Month: November 2019

Longtime Ocean’s Reach guest Alan F. from Bloomington, MN throws out the first pitch at Target Field!

We are incredibly fortunate to have two Major League Baseball teams that call our area “home.”

Following our information on Red Sox spring training tickets last week, today we pay honor to the Minnesota Twins, the 2019 Central Division Champs and major league home run hitting record holders.  » Read more

The holiday season is one of the most beautiful times of the year in Southwest Florida.

Here are some of the “Save the Date” notes you should definitely put on your calendar if you’ll be visiting our area.  If you haven’t yet made your reservation to Ocean’s Reach, we can help you make a last-minute trip chock full of ho-ho-ho savings!

   » Read more

Some funny state laws that are still on the books … 

It is actually illegal for anyone in a swimsuit to sing while in public.

Unmarried women are not allowed to parachute on Sundays.

You are not allowed to take sheep or pigs on a school bus.

And if you’re riding your elephant to work in Florida,  » Read more

An excerpt from a recent Florida Weekly article:

The island of Cayo Costa stretches like a long timeline.

And history definitely figures into the island’s heritage. Today, mostly a state park accessible only by boat, Cayo Costa is worth the extra effort of getting there.

The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau suggests a few things you should know about this secluded island and its storied past:

Its beach is one of Florida’s bestkept secrets — If you like your beaches off-the-radar and filled with seashells,  » Read more

The 18th annual Sanibel Thanksgiving Celebration will take place on Sunday, November 24 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at The Community House, located at 2173 Periwinkle Way.

All are invited to join this celebration of Thanksgiving in words and song.  There is no admission charge.

The mayor, city manager and representatives from all of the island churches are scheduled to take part, along with music and song from the BIG ARTS Community Chorus.  » Read more

Andy at the “real” Fenway Park last year!

Yep, it will soon be time for peanuts and crackerjacks!

Tickets for the 2020 Red Sox Spring Training exhibition season go on sale at JetBlue Park at Fenway South and online at www.redsox.com on Saturday, December 7 beginning at 10 a.m.

The team will play a total of 18 home games,  » Read more

Photo from Tarpon Bay Explorers

As the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge approaches its 75th anniversary in December 2020, Tarpon Bay Explorers (TBE), the refuge’s official recreation concession, has begun offering free and discounted activities on Sanibel.

Tarpon Bay Explorers is now discounting all boat and kayak tours – which include a Nature & Sealife Tours, Evening Boat Tours, and guided kayak tours throughout the day – by 25 percent on select Saturdays through 2020.  » Read more

Congratulations to our good friend, Billy Kirkland, owner of Billy’s Bike Shop & Segway of Sanibel, who recently received the prestigous Junonia Award by the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau!

Created in 2006, the VCB’s Junonia Award recognizes individuals who positively impact Lee County’s tourism community by demonstrating unique capabilities, leadership, commitment and dedication. The award, named for the junonia – a treasured shell known for its rarity and
exceptional quality – was selected as the symbol of their top annual achievement.  » Read more

BIG ARTS WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES ARE BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER! 

Our friends at BIG ARTS have once again come up with a wonderful array of creative opportunities for this upcoming season.

Click here for an overview of 2020 classes and workshops. Visit www.bigarts.org to view listings and download registration forms. For more information, call 239-395-0900.  » Read more

Photo found on Pinterest

Captiva Cruises’ newest expedition in its “Discover Southwest Florida History” tours will focus on the fishing cultures in Pine Island Sound. Titled A Thousand Years of Fishing, the cruise encompasses fascinating characters and traditions.

Departing weekly from McCarthy’s Marina on Captiva Island, guests will travel to Pineland on Pine Island. Along the way,  » Read more