If you’re feeling the wintertime blues coming on, we have the cure! National Plan a Vacation Day is Jan. 28, and the Fort Myers area has everything you need for the perfect escape.

Come and experience our award-winning beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, warm days, blue skies, island hopping, paddling trails, fishing, nature, arts and culture, family adventures and waterfront dining. Everything you need to make unforgettable memories is here. And don’t forget, spring training is right around the corner.

Visit the Visitor Digital Guide and make plans now for your winter visit to our tropical paradise.

Don’t miss this month
Fort Myers Seafood and Music Festival, downtown Fort Myers
Jan. 3-5
paragonfestivals.com/festival/fort-myers-seafood-music-festival

J.N. “Ding” Darling Winter Programs (themed tours/activities), Sanibel Island
Begins Jan. 6 and runs through April 5.
dingdarlingsociety.org/seasonal-programs

J.N. “Ding” Darling Winter Lecture series, Sanibel Island
Begins Jan. 9 with Clyde and Niki Butcher and continues into March.
dingdarlingsociety.org/lecture-series

40th annual Cape Coral Art Festival and Market Place
Jan. 11-12
capecoralartfestival.com

34th Tour De Cape in Cape Coral
Jan. 17-19
Rotary Park
tourdecape.net

Wellness in Nature at “Ding” on Sanibel Island
Jan. 23-26
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
dingwellness.com

ArtFest Fort Myers, downtown Fort Myers
Jan. 31-Feb. 2
artfestfortmyers.com

Plan ahead
Southwest Florida celebrates the power of reading March 1, Fort Myers
Twenty-five acclaimed and bestselling authors will meet fans and sign books at the 26th annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival on March 1 at the Fort Myers Regional Library. The event brings internationally recognized authors for adults, teens and children to celebrate the power of reading and promote literacy and library services and encourage a communitywide culture of reading for recreation and personal development. Check details for this free event at readfest.org

Celebrate 100 Years of Spring Training at Edison and Ford Winter Estates
To celebrate 100 years of spring training in Fort Myers and Thomas Edison's love of baseball, Edison and Ford Winter Estates is opening the museum for a free family-friendly event from 6-8 p.m. on Feb. 20. Guests will get to see a baseball exhibit and learn about the history of spring training and the connection to Thomas Edison. There also will be games, trivia, children’s activities, and photo opportunities with a local baseball mascot. 

The Estates' baseball exhibit highlights baseball legends who once played at Terry Park in Fort Myers, and features artifacts from the Connie Mack family. Cornelius McGillicuddy, aka “Connie Mack,” was the manager and owner of the Philadelphia Athletics. He provided the specifications to build Terry Park, which opened for spring training in 1925 and was frequently visited by Thomas Edison. edisonford.org

Headed to the beaches? Help protect our wildlife
It’s not only our visitors who want to escape the cold. There are also thousands of migratory shorebirds lining our coasts. Many of these include gulls, terns and plovers, which often travel thousands of miles from northern states, Canada or the Arctic region.

When on the beaches, you may notice some birds with bandings on their legs. A number of migratory birds are classified as either endangered, threatened or a species of special concern. Researchers have banded some of these birds to monitor their migratory patterns, nesting locations and lifespan. This is one reason why it’s so important to protect the health of our beaches and preserve natural areas along our coastline. There is a lot we can all do to help while enjoying our beaches:

  • Respect signed nesting areas. Plover nests are difficult to see. The posted areas prevent beachgoers from accidentally trampling the eggs in a nest.
  • As with all wildlife, it’s important to always keep a respectful distance. Although these birds may be aware of our presence, we should not do anything to cause the birds to become alarmed and fly away. When this happens, it can impact their ability to forage for food, care for their young, rest and watch for predators.
  • Honor the leash law. Plovers view dogs as predators. An unleashed dog may destroy nests and kill hatchlings.

For more details: sccf.org/our-work/shorebirds

Accommodations news
New accommodations open
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Fort Myers Gulf Coast, has opened a 126-suite property at I-75 and the Alico exit.
marriott.com/en-us/hotels/rswsp-towneplace-suites-fort-myers-gulf-coast/overview

Comfort Suites/Mainstay Extended Stay in Fort Myers has recently opened off I-75 on Luckett Road. choicehotels.com/florida/fort-myers/mainstay-hotels

The Gasparilla Inn on Boca Grande on Boca Grande has reopened. https://the-gasparilla-inn.com

Sundial Beach Resort & Spa on Sanibel Island is currently accepting reservations for stays beginning this winter. Daycation resort passes are available for a limited time. Turtles Tiki Bar, Shima Sushi Bar and Sea Breeze Bar are open. Visit sundialresort.com/play/sundial-daycation for the latest details and reservations information.

Glamping at Koreshan State Park in Estero
It’s camping that everyone can enjoy in air-conditioned tents at this state park along the Estero River. Explore the Koreshan Unity Settlement. Kayak, canoe, paddle board. And dogs are welcome. ftmyers.tlglamping.com

Attractions news
Rhythm on the River at Edison and Fort Winter Estates Jan. 31
A jazz concert, featuring Liz "Honey" Heath and a five-piece band is part of the Rhythm on the River Series that takes place on Jan. 31 on the Ford lawn on the Caloosahatchee River. Check tickets and details at EdisonFord.org

Edison and Ford Winter Estates hosts annual Antique Ford car show Feb. 1
Edison and Ford Winter Estates will host its annual Antique Ford Car Show on Feb. 1. Each year, classic car owners exhibit their cars on the Ford estate lawn as a tribute to Henry Ford, the pioneer of the automobile industry. Antique Mustangs, Thunderbirds, Model Ts and others will be on display. Check tickets and details at EdisonFord.org

Manatee Park offers free Sunday garden tours, Fort Myers
Manatee Park, a seasonal location for viewing non-captive Florida manatees, offers visitors a peak at these gentle creatures. When the manatees visit the park in search of warm water during the cooler days in winter (December through March), they are attracted by the warm water from the nearby Florida Power and Light Power Plant that is created as a byproduct of cooling off its equipment.

Visitors may also enjoy a free garden tour of the Manatee Park butterfly garden and habitats at 9 a.m. every Sunday through March 2025. The tour includes walking the ADA accessible paths through the restored native plant habitats and butterfly gardens. A volunteer naturalist will lead the tour and participants will learn about the park’s history, its butterfly gardens and the native flora and fauna that reside in some of Florida’s habitats. The tour is free with paid parking. leegov.com/parks/parks/manateepark

Leoma Lovegrove Gallery opens, downtown Fort Myers
Popular Matlacha artist, Leoma Lovegrove, has opened her new gallery and studio on Dean Street. Check details and plan a visit: leomalovegrove.store

Brightwater Lagoon opens in North Fort Myers
The five acre, water attraction will have a soft opening now through the end of December. A floating obstacle course, waterslide and are more are part of the fun at this tropical oasis. Check details at metrolagoons.com/lagoon/brightwater

New at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium
What has eight arms, three hearts and blue blood? And calls the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium its new home? The newest resident, a giant Pacific octopus, is a popular addition to the Sanibel Island museum. And he’s already feeling right at home. 

Keeper Chats are presented daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. during which aquarists share fun facts about the octopuses and other marine life. Visit shellmuseum.org for information and make plans to visit the new star attraction.

In more news ... A new exhibition, “All That Glitters is Not Gold: Amazing Abalone Shells,” has opened. Shells of the abalone group of marine gastropods represent a diversity of color, pattern and visual impact that is matched by very few others. Many abalones have an otherworldly, iridescent quality that is prized as a source for jewelry, decorative objects and mother-of-pearl.

This exhibition of 60 abalone shells from the museum’s collection showcases wide-ranging varieties from around the globe, focusing on their unique beauty, factors that make the shells appear the way they do, classification, fisheries and conservation status.

Sanibel Historical Museum and Village open through April 30
The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village is open each Tuesday through Saturday. Founded in 1984, the Village welcomes visitors during its 40th year of preserving, sharing and celebrating Sanibel’s history. The tour experience includes an orientation video and historic buildings displaying numerous artifacts. The story of Sanibel Island is told from the Calusa and Spanish eras to the early pioneer families who settled on the island in the 1800s. Nine historic buildings were moved from their original sites and each has been restored. sanibelmuseum.org

Take a look around with area webcams: Check out what’s happening around the area with live webcam views. Zoom in to spot native butterfly species in Cape Coral. Do some birdwatching from an observation tower at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Explore botanical gardens and wildlife at Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs. Discover North Shore Park on the river’s edge in North Fort Myers and catch views of downtown Fort Myers and the Caloosahatchee Bridge. Find these and more with easy navigation instructions at visitfortmyers.com/webcams

And enjoy our recently added webcams at Fort Myers Beach Town Square, Sanibel Lighthouse Park, Lovers Key Discovery Center and Prairie Pines Preserve in North Fort Myers. 

Visit six Florida state parks in Lee County
Gasparilla Island State Park, Boca Grande
The centerpiece of Gasparilla is the restored Port Boca Grande Lighthouse built in 1890. It houses a museum that is open to the public. Swimming, snorkeling, fishing and viewing nature are popular activities along with shelling beautiful beaches. Beach wheelchairs are available. Details: visitfortmyers.com/beaches/gasparilla-island-state-park

Koreshan State Park, Estero
The Koreshan Unity Settlement, a nationally registered historic district, offers an opportunity to learn about these interesting and idealistic pioneers. Guided tours are available throughout the year of the landscaped grounds and 11 restored buildings. Nature trails meander along the Estero River for fishing, boating, canoeing. The campground's 60 secluded sites have water, power hook-ups. Twelve sites by the Estero River are designated tent camping. ADA campsites are available. Glamping is available in luxury safari tents. Details: visitfortmyers.com/listing/koreshan-state-park/42037

Mound Key Archaeological State Park, Estero
Native Americans known as the Calusa were a non-agricultural hunting and gathering chiefdom that dominated the waters of Southwest Florida. Located in Estero Bay, the park is accessible only by boat and there are no facilities. Interpretive displays along the trail crossing the island help visitors discover the history of the island. Check details and boat launch locations: floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/mound-key-archaeological-state-park

Lovers Key State Park, Fort Myers Beach
Once a collection of secluded barrier islands, Lovers Key is a destination for wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation. The two-mile stretch of beach is popular for shelling, picnicking, fishing, and swimming. The Welcome and Discovery Center is an educational hub for curious park goers to learn more about the ecosystems, history, and recreational opportunities available at the park. Check for times, current openings and activities: visitfortmyers.com/beaches/lovers-key-state-park

Cayo Costa State Park, Cayo Costa
Accessible only by boat or kayak, this former fishing ground of the Calusa features nine miles of undeveloped, pristine shoreline for swimming, snorkeling, shelling, fishing and birdwatching. Shorebirds are numerous, and you may also spot manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles offshore. Details: visitfortmyers.com/beaches/cayo-costa-state-park

Estero Bay Preserve State Park, Estero
Enjoy miles of hiking trails through the preserve and viewing the variety of wildlife and native vegetation that the park protects. The bay is home to the bald eagle, gopher tortoise and fiddler crab and more. The trails are rugged and seasonally flood in some areas. Sturdy footwear, insect repellent, sunscreen and plenty of water are recommended. The preserve is accessible from two land locations: the Winkler Point entrance at 17981 Winkler Road in Fort Myers and the Estero River Scrub entrance at 4940 Broadway Ave. W. in Estero. Details: visitfortmyers.com/listing/estero-bay-preserve-state-park/39904

Neighborhood Mural Program
Highlighting what makes each area of the destination special, visitors are enjoying the experience of a neighborhood mural program. The placemaking initiative by the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau is done in partnership with the Fort Myers Mural Society. The project gives visitors a chance to interact with the murals’ designs by taking and sharing photos.

The locations of this latest mural project include:

  • The side of Eagle’s Nest Restaurant on Pine Island
  • A double mural on both sides of the entrance doors into the North Fort Myers Recreation Center
  • Lakes Park in Fort Myers for a series of murals in the children’s garden
  • The side of the Community Redevelopment Agency building at 1231 Lafayette St., Cape Coral
  • The side of the Sanibel-Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce building on Sanibel Island

Learn more about the mural program in the Fort Myers area: visitfortmyers.com/murals

Calusa Blueway Challenge
Take the Calusa Blueway Challenge through Feb. 28, and celebrate 20 years of the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail by checking in at locations along the trail for a chance to win prizes. Earn points as you paddle and check in at attractions, restaurants, parks and nature spots along the trail. Paddle on your own, experience a guided tour, shop at a local business or grab a bite to eat as you explore the 200-mile marked trail that meanders through the back-bay estuaries, rivers and shorelines of Fort Myers Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods. Complete a certain number of check-ins on the pass to be entered to win a Body Glove iSUP Performer 11’ or a two-night stay at Tarpon Lodge. Details and sign up: visitfortmyers.com/CalusaBluewayChallenge

Sun Saver Passport: Dine, Play, Shop, Sip
This popular, digital savings pass provides instant access to a variety of deals and experiences from area attractions, restaurants and more across four categories: Dine, Play, Shop and Sip. Sign up is simple and free. Passports are instantly delivered to phones via text and email. And there is an option for users to save the pass on their home screen for one-tap access. Sign up now to start saving. visitfortmyers.com/sun-saver-passport
 

Dining & entertainment
Escondido Lounge speakeasy opens in downtown Fort Myers

Shhhhh. There’s a secret in downtown Fort Myers. Escondido (means “hidden”) Lounge, a two story, hidden bar/lounge/speakeasy inspired by the elegance and intrigue of Prohibition-era speakeasies, blends the rich history of the 1920s with a modern, upscale twist.

Typical speakeasy, if there is such a thing, there is no sign. Located in the Richards Building on Hendry Street, entrance is through Taco Works. Walk through the cooler door (really) and, voila, you are there! A piano is suspended overhead on a glass platform and a red, six-foot chandelier casts a glow over the room. That’s just the beginning. Expect signature cocktails, piano bar and chef’s creations. Check it out. escondidolounge.com

And the same concept is planned for an opening in Cape Coral in early 2025.

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) news
New air service at RSW
Breeze Airways

  • South Bend, Indiana (SBN), weekly, starting Feb. 5
  • Wilmington, North Carolina (ILM) weekly, starting Feb. 14

JetBlue Airways

  • Manchester, New Hampshire (MHT) weekly, starting Jan. 23

Spirit Airlines

  • Charlotte (CLT), daily, limited service from March 5-April 8

For more information, visit flyrsw.com

In the news
Travel + Leisure has named Sanibel Island, one of the 50 best places to go in 2025. To read the entire description along with mention of many of our area businesses, visit travelandleisure.com/best-places-to-go-2025-8739580#toc-for-beach-vibes

An excerpt: 
“It’s been two years since this island, along with places including Captiva and Fort Myers, were devastated by Hurricane Ian. Since then — and in spite of Hurricane Milton in 2024 — this Gulf Coast destination has made a remarkable comeback. Restaurants, shops, and attractions have reopened with new facades and shiny new interiors.”


2025 annual festivals and events
Fort Myers Seafood and Music Festival, downtown Fort Myers
Jan. 3-5
paragonfestivals.com/festival/fort-myers-seafood-music-festival

J.N. “Ding” Darling Winter Programs (themed tours/activities), Sanibel Island
Begins Jan. 6 and runs through April 5
dingdarlingsociety.org/seasonal-programs

J.N. “Ding” Darling Winter Lecture series, Sanibel Island
Begins Jan. 9 with Clyde and Niki Butcher and continues into March 
dingdarlingsociety.org/lecture-series

40th annual Cape Coral Art Festival and Market Place
Jan. 11-12
capecoralartfestival.com

34th Tour De Cape in Cape Coral
Jan. 17-19
Rotary Park
tourdecape.net

Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium 2025 Season Lectures
ShellMuseum.org/in-person-lectures

  • Jan. 22: “Picturing Paradise: From John James Audubon to the Florida Highwaymen,” by Keri Watson, Ph.D., associate professor of art history, University of Central Florida.
  • Feb. 13: “Shellfish Aquaculture in Florida: Its Status and Potential in a Rapidly Changing State,” by Stephen Hesterberg, Ph.D., executive director, Gulf Shellfish Institute.
  • March 13: “Exploring the Atlantic Canyons: Searching the Deep Ocean for Cephalopods and Other Marine Life,” by Dr. Elizabeth Shea, director of collections and curator of mollusks, Delaware Museum of Nature and Science.
  • April 3: “The Rise, Fall, and Renewal of New York Harbor’s Oysters,” by Mark Kurlansky, author.

Wellness in Nature at “Ding” on Sanibel Island
Jan. 23-26
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
dingwellness.com

San-Cap Audubon offers ‘Tips & Tricks’ Photography program
Jan. 29
The “Roost” at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
san-capaudubon.org
For birdwalk schedule, visit san-capaudubon.org/birdwalks

ArtFest Fort Myers, downtown Fort Myers
Jan. 31-Feb. 2
artfestfortmyers.com

Bonita Springs Seafood and Music Festival
Feb. 7-9
28001 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs 
paragonfestivals.com/festival/bonita-springs-seafood-music-festival

The Savannah Bananas 2025 World Tour
Feb. 14-16
JetBlue Park, Fort Myers
thesavannahbananas.com

Babcock Ranch Seafood and Music Festival
Feb. 14-16
42850 Crescent Loop in Babcock Ranch
paragonfestivals.com/festival/babcock-ranch-seafood-music-festival

87th Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade, Fort Myers
Feb. 15
edisonfestival.org

23rd annual Burrowing Owl Festival, Cape Coral
Feb. 22
Rotary Park Environmental Center
Rotary Park
ccfriendsofwildlife.org/burrowing-owl-festival-2

Southwest Florida Ag Expo
Feb. 27-March 9
Lee County Civic Center Complex
swflagexpo.com

Spring training
Boston Red Sox
Feb. 21-March 23
mlb.com/redsox/spring-training
JetBlue Park, Fort Myers

Minnesota Twins
mlb.com/twins/spring-training
Feb. 22-March 25
Lee Health Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers

26th annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival, Fort Myers
March 1
Fort Myers Regional Library, downtown Fort Myers
readfest.org

CROW Taste of the Islands, Sanibel Island
March 1 event at Sanibel City Hall
Feb. 21-28, 2025, at participating island restaurants
tasteoftheislands.org

Sanibel Shell Show, Fort Myers
March 6-8
Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort
sanibelshellclub.com/6306-2

Concerts in the Park, Cape Coral
March 6 and 22, April 3
Check website for locations
capeconcerts.com

88th annual Sanibel Shell Festival, Sanibel Island
March 7
Community House
tinyurl.com/shellfest88

Fort Myers Beach annual Lion’s Club Shrimp Festival
March 8-9
fortmyersbeachshrimpfestival.com

Fort Myers River Festival, downtown Fort Myers
March 21-23
paragonfestivals.com/festival/fort-myers-river-music-festival

ECHO Global Food and Farm Festival, North Fort Myers 
March 16-22
echonet.org/events/global-food-and-farm-festival

Florida Lighthouse Day
April tba
Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum and Gasparilla Island Lighthouse
bocagrandehappenings.org/events/its-florida-lighthouse-day

10th annual Bonita Springs Film Festival
April 17
Prado Stadium
bonitaspringsfilmfestival.org

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CONTACTS: Ray Sarracino, Jackie Parker, Miriam Dotson 239-338-3500