Life In Bonita Springs

Ana’s European Café Punta Gorda 119/365 Things To Do

If you’re looking for a one tank trip, Punta Gorda is just up I-75 and an easy drive for a fun day of new experiences, including a divine breakfast or lunch. We stumbled upon Ana’s a while back while we were looking for breakfast and trying to avoid the standard franchises along the interstate.

First, Ana’s is amazing.  Our server, Amanda, let us know that the only thing frozen on premise is the ice cream.  Everything is fresh, made to order and delicious. Even the coffee is made by the cup.

Jerry had the bacon and eggs which was not only delicious but a feast for the eyes.  I had the spanakopita and it was outstanding.  We also tried cheesy muffins which were delish.

If you’re looking for a place to eat in Punta Gorda, Ana’s is a most do.  If you are looking for things to do in Punta Gorda be sure to stop by Fisherman’s Village or plan your visit around one of the local farmer markets.

Read also:  Vietnam Memorial Wall of SWFL 93/365 Things to Do

Bonita Springs Real Estate Market Update March 2019

Well, take a quick look at those cash transactions in Bonita Springs and Estero real estate sales.  We got a little punch of cash during March 2019.  That’s about six percent more cash closings more than the month prior. 

The Bonita Springs real estate market is quite healthy and stable. This month we had no short sales close sale and very few foreclosures record as a closed sale.

Most importantly, whether you are a home buyer or a home seller you need to recognize that about 83% of our closed sales were priced $600,000 and under. That’s a huge figure so depending upon the neighborhood where you are buying or selling a home you should definitely get an absorption rate to determine where you offer should come in at or the most effective list price of your home. 

If you would like to learn more about using absorption rates to your buying and selling advantage call Chris at 239-273-7430.

U-Pick Blueberries in Arcadia Florida 118/365 Things To Do

A great one tank trip from Bonita Springs, Florida is to Arcadia, Florida to pick blueberries.  The farm information can be found on Facebook at Down South Blues Corporation.  You will want to follow them online to find out when the blueberries are ready for u-pick and the days of operation. Much like the Arcadia Peach U-Pick the fruit has to be ripe before the public can pick.  Both peaches and blueberries are ripe mid March to mid May. 

If you go to Arcadia look up both the Peach and the Blueberry farm so you can stop at both.  There are also road side stands and a tomato u-pick on Route 17. The city of Arcadia is rich in agriculture and history.  Depending upon the time of year you can also score citrus and other field crops.

Read also, Pick Florida Peaches in Arcadia 115/365 Things to Do

Take Your Little For a Pedicure 117/365 Things To Do

One of our favorite places to get a manicure/pedicure in Bonita Springs, Florida is #1 NY Nails which is located on US 41 near the Tax Collector office.  Angela and I are regular patrons and recently we switched to regular appointments on Friday evening. To our surprise the rest of the world does other fun things on a Friday night so the appointment schedule is wide open on Friday evenings. If you’d like to join us some time, just call in for an appointment.

Last week we had a few guests with us; Colleen, on of the 4-H moms and Madison, my five year old grand daughter.  Madison is an outdoorsy kid but she is all girl when it comes to visiting #1 NY Nails.  There is a little pedicure chair for girls and for boys.  After she picked her color she lost no time getting to her pink chair.  She grinned from ear to ear the whole time!

Now, for the rest of you I told her I would wear the color she picked.  It’s neon orange so I apologize in advance if my toe nails blind you.

If you’re looking for fun things to do with kids consider getting them a pedicure, especially if they’re a little girl. They just love it!

RSW Airport Observation Area Fort Myers 116/365 Things To Do

A great area to take your loved ones including little ones to view airplanes taking off and landing at RSW – Southwest Florida Regional Airport. My 3 year old grandson has enjoyed going there every month since he was old enough to stand and watch the them.

What you may not expect is that there is a lot of wildlife in the area including deer, turkey, hawks, ducks and all kinds of other birds. The observation area is a fenced in area with a few picnic tables to have a nice snack while watching the planes. There is a nice pond behind the fence to watch wildlife.

The RSW Airport Observation Area is located on the north side of the airport near Chamberlin Parkway on Air Cargo Lane. The area is fenced in and just off the road across from the runway and air cargo facilities. The area is marked with an “Aircraft Observation Area” sign.

If you are looking for fun things to do with kids this is a fun, free activity.

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About the author: Melinda Cochran is photographer and Southwest Florida resident. You can find more of her images at: https://www.facebook.com/journeythroughmyeyes/.  If you know of a great place for Melinda to capture wildlife in action send a message in the comments section of this post.

Pick Florida Peaches & Blueberries - 115/365 Things to Do

You may not think of Florida when it comes to growing peaches but they do grow here.  About an hour north of Bonita Springs/Fort Myers areas is the town of Arcadia, Florida.  There is actually a u-pick for peaches and blueberries!  If you’ve never had fresh-fresh blueberries you must go!   My first taste was at Sun Harvest in Fort Myers.  They had brought in fresh blue berries. One bite and I was sold!  The same with the peaches.

So the skinny on the u-pick is that you have to be on top of their hours so don’t just hop in the car and drive to Arcadia.  There are only certain days that they are open and also, fruits are finicky and sometimes they aren’t ripe when they are ready to open for business to there could be delays.

If you are looking for fun things to do with kids a trip to Arcadia for u-pick peaches and blueberries is in order.  Peaches and blueberries are usually ready mid to late March and last until the end of April. 

When you go wear a hat and sunscreen.  Be sure to tune into their Facebook page to find out what days they are open or you can call.  https://www.facebook.com/floridasweetpeaches/ 

The address is 7347 NE Cubitis Ave. Arcadia, Florida 34266 and you can call them at (863) 990-2369.

For information about the blueberries, read also: U-Pick Blueberries in Arcadia Florida 118/365 Things To Do

Cheer on an Honor Flight 114/365 Things to Do

In the spring when the weather has warmed in Washington DC the “Honor Flight” programs start running again.  Typically at the end of April or beginning of May there are a few Honor Flights that depart from RSW and Punta Gorda airports.  Honor Flights take veterans to see their war memorials in Washington. 

Typically you can local a local Honor Flight hub by googling and then looking at their schedule.  There are several hubs throughout Florida and  many nation wide.  The Veterans typically come home around 8 or 9 p.m. and they are greeted with hundreds of local residents who cheer them on and welcome them home.  There isn’t a dry eye in the house!  It’s very overwhelming to see in person and will make you so proud of America and your fellow patriots.

You can read about my first trip with Ted Adams here: 

Collier County Honor Flight Mission Five 2015

Also, here is a video of our return a few years back.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzEv0Q_l7Sg

There was a shortage of volunteers to be guardians so my entire family stepped in and took a veteran.  What a trip.  My veteran, Jim, got to meet Bob Dole who is responsible for the WWII memorial being built. 

Camping at Ginnie Springs 113/365 Things to Do

Located just six or so short hours North of SWFL is a natural spring called Ginnie Springs. It’s northwest of Gainsville, Florida.  At Ginnie Springs the water is a cool 72 degrees all year round. If you have a love for scuba diving there are many caves and things you can explore. We choose to stay above the water on canoes, kayaks, and inner tubes.

We choose to rent an RV in Bonita Springs and then we drove up and spent the weekend at Ginnie Springs. They have full electric and water hook up sites as well as some tent sites by the river. With over 200 acres of wooded area to camp you can choose different sites to suite your camping needs.

Upon arrival and after setting up our RV we set out to the water. Aiden and Madison really enjoyed how crystal clear the water was. They enjoyed watching the scuba divers from above.

We took our floats and kayak and headed down the river. We just let the current take us down stream. This was a fun experience. We got to people watch everyone else who was floating down the river and checked out their choice of floats. The kids were a little out of their element at first but quickly enjoyed just floating peacefully down river. Madison got a little sleepy about ½ way down and fell asleep in the canoe.

You can choose to stay for the weekend or they have a daily rate. There is a little general store on the property for supplies and last minute provisions. I recommend trying to remember all your essentials to avoid paying Disney prices on property. They do have an air hose so you can inflate all of your water toys. If you are looking for fun things to do with the family Ginnie Springs is just a short drive away.

Sun and Fun Lagoon 112/365 Things to Do

On a hot summer day, what better place to take the kids but to a local water park, Sun and Fun Lagoon.  We have a great water park just across the county line, in Collier County. They have two waterparks, however I have only taken the kids to Sun and Fun Lagoon. Which is located just south of Immokalee Road on Livingston Road near the CMON Children’s Museum.

For the kids they have a littles area where they can splash around and enjoy some water effects. Then there is a bigger littles area where they have some lily pads and ropes the kids can walk across as well as some water fun toys. There are two diving boards and a regular pool to enjoy. They have some water slides. There is even a lazy river for both the adults and kids to enjoy.

When we take the kids I typically have Aiden bring a friend or 2 so they can go on the waterslides together. Madison likes to hang out in the lazy river, and the bigger littles area. She enjoys swimming and meeting new friends. We always make sure we have time for ice cream before we leave. It seems to put a nice end to the day.

There is a little snack shack called Zak’s where you can purchase snacks and hamburgers and hot dogs. There is not a huge menu, so you may want to pack some snacks for you and your family. Lockers and Showers are available. They do have a limited amount of safety vests. Parking at Sun and Fun Lagoon is free.

Easter Brunch at Capitol Grille 111/365 Things to Do

After Easter service at Riverside Park our family has enjoyed a great Easter brunch at the Capitol Grille in Naples, Florida. It’s located at the Mercato, across the street from Naples Park  and about five miles south of Bonita Springs.

If you are looking for a great place to have Easter Brunch we hope you find this post and put a pop up in your calendar for next year about a month or so before Easter.  Because this is a popular brunch the prime spots sell out first.  The brunch at Capitol Grille typically has a set menu of delectable choices plus mimosas and other beverages available. 

Our family has enjoyed brunch at Capitol Grille for a number of years, both with and without spoons on our noses.  We wanted to share it with you so you can make arrangements for next year.  Enjoy!