Life In Bonita Springs

The Clam Bake Fort Myers |166/365 Things to Do

If you’re a Patriots fan looking for something fun to do, visit the Clam Bake in Fort Myers.  If you’re a New York Jets looking for *really* fun things to do visit the Clam Bake. Come on, that’s funny. 

So, did I ever tell you about the time that Jerry wore his Joe Namath jersey into the Clam Bake to watch a game?  The Jets game wasn’t broadcasting on cable so we went up to watch it because they were playing Patriots. The Jets won and it was harsh.  We enjoyed the best seafood dinners while it all went down.  The Pats fans booed us when we left the restaurant.  It was good natured booing … not too serious.

If you're a fan of any New England team, the games will be playing on most of the TV's. There's a great view from any table.

We regularly visit the Clam Bake and have never been disappointed in a dinner, yet.  When we were in last week we were able to try a new appetizer – fried avocado bites.  Delicious.  I generally get the baked stuffed shrimp and Jerry usually gets chowdah and clam strips.

If you go early enough there are specials for early birds and lighter portions.  The Clam Bake is located at Island Park Road and US 41. If you drive up earlier in the day you can swing into Sun Harvest Citrus for a cone or to pick up fresh squeezed juice.

Carpenter Lane Node Park Bonita Springs | 165/365 Things to Do

Those of you who have canoed the Imperial River probably passed the node park and saw the wooden deck and platform from the water.  If you’re not familiar with Carpenter Lane or the couple of node parks in Bonita Springs this is a post that will help you familiarize yourself with them and give you a reason to explore the city.

Carpenter Lane is off of Oakland Drive which is an unpaved road just east of Flamingo Island Flea Market on Bonita Beach Road.  Most people wouldn’t go beyond the McDonalds and gas stations because the road is not paved.  This is an original section of old Bonita and the remaining homes on the street are mobile homes, some in disrepair since Hurricane Irma.  If you drive beyond them you’ll get to Carpenter Lane and the wooden deck will be on the left. 

You’ll have a birds eye views of the river. Depending upon the time of the year the appearance will be different because the water level fluctuates.  There isn’t much to see but if you’re looking for a quiet spot to see mature cypress or if you want a place to see paddlers who are going by after departing from the weir this would be a good spot. 

The city of Bonita Springs has secured a few pieces of land around the city and saved them for the future. We’ll try to link a few together, going forward, for those who like to explore both online and in person.

Fort Myers River Walk Path | 164/365 Things to Do

The downtown Fort Myers River District area is quite a vibrant area with a ton of things to do.  There are a variety of planned events throughout the year including Art Walk which is when they close down the downtown area to vehicles and it’s an art fair and public social. 

Just a few blocks from that downtown area is the walking path that runs along the river. If you’re up for the exercise you can create your own loop of walking that includes downtown sidewalks and the path along the river that runs from Centennial Park to Lookout Pier.  This is a short path but perfect if you have littles with you or those who aren’t as mobile. It’s not a huge commitment in stamina and it’s scenic so you can stop and sit and watch boats or people watch. 

There are a variety of downtown restaurants that serve fare from pizza by the slice to full meals at Ford’s Garage or Joe’s Crab Shack.

If you need an address to find the area 2000 W First St, Fort Myers, FL 33901 should get you near a parking lot.  There is also a parking garage in the general vicinity, also.

Read also, Art Walk Fort Myers River District | 157/365 Things to Do

Visit the Mysore Fig Tree in Estero | 163/365 Things to Do

Located just north of Bonita Springs in Estero, Florida is the Mysore Fig Tree.  It’s one of our more locally famous landmark trees. It was imported from Mysore, India.  The tree is over 100 years old and is now an enormous tree with a fascinating and beautiful root system.  There aren’t other trees like it in the area.  The tree is on private property but it is a semi public tree.  It’s popular with those who have interest in arbor and the owners of the tree have it decorated for holidays such as Christmas.

If you’re fascinated by trees and looking for a driving trip of things to do while you’re in SWFL you can find the tree at the corner of Sandy Ln. and Broadway in Estero, Florida right by community of The Groves. Other trees of interest in the area include the Banyan Tree in Bonita Springs and Royal Palm Trees of McGregor.  To learn more, read also, The Tree by The Groves

Rent a Pontoon Boat With Kids | 162/365 Things to Do

We  do not live on gulf access land and we are not boat owners but one of our favorite activities to do a couple times a year is to rent a pontoon boat. The kids just absolutely love it and we enjoy a great day on the water. The night before we go out on the pontoon I usually order Publix sandwiches from our local store. There is an app, by the way. We grab snacks, fruit and we pack a cooler full of waters and Gatorade.

We usually take a nice long ride around just cruising the bay for a bit then will hit the beach at New Pass by dog beach or on Lover’s Key where there is usually a pretty good crowd of boats.  Before we go we also  fill our beach bags full of buckets, shovels and lots of sunscreen! You can get tons of water toys at the dollar stores and save a fortune.  Another good tip is to bring a tent to set up on the beach once you anchor. It is nice to have a spot out of the sun so the kids can eat and relax.

Boat rentals are usually for 2 hours or up to 8 hours.  We usually find 6 hours to be plenty and rent 9:00am-3:00pm.  If you are looking for fun things to do with kids and you’d like to do something different than just sit on Bonita Beach, consider renting a boat.

We always rent from Bonita Boat Rentals which is located 26395 Hickory Blvd, Bonita Springs, Fl 34134. Pricing can be found on their website www.bonitaboatrentals.com

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

Greek Restaurant in Naples - Mykonos Kuzina

Honestly, this is one I am torn telling you about this… mostly because I don’t need the competition for a table.  I had heard about this tucked away Greek restaurant somehow and one magical day I threw it out there when we were having our typical “negotiation for where to eat next” conversation.  Jerry agreed to Greek and off we went to Mykonos Kuzina. I was in the mood for falafel and their falafel did not disappoint. Our entrees were Vegetarian Souvlaki for me and Pork Souvlaki for him.  Amazing grill kabobs of vegetables and pork.  There is a choice of several sides.

We’ve been back a few time since and the meals are consistently good.  I even ordered take out for my daughter and she loved it. Jerry’s had chicken, pork and lamb and is looking forward to the beef and branzino.  The owner says his favorite is his hand cut veal chop.

Mykonos Kuzina is running great summer dining specials, like many restaurants do.   Summer of 2019 special are two dinners and a bottle of wine for $29.99.  We’re non-drinkers and much to our delight they offer a dessert in lieu of wine!  We’re disappointed at many of our other favorite places that run summer specials with only alcohol included.  Most haven’t embraced that not everyone drinks. 

If you go make a reservation. They are wildly popular on weekends.  We go early around 4 p.m. when we don’t have a reservation.

Mykonos Kuzina is located 13510 Tamiami Trail, Naples, FL 34110 which is at the traffic light at Wiggins Pass Road behind the Walgreens. 

There’s more restaurant information, here: www.mykonoskuzina.com

May 2019 Bonita Springs Real Estate Update

This month we’re a little more of the same.  The Bonita Springs real estate market has been stable and, in fact, the buyers are here.  For some reason people still think we’re a seasonal real estate market.  Our team has been busy closing sales that occurred in April and May.  Plus we’ve sold a variety of homes and condos to buyers who specifically came to town to purchase a home for next winter.  We’ll see a steady stream of these buyers over the following months.

Our ‘units sold’ are consistent and we still have very few distressed properties for sale in Bonita Springs and Estero, Florida. The cash buyers are out and about, that’s for sure.  We’ve seen a fair amount of cash transactions followed by conventional financing.

There are a few neighborhoods that have excess inventory and others with very little. If you’re looking particularly to score a deal or to shop through a neighborhood to find a bargain, give me a call and we can talk through the styles of neighborhoods that fit and I can point you towards the ones that have the selections which also means value.

Both Angela and I have work steadily year round so we know the area and values quite well. Give us a call to get started.  If you’re heading to town in the near future be sure call a few weeks ahead so we can save time for you in the calendar.

Bonita Springs City Hall Art in Public| 161/365 Things to Do

The city of  Bonita Springs has tons of art in public places but this one was a little mission to find.  These two used to be on display at The Banyan Tree in Downtown Bonita Springs, for years. The Secret Bench of Knowledge by artist Leah Vivot was installed in 2003. 

Fast forward through the redevelopment of the downtown area up to spring of 2019 when I found this old photo of them and wondered where they went.  I eventually posted the photo in the Bonita Springs Estero Community Forum and members chimed in with their location.

Our handsome couple now reside at city hall.  You can easily park and visit them on your way into the building. 

Also, if you venture inside you’ll find on of my own favorite pieces of art. I have always been fascinated with it and it’s representation of one of Bonita Springs’ fixtures, Les Piper, of The Everglades Wonder Gardens.

Read also:

River Park Art In Public Places | 150/365 Things to Do

Mural Art in Public Places Bonita Springs, FL 142/365 Things to Do

Story Time at Chick-Fil-A Estero | 160/365 Things to Do

It is summer time in Bonita Springs, Florida so that means school is out.  It is hot outside and we have afternoon showers so we are always on the hunt for inside activities to do. Last summer we stumbled upon a Storytime and Craft at Chick Fil a in Estero, Florida. Every Friday in June 7-28th (may continue through July but those dates have not been released) from 10:00am-11:00am they will have a story and set up a craft station for your children.

Chick-Fil-A also is one of the only places in the area with an indoor playground which is wonderful in the summertime. Last year at two of the story times we attended they brought special guests like a little crocodile and read a story about crocodiles. If you’re looking for fun things to do with kids it’s a very cute fun activity to beat the heat with your young ones!

You can check out the event on Chick-Fil-A Estero Facebook page or call them for more information. Chick-Fil-A Estero’s address is 21900 S Tamiami Trail Estero Florida 33938.

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

Norman Love Confections & Chocolate | 159/365 Things to Do

  The world is slowly catching onto southwest Florida’s sweetest Secret; Norman Love Chocolates and Gelato! If you’re lucky enough to have discovered it, there is a Norman Love boutiques sprinkled around SWFL.  I live in Bonita Springs so I am half way between the Fort Myers store near Jet Blue Park (Fenway South) and the Naples store in Park Shore.

It would really do no justice to describe the chocolate or the gelato because it has to be tasted, not read about.  What I can tell you is that there are more flavors of chocolate than I could have ever dreamed up.  Now, while I wouldn’t necessarily say I am a fan of key lime I will tell you that the key lime chocolate is my favorite.  I’ve had a variety of the gelato flavors and I love any of the citrus flavors.

If you’re in the Gateway or Miromar Outlets area stop in for a treat and remember to keep Norman Love on your holiday idea list, too.  For more information about Norman Love Confections or store locations visit the official website at www.NormanLoveConfections.com