Southwest Florida Guestbook 2021-2022

Southwest Florida

WELCOME TO SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

CONTENTS

TOP 20 Manatee Park, Rookery Bay, Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, Florida Panther Wildlife Refuge, Naples Pier and other destinations worth exploring.

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SUNSHINE AND SUDS Southwest Florida boasts a bounty of craft breweries. Our handy guide will point you to some of the best.

BY DAVID SIBILA

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TREASURE ISLANDS Learn more about a treasure of a different kind that you’ll find in these parts: an incredible array of seashells, the perfect souvenir to mark your time here.

BY LYNN WAALKES

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ONCE UPON A TIME Southwest Florida’s coastal community is home to an impressive array of museums.

Take some time away from the water to explore the culture of the surrounding area.

BY LYNN WAALKES

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GET TO KNOW Get the lay of the land with our roundup of some of the top neighborhoods where locals live, work and play.

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PARTING SHOT Burrowing owls are some of this area’s most adorable creatures. We share a photo of one of our favorites.

ON THE COVER: THE SUN SETS ON NAPLES BEACH ©SUSANNE POMMER/ SHUTTERSTOCK.COM PREVIOUS PAGES: AN AERIAL VIEW OF CAPTIVA ©NOAH DENSMORE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

(CLOCKWISE FROM TOP): COURTESY BAILEY-MATTHEWS SHELL MUSEUM; COURTESY EDISON AND FORD WINTER ESTATES; COURTESY VISITSARASOTA.COM

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Groceries brought to you.

Key lime pie.

Fried chicken.

Custom Deli subs.

Delivered wherever you are. publix.com/shop

Prices vary from in-store. Fees, tips & taxes may apply. Subject to terms & availability.

17174-026 2021- Q1 Omnichannel B2B Evergreen - Atlanta Guestbook.indd 1

7/28/21 11:25 AM

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

NAPLESZOO.ORG

G UE S T B O OK

®

ADVERTISING REGIONAL ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Stephanie Cantrell

EDITORIAL & DESIGN EDITOR Brooke Fehr

HOW NAPLES ZOO DOES

FACETIME

ART DIRECTOR Hadley Kincaid CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jennifer McKee, David Sibila,

Lynn Waalkes

A PUBLICATION OF MCC MAGAZINES, LLC A DIVISION OF MORRIS COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY, LLC 735 BROAD STREET, AUGUSTA, GA 30901 MCC MAGAZINES, LLC PRESIDENT Tina Battock VICE PRESIDENT Scott Ferguson DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING & PRODUCTION Sherry Brown ACCOUNTING MANAGER Veronica Brooks

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Over 35 Toy-Brick Sculptures Debuting November 20, 2021 through April 17, 2022.

Free with paid Zoo admission.

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Toy Brick Count: 42,799

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Printed in the United States of America.

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More waterfront shopping and dining than any other destination in Naples!

VANDE R

BILT BEACH RD.

PARK SHORE DR.

HARBOUR DR.

TAMIAMI TRAIL

PINE RIDGE RD.

GOLDEN GATE PKWY.

Six Sparkling Waterfront Restaurants

Bayside Seafood Grill & Bar • Fish Restaurant • M Waterfront Grille • MiraMare Ristorante • T-Michael’s Steak & Lobster The Village Pub • Plus Naples’ Only Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream and Le Petit French Café

40 Unique Boutiques

À-Tout-Âge • A Horse of a Different Color • All About April • BU Club • Casanova Venetian Glass & Art • Chico’s • DanaTyler • Elegant Style Salon • Everything But Water • Expedia Cruises • Exquisite Timepieces • Fabec-Young & Co. • H.T. Chittum & Co.• J. McLaughlin • J&K Collections • Lux Boutique • MIDFLORIDA Credit Union • Mondo Uomo • Monkee’s of Naples • Muse Inspired Fashion •Natural Comfort • Panache • Park Shore Marina • Patchington • Pratt’s Shoe Salon • Premier Sotheby’s International Realty • Robert of Philadelphia Hair Design • Sara Campbell • Simply Natural • Southern Tide • Sperry Shoes • Sukie’s Wine Shop • Teruzzi • The B. Store • The Gallery of Estate & Precious Jewels • The Spice & Tea Exchange® • Time 4 U med spa •Tommy Bahama • Whispers of Naples • Wildflower • W.M. Phelps Custom Jewelers

Visit VenetianVillage.com From US 41, take Park Shore Dr. to 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd. N. 239.261.6100

CONTRIBUTORS

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D AV I D S I B I L A

LY N N WA A L K E S

David Sibila is a freelance content creator, awardwinning storyteller, food nerd and a travel ninja.

Specializing in touting Florida’s many treasures, he has led the editorial content team at Visit Orlando, managed social media campaigns for Princess Cruises and produced television programs for Food Network. He enjoys exploring outdoor fun and discovering new dining pleasures.

Lynn Waalkes is a former WhereTraveler assistant editor and longtime writer and editor for assorted publications and nonprofit organizations. She loves books, animals in general and cats and dogs in particular, living in the South, long walks and gardening. In 2020, she learned at least 1,000 new Spanish words and just needs a place to practice them. And while she battles snails in her garden, she admits junonia mollusks are pretty darned cute.

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Come see what Thomas Edison and Henry Ford discovered!

Edison’s and Ford’s Historic Winter Homes

Acres of Botanical Gardens

Thomas Edison’s Laboratory

-Square-Foot Inventions Museum

Holiday Nights Light Show

Open Daily a.m. - p.m. ( a.m. - p.m. in December)

McGregor Blvd. • Fort Myers, FL | EdisonFord.org

F L O R I D A

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Watch the sunset from a historic pier, reacquaint yourself with Mother Nature and get up close to wildife— Southwest Florida has it all.

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MANATEE PARK View the lovable and gentle giants, the Florida manatees, at Manatee Park, a non-captive warm water refuge on the waterfront. While optimum viewing months are December, January and February, manatees can be seen most months, save for the hottest of the year (summer months).

Get a look-see in the canal, lagoon and the Orange River. For those who wish to get out onto the water, kayak rentals are available.

10901 State Road 80, Fort Myers, 239.690.5030, leegov.com/parks/parks/manateepark WHERET RAV EL ER ® G UEST B OOK

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ROOKERY BAY A national estuarine research reserve, Rookery Bay stretches across more than 110,000 acres of mangrove forest and encompasses 40 percent of the Collier County coastline; it is one of only 29 protected reserves in the United States. Its education center offers hands-on experiences for all ages, including a 2,300-gallon aquarium, art gallery, nature trails, lectures and classes. 300 Tower Road, Naples, 239.530.5940, rookerybay.org

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(THIS PAGE): ©NIC STOLTZFUS/LIVE OAK PRODUCTION GROUP; (OPPOSITE PAGE): COURTESY THE BEACHES OF FORT MYERS & SANIBEL

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ESTERO BAY AQUATIC PRESERVE Paddle through mangrove forests, seagrass beds, salt marshes, tidal flats and oyster bars at the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. Here you’ll find an area teeming with wildlife; almost half of the state’s endangered and threatened wildlife call the area home, such as Atlantic loggerhead, green and leatherback turtles, the Big Cypress fox squirrel and wood storks, tricolored herons and smalltooth sawfish. 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero, 239.992.0311, floridadep.gov/rcp/ aquatic-preserve/locations/estero-bay-aquatic-preserve

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SUN-N-FUN LAGOON

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TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS

The romantic name is an overstatement—these islets number in the hundreds, not the thousands—but the unspoiled labyrinth of the mangrove ecosystem cannot be overstated. Visitors accessing the national wildlife refuge by boat marvel at the rich diversity of native species, with more than 200 varieties of fish among the seagrass beds and mangrove roots, and nearly the same number of bird species above water. Bottlenose dolphins and manatees make entertaining cameo appearances. Gulf Coast Visitor Center, 815 Oyster Bar Lane, Everglades City, 239.695.3311, nps.gov/ever

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(FROM TOP): COURTESY NAPLES, MARCO ISLAND, EVERGLADES CVB; ©LORI OBERHOFER/NPS

Make a splash at this 6.1-acre water park located within North Collier Regional Park. Besides trying out the water dumping buckets, water pistols and family and tadpole pools, you can also take a thrilling ride down one of five fantastic water slides or relax on inner tubes down Sun-N-Fun’s lazy river. 15000 Livingston Road, Naples, 239.252.4000, napleswaterpark.com

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BAILEY-MATTHEWS SHELL MUSEUM Dive into the world of shells and learn more about the fascinating role mollusks play in the ecosystem, architecture, history, medicine and religion at the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to its preservation. With more than 30 permanent exhibits, this natural history museum is not just about the local eye candy, it also displays world record-sized shells as well as exotic beauties from the Japanese province and more.

3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, 239.395.2233, shellmuseum.org WHERET RAV EL ER ® G UEST B OOK

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BAKER MUSEUM Located in the Artis—Naples campus, The Baker Museum is an impressive contemporary art museum with 15 galleries, a glass dome conservatory and resource room. The permanent collection includes works from American modernism, Mexican modern art, contemporary art and sculptures. Special architectural installations welcome patrons inside, including the Persian Ceiling created by internationally celebrated glass artist Dale Chihuly. 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples, 239.597.1111, artisnaples.org 14

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(OPPOSITE PAGE): COURTESY NAPLES MARCO ISLAND EVERGLADES CVB; (THIS PAGE FROM TOP): COURTESY NAPLES MARCO ISLAND EVERGLADES CVB; COURTESY THE BEACHES OF FORT MYERS & SANIBEL

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NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDEN Once an old strip mall, this beautiful, 170-acre garden is now a lush paradise with various gardens including a children’s garden, a water garden and a natural preserve where gopher tortoises, deer and bald eagles roam. In 2017, it was named an American Public Gardens Association Garden of Excellence. The Preserve lets you explore nearly 300 species of native plants. 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples, 877.433.1874, naplesgarden.org

CALUSA BLUEWAY Feel at one with nature, pick up a paddle and take a journey down the Calusa Blueway, named for the indigenous Calusa, who lived on the sandy shores of Southwest Florida. Meander through open water, the bays of Sanibel and Captiva and through sheltered mangrove creeks. Keep your eyes peeled for the birds that inhabit the area; dolphin and manatee sightings are also likely. fortmyers-sanibel.com/calusablueway/explore

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FLORIDA PANTHER WILDLIFE REFUGE

NAPLES PIER Breathe in the sea air and watch marine life flicker in and out of view as the water laps below your feet—make a trip to the beloved, historic Naples Pier. Not only is this 1,000-foot-long fishing pier the place to be for wildlife viewing, the sunrises and sunsets here are spectacular.

Check them out before you go on a live webcam. 25 12th Ave. S, Naples, 239.213.7120, naplesgov.com/parksrec/page/naples-pier

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(FROM TOP): ©TIM DONOVAN/FWC; COURTESY NAPLES, MARCO ISLAND, EVERGLADES CVB

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Venture into the heart of Big Cypress Basin to walk the endangered Florida panther’s habitat. Two hiking trails are open to the public during daylight hours; one “winds through a hardwood hammock dominated by ancient oak trees and tropical vegetation.” It’s rare to stumble across a panther during your visit (early morning and late afternoon are the best times to observe wildlife), but the Refuge’s website has information on how to react if it occurs. 12085 SR 29 S., 239.657.8001, fws.gov/refugeFlorida_Panther

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EDISON AND FORD WINTER ESTATES One of the most visited historic home sites in America, these estates provide visitors with the chance to explore more than 20 acres of gardens and buildings—including a botanical laboratory and museum. Inhabited by Thomas Edison and Henry Ford in the 1800s as a way to escape the harsh northern winters, the estates are a treasure trove for history buffs. 2350 McGregor Blvd., 239.334.7419, edisonfordwinterestates.org WHERET RAV EL ER ® G UEST B OOK

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The country’s first national preserve, Big Cypress protects a diverse range of tropical and temperate plant and animal species, including alligators, Florida panthers, anhingas, mangrove trees and more than 30 kinds of orchid. It’s the perfect place to explore the allure of the Everglades National Park. 33000 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, nps.gov/bicy

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(THIS PAGE): COURTESY NAPLES, MARCO ISLAND, EVERGLADES CVB; (OPPOSITE PAGE): COURTESY THE BEACHES OF FORT MYERS AND SANIBEL

BIG CYPRESS NATIONAL PRESERVE

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J.N. “DING” DARLING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Hike, bike, drive or boat through J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge features a free visitor and education center, trails, an observational pavilion, Wildlife Drive and designated launch sites for kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding. Bird watchers have plenty to observe, as the refuge is part of the largest mangrove ecosystem in the nation—home to more than 245 species of birds. 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel, 239.472.1100, fws.gov/refuge/JN_Ding_Darling

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FLORIDA REPERTORY THEATRE The Florida Repertory Theatre is considered one of the top repertory theater companies in the U.S. Located in the restored 1908 movie palace, Arcade Theatre, in the Fort Myers River District, a wide variety of shows are produced throughout its October-to-May season. 2268 Bay St., Fort Myers, 239.332.4488, floridarep.org

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(THIS PAGE): COURTESY THE BEACHES OF FORT MYERS & SANIBEL; COURTESY NAPLES, MARCO ISLAND, EVERGLADES CVB

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Nestled in downtown Naples, the nearly 13-acre Cambier Park offers shuffleboard, bocce and basketball courts, a tennis center, softball field, bandshell, playground, picnic areas, covered pavilions, benches and restrooms in an inviting green space. Catch a jazz concert, browse the local farmers market, or attend a show at the Norris Community Center at the south end of the park. Come for the day or take a break from shopping Naples’ swanky Fifth Avenue South District just a short block north. Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Dogs must be on leashes. Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., 239.213.3058, naplesgov.com/parksrec/page/cambier-park WHERET RAV EL ER ® G UEST B OOK

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Watching over seafarers continuously since 1885, the oft-photographed Sanibel Island Lighthouse soars 98 feet above sea level. While the lighthouse itself isn’t open to the public (the spiral staircase begins 10 feet off the ground), the beach offers a popular fishing pier, restrooms, great shelling, and a good spot to view dolphins, osprey, and pelicans. Bike or hike one of the island trails and enjoy the wildlife.

Parking is plentiful but can fill up fast. Open 24 hours daily. Sanibel Island Lighthouse, 110 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239.472.3700, sanibellighthouse.com

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(THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE): COURTESY THE BEACHES OF FORT MYERS & SANIBEL (2)

SANIBEL LIGHTHOUSE

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MLB SPRING TRAINING Play ball! Major League Baseball swings for the fences during Grapefruit League spring training Feb. 26–March 29, 2022. Fort Myers offers two venues to grab a hot dog and some suds and catch all the excitement as new and seasoned players strut their stuff at preseason games.

JetBlue Stadium hosts the Boston Red Sox, while the Minnesota Twins train at Hammond Stadium at CenturyLink Sports Complex. Get your tickets soon—seats fill up fast. JetBlue Stadium, 11500 Fenway South Drive, 239.226.4700, mlb.com/redsox/spring-training/ballpark; Hammond Stadium, 14100 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, 239.338.3500, mlb.com/twins/spring-training/ballpark WHERET RAV EL ER ® G UEST B OOK

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Step into a breathtaking, wild world via the 2,500-foot-long Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk in Florida’s largest state park, Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. The boardwalk winds through the swamp and ends at an alligator pond and observation deck. Astounding beauty frames the boardwalk, where you may catch sight of green herons, barred owls, and yes, alligators. Interpretive signs along the path give interesting information about the park, its history, and the plants and animals that call it home. Open 8 a.m. to sunset. Take I-75 to exit 80/State Road 29.

Travel south 18 miles to U.S. 41. Turn right and go 7 miles. 239.696.4593, floridastateparks.org/learn/big-cypress-bend-boardwalk

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(OPPOSITE): COURTESY NAPLES ZOO AT CARIBBEAN GARDENS

BIG CYPRESS BEND BOARDWALK

(THIS PAGE): COURTESY NAPLES, MARCO ISLAND, EVERGLADES CVB;

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NAPLES ZOO AT CARIBBEAN GARDENS Nationally accredited as both a zoo and botanical garden, Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens plays host to more than 360,000 families, biologists and educators a year. It plays a critical role in nurturing appreciation for the natural world by providing an educational nature experience for people of all ages. The combination of lush, tropical flora and exotic animal habitats creates an inspiring backdrop for visitors to connect with nature and enhance their understanding of wildlife and the habitats in which wild animals live. 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples, 239.262.5409, napleszoo.org WHERET RAV EL ER ® G UEST B OOK

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SUNSHINE AND SUDS Get the Big Pitcher with Southwest Florida’s Craft Brews

BY DAVID SIBILA

un seekers have long flocked to Southwest Florida for the relaxed vibe, soul soothing beaches, surprising history, charming avenues and wandering waterways. Now, suds seekers have become a common sight among the area’s collection of seaside cosmopolitans in search of handcrafted brews. Popping up all over this region is a bubbling collection of craft breweries and taprooms, adding local flavor by the barrel. So, what’s your pleasure? We’ve gathered the ultimate list of must-stops for visitors looking to quench their thirst with local flavor.

Line up your designated driver and let’s hop to it!

BIG TOP BREWING COMPANY, SARASOTA Inspired by Sarasota’s circus legacy, Big Top Brewing Company puts on a big show with multiple locations throughout the area. Several of their 26

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tentpole brews include the Circus City IPA, Trapeze Monk Witbier and the Hazy Highwire. The ringmasters of this brewery don’t run a threering circus. They take pride in infusing local flavors with the city’s history. Standouts like the Hawaiian Lion, a coconut coffee porter and Conch Republic Key, a lime wheat ale, have reshaped how craft beer is enjoyed in Sarasota. bigtopbrewing.com

FAT POINT BREWING, PUNTA GORDA Taking its name from the English translation of Punta Gorda, Fat Point Brewing features several award winners from the 2019 Best Florida Beer Championships, including gold winner, Bru Man Chu and silver winner, Ryeght Angle. Recognized as Charlotte County’s first craft brewery, Fat Point’s flavors embody harborside living with a core lineup

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This page: Beer fans line up at Fort Myers Brewing Company. Opposite page: Big Top Brewing Company bites and sips.

of tropical and fruity brews, which include Big Boca Ale, Cape Haze Fruited Wheat Ale and their popular Hoppin’ Harbor Tropical Pale Ale, with hints of mango, orange and lime flavors. fatpoint.com

When you stop in, be sure to say hello the Scotty’s mascot, Brewmaster the cat. scottysbierwerks.net

POINT YBEL BREWING COMPANY, FORT MYERS SCOTTY’S BIERWERKS, CAPE CORAL In 2017, homebrewer-turned-master brewer Scott Melick opened his industrial-sized craft brewery with big dreams on the horizon. Located in Cape Coral, Scotty’s Bierwerks serves up seven national awardwinning brews including the Oatmeal Stout—2019 Gold Winner in the Best Florida Beer Competition. The expansive brewhouse is a comfortable hangout for beer lovers and those who want to play lawn games indoors. Rounds of cornhole are played adjacent to Scotty’s 20-barrel brewing system, which is the largest in Southwest Florida.

Named after the Gulf Coast’s first lighthouse that was originally lit in 1884, Point Ybel Brewing Company has become a beacon of continuously changing small-batch brews in Fort Myers. For German-style beer lovers, it’s practically Oktoberfest year-round with their collection of golden pilsners and crisp kölsch. Head Brewer & Co-Owner Jordan Weisberg draws his ingredient inspiration from the nearby beaches, including his flagship IPA, Snook Bite, a well-balanced IPA with hints of citrus and passion fruit aroma and flavor. One sip and you’ll be hooked! pointybelbrew.com WHERET RAV EL ER ® G UEST B OOK

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Opposite page: A selection of beer from Big Top Brewing.

This page, from left: A sunny day at Fort Myers Brewing; pulling the perfect pour at Point Ybel Brewing Company.

Voted “Best Large Brewery in Florida,” Fort Myers Brewing Company has grown from a simple 1,500-square-foot brewery into a vibrant 16,000-square-foot entertainment venue. Founders Rob Whyte and Jen Gratz-Whyte also have big plans for expansion on a 22-acre parcel of land next door. With eight primary beers on tap, they’re most well known for their Russian Imperial Stout, which won silver at the World Beer Cup in 2018. They also offer seasonal and small-batch creations. No matter when you visit, expect something big to be brewing. fmbrew.com

COASTAL DAYZ BREWERY, FORT MYERS Located only a hop away from the historical winter estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, Coastal Dayz in downtown Fort Myers brews up tasty beers with a laid-back vibe. Serving up sixteen beers on tap, the selection here features Gulf water-inspired flavors blended with traditional ingredients. Their Seaz the Day IPA features intense citrus 28

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flavor with hazy bitterness. This is the perfect stop while riding bikes or taking a scooter tour through this historic vacation destination. coastaldayzbrewery.com

RIPTIDE BREWING COMPANY, BONITA SPRINGS This Naples original has expanded into the former Momentum Brewhouse located in Bonita Springs. In this considerably larger space the momentum continues to grow for the three brew master friends who began their beer-venture not long ago in a man cave. The recipes are based on the themes that have made Southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches world-famous. Their most popular, Porpoise Party IPA, blends citrus, tropical and floral aromas with a slightly hoppy bitterness. It’s the best way to enjoy an extra kick after a long day of surf and sun. riptidebrewingcompany.com

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FORT MYERS BREWING COMPANY, FORT MYERS

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NAPLES BEACH BREWERY, NAPLES Known for their wide variety of beers on tap, Naples Beach Brewery is Southwest Florida’s original microbrewery. Here, up to 35 housebrewed beers are featured at one time. Owner Will Lawson is a true brew master, having studied the trade at the prestigious Siebel Institute in Chicago. Local favorite Latitude Adjustment is their mainstay IPA, but this brewery is always creating new styles beer fans can’t find at other Florida breweries, including the Peanut Butter Cup Stout, The Ol’ Raspy Raspberry Brown Porter and the Guava Grove Bavarian Wheat. naplesbeachbrewery.com

BONE HOOK BREWING, NAPLES

Hook takes its cues for its brews from the region’s fishing history. Stir things up with a pint of their Wicked Seas Hazy IPA or take a nostalgic trip back to the days of speakeasys with their popular Dapper Dan IPA. bonehookbrewing.com

MARCO ISLAND BREWERY, MARCO ISLAND Our southernmost stop takes us to a local brewpub where beer and food options are plentiful. Marco Island Brewery is small on the brew side with only three in-house brews—the Pelican Pilsner, Tigertail Red Ale named for popular Tigertail Beach on the island, and The Rock IPA. But they make up for it 40 beers on tap from other breweries. Kick back and soak in the island vibes of this local favorite. marcoislandbrewery.com

“Three engineers walk into a bar” is how the story of Bone Hook Brewing in Naples begins. Several years later and the doors opened to one of area’s most delicious brewpubs. The science of beer takes the front seat, with recipes developed with an engineer’s precision. Bone WHERET RAV EL ER ® G UEST B OOK

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BY LYNN WAALKES

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oquinas and cockles. Sand dollars, conch and starfish. Tulip shells, periwinkles and lightning whelks. Bivalves and gastropods and the rare junonia.

Like a pirate’s chest brimming with untold treasure, Sanibel, Captiva and Marco Islands reward seekers with exquisite seashells, both rare and common, tiny and large, plain and colorful. Residents and visitors alike adopt the “Sanibel Stoop,” bent over at the waist to spy and pluck prized shells from local beaches.

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“People come to shelling for many different reasons,” says Sam Ankerson, executive director at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum on Sanibel. pictured above. “Maybe it’s a love of the outdoors, or the thrill of the search, a relaxing activity on the beach with loved ones, or the curiosity of a budding marine biologist.

“There are about 400 different species of mollusks that are native to Southwest Florida, which feature an amazing variety of beautiful and beguiling shells,” he added.

COURTESY BAILEY-MATTHEWS SHELL MUSEUM

Travelers from all over the world visit the islands of Southwest Florida to search for riches of a different sort.

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Sanibel’s curved, east-west geography forms a natural scoop for waves washing shells ashore, making it the top shelling island in North America. Your chances of finding cockle, conch, coquina, lightning whelk, murex, olive and tulip shells are excellent. However, because it travels a longer distance from the sea floor, an intact junonia shell is a rarer find. The cream-colored oblong shells sport a spotted brown exterior.

At Bailey-Matthews, you’ll get a colorful, fascinating introduction to conchology, the study of seashells, and malacology, the study

of mollusks. You can observe live mollusks, including the junonia and a giant Pacific octopus (not all mollusks have shells), purchase seashell guides at the store museum and handle live specimens at the touch tanks.

Sign up for a daily beach walk with one of the museum’s marine biologists.

“We love being a resource and destination for people with an interest in shells, the animals that create them, the marine ecology of our region, and conservation education,” Ankerson says. “Our exhibits include shells

from all over the world, as well as the Beyond Shells living gallery of aquariums, touch pools, and more than 50 species of marine life.”

CONCHOLOGY 101 Seashells come in two basic varieties: gastropods (single valve) and bivalve (hinged).

Gastropods include conchs, whelks, junonia and murex; bivalves include clams, scallops and cockles. Sand dollars, a kind of sea urchin, can also be collected, if not alive. A sand dollar WHERET RAV EL ER ® G UEST B OOK

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BEST PLACES TO STOOP AND CONCH-ER In general, you’ll find smaller shells on Sanibel and larger ones on Captiva. Marco Island may be a better bet for finding rarer shells, probably because it’s only accessible by boat and gets less foot traffic. Book a boat tour to improve your chances of finding rare and large shells.

All Sanibel and Captiva beaches are great for shelling, but each offers its own advantages. Turner Beach and Blind Pass beaches tend to be less picked-over, as they get fewer visitors. The beaches are great for fishing and jet-skiing, but strong currents make them unsuitable for swimming. Gulfside City Park and Bowman’s Park offer picnic tables, barbecue grills, restrooms and outdoor showers. Bowman’s Beach includes nature trails and a spot to launch kayaks and canoes.

Lighthouse Beach has a wide variety of shells,

great fishing and local trails. Shells tend to get picked over quickly however, so arrive early.

If you just can’t find the shell you’re after, visit one of the many seashell shops on Sanibel, where you’ll find plenty of shells and shell-themed crafts. You can buy rare and large shells and shells for crafting at Sanibel Seashell, the first seashell shop established on Sanibel. For a broad array of gift items, visit She Sells Sea Shells, where you’ll find shell jewelry, Christmas ornaments and flowers.

Regardless of where and how you choose to seek these treasures from the sea, you’ll collect more than pretty seashells during your stay. Each shell has a story to tell, providing great memories of your visit.

COURTESY THE BEACHES OF FORT MYERS & SANIBEL (2)

that has cashed in its chips is bleached white and is hairless.

Seashells and mollusks are essential players in island ecology. They filter and cleanse ocean waters (remember why you kept snails in your childhood fish tank?), provide a source of food for fish and birds, and help keep sand beaches from eroding.

Florida law protects mollusks, and it is illegal to collect “live shells,” that is, any shell with a creature inside, whether it seems alive or not.

Collectors are also urged to limit the amount they collect to ensure shells remain plentiful.

Shells range not only in size and appearance; the mollusks and shells each have their own personality and quirks. Fighting conchs are vegetarians. Cockle shells are footed and can jump several inches. Lightning whelk shells have a left-handed tail, are large, and were used by the early Calusa natives as lamps, utensils, jewelry and tools.

COLLECTING SHELLS 101

COURTESY THE BEACHES OF FORT MYERS & SANIBEL (2)

Shell aficionados recommend the following for a great experience shell collecting: •

Any time you’re on the beach, equip yourself with sunscreen, water, a hat, sunglasses and shoes. Bring a pail or mesh net and a scoop to collect shells.

•

Go at low tide. You’ll also find the most shells after a storm, which makes winter months ideal for shell collecting. However, summer gives you far better weather for enjoying the area and all it has to offer.

•

When walking on sandbars, shuffle your feet to avoid disturbing fish. Stepping on a stingray can result in a nasty wound and put a serious crimp in your day.

•

Check for signs of life, and if in doubt, leave the shell creature where it is. Taking a live mollusk can result in a hefty fine and jail time.

•

Wash your shells thoroughly to remove strong odors. Soak shells in a solution of 70 percent water, 30 percent bleach, then scrub to remove algae and the flaky outer layer.

Use eye protection!

•

Apply mineral or baby oil to give your shells a nice sheen. To ensure no odors escape, pack your treasures in an air-tight bag.

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ONCE UPON A TIME Experience Southwest Florida’s colorful culture, art and history at these local museums.

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astodons and saber-tooth tigers. Seminole Indians, rugged settlers, brilliant inventors. A fascinating region abundantly supplied by a rich variety of bird, animals and fish living in tropical splendor.

Experience all these fascinating aspects of Southwest Florida and more at local museums. Take a break from sun, sand and sunburn and enjoy getting to know this incredible region.

AH-TAH-THI-KI SEMINOLE INDIAN MUSEUM Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki means “a place to learn and remember,” a fitting name for the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Seminole Indian Museum, where visitors explore traditional Seminole history and culture through exhibits, artifacts, an art gallery and a recreated village. Located within the Everglades on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, the museum is open daily.

Stroll the beautiful, mile-long Cypress Dome boardwalk and explore the Clan Pavilion and the Ceremonial Grounds. View and purchase arts 34

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and crafts at the Seminole Village, a reconstructed version of Seminole tourist camps popular in the early to mid-20th century. Near the end of the boardwalk is the Hunting Camp, which depicts the temporary camps Seminoles built during hunting season.

Not all of this Smithsonian-affiliated museum is dedicated to the past. Although Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki curates more than 180,000 artifacts and archival items, it also highlights today’s Seminole artists at the Mosaic Community Art Gallery and celebrates native people associated with the Seminoles at the Nook Gallery.

COLLIER COUNTY MUSEUMS Collier County operates five free, well-curated museums that explore local history through art, artifacts, interactive displays and exhibits.

While Collier Museum at Government Center and Naples Depot Museum are located in Naples, consider a short road trip to explore the following

COURTESY EDISON AND FORD WINTER ESTATES

BY LYNN WAALKES

COURTESY EDISON AND FORD WINTER ESTATES (2)

Opposite page: Tour the Edison Botanic Research Laboratory at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates to learn about the quest to find a domestic source of rubber.

This page: One of the many antique cars at the museum; Thomas Edison’s winter estate.

three as well. Immokalee Pioneer Museum tells the stories of pioneer families settling on the edge of the Big Cypress Swamp and the Everglades. You’ll learn about the cattle business at this 13-acre ranch, home of the Robert Roberts family.

Famous for its archaeological discovery of the Marco Cat, Marco Island Historical Museum highlights the Calusa Indians through interactive displays and a recreated village. The Marco Cat is on loan from the Smithsonian.

Next, drive to Everglades City and step into the 1920s-era Museum of the Everglades, where you’ll find more than 2,000 years of the area’s history. Learn more about the tenacious settlers who managed the Florida tropics without air conditioning or bug spray.

EDISON AND FORD WINTER ESTATES Rub elbows, figuratively speaking, with towering geniuses Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, who gave us the light bulb, affordable cars and so much more. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates spans 20 acres and more than a century of brilliance in invention. Take the self-guided, or better yet, guided tour of the grounds, gardens and research lab, then explore the museum, which includes exhibits and videos, thousands of artifacts and several early Ford cars.

Thomas and Mina Edison made Fort Myers their winter retreat in 1885. Friend and auto magnate Henry Ford was so taken with the area that he later bought the property next door. In 1927, Edison, Ford and Harvey Firestone formed Edison Botanical Research

Corporation to seek a domestic source of rubber. Be sure to explore the research lab and gardens, which boasts more than 1,700 plants, and includes 400 species from six continents.

Linger in the Moonlight Garden, designed in 1929 by renowned landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman. It includes night-blooming, fragrant plants, shrubs and a reflecting pool. Before you leave, browse the Edison Ford Garden Shoppe’s hundreds of plants and garden-related items.

GOLISANO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM (C’MON) C’mon’s colorful, playful exterior promises fun, and boy, does it deliver. Inside, 30,000 square feet of inventive, educational and downright WHERET RAV EL ER ® G UEST B OOK

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Child development experts designed the nonprofit museum to stimulate children’s learning abilities, motor and social skills, and sense of curiosity. Exhibits are accessible for individuals with developmental, hearing, physical, social/ emotional and visual challenges.

IMAG HISTORY & SCIENCE CENTER Dust off your inner earth-science geek to explore more than 60 exhibits at Fort Myers’ IMAG History & Science Center. Take an hour or three to enjoy interactive displays, videos, live animal and science demonstrations, videos and more.

Weather fans of all ages will enjoy Science on a Sphere, designed to illustrate climate change and weather through a room-sized animated globe. Shaping SWFL Watersheds offers an opportunity to play in an augmented

reality sandbox and make it rain. Earth and Space Science invites visitors to touch a cloud, learn how electricity works and star in their own weather forecasts.

Meet some area residents at Our Living Lab, home to snakes, turtles, frogs and several species of lizards. The exhibit also houses a 3,200-gallon aquarium whose denizens include bamboo sharks, angelfish and a zebra moray eel. Two touch tanks feature stingrays and more SpongeBob SquarePants-type critters.

Complete your visit outdoors with a stroll along a walkway to learn about landscaping, indigenous wildlife and the Caloosahatchee River. View alligators at the aquarium and migrating birds, geese, ducks, turtles and a variety of fish at the Fisheye Lagoon.

HISTORY & SCIENCE CENTER

entertaining galleries and play space can keep kids happily occupied for a full day.

C’mon invites children to express their creativity, discover other cultures and nature, and try their hands at occupations ranging from weather forecaster to veterinarian to farmer.

Children learn while exploring Mother Nature House, Art Studio, Inventioneer’s Lab, Build It!, Journey Through the Everglades, Race to Space, Adopt-a-Pet veterinary clinic, World Café, a produce market, a farm and much more.

At the center of the museum, a two-story Banyan tree invites kids to crawl inside and climb to its top branches. C’mon’s outdoor play space, Johnsonville Backyardville, also gets kids moving with a hedge maze, water play area, art space and shaded amphitheater.

Picnic tables provide a place to enjoy snacks and drinks purchased at the Museum Store.

THIS PAGE: COURTESY GOLISANO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF NAPLES (2) ; (OPPOSITE PAGE): COURTESY IMAG

Opposite page: IMAG LIVE! Shows at the IMAG Museum are designed to engage, entertain and inspire.

This page: C’Mon, the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, teaches through interactive play.

PHOTO CREDIT GOTHAM BOOK 5.5/9PT

A H -TAH-THI-KI S EMINO LE I N D I AN MU S EU M 34725 West Boundary Road Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, Clewiston 877.902.1113 ahtahthiki.com CO LLIER MU S EU M AT G OV ERNMENT CENTER 3331 Tamiami Trail E., Naples colliermuseums.com N A P LES DEP OT MU S EU M 1051 5th Avenue, S. Naples colliermuseums.com

I M M OKAL EE PI ON EER M USEUM 1215 Roberts Avenue West Immokalee 239.252.2611 colliermuseums.com

E DI S O N F O RD W I N T E R E STAT E S 2350 McGregor Boulevard Fort Myers 239.334.7419 edisonfordwinterestates.org

M AR CO I SL AN D H I STOR I CAL M USEUM 180 S. Heathwood Drive Marco Island 239.252.1440 colliermuseums.com

G O L I SA N O C HI L DRE N ’ S MUS E UM (C ’ M O N ) 15080 Livingston Road Naples 239.514.0084 cmon.org

M USEUM OF T H E EVER GL ADES 105 W. Broadway Avenue Everglades City 239.252.5026 colliermuseums.com

IMAG HISTORY & SCIENCE CENTER 2000 Cranford Avenue Fort Myers 239.243.0043 theimag.org WHERET RAV EL ER ® G UEST B OOK

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GET TO KNOW

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PHOTO CREDIT GOTHAM BOOK 5.5/9PT

©LEE COUNTY VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU

From ocean breezes to wildlife viewing, Southwest Florida is a traveler’s delight. Learn how to explore its thoroughfares and waterways like a local.

PHOTO CREDIT GOTHAM BOOK 5.5/9PT

Fort Myers Known for its natural environs, historic homes and as the spring training home for the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins, Fort Myers beckons with perpetual sunshine. It was here that Thomas Edison set up his summer home and laboratory—with contemporary Henry Ford quickly following suit; a visit to their estates is a must. The city is a recognized Tree City USA member, thanks to the Royal Palms that grace its major arteries. Residents do their part to keep Fort Myers well-manicured, eligible for beautification awards for doing so. Public art also abounds here; many pieces can be found in the River District, the city’s shopping, dining and arts hub.

When visiting one of the 148 parks, don’t miss Manatee Park, where you can view the gentle creatures; prime viewing months are December-February. fortmyers-sanibel.com WHERET RAV EL ER ® G UEST B OOK

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Natural beauty abounds on Estero Island. Between Mound Key Archeological State Park and Estero Bay, Florida’s first aquatic preserve, visitors can learn about the area’s native peoples, plants and wildlife. Its miles of white-sand beaches provide the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic and watch dolphins, turtles and other animals frolic in the Gulf waters. Shelling is a popular pastime here as well, and Lovers Key State Park, at the island’s Southern tip, affords ample opportunity—this secluded area is also a spot for destination weddings. Swimmers love Ft. Myers Beach’s gentlysloping ocean floor that has no sudden drop-offs or large waves; stick around until the golden hour for some of the most breathtaking sunsets in Florida. floridastateparks.org/Lovers-Key 40

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©LEE COUNTY VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU

Estero Island/Lovers Key/Ft. Myers Beach

Estero

©BRIAN TIETZ PHOTOGRAPHY, INC.; ©JASON BOECKMAN

A former citrus community sandwiched between Fort Myers and Naples, Estero’s rich landscape has always made it a magnet for industry. Fed by the Estero River, this fertile land has drawn Native Americans (the network of waterways, now known as the Calusa Blueway, is named for the native Calusa people), Spanish conquistadors, farmers and settlers, including followers of a religious and scientific sect who founded a utopian community. In 1894, a religious group practicing Koreshanity were led by their leader, Cyrus Teed, off to the city to erect New Jerusalem. Teed and his followers founded the Koreshan Unity, today preserved as the Koreshan State Historic Site. The site features gardens, a nature trail that winds alongside the river, a campground and picnic area and is on the National Register of Historic Places. visitflorida.com/places-to-go/southwest/estero

Cape Coral The coastal community of Cape Coral is a large peninsula bordered by the Caloosahatchee River. It has more than 400 canals, which were developed in the ‘70s to divert freshwater runoff from to the city’s mangrove forests, thus increasing its flood protection. Cape Coral also teems with nature parks. Its largest, Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, has a kayak trail (not for beginners) and a walking trail with observation piers; visitors can expect to see eagles, ibises, herons, other wading and migratory birds, raccoons and snakes. Rotary Park Environmental Center is considered the “Great Florida Birding Site” and is part of the Florida Birding Trail. Manatees can be found at Sirenia Vista Park; burrowing owls at Saratoga Lake and Veterans parks. capecoral.gov WHERET RAV EL ER ® G UEST B OOK

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A city named “Bonita” should be beautiful, and this place doesn’t disappoint. Lovely Gulf beaches, lush foliage, warm breezes and plenty of sunshine make an ideal setting for the graceful neighborhoods and upscale resorts. Much of the development here is of recent vintage—once a small farming and fishing town, Bonita Springs officially became a city on the last day of 1999. It’s also home to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, committed to the stewardship of the area’s land, water and wildlife; its sea turtle program is one of the longest continuously run (39 years and counting) sea turtle monitoring projects in the world. Those bringing Fido along for the journey should stop at the aptly named Dog Beach Park, one of Florida’s only no-leash beaches. cityofbonitasprings.org 42

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©LEE COUNTY VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU

Bonita Springs

©JASON BOECKMAN

Sanibel & Captiva islands Sanibel’s 10,000 acres offer fresh sea breezes, whispering palms and stunning sunsets. It’s home to the J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a popular recreation destination and an essential estuarine habitat along the migratory Atlantic Flyway. The barrier island’s best catch may be the seashells that wash up on its pristine beaches. Anglers come here to catch tarpon, redfish, sea trout and other varieties of fish. Like its big sister, Captiva Island draws all these enthusiasts and more. Turner Beach is a great place for catching that prize fish and for finding the colorful shells that these islands are famous for. Exploring Captiva by boat is the best way to see the island’s coastline of colorful flora and the grand homes that face the water. sanibel-captiva.org WHERET RAV EL ER ® G UEST B OOK

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The largest barrier island within Southwest Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands area, Marco Island has become a hot spot to live and vacation in Collier County. Sun worshippers enjoy the island’s six miles of pristine beaches, where you can stroll along the soft, white sands. Marco has it all when it comes to water activities—fishing, windsurfing, boating, kayaking and snorkeling—plus challenging golf courses. Much of the fun takes place amid a natural backdrop of sawgrass and mangrove swamps, the latter creating a maze of inland waterways. Rare pre-Columbian artifacts, such as the world-famous Key Marco Cat, can be viewed at the Marco Island Historical Museum. The Briggs Nature Center has a half-mile boardwalk for viewing wildlife; it’s also a starting point for shelling excursions and self-guided canoe trips. paradisecoast.com/marco-island 44

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©NAPLES, MARCO ISLAND, EVERGLADES CVB

Marco Island

©NAPLES ZOO

Naples The largest city in Collier County and the self-proclaimed “Golf Capital of the World,” Naples features more than 70 courses around the municipality. The city is nestled along 10 miles of gorgeous white-sand Gulf beaches and surrounded by some of the state’s most important wildlife sanctuaries, including Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve and the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. The much-lauded Naples Zoo is home to many exotic creatures, as well as a tropical garden first planted in 1919. For more exotic flora and fauna, a trip to the 170-acre Naples Botanical Garden is a must. The city is also known for its love of the arts and is home to dozens of galleries and Artis—Naples, which houses The Baker Museum (modern and contemporary art) and the Naples Philharmonic. paradisecoast.com/naples WHERET RAV EL ER ® G UEST B OOK

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Everglades City is Southwest Florida’s gateway to the 1.5 million-acre Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. It’s recognized globally as a World Heritage Site, a Wetland of International Importance and an International Biosphere Reserve— one of only three places on the planet with all three designations. The park covers so much ground that it has three entrances, but they are not interconnected. Cover these waters on an airboat ride that’ll take you through the swamp’s prime viewing spots that only the tour guides know best. The American Everglades is home to more than 2,000 species of plants and animals, including 78 that are threatened or endangered, and is the only place in the world that you’ll see alligators and crocodiles living together. evergladesfoundation.org 46

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©PATRICK FARRELL AND PETER W. CROSS

Everglades City

VINTINO’S

PREMIUM CIGARS & SMOKING LOUNGE

©VISIT SARASOTA COUNTY

Sarasota From fine-art viewing to interactions with gorgeous creatures, to, of course, exploring nature areas and beaches, Sarasota delivers. It lies approximately halfway between Tampa (to the north) and Fort Myers (to the south) and was once the winter home of the Ringling Brothers Circus. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is worthy of exploration; it features 31 galleries in a pink Renaissance-style palace. Don’t miss the lovely courtyard and gardens featuring sculptures made from casts of original antiquities. The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium introduces you to more than 100 marine species—most found in Florida waters—such as manatees, sharks, sea turtles and fish. When you want to get your relaxation on, Lido Beach and Siesta Key Beach are known for their fine, white sands. visitsarasota.com

Vintino’s Premium Cigars & Smoking Lounge is Naple’s premier cigar destination.

With plenty of space, ample seating, and numerous TVs, every seat is the best seat in the house! Or if you prefer to enjoy the beautiful Florida weather we have our spacious covered outdoor lounge with seating for your largest party and several large screen TVs. Our walk-in humidor is one of SW Florida’s largest with nearly one hundred thousand cigars representing hundreds of brands. We stock a cigar for every palette including limited releases from Ashton, Liga Privada, Opus X, Padron, Rocky Patel, Tatuaje, and many, many more! Whether you are here to cheer for your favorite sports team, catch up with friends, or for a quiet escape, Vintino’s is Naples favorite spot to enjoy a cigar!

4424 Tamiami Trail E., Naples, FL

239.963.9410

www.vintinocigars.com

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Wise Guys

Cape Coral has the largest population of Burrowing Owls in Florida and one of the largest in the world, with roughly 1,000 nesting pairs of owls living in the area. Bird watchers and photographers from all over the world come to Cape Coral to catch a glimpse of these beautiful birds, which range in size from 7.5 to 11 inches tall.

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©SUNFLOWER MOMMA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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