Admission to a theme park can be expensive. So, too, are visits to many of Florida’s top attractions. The good news is that Southwest Florida offers plenty of activities and events that don’t cost a thing while immersing you in local color. Musical interludes From Fisherman’s Village in Punta Gorda and pretty much every other business along Estero Boulevard on […]
Destination SWFL
SIGNATURE EVENTS
LEE COUNTY The Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival Jan. 21-22 The 19th annual festival celebrates the heritage, history, culture, and traditions of the Celtic lands through music and dance. — Centennial Park, Fort Myerswww.celticheritageproductions.com The Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest Jan. 21-22 The signature event of SWFL Children’s Charities consists of Friday evening dinners in private homes and a Saturday grand […]
LOCAL FLAVOR
THINK – AND SHOP – OUT OF THE BOX WHEN INTRIGUING FLAVORS ARE WHAT YOU CRAVEIf you’re in a rut when it’s time to cook dinner, the problem might be what you are bringing home. There’s no doubt that supermarkets and big-box stores offer one-stop convenience and lots of choices — although with the recent supply-chain problems that’s not a given anymore — but if you want to give your culinary mojo a kickstart, consider […]
CULTURAL VENUES
CHARLOTTE COUNTY Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center Concerts, dancing, symphonies75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda941-833-5444www.charlotteharborecc.com Englewood Art Center A division of Ringling College of Artand Design, the Englewood centerfocuses on education, exhibitionsand events that serve as a catalystfor creativity and arts appreciation inthe community350 S. McCall Road, Englewood941-474-5548www.ringling.edu/EAC Langdon Playhouse A venue of The Charlotte Players1182 Market Circle St., Murdock941-625-4175, […]
SWFL FIVE WAYS
FROM KAYAKS AND SWAMP BUGGIES TO MUSEUMS AND FOOD TRUCKS, DO IT SOUTHWEST FLORIDA-STYLEHow do I love you, Southwest Florida? Let me count the ways. Truth is, there are way too many ways to count, so we’re starting for you. When your head goes dizzy with all the possibilities, take a breath and consider this handful of experiences to celebrate the day Southwest Florida-style. Military Heritage Museum & Vietnam Wall of Southwest Florida […]
SWFL ATTRACTIONS
LEE COUNTY The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum Visitors learn about shells, mollusks and their natural environment through exhibits, educational programs, library services, and publications. — 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road Sanibel 239-395-2233 www.shellmuseum.org Edison & Ford Winter Estates The winter homes of Thomas A. Edison and Henry Ford, beautifully situated along the Caloosahatchee River, are among the greatest historic treasures in Southwest […]
HEALTH CARE
LEE COUNTY Lee Health runs six hospitals: Cape Coral Hospital 636 Del Prado Blvd. Cape Coral 239-424-2000 Gulf Coast Medical Center 13681 Doctor’s Way Fort Myers 239-343-1000 HealthPark Medical Center 9981 S. HealthPark Drive Fort Myers 239-343-5000 Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida 9981 S. HealthPark Drive Fort Myers 239-343-KIDS (5437) Lee Memorial Hospital 2776 Cleveland Ave. Fort Myers 239-343-2000 […]
THE ARTFUL SIDE OF SWFL
THERE’S NO SHORTAGE OF GREAT PLACES TO SEE AND MAKE GREAT ARTWhether you’re interest in art is merely passive appreciation or you’re an active participant — you know: clay in the hair, paint on the dog — Southwest Florida offers oodles of adventures in art. Arts organizations throughout the region present homespun exhibitions featuring works by local artists as well as major international traveling shows. They also provide a plethora of […]
SWFL COMMUNITIES
HOME, SWEET HOME CAN BE ON A BEACH OR ISLAND, AROUND FARMLAND AND EVEN IN A SOLAR-POWERED CITYSanibel-Captiva They seem almost as one, these idyllic, sun-splashed barrier islands just off the Lee County coast. They’re both dotted with palm trees and beaches, lovely homes, fine restaurants, and resorts. They could be reached only by boat until 1963, when the 3-mile-long causeway opened as their link to the mainland — and changed the islands forever. Resident and visitor […]