage for Coconut Point
mall when it opened

1,700,000
Square footage for Gulf Coast
Town Center when it opened

there as well as its Sanibel location.
Shop stores like Banana Republic
Factory Store and Coach at Tanger
Outlets near Sanibel, or if you’re looking
for the boutique shopping experience,
the Edison Mall in Fort Myers has stores
like Flirt and Bijou Brigitte.
At Village on Venetian Bay in Naples,
shoppers checked out the sophisticated

selection at the Lux Boutique, while
chocolate lovers relish Norman Love
Confections, which has a Chocolate
Salon in Naples and Fort Myers.
The Waterside Shops in North Naples
continues to raise the shopping banner
with its high-end stores such as Gucci,
Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. And
the Saks Fifth Avenue opened one
of its “10200” shoe salons, with more
designs than ever. In downtown Fort
Myers, entrepreneurs sell their goods
at The Franklin Shops on First Street.
The development offers boutique-level
retailers space in one merchandising
area in addition to a place to take a
break for tea.
From Bell Tower in south Fort Myers
to Gulf Coast Town Center in San Carlos
Park and Coconut Point Mall in Estero,
and the Promenade at Bonita Bay in
Bonita Springs residents and visitors
will find shopping opportunities along
with spots to eat and rest.
SHOPPING VENUES / PAGE 16

VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015 | 15

SHOPPING

» VIS,TOR’S GUIDE 2015

SHOPPING VENUES
} Edison Mall: Cleveland Avenue and Colonial Boulevard, Fort
Myers, 939-1933

} Promenade at Bonita Bay:
26795 South Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, FL 34134; 239.949.1573

} Page Field Commons:
4977 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, 866-262-7700

} Periwinkle Place: 2075 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 395-1914

} Sanibel Tanger Factory Stores: Summerlin Road and
McGregor Boulevard, south Fort Myers, 454-1974; 888-471-3939

} Bell Tower Shops: U.S. 41 and Daniels Parkway, south Fort
Myers, 489-1221
} Gulf Coast Town Center: Alico Road and Ben Hill Griffin
Parkway, San Carlos Park, 267-0783
} Miromar Outlets: Exit 123 (old Exit 19) at the Corkscrew Road
interchange off Interstate 75, Estero, 948-3766
} The Village on Venetian Bay:
Park Shore and Gulf Shore Boulevard, Naples, 261-6100
} Coconut Point mall: U.S. 41 north of Coconut Road, Estero,
992-9966
} Waterside Shops: Seagate Drive and Tamiami Trail, Naples,
598-1605
} Mercato: Vanderbilt Beach Road and Tamiami Trail, Naples,
594-9400
} Coastland Center: Golden Gate Park- way and Tamiami Trail,
Naples, 262-2323
} Fifth Avenue South: Fifth Avenue and U.S. 41, downtown
Naples, 435-3742
} Naples Outlet Center:
Collier Boulevard, near U.S. 41, Naples 775-8083

16 | VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

»

VIS,TOR’S GUIDE 2015

PERFORMING ARTS & MOVIE THEATERS

SHOWSTOPPING FUN

S

outhwest Floridians
shine on stage and
they’re outstanding at
organizing and hosting
productions that mesmerize
the audience.

} In Fort Myers, Barbara B.
Mann Performing Arts Hall’s
season features the musical
performance “Jersey Boys”
(March 17-22), live stage show
“Mythbusters Jamie and
Adam Unleashed” (April 22)
and Broadway series stage
productions including Blue Man
Group (Feb. 24-March 1) and
“Camelot” (April 7-12).

} Artis—Naples will host the
Broadway production “Chicago”
(Feb. 24-March 1), Naples
Philharmonic Masterworks
“Beethoven and Strauss:
Heroic Masters” (March 5-7),
legendary singer/songwriter
Paul Anka (March 8) and a
digitally remastered screening
of the classical musical “Singin’
in the Rain” (March 10-14)
accompanied by a full orchestra.
} The Southwest Florida
Symphony is in the process of
presenting two classical “Master
Works” concerts on March 28 and
April 25 and a Pops performance
on April 3-4 at Mann Hall.

MOVIE THEATERS
... Or grab a tub of popcorn, a cup of ice-cold soda and sit back.
Southwest Florida has plenty of screens showing Hollywood’s latest.

LEE COUNTY
} AMC Merchants Crossing 16:
15201 North Cleveland Ave., N. Fort
Myers; 995-9303; amctheatres.com
} Marquee Cinemas-Coralwood
10: Coralwood Mall, 2301 Del
Prado Blvd., Cape Coral; 458-2543;
marqueecinemas.com
} Regal Coconut Point Stadium
16: 8021 Cinema Way, Coconut
Point Mall, Estero; 498-8109;
regmovies.com
} Regal Gulf Coast Stadium 16
and IMAX: 10028 Gulf Center
Dr., San Carlos Park; 454-6228;
regmovies.com
} Beach Theater: 6425 Estero
Blvd., Fort Myers Beach; 765-9000;
fmbtheater.com
} Regal Bell Tower Stadium 20:
13499 Bell Tower Drive, S. Fort
Myers; 437-2020; regmovies.com
} Island Cinema: 535 Tarpon
Bay Road, Sanibel; 472-1701;
islandcinema.com
} Prado Stadium 12: 25251
Chamber of Commerce Drive,
Bonita Springs; 992-0128;
pradostadium12.com

} Edison Park 8 Cinemas: 2235
Winkler Ave., Fort Myers; 334-7661;
edisonpark8.com

COLLIER COUNTY
} Silverspot Cinema Restaurant
& Lounge at The Mercato: 9118
Strada Place, Naples; 592-0300;
silverspot.net
} Regal Hollywood Stadium
20-Naples: 6006 Hollywood Dr.,
Naples; 597-9494; regmovies.com
} Pavilion Cinema: 833 Vanderbilt
Beach Road, Naples; 596-0008;
under renovations at press time.
} B&B Naples Towne Centre 6:
3855 Tamiami Trail East, Naples;
774-4800; bbtheatres.com

CHARLOTTE COUNTY
} Regal Town Center 16:
1441 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte;
941-623-0111; regmovies.com

AREA THEATERS
} Arcade Theatre: 2267 First St., downtown Fort
Myers, home of Florida Repertory Theatre. 332-4488
or floridarep.org
} Artis – Naples: 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples.
597-1900 or artisnaples.org
} Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall: 8099
College Parkway, south Fort Myers. 481-4849 or
bbmannpah.com
} BIG Arts: 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Island.
395-0900 or bigarts.org
} Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre and Off
Broadway Palm Theatre: 1380 Colonial Blvd.,
Fort Myers. 941-278-4422 or » broadwaypalm.com
} Center for the Arts Bonita: 26100 Old 41 Rd,
Bonita Springs, FL 34135. 239.495.8989
or www.artcenterbonita.org
} Cultural Park Theatre: 528 Cultural Park
Blvd., Cape Coral. Home of Cultural Park Theatre
Company. 772-5862 or culturalparktheater.com
} Firehouse Cultural Center: 241 N. Bridge St.,
LaBelle. Home of the Firehouse Players.
863-675-3066 or firehouseculturalcenter.com
} The Laboratory Theater of Florida:
1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers. 218-0481
or laboratorytheaterflorida.com
} Ned Foulds Theater: Alliance for the Arts building,
10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 939-2787 or
artinlee.org
} G&L Theatre at The Community School of
Naples: 13275 Livingston Road, Naples. Home of
TheatreZone. 888-966-3352 or theatrezone.net
} Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center: 2301 First St.,
Fort Myers. 337-1933 or sbdac.com
} Marco Island Players Theatre: located in Town
Center Shopping Complex, 1055 N. Collier Blvd.,
Marco Island. 642-7270 or themarcoplayers.com
} The Norris Center: Located in Cambier
Park, 755 Eighth Ave. S., downtown Naples.
Home of Gulfshore Playhouse. 261-7529 or
gulfshoreplayhouse.org
} Old School House Theater: 2200 Periwinkle Way,
Sanibel. 472-6862 or bigarts.org
} Seminole Gulf Railway Dinner Train Theater:
Based at Colonial Station, off Colonial Boulevard
and Metro Parkway in Fort Myers. Murder mysteries
are performed on a train. 275-8487 or semgulf.com
} Theatre Lab: In FGCU’s Arts Complex, 10501
FGCU Blvd. S., San Carlos Park. Shows are performed
by university students. 590-7268
} Ghostbird Theatre Company: at the Sidney &
Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers.
333-1933 or ghostbirdtheatrecompany.org
} Cultural Center of Charlotte County: 2280
Aaron St., Port Charlotte. 941-625-4175 or
theculturalcenter.com

VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015 | 17

18 | VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

LOCAL LANGUAGE
VIS,TOR’S GUIDE 2015

TALK THE TALK

Love bugs

N

ow that you have the tan from
spending days at the beach, it’s
time to learn to talk the talk in
Southwest Florida.

We have our own lingo down here, and you’ll need to
become fluent if you want to navigate around town with
the locals.
Learn these words and phrases and you’ll be speaking
Floridian like a native:

} Chickee hut: An open-air, thatched-roof structure
made with palm fronds. Commonly found in backyards as
a place for families to gather and dine. The original design
came from the region’s Seminole and Miccosukee Indians.
} Cracker: A Florida native whose family has been here
for several generations. Often used derogatorily by recent
arrivals to mean “hillbilly” or “redneck.” However, many
natives wear it as a badge of pride.
} Green flash: A sunset phenomenon in which observers
see a sudden green flash of light just as the sun dips
below the horizon.
} Love bug: The tragic Romeos and Juliets of the insect
world. Love bugs mate in midair — for as long as 56
hours, believe it or not — and then they die. The shortlived bugs often wind up as splats on moving traffic.
} No-see-ums: Any of the 47 species of bugs found
in Florida belonging to the genus Culicoides. They flit
around a person at dusk or after dark, often inflicting a
painful nip.
} Palmetto bug: Polite term for the American cockroach
used to avoid scaring visitors and newcomers – especially
those unfamiliar with their large size and sheer numbers.
Some of them fly.
} Red tide: An algae bloom in the Gulf and coastal waters
that kills sea life.

} Slough: (pronounced SLOO) A swamp, marsh, bog or
pond common in the wetlands and backwaters of this
region.

VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015 | 19

ATTRACTIONS

» VIS,TOR’S GUIDE 2015

ALLIGATOR TO ZOO

Naples Botanical Garden

T

here are plenty of attractions
to see in Southwest Florida
The beach may be the first
hot spot that comes to
mind when you think of our area,
but Southwest Florida is home to
fascinating museums, wonderful
children’s attractions, outdoor
adventures and destinations for
history buffs. Here’s a guide to just a
few attractions to get you started on
your adventures.

BAILEY-MATTHEWS
Shell Museum: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily,
except major holidays. $11, adults; $5,
ages 5-16; free, children 4 and younger.
3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.
395-2233 orshellmuseum.org.

CAPTIVA CRUISES
BOATING EXCURSIONS
Cruises depart daily from South Sea
Island Resort and McCarthy’s Marina
on Captiva Island and include an
out-island luncheon excursion, sunset
cruises and wildlife watching tours. Call
472-5300 or captivacruises.com.

EDISON & FORD
WINTER ESTATES
9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily except
Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
for audio and self-guided walking
tours of the Edison and Ford homes
and gardens. Guided audio tours are
available from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. $20,
adults; $11, ages 6-12; free, children
younger than 6. 2350 McGregor Blvd.,
Fort Myers. Call 334-7419 or efwefla.org.

SHELL FACTORY
AND NATURE PARK
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. One of Florida’s
oldest attractions features shells,
Christmas decorations and more than
350 animals in the nature park. Daily.
$12 adults, $10 seniors, $8 children age
4-12, free for age 3 and younger. 2787
North Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers.
Call 995-2141 or shellfactory.com

EVERGLADES
WONDER GARDENS
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Features botanical
gardens, live Florida animals, including

20 | VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

Edison & Ford Winter Estates

alligators and flamingos, museum and
art gallery. $12, adults; $7, ages 3-10; free,
children 2 and younger. 27180 Old 41
Road, Bonita Springs. Call 992-2591 or
evergladeswondergardens.com.

IMAGINARIUM
SCIENCE CENTER
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday;
noon-5 p.m. Sundays. Closed Monday
except for national holidays. $12, adults;
$8, children 3-12; $10, seniors; free for
younger than 3 and members. 2000
Cranford Ave., Fort Myers. 321-7420 or
imaginariumfortmyers.com.

NAPLES BOTANICAL
GARDEN
The 170-acre site features six gardens
landscaped and cultivated to represent
different areas of the world. The garden
is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. General
admission is $14.95 for adults, $9.95
for children 4-14 and free for children
under 3 and for members. 4820
Bayshore Drive, Naples. 643-7275 or
naplesgarden.org.

DAY TRIPS
VIS,TOR’S GUIDE 2015

ALL IN
A DAY’S WORK
} Audubon of Florida’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary:
Open 365 days a year 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. An 11,000-acre
natural ecosystem. $12, adults; $6, full-time college
students; $6, Audubon members; $4, students ages 6-18;
free, children under 6. 375 Sanctuary Road, Exit 111 off
Interstate 75 (Immokalee Road), Naples. 348-9151 or
corkscrew.audubon.org.
} Captain Bob’s Excellent Adventure Travel to the
Everglades: The half-day adventures take you on a
one-hour ride on a small airboat in the swamps and an
interactive reptile show. 888 847-9074 for reservations or
excellentadventure.org.
} Orange Jeep Tours: Visitors get the chance to glimpse
rare animal species, discover local history and folklore
and have while enjoying a 90 minutes narrated jeep tour.
Daily safaris depart the Ave Maria Town Center, 5076
Annunciation Circle, Ave Maria. Call 434-5337. $35 adults,
$25 children age 12 and younger. Orangejeeptours.com
} Solomon’s Castle: Artist and sculptor Howard Solomon
built his castle and constructed a replica of a 60-foot 16th
century Spanish galleon. It’s in the moat. The castle, at
4585 Solomon Road in Ona in Hardee County, is closed
Mondays and in July, August and September. Hours are
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults and $4 for children
younger than 12. No credit cards. If you get lost, call 863494-6077. solomonscastle.org

156
Approximate distance in driving miles
from Fort Myers to Miami

204
Approximate distance to Orlando

138
Approximate distance to Tampa

TO SEE ALLIGATORS
A little bit of looking into neighborhood canals or
the ditches along appropriately named Alligator
Alley (Interstate 75 between Naples and Miami) will
occasionally offer a sighting. If you want to see many
alligators, try the Big Cypress National Preserve Oasis
Visitor Center along U.S. 41, 50 miles east of Naples.
The center is open from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., every day
but Christmas.

VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015 | 21

DINING

»

VIS,TOR’S GUIDE 2015

CULINARY DELIGHTS

J

ean Le Boeuf is the nom de
plume of a local food lover
who dines at The News-Press’
expense. Here are a few of the
critic’s favorites:

} Barbatella: The second Naples
restaurant for renowned Sea Salt chef
Fabrizio Aielli, Barbatella is a stunner.
And the food’s no slouch either. Crisply
chewy pizza crusts, buttery burrata,
handmade cavatelli strewn with
cannellini beans, arugula and plump
mussels; there’s plenty to love. 1290 Third
St. S., Naples; barbatellanaples.com
} Bella Mia: The chef spent his life
cooking at his family’s restaurants
in Sicily (classic pizzas, fresh pastas,
pastries galore), now he’s teamed up
with an old friend to make those same
dishes in a North Fort Myers strip mall.
5171 Orange Grove Blvd., Fort Myers,
599-8116; bellamiapizzarestaurant.com)
} Cip’s Place: At Cip’s, just about
everything is handmade — from the
stocks to desserts to condiments like
Cip’s spicy giardiniera and coleslaw.
Snapper tacos, serious Reubens and
mouthwatering cioppino are just some
of the dishes that make Cip’s great.
2055 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 472-0223.
cipsplace.com
} Crave: Chef-owner Sean Gavin came
up in resorts. Now he’s making pot roast
with shallot green beans, enormous
sandwiches and thick pancakes so
buttery and light you won’t want to
share. Bridge Plaza, 12901 McGregor
Blvd., Fort Myers, 466-4663
} Lobster Lady Seafood Market &
Bistro: Fritters strewn with fat pieces
of conch, lobster rolls on split-top buns
overflowing with chunks of sweet meat.
1715 Cape Coral Parkway W., Cape
Coral, 471-0136. Lobsterladyseafood.
com
} Sophia’s Ristorante Italiano: From
the fluffy gnocchi to the tangles of
springy linguine, pasta is Sophia’s at
its best. 3545 Pine Ridge Road, North
Naples, 597-0744. sophiasitaliano.com
} Yabo: Yabo’s new and bigger
space still has that fun vibe chef
Ryan Kida instilled in his restaurant

22 | VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

when it opened five years ago. 16230
Summerlin Road, south Fort Myers, 2259226, yaborestaurant.com

} Olde Fish House Marina: The
grouper and snapper come in from the
docks out back. There’s gator, shrimp
and frog legs on the menu. And crisp
hush puppies that practically melt in
your mouth. 4530 Pine Island Road,
Matlacha, 282-9577
} Fathoms: Formerly The Joint at Cape
Harbour, if you liked The Joint you’re
surely a fan of Fathoms. If you’d never
heard of The Joint, Fathoms offers
plenty of dishes worth discovering.
5785 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral,
542-0123. Fathomsrestaurant.com
} Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille: A
pound of the gleaming-pink steamed
shrimp is $25.95 worth of peel-andeat therapy, no shrinks needed. 708
Fishermans Wharf, Fort Myers Beach,
765-9660; other locations on Sanibel
and Captiva Islands. Docfords.com
} Thai Star: Thai Star has been a local
favorite since owners Bill and Vong
Vilaysack, natives of northern Thailand
near the border with Laos, opened it

back in 2005. The move to south Fort
Myers has introduced their brand of
Thai-Laotian flavors to a new audience,
one just as appreciative of its balance
of hot, cool, sour and sweet. 6611 Orion
Drive, south Fort Myers, 208-4057.
Thaistarfortmyers.com

} Bha! Bha! Persian Bistro: Here you’ll
find a modern take on traditional
Iranian cuisine — pistachio-encrusted
lamb meatballs, warm feta rolled
in crispy lavash and served with
droplets of rosewater “caviar.” Such
innovation comes at a hefty price tag,
but my is this splurge worth it. 865
Fifth Avenue South, Naples, 594-5557.
bhabhapersianbistro.com)
} Courtney’s Continental Cuisine:
That you can find food of this caliber —
duck roasted in a Grand Marnier glaze
till the skin is sticky and shatteringly
crisp; giant curls of shrimp stuffed
with crab meat then baked in puffed
pastry — in a middle unit of a Publixanchored strip mall is something of
a miracle, one Courtney’s has been
performing since 2000. 20351 Summerlin
Road, south Fort Myers, 466-4646.
courtneyscontinentalcuisine.com)

VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015 | 23

BRINGING YOU HOME, YOU

THE MARTINIQUE — Island Series

$409,900 TURNKEY ON YOUR LOT • 2,946 SQ. FT. LIVING AREA

See our 2015

ST. CROIX — Island Series

$309,900 TURNKEY ON YOUR LOT • 2,248 SQ. FT. LIVING AREA

OPTIONAL POOL PACKA

THE OSPREY — 3 Car Garage
$219,900 TURNKEY ON YOUR LOT • 2,022 SQ. FT. LIVING AREA

Visit ou

3007 C

CALL 239.561.
24 | VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

OUR LEE COUNTY BUILDER

2015 CCCIA and BIA Multiple Award Winning Diamond Model!

THE DIAMOND
$249,900 • 2,200 SQ. FT. LIVING AREA








PACKAGES STARTING AT $35,900.

3-BEDROOM/2.5 BATH/3-CAR GARAGE
10’ CEILINGS/ 8’ DOORS
WALK-THROUGH SHOWER
WALK-THROUGH PANTRY
SOLID WOOD CABINETS
GRANITE COUNTER TOPS
TILE

t our Sales/Design Center

07 Chiquita Blvd. S. Cape Coral, FL 33914
61.7502 OR VISIT CORALISLEBUILDERS.COM
PRICING SUBJECT TO CHANGE | ADDITIONAL FLOOR PLANS AVAILABLE | CBC1258959
VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015 | 25

26 | VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015 | 27

28 | VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015 | 29

30 | VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

Before you know it, our sweet little potty

training, tantrum throwing, pacifier addicts grow

into play dating, summer camping, picky eaters. Then

school starts and our precious birthday partying, tooth loosing,
little leaguers are faced with homework hassles, classroom bullies and even
an occasional pre-teen fashion meltdown.

But don’t worry, we’ve seen it all. SWFL Parent & Child magazine has expert advice to help you along the way.
We’ll even offer up suggestions on family fun events, travel destinations and great places to take the kids out to eat.
You know, things you can do in your SPARE time.

Advertise: 239.335.0457 | swflparentchild.com

facebook.com/swflparentchild

twitter.com/swflparentchild

pinterest.com/swflparentchild

VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015 | 31

BEACHES

» VIS,TOR’S GUIDE 2015

BEACH LISTINGS / NEXT PAGE

32 | VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

1

VIS,TOR’S GUIDE 2015

S

omewhere between Captiva
in Lee County and Marco
Island in Collier County is a
beach that fits your mood or
taste. Southwest Florida is famous
for its Gulf beaches, and there are a
wide variety to choose from.

LEE COUNTY
} 1. Turner Beach, Captiva
Directions: Go across the Sanibel
Causeway to the four-way stop. Turn right
on Periwinkle Way. Turn right on Tarpon
Bay Road. Turn left on Sanibel-Captiva
Road. Follow the road to Blind Pass Bridge.
The beach is on the left after crossing the
bridge to Captiva.
Parking is $3 an hour.

} 2. Bowman’s Beach, Sanibel
Directions: Go across the Sanibel
Causeway to the four-way stop. Turn right
on Periwinkle Way. Turn right on Tarpon
Bay Road. Turn left on Sanibel-Captiva
Road. Turn left on Bowman’s Beach Road.
Parking is $3 an hour.

} 3. Tarpon Bay Road Beach, Sanibel
Directions: Go across the Sanibel
Causeway to the four-way stop. Turn right
on Periwinkle Way. Turn left on Tarpon Bay
Road and follow it to the end.
Parking is $2 an hour.

Directions: Take San Carlos Boulevard
south and cross Matanzas Pass Bridge. Turn
right at the foot of the bridge onto Estero
Boulevard and follow the road to the end.
Parking costs $2 an hour. Or park free at
the Main Street Park and Ride parking lot
just north of the bridge and take the trolley
(25-cent fare), which runs every 15 minutes.

} 9. Lynn Hall Memorial Park,
Fort Myers Beach
Directions: Take San Carlos Boulevard
south and cross Matanzas Pass Bridge. Turn
right at the foot of the bridge onto Estero
Boulevard. Turn left into the parking lot.
Parking is fairly plentiful in the park’s
lot for $2 an hour. Get there before 11 a.m.
to get a spot.
} 10. Assorted Public Beach Access
Points, along Estero Boulevard on Fort
Myers Beach
Directions: While driving along
Estero Boulevard, look for small, white,
fabric signs on the Gulf side of the road
denoting beach access points.
Parking is $2 an hour, and spaces along
Old San Carlos and Estero boulevards and
Center and Fifth streets have a two-hour
limit.

} 11. Lovers Key State Park, Black Island,

Sanibel
Directions: Go across the Sanibel
Causeway to the four-way stop. Turn right
on Periwinkle Way. Turn left on Casa Ybel
Road. Turn left on West Gulf Drive. Turn
left on Algiers Lane.
Parking is $2 an hour.

Lovers Key, Inner Key and Long Key
Directions: Take Estero Boulevard south
and cross Big Carlos Pass onto Black
Island. Sign is on the right.
Parking is plentiful and costs $8 a car with
two to eight passengers or $4 for a driver
alone. Pedestrians, bicyclists and passengers
in a vehicle with an annual individual
entrance pass pay $2. A free tram will take
visitors from the parking lot to the south
side of the beach. Hours are 8 a.m. to sunset.

} 5. Lighthouse Park Beach, Sanibel

} 12. Little Hickory Island Beach Park,

} 4. Gulfside City Park/Algiers Beach,

Directions: Go across the Sanibel
Causeway to the four-way stop. Turn left
on Periwinkle Way and follow the road to
the end. Look for beach signs.
Parking is $2 an hour.

Bonita Beach
Directions: Take Estero Boulevard south
across Big Hickory Pass to Bonita Beach.
Turn right on Hickory Boulevard.
Parking is $2 an hour.

} 6. Sanibel Causeway Beaches, Sanibel

} 13. Bonita Beach Park, Bonita Beach

Directions: On both sides of the
causeway to Sanibel.
Beachgoers can drive their cars off the
shoulder of the road to the water’s edge
and park for free.

Directions:Take Hickory Boulevard south.
The entrance is on the right before the road
curves east and becomes Bonita Beach Road.
Parking is $2 an hour.

} 7. Bunche Beach, between Sanibel

} 14. Barefoot Beach Park/Barefoot

and Fort Myers Beach
Directions: Take Summerlin Road west.
Turn left on John Morris Road and follow
it to the end.
Parking costs $2 per hour.
} 8. Bowditch Point Park, Fort Myers Beach

COLLIER COUNTY
Beach State Preserve, Bonita Springs
Directions: Take U.S. 41 south to Bonita
Beach Road. Turn right and go west to the
Lely Barefoot Beach guardhouse. Turn left.
Parking at the beach in $4 a day.
} 15. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park,

BEACHES

Naples
Directions: Take U.S. 41 south to 111th
Avenue. Turn right on 111th Avenue. After
the bridge, the road becomes Bluebill
Avenue. The beach is at the end of the road.
Parking is plentiful. Admission is $6 for
up to eight people in a car. For a single
person in a car, it’s $4. Admission on foot or
bike is $2. Age 6 and younger, no charge.

} 16. Vanderbilt Beach, Naples
Directions: Take U.S. 41 south to
Vanderbilt Beach Road. Turn right and
follow the road to the end.
Parking is $4.

} 17. Clam Pass County Park, Naples
Directions: Take U.S. 41 south to
Seagate Drive. Turn right. The beach is
next to Naples Registry Resort.
Parking is $4 a day.

} 18. Assorted public beach access points,
along Gulf Shore Boulevard in Naples
Directions: Take U.S. 41 south to Park
Shore Drive. Turn right and head west to
Gulf Shore Boulevard.
Parking is $4 a day or by beach parking
permit.

} 19. Lowdermilk Park Beach, Naples
Directions: Take U.S. 41 south to Banyan
Boulevard. Turn right.
There are two parking lots; the first is for
residents, but a second lot has quartersonly meters. One quarter buys 10 minutes.

} 20. Naples Municipal Beach and Pier,
Naples
Directions: Take U.S. 41 south until it
dead-ends into Ninth Street South. Follow
Ninth Street South to Ninth Avenue South.
Turn right. Follow Ninth Avenue South to
Gulf Shore Boulevard South. Turn left.
Parking is metered — and limited —
with a price of 25 cents for 10 minutes.

} 21. Tigertail Beach, Marco Island
Directions: Take U.S. 41 south to State
Road 951. Turn right. Follow 951 south
across the toll bridge, where it becomes
Collier Boulevard. Turn right on Tigertail
Court. Turn left on Hernando Drive.
Parking is $4 a day and plentiful.

} 22. South Marco Island Beach,
Marco Island
Directions: Follow Collier Boulevard
until it becomes North Collier Boulevard.
Take that south past San Marco Drive,
where the road becomes South Collier
Boulevard. Go south. The beach is on
the right between The Apollo and Cape
Marco condos.
Parking is across the street.

VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015 | 33

FISHING

» VIS,TOR’S GUIDE 2015

Nolan Henke takes a practice
swing at the ACE Group Classic

34 | VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

FISHING
VIS,TOR’S GUIDE 2015

gone fishin’

S

ince pre-Columbian Indians first fished
Southwest Florida’s waters, people of every
background have tried their luck throughout the
region.

There are approximately 2.8 million anglers in the state,
according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. And while
locals cast their lines into the Gulf and bays as well as the 19
lakes that dot Lee County’s landscape, tourists take up the
rod-and-reel pastime as well.
Approximately 11 percent of 2,447 respondents in a
2011 tourism report said they enjoyed fishing during their
stays in the county, according to the Lee County Visitor and
Convention Bureau.
Fishing enthusiasts come here for the abundance of
largemouth bass, mullet and flaky and flavorful sea trout,
redfish, snapper, pompano, flounder, sheepshead and more.
Sport fishermen also relish the challenge to hook a tarpon,
the man-sized “silver kings” that flock to Boca Grande.
Females can grow to lengths of 8 feet and weigh 350
pounds; males are usually smaller.
Lee County is the birthplace of big-game fishing, site of
the first tarpon ever caught on rod and reel. The feat was
accomplished by W.H. Wood, a New York man.

1885

The year tourists began coming to Boca Grande Pass
for tarpon. It remains the world’s greatest tarpon hole,
site of thousands of catches of the man-size fish
every spring and summer.

730

Square miles in
Lake Okeechobee, the nation’s
mecca for warm-water bassing.

75

Miles from
Fort Myers east to
Lake Okeechobee.

VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015 | 35

FISHING

» VISTOR’S GUIDE 2015

BOATING
VIS,TOR’S GUIDE 2015

GET YOUR
SEA LEGS

F

iorida tops the market in the U.S. for watercraft.
With 1,800 miles of coastline and more than
11,000 miles of rivers, streams and waterways,
it’s no wonder Florida is a boater’s paradise.

If your idea of the perfect weekend includes jumping
aboard a sailboat or dipping an oar into the local
waterways, you’re in the right place. There are more than
36,000 registered vessels in Lee County, and marinas, boat
shops and boat clubs abound.
Florida is No. 1 in the country in boat sales, and the
industry’s health is key to a tourism-based economy that
extols the joys of sunshine, beaches and exploring warm
Gulf waters for fishing and fun.
Recreational boating generated $35.6 billion in sales and
services nationally in 2012. Florida led all states in boater
registrations, and people here spent $1.7 billion on new
powerboats, motors, trailers and accessories, nearly a 15
percent boost over the previous year.

KAYAK
} Gulf Coast Kayak: 4120 Pine Island Road NW, Matlacha.
283-1125 or gulfcoastkayak.com.
} Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve: East end of Southeast
23rd Terrace, Cape Coral. 549-4606 or capecoral.net.

} Lovers Key State Park: 8700 Estero
Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Rent a
kayak for a half day765-7788 or
loverskeyadventures.com.
} Manatee Park: Calusa
Blueway Outfitters kayak/
canoe rental and gift
shop open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
daily. Kayak rentals start at
$1510901 State Road 80, just
east of Interstate 75, exit 141,
east Fort Myers. 690-5030 or
leeparks.org .
} The Great Calusa Blueway: The Great
Calusa Blueway is a 190-mile marked canoe and kayak trail
in Lee County. See calusablueway.com.

TAKE A TRIP
The annual Miami International Boat Show from Feb.
12-16 features millions of dollars’ worth of boats,
yachts and accessories from the world’s leading
marine manufacturers. The largest event in all of
boating, more than 100,000 enthusiasts are expected
to attend. More info at miamiboatshow.com.

36 | VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

»

VIS,TOR’S GUIDE 2015

SPRING TRAINING

SEE THE BOSOX, TWINS

S

pring training attracts
Northerners to come down to
Southwest Florida to support
their team before season starts.

The Boston Red Sox, fresh off a World
Series win, play ball in the area’s newest
Major League Baseball stadium.
JetBlue Park, on Daniels Parkway in
south Fort Myers near Southwest Florida
International Airport, held its first spring
training game in March 2012. The $78
million facility, built by Manhattan Kraft
Construction in the lead contractor role,
has been nicknamed “Fenway South,”
a tribute to Fenway Park, the Red Sox’s
Boston home. There are two scoreboards
in the spring training stadium: a modern
scoreboard stands behind the rightfield berm and an old Fenway-style
scoreboard placed on the left-field

DID YOU KNOW?
The Tampa Bay Rays are the
eighth team to call Southwest
Florida their spring home.

TICKETS
} Boston Red Sox
334-4700,
redsox.com

} Minnesota Twins
800-33-TWINS,
twinsbaseball.com

} Tampa Bay Rays
FAN-RAYS,
raysbaseball.com

Green Monster, the 37-foot high wall that
duplicates the Boston landmark.
The stadium boasts a capacity of about
11,000. Construction of the stadium had
an estimated $30.3 million economic

impact on Lee County, according to the
Regional Research Institute at FGCU, and
that didn’t account for bringing world
champions to town this year. There is no
word yet whether spring training beards
will be a thing in 2013, but it’s best to be
prepared.
Of course, the Red Sox aren’t the only
team in town.
The Minnesota Twins have drawn
fans to the Lee County Sports Complex
for spring training games since 1991.
And in 2009, the Tampa Bay Rays
began training at the Charlotte Sports
Park in nearby Charlotte County.
Major League Baseball spring
training games were first played in
Southwest Florida in 1925. It all started
when the Philadelphia Athletics began
playing spring training games at Terry
Park in Fort Myers.

FACT
Fort Myers has had more World Series-winning franchises train in it than
any other city in either Florida or Arizona. Five franchises have won it all
while training in Fort Myers: Athletics, Pirates, Royals, Twins and Red Sox.

VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015 | 37

» VIS,TOR’S GUIDE 2015

GARDENING

GARDEN PROBLEMS?

F

or transplanted gardeners —
especially those from up north
— SW Florida’s climate can be a
lesson in humility.

With high heat and humidity,
growing things here requires a special
set of skills.
Gardening differences go beyond
the heat and rain. Not only are the
growing seasons out of phase — we
generally plant in the fall instead of
harvest — the soil and its resident
creatures are vastly unlike Northern

earthworm-rich loam.
Still, a Florida gardener can indeed
harvest produce and flowers all year
with the mastery of a few bottom-line
basics.

} Lee County Extension Service:
The local outreach office for the
University of Florida/IFAS (Institute of
Food and Agriculture Sciences) has
demonstration butterfly, landscape
and herb gardens as well as a corps
of volunteer master gardeners and
a reference library of gardening

information. It’s open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday. The extension
service also runs a horticulture walkup help desk 9a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed
12-1 p.m. for lunch) Monday through
Friday and the phone number is
533-7504. A calendar of the extension
services’ many programs, as well as a
wide variety of information bulletins
about Florida gardens, lawn care,
landscaping, yards, sustainability and
more may be found at lee.ifas.ufl.edu.
3410 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers.
533-4327.

ZONE 10

50 DEGREES

TIP FOR SUCCESS

The U.S.D.A. plant
hardiness zone for
most of Lee and
Collier counties.

The temperature at which you should
chill tulip bulbs for a few weeks every fall
if you want them to grow here. Plant in
January and replace them every year.

When faced with this area’s sandy soil, which
contains little nutritious matter, what most
successful long-term gardeners do is add organic
matter: compost, manure, leaves and grass clippings

38 | VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

STATE PARKS
VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015 | 39

LIBRARIES & PARKS

» VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

EXPLORE INDOORS & OUTDOORS

F

orms of recreation vary
widely, from beaches and
boating to mountain biking,
bird watching and camping,
and the short list below highlights
but a few of the parks. The variety of
rec websites: leeparks.org, capecoral.
net, cityftmyers.com, naplesgov.com,
colliergov.net.

PUBLIC PARKS
} Bonita Beach Park: 27954 Hickory Blvd.,
Bonita Springs; 949-4615
} Bowditch Point Regional Park: 50
Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach; 765-6794
} Bowman’s Beach Regional Park: 1700
Bowman’s Beach Road, Sanibel; 472-6397
} Buckingham Community Park
& Barkingham Dog Park: 9800
Buckingham Road, Fort Myers; 369-1521
} Caloosahatchee Regional Park: 18500
N. River Road, Alva; 694-0398
} Cape Coral Sports Complex:
1510 Sports Blvd., Cape Coral; 573-3128
} Centennial Park: 2000 W. First St., Fort
Myers; 321-7524
} Estero Community Park: 9200
Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero; 498-0415

40 | VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

} Fort Myers Skate Park: 2277 Grand Ave.,
Fort Myers; 321-7558
} Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve:
Southeast 23rd Terrace, Cape Coral;
549-4606
} Hickey’s Creek Mitigation Park:
17980 Palm Beach Blvd., Alva; 693-2690
} Lakes Regional Park: 7330 Gladiolus
Drive, Fort Myers; Shelter rentals: 533-7275
} Manatee Park: 10901 S.R. 80, Fort
Myers; 690-5030
} Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve:
7751 Penzance Blvd., Fort Myers; 533-7550
} Veterans Park: 55 Homestead Road,
Lehigh Acres; 369-1521

Or, do your exploring indoors using
our library system

LIBRARIES
} Bonita Springs Public Library:
26876 Pine Ave., Bonita Springs. 533-4860
} Lee County Library System
Bookmobile: 21100 Three Oaks Parkway,
Estero, 533-4440
} Cape Coral-Lee County Public Library:
921 S.W. 39th Terrace, Cape Coral,
533-4500

} Captiva Memorial Library:
11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva, 533-4890
} Dunbar Jupiter Hammon Public
Library: 3095 Blount St., Fort Myers,
533-4150
} East County Regional Library:
881 Gunnery Road, Lehigh Acres, 533-4200
} Fort Myers Regional Library:
2450 First St., Fort Myers,
533-4600
} Johann Fust Community Library: 1040
W. 10th St., Boca Grande, 941-964-2488
} Lakes Regional Library: 15290 Bass
Road, Fort Myers, 533-4000
} North Fort Myers Public Library:
2001 N. Tamiami Trail, N.E., 533-4320
} Northwest Regional Library:
519 Chiquita Blvd. N.,
Cape Coral, 533-4700
} Pine Island Public Library:
10700 Russell Road N.W., Bokeelia, 533-4350
} Riverdale Branch Library:
2421 Buckingham Road,
Fort Myers, 533-4370
} South County Regional Library: 21100
Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, 533-4400
} Talking Books Library: 1651 Lee St.,
Fort Myers 533-4780

»

VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

GETTING AROUND

WALK AND CYCLE SAFELY

S

hared lane markings allow
bikers their own lane around
town. Visitors to Southwest
Florida will see some newer
signs on our streets.
Lee County’s Department of
Transportation has introduced a “shared
lane marking,” or “sharrow,” approved
by the national Manual on Uniform
Traffic Control Devices. Its aim: to alert
drivers that they aren’t the streets’ sole
navigators and mark a safe path for onroad cyclists.
The painted pavement signs appear
on a three-quarter-mile stretch on
Gladiolus Boulevard between Hagie
Drive and Pine Ridge Road in Harlem
Heights. If they’re well-received, more
could be posted throughout the county
on roads with posted speed limits of 35
mph or less.
Mike Tisch, Lee County’s bicycle
pedestrian coordinator, said he’s

looking forward to seeing whether use
of “sharrow” signs will be expanded.
Cyclists of all abilities are all over
Southwest Florida. Vacationers
enjoy laid-back rides on Sanibel and
elsewhere, but you’ll also see some
cyclists training for Half Ironmans and
Ironmans — and everything between
those extremes.

For information on biking and
walking safely in Lee County
visit bikewalklee.org

Cycling, walking and running are all
growing in popularity as more people
try different ways of getting and
staying in shape.
Walking is one of the simplest
and easiest ways to get the exercise
you need to be healthy — and
almost anyone can do it. Walking
can strengthen bones, tune up the
cardiovascular system and clear a
cluttered mind, according to a recent
edition of The Harvard Health Letter.
Researchers at Harvard continue
to report on the health benefits of
walking. Some of those benefits include
better circulation, easier breathing,
a stronger immune system and
alleviation of depression.
The American Heart Association
suggests walking about 30 minutes
a day, five days a week, for optimal
benefits. So get out there and enjoy the
lovely vistas Southwest Florida has to
offer for walkers, runners and cyclists.

VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015 | 41

NATURE CENTERS

» VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

BACK TO NATURE

The boardwalk on the Cypress Loop
trail at the Calusa Nature Center

L

earn the roots of Southwest
Florida with these special
environmental centers.
In addition to its multiple
and varied parks, Southwest
Florida offers many options for
learning about the great outdoors
at numerous nature centers and
museums that provide information
about this area’s history.

} J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife
Refuge: Wildlife Drive open 7:30 a.m. to
one-half hour before sunset Saturday
through Thursday (closed Fridays).
$5 each vehicle, $1 for pedestrians
and bicyclists. Education Center open
9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily May-Dec. and 9
a.m.-5 p.m. Jan.-April. Free admission.
Interpretive talks and tours offered Jan.April. 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel. 472-1100
or fws.gov/dingdarling.

} Calusa Nature Center and
Planetarium: New 1,000-gallon touch
tank insectarium exhibit. Museum and
trails open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. MondaysSaturdays and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays.
$10 adults; $5, ages 3-12; free age 2 and
under. 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers. 2753435 or calusanature.org.

} Manatee Park: Open 8 a.m.-dusk
daily year round. Visitor Center seasonal
programs 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily DecemberMarch. Calusa Blueway Outfitters kayak/
canoe rental and gift shop open 9 a.m.
to 4 p.m. daily. Kayak rentals start at $15
and the outfitters have a Calusa war
canoe available for groups at $10 per
person/hour, minimum eight people.
Parking fees Dec.-April $2 per hour per
vehicle (maximum $5 a day); May-Dec.
$1 per hour. Tour bus $20 per visit; tour
van $10 per visit. 10901 State Road 80,
just east of Interstate 75, exit 141, east
Fort Myers. 690-5030 or leeparks.org.

} Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve:
Open daily: 8 a.m.-sunset, 365 acres
of saltwater wetlands, 6,600-foot
boardwalk and nature trails, 240foot observation pier on the river,
interpretive center, rest rooms, picnic
tables. Free admission. At the east end
of S.E. 23rd Terrace, Cape Coral. 5494606 or CapeCoral.net

42 | VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

} Ostego Bay Foundation: Marine
educational exhibits, aquariums, back

bay/near shore tank and gift shop.
Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday,
for guided and self-guided tours. School
or group field trips by appointment.
Suggested donation of $5 for adults
and $3 for children 6-12. Reservations
required by 4 p.m. Tuesday before tour.
718 Fisherman’s Wharf, Fort Myers
Beach. 765-8101 or ostegobay.org.

} Sanibel-Captiva Conservation
Foundation: Four miles of trails and
nature center with touch tank and
wildlife cameras open Oct.-May 8:30
a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday; June -Sept.,
8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. $5,
adults; free, children younger than 17.
3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.
472-2329 or sccf.org.
} Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve:
Trail open daily dawn to dusk.
Interpretive center 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Tuesday-Sunday. Guided walks at 9:30
a.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily Jan.-March, at
9:30 a.m. Wednesdays from May-Oct.,
and at 9:30 a.m. daily in April. Parking
fee of $1 per hour or $5 maximum all
day. 7751 Penzance Blvd., Fort Myers.
533-7550 or leeparks.org.

»

VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

HEALTH & HOSPITALS

MEDICAL FACILITIES GROWING

S

ignificant changes are
happening in Lee and Collier
counties in the healthcare
arena.

NCH Healthcare System, which
operates the largest hospitals in
Collier County, recently broke ground
on a $24 million, 38,000-square-foot
free-standing emergency room at
Immokalee Road and Collier Boulevard,
east of Interstate 75. The new ER
comes as population experts predict
fast growth in that part of north
Collier.
NCH is also expanding its
emergency department at its
North Naples Hospital, home to
the county’s busiest ER.
Lee Memorial Health System,
which operates nearly 95
percent of the hospital
beds in Lee County, has
been undergoing its
own building boom
in recent years. Most

notably, work is now well underway on
a new seven-story Golisano Children’s
Hospital of Southwest Florida, which is
located on Bass and Summerlin roads
just south of Fort Myers.
The children’s hospital, which
is currently housed next to the
construction site in HealthPark Medical
Center, will go from 98 beds to 128
when the new 298,000-square-foot
building opens in 2017. Construction of
the building is expected to cost $201
million. Related work will be another $40
million.

HOSPITALS
} Cape Coral Hospital: 636 Del Prado
Blvd., Cape Coral, 239-424-2000

} Gulf Coast Medical Center: 13681
Doctor’s Way, Lee County, 239-343-1000
} HealthPark Medical Center: 9981
S. HealthPark Drive, Lee County,
239-343-5000

} Lee Memorial Hospital:
2776 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers,
239-343-2000
} Park Royal Psychiatric Hospital:
9241 Park Royal Drive, Lee County,
239-985-2700
} Lehigh Regional Medical Center:
1500 Lee Blvd., Lehigh Acres,
239-369-2101
} NCH Healthcare System,
Downtown Naples Hospital:
350 Seventh St. N., Naples, 239-624-5000
} NCH Healthcare System, North
Naples Hospital: 11190 Health Park
Blvd., Naples, 239-552-7000
} Physicians Regional Medical
Center-Collier Boulevard campus:
8300 Collier Blvd., Naples, 239-354-6000
} Physicians Regional-Pine Ridge
campus: 6101 Pine Ridge Road, Naples,
239-348-4000

VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015 | 43

MUSEUMS

» VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

LOOK INTO HISTORY

V

isitors can go back in time
with so much to explore
around Southwest Florida.
In Southwest Florida our
museums are uniquely Floridian, take
a look at some of the area museums

} Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum:
Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except
holidays. Shell museum features a
variety of exhibits including “Mollusks,
Medicine and Man” and “Shells in
Architecture.” An interactive diorama
of million-year-old Florida fossil shells
is on display. $11, 18 and older; $5, ages
5-17, and free, children 4 and younger.
3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.
395-223, shellmuseum.org.
} Matanzas Pass Wilderness
Preserve: Sunup to sundown daily,
self-guided tour of Matanzas Preserve
on boardwalk trails through more than
50 acres of mangroves and oaks to
Estero Bay. The Estero Island Historical

44 | VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

Society Museum and Nature Center
is also located at this preserve and
is open 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Wednesdays
and Saturdays. Free admission. 199
Bay Road, Fort Myers Beach. Preserve:
765-6794 or leeparks.org; Museum: 4630435 or esteroislandhistoricsociety.org.

} Mound House: Visit Estero Island’s
oldest house, built atop a 2,000-yearold Native American shell mound.
Mound exhibit offers opportunity
to walk inside the archeological site.
Park open sunup to sundown daily;
bicycling, fishing or walking the
grounds. Office hours 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Monday -Saturday. Tours Tuesday,
Wednesday and Saturday 10 a.m.
to 1:30 p.m. Free admission. 451
Connecticut St., Fort Myers Beach. 7650865 or moundhouse.org.
} Lee County Black History
Museum: The museum is in the
1942 addition to the historic Williams

Academy, which was relocated to
Clemente Park. Open 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Tuesdays and Thursdays; noon-4
p.m. Other times by appointment.
$5 adults; $3 children ages 6-17; free
children 5 and under. 1936 Henderson
Ave., Fort Myers. 332-8778 or
leecountyblackhistorysociety.org.

} Koreshan State Historic Site: The
historic village settlement of the nowdefunct early 1900s Koreshan religious
sect, who believed the Earth was inside
a hollow sphere and their leader was
the messiah -- until he died. The state
park offers programs during the winter
season. Guided tour Jan.-March daily
10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; April-Dec. Saturday
and Sunday 10 a.m.; $2 adults, $1
children. Park open 8 a.m.-sunset daily;
admission: $5 per vehicle with 2-8
people, $4 single-person vehicle, $2
pedestrian or bicyclist, $26 for camping.
3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero. 992-0311
or floridastateparks.org.

»

VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

SPRING BREAK

HOT, HOT, HOT

S

pring break is big business in Southwest Florida.
While the area is a vacation destination yearround, the greatest numbers of visitors come from
January through April. And the swell of thousands
of college students — and other kids out of school — adds
to those numbers during various spring break weeks.
The Greater Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce
estimates 12,000 people will descend on Estero Island and
spend about $6 million between late February and Easter,
which is April 5 this year.
The Lani Kai, which hosts the traditional dancing
Cincinnati firefighters shows, reaches 80 percent
occupancy. Others nearby are at 80 percent or higher.
And it’s not just visitors from far away. Locals like to hit the
beach when kids are out of school.

VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015 | 45

GOLF

»

»

VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

T

he area has more golf courses
per capita than any region
in the U.S. Golf constantly
is evolving in Southwest
Florida. Not only are courses being
renovated here but events are being
added.
Fort Myers Country Club, which
underwent a $5.8 million renovation
from April-October of 2014, will be host
of the Coors Light Open. This is the
ninth year that Coors Light has been
sponsor and the 53rd year of the event.
The field will include 44 pros and 132
amateurs.
The Symetra Tour, the developmental
tour of the LPGA, will return to Cypress
Lake Country Club for Year 2. This year’s
event will include Legends Tour players
competing for separate $150,000
tournament purses while playing
together on the same golf course.
The Symetra Tour portion of the
event will be a 72-hole stroke-play
format with 144 players playing from
April 16-19. The Legends Tour event
will be a 36-hole stroke-play format
with 30 players playing on April 1819. Each Tour’s event will be scored
independently.

46 | VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

Other events in this area are the
LPGA’s CME Group Tour Championship
which will run from Nov. 19-22 and the
Franklin Templeton Shootout, which
will be from Dec. 10-12. Both events will
be at Tiburon Golf Club.
In February, 2016, TwinEagles Golf Club
will be host of the ACE Group Classic.

WANT TO PLAY?
Grab a 9-iron, hop on a cart and see
why greens along the Gulf are some of
the most prestigious in the world.
Those brave enough to try the
courses during the hot and rainy
summer months can get good deals.
Drink plenty of water, wear a hat and
use sunscreen.
Area golf courses with a sampling
of their rates, which include carts, for
season:

} Copperhead: Jan. 16-March 31: $70
from 7a.m.-12p.m., $55 from 12p.m.close; April 1-30, $40 from 7a.m.-12p.m.,
$30 from 12p.m.-close. Does not include
tax. 20910 Copperhead Drive, Lehigh
Acres; 369-8200; copperheadgc.com.

} Del Tura: $45 includes tax 18 holes
Jan. 1-April 15. 18621 North Tamiami

Trail, North Fort Myers; 731-7814;
delturagolfclub.com.

} Eagle Ridge: Rates through March
23: 7a.m. - 12p.m., $73.95, 12 - 3p.m.
$64.95, 3p.m. - close, $34.95; March
24 - April 20: 7a.m. - 12p.m., $64.95,
12 - 3p.m. $54.95, 3p.m. - close, $34.95;
April 21 - May 31: 7a.m. - 12p.m., $44.95,
12 - 3p.m. $34.95, 3p.m. - close, $24.95.
Does not include tax. 14589 Eagle
Ridge Drive, Fort Myers; 768-1888;
playeagleridge.com.
} Eastwood, Fort Myers: Prices
through Feb. 28 (March not available
as of press time): 7a.m. to 2p.m., $65;
2 – 3:30p.m., $50; 3:p.m. - close $35; tax
included. 4600 Bruce Herd Lane, Fort
Myers; 321-7487; cityftmyers.com.
} Westminster: Prices through April
5: Weekdays 7a.m. - 1p.m., $75; 1p.m.
- close, $55; weekend special, $50 if
booked online. Does not include tax.
2199 Berkley Way, Lehigh Acres; 3681110; westminster-golf.com.

VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015 | 47

48 | VISITOR’S GUIDE 2015

Sponsor Documents

Or use your account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Forgot your password?

Or register your new account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link to create a new password.

Back to log-in

Close