Life In Bonita Springs

Catch a Tampa Bay Buccaneers Game | 267/365 Things to Do

If you live in Bonita Springs, Estero, Naples or Fort Myers Florida you’re only a few hours drive from so many major points of interest.  One of the fun things to do is to join in major sporting event games in either Miami or Tampa.  There are both MLB and NFL games available in both major cities.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers play at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.  Many folks are transplants from other parts of the country so if ‘your team’ plays Tampa it’s a great day trip to see them in person.  Tampa is about two to two and one half hours north of Lee County Florida. You can drive up and back in the day or make a weekend of it.

It’s always a great time seeing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play. The energy in the stadium is great and it’s fun to eat naughty food, too!  If you go be sure to plan ahead for hotel accommodations if you plan to spend the night or consider looking for a room in nearby St. Pete in the downtown area. It’s a fun, walkable area with nightlife and great people watching.

Boat House Tiki Bar & Grill | 266/365 Things to Do

My husband Jon owns a Harley Street Glide Motorcycle. He is always begging me to go for a longer ride then around Bonita Springs. This last weekend, I went for a longer ride with him. We took all the local back roads to North Fort Myers and drove around looking at the scenery. It was so pretty to be out on the open road looking at new surroundings.  While North Fort Myers isn’t very far the land, trees and atmosphere is a little bit different.  The Caloosahatchee River is the subtropical climate line so there are different trees and even butterflies north of the line.

When we took a break we had lunch at a place called Boat House Tiki Bar & Grill. This restaurant is located by the Lee Civic Center (where the Lee County Fair is held). They have a Tiki Bar, Beach Area, and Pool. You can enjoy the game on the big screen TV over the bar, sit by the pool with a drink in your hand or even enjoy looking at the Caloosahatchee River in their “beach area”.

They have daily and nighty live music for entertainment along with corn hole to play. Their menu has a little bit of everything for everyone. I had a cheese burger with fries, and it was a really good burger!

To learn more visit their website: www.theboathouseusa.com

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About the author: Angela Griffith is a resident of Heitmans Bonita Springs where she lives with her husband Jon, son Aiden and daughter Madison.

Barnyard Goat Yoga Lehigh Acres | 265/365 Things to Do

Barnyard Yoga is just that. Located on a quaint, yet easily accessible, farm in Lehigh Acres, this unique venue offers a fun, exciting, and therapeutic experience for children and adults of all skill levels without the added pressure of maintained silence or perfection. The course is primarily beginner in nature, yet the true value remains within the furry guests who are present for the hour and a half session. Your time is sure to bring laughs throughout while the instructor leads the class in an understandable and educational way.  I brought my own yoga mat, as do most, yet additional mats are made available if you prefer to not use your own or the occasional "accident" happens. Disclaimer: No accidents occurred during this writer's session.

The course was held within a barn, which allowed for continuation despite a light drizzle.  This also provides for shade and cooler temperatures, in addition to a light breeze.  This pictures from this particular session were taken during summer months with the climate quite manageable. If you arrive on time, this allows for playtime and pictures with the goats, within the barn, before the class begins.

The session was well stacked with baby goats and chickens, though there are also horses, pigs, and cats outside of the barn as well.  The goats proved to be highly social, particularly as goat feed is provided during the session.  You are also welcome to bring apples or carrots. They are quick to cozy up with you on your yoga mat, fall asleep beneath your pose, or hitch a quick ride on your back.

The therapeutic power of animals proves to be true particularly true in this class and it's just an added bonus that the session costs $20 and is typically held on Sundays. If you are looking for fun things to do consider barnyard yoga.  Reservations are necessary and contact information, location, and additional details can be located at www.barnyardyogainc.com  The exact location is 1810 Desoto Avenue in Lehigh Acres, FL 33972, just east of Fort Myers and courses can be conveniently scheduled using the website.  Baaaa-maste!

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About the Author - Jennafer Rodricks is a life long Bonita Springs resident and lives in the historic downtown Bonita Springs area with her husband, child and her rescue Weimador, Blue.

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille FMB | 264/365 Things to Do

If you’re looking for fun things to do that include waterfront dining and possibly a little live music consider grabbing drinks or dinner at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille.   We had a last minute schedule change and decided to grab a fast bite as the sun was setting.  It was a mid week visit and there was live music out back.   You can choose to sit in air conditioning, too.

We sat outdoors, upstairs and ordered the lobster roll with coleslaw and a margarita flatbread pizza.  We’re just water drinkers so we can’t render an opinion on the cocktails but they were pretty looking!  It was a quiet dinner and the food was great.  When we left we walked down stairs past the bar and listened to the band for a little bit.

Parking  is tight at Doc Fords but there is “under bridge parking” and Doc Fords runs a golf cart shuttle so don’t worry about walking too far. You can get a ride both to and from the car if you have to park a distance away.

Doc Ford’s is located under the big bridge at the north end of Fort Myers Beach.  You can see a menu and learn more at their website, www.docfords.com/ft-myers-beach. If you’ve not been to the restaurant before you might want to use GPS the first time.  The road is a little complicated and you’d be compelled to drive on the wrong side of the bridge to get to the restaurant and that would be the wrong way.   Ask me how I know.

Downtown Coffee and Wine Company | 263/365 Things to Do

If you're a Bonita Springs native, it's of no surprise that there's something new and small, with a big turnout, in the area.  Located just off of Old 41, near the fire station, the old Corner Store has transformed into a convenient and cozy spot providing all things needed when it comes to small plates, coffee, and wine.  The Downtown Coffee and Wine Company the perfect addition to this beautiful city and unprecedented in it's kind.

When you walk in, the relaxing ambience is immediately evident. There is a counter for ordering and staff remains exceptionally accommodating. They were happy to assist in modifying menu items to allow for indulgence for one with diabetic needs, in addition to other needs such as ketogenic and other diets.  Their desire to assist customers in enjoying their menu items is palpable.

There is a small area of seating inside, yet the majority of the seating is located just outside their front doors and to the side of the building.  The front patio is well equipped with fans to ensure a breezy environment, in addition to umbrellas for each table. There are also multiple pet dishes to provide water for your furry friends.  Yes, the Downtown Coffee and Wine Company is pet friendly.

The menu truly has something to offer for all.  The craft coffees attract the eye of even those who are not particularly lured to coffee.  I personally saw multiple coffees walk past that were topped with s'more ingredients, chocolate syrups, whipped creams, and cookies. Prosecco with a submerged popsicle appeared to be a hit as well, though teas and other beverages are offered.  Menu items range from frozen raw bowls, avocado toast, various shareables, Panini sandwiches, and bakery items and pricing is felt to be more than fare provided the presentation and experience.

The hours are generous with service Monday through Thursday form 7am to 8pm, Friday through Saturday 7am to 10 pm, and Sunday 8 am to 8 pm.  They are closed daily from 3 pm to 5 pm, likely preparing for evening hours and big offerings in the future.  Though live music is already present on select nights, their menu and website announces future plans of wine tastings, champagne and oyster night, and Sunday brunch.

I invite you to explore their website, at www.downtowncoffeeandwinecompany.com, in addition to salivating over their photos on Instagram and Facebook.  Invite your friends, family, and strangers as all are sure to be impressed.

The Downtown Coffee and Wine Company is located on Old 41 Road just south of Riverside Park and The Banyan Tree.

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About the Author - Jennafer Rodricks is a life long Bonita Springs resident and lives in the historic downtown Bonita Springs area with her husband, child and her rescue Weimador, Blue.

Vintage Market Days in Fort Myers Fla | 262/365 Things to Do

Vintage Market Days was here for the weekend and it did not disappoint ! The market is at Lee Civic Center in North Fort Myers periodically.  The next Vintage Market Days event is in March 2020. Tickets are $5 at the gate.

Once you get inside the Lee Civic Center you will be overwhelmed with tons of vendors from all over the United States with some of the coolest items you will ever see. There was a band and a few food vendors, too.

We spent around two hours walking around and checking it all out. The Lee Civic Center is air conditioned so it is a great way to beat the heat this weekend!  If you are looking for fun things to do in Fort Myers be sure to put Vintage Market Days on your schedule.

You can find future events posted on their official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/vmdsogulfcoastfl

Lee Civic Center

11831 Bayshore Rd.

Fort Myers, FL 33917

Sunset and Drinks at Doc’s Beach House | 261/365 Things to Do

It may surprise you to know that there are limited places to sit on the Gulf of Mexico directly on Bonita Beach.  For those who would like to enjoy a glass of wine at the beach in Bonita Springs,  Doc’s Beach House is a public restaurant nestled between two public beach parking lots.   It is located at the curve in the road where Bonita Beach Road becomes Hickory Blvd across the street from Beach and Tennis Club . 

There are a variety of restaurants that offer waterfront dining on the bay, intracoastal waterway or on a canal but Doc’s is the only public place on the gulf. (Excluding the private beach clubs of Bonita Bay, Mediterra, West Bay Club, The Commons Club or Barefoot Beach Club.)

Doc’s Beach House offers upstairs air conditioned seating with a view or downstairs open air seating. There are also tables and chairs where the parking lot meets the sand so you are able to order and sit near the water’s edge. It’s a great spot to both see the sunset and to people watch.

If you stop in for sunset and do not park in the public space bring a few bucks for the valet.  There is only valet parking at Doc’s Beach House.

Luminosa Miami Chinese Lantern Festival | 260/365 Things to Do

Here is something unusual and a visual treat for the eyes – The Luminosa Miami Chinese Lantern Festival.  Bonita Springs is a one tank trip from the west coast of Florida to Miami.  For those who haven’t made the trip across the Everglades you can even take US 41 over to Miami for a more scenic ride. 

The Luminosa Miami Chinese Lantern Festival is held at Jungle Island and tickets/entrance fees are required. Jungle Island is one of Miami’s premier entertainment destinations. It combines the beauty of Miami’s tropical landscape with a jungle full of extraordinary animals from around the globe. Building upon its rich 75-year history, today’s Jungle Island is a contemporary theme park, featuring extremely rare twin orangutans and over 300 vibrant birds, including the world’s only trained Cassowary.

The Luminosa Miami Chinese Lantern Festival festival runs October 5, 2019 through the new year.  If you’re looking for fun things to do with kids within close proximity to Bonita Springs or Naples take a day trip to Miami, Jungle Island to see the Lantern Festival. 

learn more visit their website www.jungleisland.com.

Naples Veg Fest Event | 259/365 Things to Do

It’s taken quite a while for the more plant based diets to take off in SWFL but we’re starting to see alternatives on the menus and even great restaurants pop up like Food and Thought.  We are also now starting to see a few Veg Fests pop up, too! 

Here’s your save the date invitation for the Naples Veg Fest event that happens just after the first of the year on Jan 12, 2020. It’s going to be held at Sugden Park 4284 Avalon Drive, Naples, Florida 34112. Naples Veg Fest is a free event. You can find out more information here:

www.facebook.com/NaplesVegFest

If you are looking for fun things to do and healthy things to do the Naples Veg Fest is the ticket!

The Naples Stone Crab Festival | 257/365 Things to Do

We are entering fall in Southwest Florida and that means events and festivals!  The locals have waited all summer for the weather to turn and for the list of things to do to start growing.  Upcoming, the Naples Stone Crab festival is on schedule at the end of October every year.  This year the dates are October 25-27th. 

If you’re not familiar with stone crab claws this is your chance to sample the delicacy in person, fresh from the gulf.  Stone Crab claws are wildly popular and they are only a seasonal item. The Naples Stone Crab Festival was launched to introduce stone crab claws to visitors and give residents and visitors alike the chance to see all the wonderful offerings right along our historic and scenic waterfront.

The Festival is located at historic Tin City in Naples, Florida. You can find future event times/dates on their official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/stonecrabfest or www.stonecrabfestival.org.