Life In Bonita Springs

Fort Myers Miracle Fireworks | 234/365 Things to Do

The August 30 2019 Miracle baseball game is hosting a great fireworks display. It’s a common, reoccurring event for the Fort Myers Miracle baseball team.  The team holds a variety of themed events that may be of interest, as well.

If you go be sure to take a rain coat or light blanket in case of rain or for when it cools as the sun goes down. Those will littles sometimes park nearby the park just to watch the fireworks show.  If you are looking for fun things to do with kids in Fort Myers a trip to the Miracles is in order. 

For future firework events tune into their official Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pg/FortMyersMiracle/events/?ref=page_internal

October Fest Fort Myers, Florida | 233/365 Things to Do

The 2019 Annual Oktoberfest in Downtown Fort Myers, presented by Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, has seen over 8,000 attendees in each of its first two years is back. This year will be even bigger, more authentic and plus there will be an added full day of fun on Thursday!  Oktoberfest in Munich starts on the 21st, so we are going to get the party started a little bit early!

The 2019 event is free entry and free parking. Pet and family friendly, too.

For entertainment there will be six live music acts lined up over the four day festival along with every single local authentic German food vendor in Southwest Florida - such as Schnitzel Express, The Meat Cottage, Gerry's Firebread will all be in attendance all four days not to mention authentic German pretzels all four days! Add to that Dynamite Street EatZ Food Truck cooking up entirely custom Oktoberfest inspired menus with twists to menu favorites and brand new creations you must try!

The Original Stein Hoisting Competition in Fort Myers with digital timing with live finish timers and scoring, Facebook Live Streaming and tons of prizes and will be held multiple times per day every day of the festival!

If you are looking for fun things to do in Fort Myers consider this family friendly event held at Millennial Brewing Co. 1811 Royal Palm Ave, Fort Myers, Florida 33901

You can find future events, including future October Fest events here:

https://www.facebook.com/events

Saturn 5 Arcade Coastland Mall Naples | 232/365 Things to Do

The boys and I were doing some school shopping with the kids and I stumbled upon Saturn 5 Arcade in Coastland Center Mall. Coastland Center Mall is located in Naples at the corner of Golden Gate Pkwy and US 41.  On this trip we did not have time to stop and play but from quick walk through they had a lot of classic/favorites arcade games but also a variety of today’s latest and greatest games.

There was also a variety of pinball games, pool tables, air hockey and foosball tables through the arcade. I noticed from walking around there was some price tags on some of the items so I believe they also sell the arcade games and pool tables. I wish we had more time because it appears to be the perfect stop for a break from shopping for kids and adults!

If you’re shopping with kids at Coastland Center Mall we recommend stopping by Saturn 5 Arcade. It would be fun things to do with kids.  Plus, if you’re thinking of outfitting a game room at your house you can see the selection on site.

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

Gator Hatching Festival! | 231/365 Things to Do

Well, here’s something you don’t get to do every day – attend a Gator Hatching Festival!  Gatorama and Crocodile Adventures hosts this unusual event.  The Gator Hatching Festival is running Aug 24 - Sept 2 2019 and is located in Palmdale Florida at Gatorama. Gatorama’s slogan is ‘fast hands or no hands’.  

For fun things to do or especially fun things to do with kids you should put it on your agenda. If you’d like to learn more about Gatorama or the Gator Hatching Festival visit their wesbsite www.Gatorama.com or follow their Facebook page for updates of events:

https://www.facebook.com/pg/GatoramaAdventures/events/

Dance Party with Wendy Renee | 230/365 Things to Do

One of the local favorites for live entertainment is Wendy Renee.  Wendy is a singer and entertainer who frequents a variety of local private country clubs but also has gigs at public places. She draws quite a crowd and sings many standard favorites and popular current music. 

Wendy has quite a following so if you are looking for live entertainment and a good time dancing be sure to check Wendy’s schedule.  She’s frequently at Center Bar at The Promenade at Bonita Bay and also at Café Luna in Naples, Florida. 

To see Wendy’s current performance schedule: http://wendyreneemusic.com/calendar

Kilts on Coquina Beach Bradenton | 229/365 Things to Do

If you’re looking for something fun to do … at a great beach consider a drive from Bonita Springs to Bradenton. Join the New World Celts Sarasota for their annual Celtic Beach Cookout. Wear your favorite kilt and bring your bathing suits. The pavilion is close to the restrooms and beach.  It’s a one tank trip to go to Kilts on Coquina Beach in Bradenton. It’s an annual event and if you’re looking for fun things to do you should put it on your list.

Kilts on Coquina Beach is an all day event.  Bring your bathing suit and your kilt!  Also, bring a side dish to share and if you’re a Celtic musician, bring your instrument. You can learn more by reading the Facebook event link below.  It’s an annual event so you can plan a trip for future Kilts on Coquina Beach events, too.  August 24 2019 https://www.facebook.com/events/787249948309069/

Food and Thought Vegan Dining | 228/365 Things to Do

So one of my tasks today was to deliver my former neighbors to NCH for a few medical procedures. I filled  my time by running errands, visiting the Freedom Memorial at Freedom Park and grabbing lunch at Food and Thought. 

For the healthy eaters in the bunch, Food and Thought offers a wide array of dining options from clean eating to vegan.  Even though Jerry bellyaches about going there is a lovely roasted chicken that I usually order for him.  The last time we visited I asked what the sides were and the clerk was able to make it traditional with mashed potatoes and gravy and green beans.  He is the ‘basic meal’ type of guy. I once saw him break into a cold sweat when I tried to make him eat an empanada … which he ended up loving, by the way.

Long story short, if you love healthy food or vegan food this place is your jam. Promise and pinky swear.  I order the Yamoli wrap. It’s my favorite. When you’re watching carb they’ll wrap it in a collard leaf for you, upon request.

Food and Thought is located near the corner of US 41 and Golden Gate Parkway in Naples Florida.  There are great walking paths and the Freedom Memorial also hosts artifacts from the World Trade Center so if you have a special connection to the city or WTC please stop by for a visit before or after your bite to eat at Food and Thought.

Food and Thought also has a health food store, sells plants and other sustainable items. It’s a very unique place to dine!  Wish we had one in Bonita Springs!

Bonita Springs, FL Real Estate Update July 2019 Stats

There isn’t anything huge happening with Bonita Springs home sales but we are watching small changes that have added up over the past few months.  Most notably we are watching cash transactions shrink.   It was surprising when it went below 50% of the closed sales but we’ve watched a percent or two shave off each of the last few months.  This month we had 43% of our sales close with cash.  Conversely we’ve had about 51% of the closed sales fund with a conventional mortgage.  It’s a seemingly subtle wave of change in funding, but we’re watching it.

In other news, the buyers are back in a wave, too.  In one week we have had most of our under $300,000 listings pend sale!  If you’ve been hesitating listing your home or condo and you’re priced under $500,000, now is the time.  The serious buyers are here looking for a home to live in this winter. 

If I can help you learn more about buying a home in Bonita Springs or selling your real estate in Bonita Springs call or text 239-273-7430.

Bonita Springs Thrift Shop Surfing | 227/365 Things to Do

Bonita Springs has so many thrift stores.  Why does Bonita Springs have so many thrift stores? Because we are the land of second homes.   Many people who move here from outside of the area purchase their new home in Bonita Springs turnkey furnished!

That means that the homes that they purchase are not only furnished but outfitted with everything down to the silverware. It’s a great start for someone who needs the furniture but many home buyers donate the furniture to local charities and it is sold in their thrift stores. I’ve outfitted rentals for myself by using these great stores, myself. 

If you’re about to jump into a new hobby or sport it is worth your while to check the local thrift stores in Bonita Springs for discounted gear.  It is definitely worth the look. We’ve been assembling puzzles as a family and getting them for pennies on the dollar.  Our last puzzle was $3.99 in the thrift store but is $134 on Amazon. I know!  Who would pay that much for a puzzle?

A great resource for both consignment and thrift stores in Bonita Springs is the Happy Thrifter.  You can visit their Facebook page for more information, here:

https://www.facebook.com/thehappythriftershopper/

Village Walk Bar & Grill | 226/365 Things to Do

So Angela and I went to pick up staging materials from our pending listing in Village Walk and I recommended that we have lunch at the restaurant on site.  It’s one of my favorite places and beats the socks off of most restaurants in town. You, as a consumer, have probably never heard about it!

It’s an American restaurant with a flair for Greek.  There are great dishes that are the standards, including pizza but great Greek options and some wonderful salads. My favorite is the fried artichoke appetizer and the spring salad that has so many goodies in it! I even get avocado on it just to put it over the top.  Angela ordered the Cobb Salad with chicken and loved it. 

We agreed that this is a great spot because there are health conscious options for the women and meaty, manly meals for the boys.  This restaurant nails it with menu options and the freshness is unparalleled.  Trust me, I’m a food snob and picky about fresh field greens!

Village Walk Bar & Grill is located in the community of Village Walk of Bonita Springs. You can get through the guard gate by letting them know you’re going to the restaurant but just make sure the restaurant is open. If you’d like to learn more or check for updated hours of operations visit their Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/VillageWalkBarGrill/