In a Flip-Flop State of Mind.

Photo from mtbproject.com

Like mountain biking?  Think you can’t find decent trails in flat Florida?  Think again. Caloosahatchee Regional Park offers close to 800 acres of pine flat-wood, oak forest and cypress swamp, with 20 miles of hiking, horseback riding and mountain-biking trails, rated beginner through difficult.

The trails are located at 19130 N. River Road in Alva, FL, just about an hour away from Ocean’s Reach.   » Read more

Photo by Maxime De Ruyck 

Coloring books are no longer just for kids. In fact, adult coloring books are all the rage right now. Researchers and art therapists alike have touted the calming benefits for over a decade, with researchers at Johns Hopkins University to the editors of Yoga Journal suggesting coloring as an alternative to meditation. Like meditation, coloring allows the brain to switch off other thoughts and focus.  » Read more

We always have our eyes open for inspiring stories about environmental protection, even when they’re found halfway around the world.

Earlier this summer, renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created this piece of art at Puri Beach in Odisha, India with a strong message about the importance of curbing plastic pollution in our oceans.   

His 55-foot long, 30-foot wide sand sculpture of a Olive ridley sea turtle was made with approximately 30 tons of sand and a countless number of plastic bottles.   » Read more

Walking a sandbar at sunset,

water ripples, laps at my toes,

soothing soft steps, inner silence.

Simply Sanibel Poems is a treasured collection of poems from award-winning poet, Lorraine Walker Williams, in which she’ll take you on a poetic journey where you will sink your toes in the sand,  » Read more

Hurricane Florence as seen from the International Space Station at 9 am EDT Monday, September 10, 2018. Image credit: Ricky Arnold.  

Our hearts go out to the millions of Americans who will soon be affected by Hurricane Florence.

We know all too well the massive undertaking it will take to recover in the wake of this monster storm. It’s been just over a year since Sanibel Island was largely spared the wrath of Hurricane Irma,  » Read more

As you may know, Sanibel Island was hit with a severe red tide bloom earlier this summer. While the initial effects were indeed harsh, we’re pleased to report that conditions have improved dramatically.

The top photo above was taken at Ocean’s Reach yesterday morning, Sept 10.

At this point in time, the beach outside of Ocean’s Reach has been clean for more than a month now and city officials are reporting good conditions on all Sanibel beaches.  » Read more

 
We love the meaning behind this photo from longtime guest Anne C. from Mahwah, NJ.
 
She writes: 
 
Sanibel is beautiful even when a storm is coming. I have used this photo of mine for anniversary cards as it makes me think of strong, flexible couples who are able to stand together.    » Read more
 
It most definitely does, Anne.  Thanks so much for sharing with us!

The Lee County Library System is partnering with the Americana Music Association to offer free singer-songwriter events for the community.

The ACMA is a Fort Myers-based nonprofit that promotes local artists who write and perform. The community performances will showcase their talent and provide the audience with the stories behind the songs in an intimate showcase, which serves to compliment the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest.

On Sept.  » Read more

Just a little up the road in North Fort Myers is the Northside Drive-In Flea Market.

This eclectic open-air flea market is a favorite for breakfast and bargains. After chowing down on a hearty made-to-order breakfast from the snack bar, visitors can peruse 300 booths selling both new and used items, including jewelry, fresh produce, one-of-a-kind antiques, books, furniture and linens. The beautiful fresh citrus grown along the banks of the Caloosahatchee is especially popular.   » Read more

Thanks to writer Bo Cherry and our friends at the Sanibel-Captiva Islander for this article!

With the summer wet season in full swing, it is the perfect time of year to strap on hiking shoes – or water boots – and head outdoors for a look at the lush plant life in Southwest Florida’s forests and swamps.

One of the most fascinating plants to see is the resurrection fern.  » Read more