SPORTS & FITNESS Watch the Boston Red Sox run their spring training bases from late February through March at JetBlue Park at Fenway South, in Fort Myers. 239-226-4700 or 877-REDSOX9 (733-7699); MLB.com/redsox. The Minnesota Twins also play ball in February and March at Hammond Stadium in the CenturyLink Sports Complex in Fort Myers. 1-800-33-TWINS (89467); MLB.com/twins. Summer means Fort Myers Mighty Mussels baseball, when this Class A Advanced Affiliate team of the Minnesota Twins pounds the diamond at Hammond Stadium, April through September. 239-768-4210; MILB.com/fort-myers. Fast-paced professional hockey hits the ice at Hertz Arena when the Florida Everblades, an East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) team, play 36 home games from October through April. 239-948-PUCK (7825); FloridaEverblades.com.
Art shows and classes, exhibits, films, concerts, live theater and special events fill the calendar year-round at the Center for Performing Arts and the Center for Visual Arts in Bonita Springs. National art festivals are held in January, February and March. Call or visit online for a full schedule. 239-495-8989; ArtCenterBonita.org. Top entertainers and recording artists appear at Hertz Arena. Visit the website for event and ticket information. HertzArena.com. Live music fills the air at Koreshan State Park most Saturdays, January - March at 3:30 p.m. in the Historic Art Hall, home to an 1885 Steinway piano. 239-992-0311; FloridaStateParks.org/ Parks-and-Trails/Koreshan-State-Park. The Southwest Florida Symphony, which debuted in 1961, performs a series of four Masterworks concerts, two Pop concerts and several holiday Pops concerts at The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. 239-418-1500; SWFLSO.org.
NATURE
SHOPPING
Koreshan State Park features boating, camping, fishing, hiking, paddling and wildlife viewing. Call 239-992-0311; FloridaStateParks. org/Parks-and-Trails/Koreshan-State-Park The Great Calusa Paddling Trail is a 190mile marked canoe and kayak trail that meanders through the coastal waters and tributaries of Lee County, Florida. It attracts everyone from first time kayakers to advanced paddlers and is home to abundant marine life, shore birds and crustaceans; FortMyers-Sanibel.com/ CalusaBlueway. CREW Land & Water Trust Enjoy guided hikes, family nature walks and birding expeditions along the four trail systems. 239-657-2253; CrewTrust.org. Lovers Key State Park’s year-round programs include walking trails, estuary tours, and fishing and birding clinics. 239-463-4588; FloridaStateParks.org/Parks-and-Trails//Lovers-KeyState-Park.
ART, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT The Estero Art League meets for Open Painting each Monday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. January – May and September December at the Estero Community Center. Various classes are also available. 239-729-1738; EsteroArtLeague.com.
Koreshan Sunday Farmer’s Market and Native Plant Sale: Join us in the historic settlement of Koreshans every Sunday 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Our Farmer’s Market offers local and organic produce, fresh seafood and dips, unique crafts, local honey, native plants, handcrafted jewelry, hot crepes and BBQ, beautiful art, and cool gifts! ! 239-949-2379; Fort Myers-Sanibel. com/Event/Farmers-market. Special events and family-friendly entertainment take place throughout the year at area shopping malls. Call or go online for the latest information. Coconut Point 239-9929966; ShopCoconutPoint.com; Gulf Coast Town Center 239-267-5107; GulfCoastTownCenter. com; and Miromar Outlets 239-948-3766; MiromarOutlets.com.
EDUCATION South County Regional Library programs for adults, toddlers, kids, teens and families include everything from informative exhibits and reading sessions to to small business seminars. 239-533-4400; Leegov.com/Library.
HISTORY Koreshan State Park Guided Historic Tours take place January – March: FridaySunday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.; April – December: Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. only.
Explore the 19th century religious Koreshan settlement, its structures, and gardens. Join our guided walking tours and learn about these idealistic pioneers. The walking tour is about an hour and a half. Tickets for guided tours can be purchased online at FriendsofKoreshan.org. 239992-0311; FloridaStateParks.org/Parks-and-Trails/ Koreshan-State-Park. The Estero Historical Society’s (EHS) restored and authentically furnished HansonHall-Collier House (The Cottage) and 1904 Estero Creek School are open to visitors from 1 to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, showcasing exhibits and photos of Estero’s early days. 239-272-1911; EsteroHistoricalSociety.com.
January 2022 15-16 - Bonita Springs National Art Festival at Riverside Park in downtown Bonita is a juried fine arts and fine crafts event that attracts national and international artists. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 239-495-8989; ArtCenterBonita.org. 28-29 - Ghost Walks at Koreshan State Park are held at 6:45, 7, 7:15, 7:30, 7:45 and 8 p.m. The guided tours with actors in period costumes recount history and fascinating tales by moonlight and luminaries. Reservations required. 239-992-0311. FloridaStateParks.org/Parks-andTrails/Koreshan-State-Park. 29-30 Estero Fine Art Show at Jet Blue Park draws top artists and is juried by a team of art professionals. The event includes art displays and demonstrations throughout both days 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 248-762-2462; HotWorks.org.
February 2022 4-5 - Ghost Walks at Koreshan State Park continue (see preceding listing). Reservations required. 239-992-0311; FloridaStateParks.org/ Parks-and-Trails/Koreshan-State-Park. 11-20 - The Edison Festival of Light held in downtown Fort Myers, honors one of Southwest Florida’s most famous resident: Thomas Alva Edison. Food, music, crafts, fun run, car show and more throughout the celebration. The Grand Parade, the Southeast’s largest night parade, begins at 7 p.m. on the 19th (visit website for parade route). 239-334-2999; EdisonFestival.org. 12-13 - Bonita Springs National Art Festival at Riverside Park in downtown Bonita is a juried fine arts and fine crafts event that attracts national and international artists. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 239-495-8989; ArtCenterBonita.org.
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