Life In Bonita Springs

Naples Christmas Walk & Tree Lighting | 335/365 Things to Do

5th Avenue South will be hosting the 46th annual Christmas Walk and Tree Lighting Ceremony taking place on 5th Avenue South in Naples, Florida! Friday, December 6th, 2019 from 6pm-10pm.  This is a free to attend!  This signature holiday event will feature live music, live art performances, festive food offerings, and activities for all ages!

Events during the 46th Annual Christmas Walk and Tree Lighting Ceremony will be the live nativity scene, the lighting of the Christmas tree on Baker Stage, a skating rink, the snow covered Sugden Plaza and a new culinary tradition: an on-street Long Table dining with 14 of 5th Avenue South’s finest restaurants. This Long Table is a feast for the eyes, giving prizes for the most inspired table design.

The Mayor will be in attendance to host the Christmas tree lighting portion of the evening. For more information, please call: (239) 692-8436. You can also find other fun things to do in Naples by following the official 5th Avenue website at www.fifthavenuesouth.com. 

Bonita Springs Christmas Boat Parade! | 334/365 Things to Do

If you are looking for fun things to do in Bonita Springs make sure you plan on seeing the Christmas Boat Parade. It’s a decades long tradition and this year it is taking place on December 14 2019, at dusk.  The Boat Parade is typically organized by Baywater Boat Club in Bonita Springs.  The route varies slightly from year to year but consider that the parade always goes up the Imperial River from Bonita Beach Road.  It crosses under US 41 and turns around near Flossmoor Drive in Bonita Farms.  Vantage points for view are great on the Imperial River bridge on US 41.  You can park in nearby shopping centers. If you have friends in Bonita Bay or Imperial Shores hit them up and try to get a seat in their back yard.

If you happen to live on the water and enjoy the parade be a doll and offer a donation to the Rotary Club for sponsoring the event.  You can reach the organizers by contacting Baywater Exclusive Boat Club.

Breakfast With Santa at Deromo’s | 333/365 Things to Do

DeRomo’s Gourmet Market and Restaurant is a great spot in Bonita Springs, Florida offering delicious Italian food. When we heard last year that they were hosting a Breakfast with Santa we were so excited. We bought our tickets online $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Breakfast includes Rudolf the rednosed reindeer pancakes, bacon, fruits, and juices, coffee and cocktails that can be purchased for adults.

Deromo’s has a banquet room which I didn't even know existed until we went to the event. It was beautifully set up and everyone was very nice. We ate breakfast then took our pictures with a great looking Santa. DeRomo’s is offering breakfast with Santa again this year 2019 on December 7th at 10:00 am. To plan for a future breakfast with Santa keep your eyes peeled and follow their facebook page: www.facebook.com/DeromosGourmetMarketAndRestaurant and also follow the Facebook page of The Promenade at Bonita Bay: www.facebook.com/PromenadeAtBonitaBay

**Breakfast with Santa is sold out for 2019

Purchase a Rotary Club Christmas Tree  | 332/365 Things to Do

Every year we visit the Rotary of Bonita Springs tent in the Ace Hardware plaza on Bonita Beach Road the weekend after Thanksgiving and every year they never disappoint.

They have trees of all sizes up to 12 feet, fresh wreaths, and poinsettias for sale. The kind people working the tent allow you to open as many trees as you want to check out the fullness and shape of the trees inside the tent. After you decide on a tree you pay and they will trim it up for you and load it on to your car and tie it down if needed.

We love the idea of supporting our local Rotary every year and always end up with a beautiful tree. If you are looking for fun things to do and a tree to purchase that supports a cause we highly recommend the Rotary Club tree tent!

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About the Author - Jenna Hatfield is a life-long resident of Bonita Springs, Florida and mother of two boys.

Holiday in the Park Bonita Springs  | 331/365 Things to Do

Bonita Springs Holiday in the Park is an event my family looks forward to every year. The City of Bonita Springs hosts the event at Riverside Park every year, typically on the first Tuesday of December. There are so many things to do like a giant snow pile, train ride, live music and Santa & Mrs. Claus will be making an appearance on a horse and carriage. At the end of the night there is a giant snow fall (bubbles) across the entire park it is truly magical fun in Southwest Florida.

It is also when the city lights their giant Christmas tree which is a sight to see. The best part about this event is that the entire thing is FREE! There is food and beverages from vendors for purchase.

Holiday in the Park is on December 3 from 4:30pm-8:30pm in Riverside Park in Bonita Springs, Florida.

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About the Author - Jenna Hatfield is a life-long resident of Bonita Springs, Florida and mother of two boys.

Arts & Crafts Fair Venice Florida  | 330/365 Things to Do 

Not far from Bonita Springs and Estero Florida is the city of Venice Florida. Back in the day, the Griffith clan spent a lot of time there ice skating. Yes, it was our only rink before the Everblades came to town.  The Venice-Nokomis Rotary Club hosts an annual Arts and Crafts Fair in Venice so we have a reason to go again!

The Annual Fine Arts and Crafts Festival is a 2-day celebration of the arts that boasts 100 talented artists & craft makers, a children’s art display, food and drinks, non-stop entertainment, classic cars, children’s activity area and the Venice City Road-E-O. The Arts & Crafts Fair is held at the Venice Airport Festival Grounds. 

The next Venice Arts & Crafts fair is held Jan 18 & 19, 2020 but you can find future events at their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/VeniceNokomisRotary.  If you are looking for fun things to do with kids this is a family friendly event.

1st Thursday Social Bonita Springs | 329/365 Things to Do

The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs hosts a social at the Trianon Hotel in Bonita Springs, Florida on the 1st Thursday of the month. Both members and invited guests get together each month on the first Thursday of the month. Its a great way to get to know your fellow Rotarians and for guests to learn what we are doing both locally and nationally through Rotary International.

If you’re new to Southwest Florida this is a great mixer to meet new people and to find a way to get involved in community events.

To learn more visit: www.facebook.com/myrotary

Wreaths Across America in Naples Florida | 328/365 Things to Do

Naples Florida has it’s own Wreaths Across America event and it is special not only to SWFL but nationally because it is not at a cemetery.  Many people recognize the Wreaths Across America events at cemeteries and have see the dramatic visuals of photos of each grave recognized with a wreath. 

The Freedom Memorial of Naples holds a ceremony where every branch of the armed forces are recognized. A wreath is presented for each branch of the service and displayed in front of the memorial.  In addition, a wreath is presented and hung on each piece of World Trade Center steel that is on display behind the memorial. 

To learn about the Naples Wreaths Across America event and events in the future follow the official Facebook page of the Freedom Memorial, here: www.facebook.com/CollierCountyFreedomMemorial

Homestead Championship Rodeo | 327/365 Things to Do

Homestead, Florida is just a across ‘the alley’ and a great day trip for residents from Bonita Springs and Estero. The Homestead Championship Rodeo is a great reason to cross the alley if you’re looking for fun things to do, too.  It’s over seventy years in tradition!  

The Homestead Championship Rodeo is one of the oldest annual professional sporting events in South Florida and the only PRCA Rodeo in Miami-Dade County. The rodeo is one of nearly 600 sanctioned annually by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). The PRCA is the largest and oldest rodeo-sanctioning body in the world; ensuring that every event is managed with fairness and competence, and that the livestock used is healthy and cared for to the highest standards.

If you’re interested in attending the Homestead Rodeo you can learn more about the event and future events at: www.facebook.com/Homestead-Rodeo-277924761912

BrainiAxe & Escapes of Bonita Springs | 326/365 Things to Do

It’s only been open a few weeks and I’m here to share to latest adventure at BrainiAxe!  Brainstorm escape room is now renamed to include their axe throwing range! Can you believe it?  The latest rage to hit has been axe throwing ranges or axe throwing galleries. You now have one right in the heart of Bonita Springs.

Here’s what I do know … that close toed shoes are required and there is an age restriction of 12 years of age or older.  There are other rules to throw axes and you can read about it and easily make reservations at the BrainiAxe and Escapes website, here: www.brainiaxe.com/axe-throwing.

If you are looking for fun things to do in Bonita Springs this should definitely fit the bill. It would make a great gift for the person who has everything, too. 

We’ll be giving away an axe throwing adventure on the Forum 2019 Christmas giveaway so join the group for a chance to win: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BonitaEsteroForum/