Life In Bonita Springs

Go Antiquing in Arcadia | 129/365 Things to Do

If you are an antique aficionado you have to drive to Arcadia.  Arcadia is a historic town just east of Punta Gorda on US 17.  The city itself is based on agriculture; orange groves, peaches orchards and blueberry farms.

The historic downtown area of Arcadia has evolved into quite an antique mecca.  You can easily park and walk to several antique stores with minimal effort.  Some of the store are mostly antiques where others have a mix of collectibles or folk art mixed amongst the antiques.  

Mixed amongst the antique stores are a variety of shops and diner style restaurants. If you’re looking for fun things to do not so far from Bonita Springs or Fort Myers consider a day trip to Arcadia. If you plan your day trip in the spring chances are you can pick peaches or blueberries while you are there.  The oranges are usually available later in the fall, depending upon the variety of orange you are looking for.

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Pick Florida Peaches in Arcadia 115/365 Things to Do

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The Tiniest Post Office in America | 128/365 Things to Do

Did you know that the Ochopee Post Office is the smallest post office in the United States? It is basically a tiny shed on US 41 near Ochopee, Florida.

The Ochopee Post Office building used to be a storage facility for irrigation pipes of an adjacent tomato farm.  Back in 1953 it was converted to a post office after a fire destroyed Ochopee's original post office which was located in the Gaunt Company Store.

The post office is currently fully functional serving the surrounding populations of Miccosukee and Seminole Indians.

If you’d like to go for a road trip you can easily find the post office near SR 29 at US 41.  ‘29 comes down from Fort Myers area so it’s a great, easy day trip.  You can grab lunch at Ave Maria or even head further south to Everglades City.  Nearby local attractions include Big Cypress Gallery | Clyde Butcher.

Cruise From Port Miami 127/365 Things To Do

We live in paradise so it is hard to go places on vacation. One day it dawned on us that the ports for cruise ships were only a short drive away from Bonita Springs so we took the kids on extended weekend Carnival Cruise. I was able to find some last-minute deals on line and booked it.

We already had our passports so it was easy. If you do not have your passports or passport cards I suggest getting them before cruising. As another measure of security I got my kids a Florida State ID. Once your child is the age of 5 they are eligible to have a state ID. Just in case something happens this was just another form of identification. You do not have to do that.  I am ‘that mom’ that makes sure I have extra information.

We hopped in the car and took the 1-hour drive to across Alligator Alley  then another hour to get to the Port of Miami. It’s always depending upon traffic in Miami.  It’s definitely not the same as the west coast. We barely have fly overs in Fort Myers, let alone Estero or Naples. You can also cruise out of Ft. Lauderdale which is closer to SWFL. They port has parking for your car so you do not have to worry about getting to the port. They have security there 24/7.

Check in is just like herding cattle through all the lines and the turns.Showing your passports, State Id, and cruise printable tags and such for  your safety. It really doesn’t take that long.

Carnival Cruise Lines has something called “Camp Carnival” which is a program that the kids can participate in. They have many activities for the kids to do. It looked so fun that I wanted to be a part of it too. The kids had contests, crafts, games, dance parties, and so much more. At one point the kids wanted to be with fellow campers and not the adults.

We cruised from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas. We choose to take the day pass through Atlantis. We walked through the turtles, the sharks, aquarium, mall, casino, and any other part of the resort our passes would allow us. Next stop was Half Moon Cay which is Carnival’s private island. Now here, I may have gone a little over board. We rented a cabana that has unlimited snacks for the day. I was able to pick the cabana I wanted and I choose the one that was closest to the lunch place as well as the bathrooms. Included in the cabana rental was the snorkeling gear and floating mats. This is what the kids still talk about. It was relaxed, quality family time.

Our last stop was Grand Turk. Here we got off the ship and enjoyed some lunch and walked around a little. Aiden and I took a helicopter ride around the island and got to see shipwrecks and sharks. There was then 1 day at sea on our way back.

There are other companies that offer cruises from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa and more locations in Florida. If you live in Florida, especially Southwest Florida, you’re a one tank trip away from some of the easiest, low hassle vacations around.

Angela Griffith is a real estate agent in Bonita Springs, Florida.  She and her husband Jon, who is a Florida native, are raising two children in the Heitmans area of Bonita Springs.

Memorial Day Event Riverside Park 126/365 Things To Do

Every year the City of Bonita Springs holds a Memorial Day service at Riverside Park near the Band Shell. The service is usually about an hour in length with traditional ceremony and remembrances. If you are interested in learning more you can visit the city of Bonita Spring’s official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/CityBonitaSprings/ 

There is limited seating so if standing for prolonged periods is difficult bring a chair and also consider an umbrella for shade.

During events such as Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day the park is heavily decorated with flags lining the walkway. It’s a sight to see.   

Riverside Park is locate on Old 41 Rd at Reynolds Ave. Bonita Springs, Florida.

Defy Fort Myers, Florida 125/365 Things To Do

We attended a birthday party at Defy Fort Myers and my kids (including my husband) had a blast! Defy is a 40,000 square foot facility with over 35 trampoline Ninja Obstacle courses, dodge ball, trapeze, and tons of foam pits.

When we walked into Defy we were instantly impressed with the graffiti type artwork on the walls and the overwhelming amount of things to do. But first everyone must sign waivers before you can begin your extreme indoor fun! If you have ever seen the show American Ninja Warrior this is the ultimate playground for fans of that TV show. It challenged my boys physically and mentally as they had to really focus on some of the ninja obstacle courses.

If you do not want to partake in the activities there is large seating areas all over so you can watch from afar. There are locker rooms for your personal items if you need to store them. My kids played for an hour at Defy and spent the rest of the day lounging around the house because they were wore out!

Parents! I highly recommend checking it out if you have young kids and need to get out of the house one day, perfect for those hot summer days or a rainy day! Defy is located at the Forum in Fort Myers at 9370 Dynasty Dr. off Colonial Blvd.

Read also: Sky Zone Fort Myers Things to Do with Kids

Read also: Bounce into a Trampoline Park in Naples, Florida 8/365

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

Naples Players Sugden Theater 124/365 Things To Do

Naples Players Sugden Theater is a live playhouse with variety of plays and musicals throughout the year.  It’s an anchor to the Downtown Naples, Florida area.  It’s nestled amongst great public spaces and a variety of dining establishments so many who enjoy the theater also dine in the downtown area prior to show time.

The Naples Players stage more than 220 performances a year. The audience totals more than 50,000 annually plus there is an education program that reaches over one-thousand students annually.

It’s been voted Best Live Theatre for sixteen consecutive years in the Naples Daily News plus many best-of Southwest Florida Choice Awards among others.

There is ample parking near the Sugden Theater both on street and in city garages plus there is valet parking on 4th Ave behind the theater near Trulucks. To learn more, read also: Naples Players

If you’re a live theater buff visiting Southwest Florida or staying in the Naples, Florida area read also: Norris Center Naples Florida 79/365 Things to Do

Waterside Dining at Flippers FMB 123/365 Things To Do

If you head north on Estero Blvd. just north of Dog Beach you’ll find Flippers at the Lover’s Key Resort.  It’s located just before you leave Black Island at the drawbridge. 

Flippers is a great waterside dining location that offers fast and common lunch items plus some great seafood dishes during the dinner hour.  It took me years to finally make it to Flippers. My kids took me for my birthday.  We started with the Artichoke appetizer and we enjoyed entrees that varied from pasta dishes, the filet mignon, grouper Oscar, shrimp scampi and a few other dishes I don’t recall. Everyone enjoyed their meals. There is a children’s menu, too. 

After dinner we walked down by the sea wall and the grand kids helped a few star fish make their way back into the water.  The sunset was fantastic.  In May it is setting within view of the restaurant.  In the winter the sky will glow and be spectacular but you won’t see the sun dip.

If you go know that it’s casual dress and kid friendly and a little noisy so kids can be a little loud or fussy and not be disruptive.  Lover’s Key State Park is across the street so you can also have a little walk after dinner if you’re looking for fun things to do on Fort Myers Beach.

Butterfly Watch in North Fort Myers 122/365 Things To Do

The Conservation 20/20 program in Lee County Florida made ensured that generations of Floridians can enjoy swaths of nature preserves of years to come. There are many preserves and parks that are waiting for you and your family to tour them.

One of the little known activities is butterfly watching or butterfly spotting.  It may not be a far distance to travel but if you go north of the Caloosahatchee River you will find a little different spectrum of wildlife including butterflies.  In the photo above is a variety of a not so common hairstreak.

If you’re looking for things to do, especially things to do with kids taking them to a free nature preserve and challenging them to spot a minimum of five different butterflies will engage them in nature and have them take interest in a walk. Plus they’ll get a little exercise it’s good for them to get out and enjoy some fresh air. 

In North Fort Myers I recommend visiting Prairie Pines Preserve. It’s a great starter hike, fairly short distance and you’ll find butterflies.  The kids will love the trails and it’s a short time commitment. It’s near the Shell Factory so you can visit both locations, too. Read also:  Prairie Pines Preserve | N. Fort Myers, Florida

VIP Movies at Prado Bonita Springs 121/365 Things To Do

First, you have to know that I am no fan of movies.  I do make a compromise if the movie date is on the table.  It has to be early. I am an early bird so a late movie is just painful for me. I fall asleep.  Second, it has to be the VIP seats. The theater at The Prado has the VIP seats that are super wide, comfy recliners.  So you get to kick back and actually relax and enjoy the show.  There are fewer people around you so it is quieter, too.

The Prado isn’t the only movie theater in Bonita Springs or Estero with VIP seating. Coconut Point has a huge theater, too. You can easily download the Fandango App or visit www.Fandango.com to locate a theater near you with VIP seating.

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Bonita Springs, catch a flick at The Prado in Bonita Springs, Florida.

Read also:  Stadium 12 at The Prado | Bonita Springs, Florida

Visit Dog Beach Bonita Springs 120/365 Things To Do

You don’t even have to have a dog to enjoy Dog Beach.  There is nothing more enjoyable for a dog than being wet and giving them free reign on a beach. The dogs to got totally bonkers running around.  The dogs just love being out on the beach.

Dog beach is one of the few designated pet friendly beaches on the coast and it is located in Bonita Springs, Florida.  It’s located just north of Bonita Beach on the way to Fort Myers Beach. It’s located just before Lover’s Key.  The beach is an off-lead dog beach so the dogs are running around chasing balls and Frisbees.

If you go, know that there are no services available for humans. No rest rooms or vendors for water or snacks so bring your own. Parking is free, entrance is free and the entertainment is priceless.

For other nearby activities, read also: Free Entertainment at Carl Johnson Boat Ramp 47/365