We loved hearing from longtime guest Dorothy P. from Elk Ridge, Maryland, who wrote:
“Here is a picture of my granddaughters on Sanibel. My granddaughter found this seahorse floating on the water in front of Ocean’s Reach. We could not believe the size of this seahorse. It measured approximately 3 to 4 inches. We showed it to several people on the beach and then returned it to the water.” » Read more
Happy Hour Holiday Shopping
If you’ll be on the island this week, be sure to head over to Ding Darling for their 5th annual “Happy Hour Holiday Shopping” event on Wednesday, Nov 29 in the Visitor & Education Center. The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) will keep the store open two extra hours after the center closes, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
The Refuge Nature Store staff has stocked special holiday gift items, » Read more
When Change was on the Way
Completed in May 1963, the Sanibel Causeway took the place of a ferry that had been in operation since 1904.
While you’re on the Holiday Luminary Trail this year, stop by the Sanibel Historical Village where they will celebrate “A Sanibel ’60s Christmas, Change is on the Way” from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, December 1.
“You can’t look back on Sanibel in the ’60s without focusing on the biggest change the island has ever seen — the causeway,” said executive director Emilie Alfino. » Read more
Scenes from Sanibel #23
“You belong somewhere you feel free.”
– Tom Petty
Should you have any photos you’d like to share, please email them to [email protected].
Today’s Guest Photographer: Sandra Wilson » Read more
Thanksgiving Blessings
“Our Favorite Walk”
We were delighted to receive this photo from Dan F. and Mary D., who made their annual trip to Ocean’s Reach last week from their home in Galesburg, IL.
They called it “Our Favorite Walk” and we can certainly understand why. By visiting us in the fall every year, they know that some of Mother Nature’s most beautful vistas — as well as some of her most beautiful weather — » Read more
Honorable Mention
We recently heard from guest Allen Sparks from Cordova, Tennnessee, who delighted us with a copy of his gorgeous photo of a Reddish Egret that won an honorable mention in this year’s “Ding” Darling Days Amateur Nature Photography Contest.
He wrote:
“Thanks so much for your hospitality! It was a great trip and I look forward to visiting Sanibel and Ocean’s Reach again soon. » Read more
Thanksgiving Day Dining
The Bubble Room on Captiva Island, open Thanksgiving Day 2017
It’s always a special time at Ocean’s Reach when you’re with family and friends, but never more so than on Thanksgiving Day!
Whip up a delectable feast in your condo kitchen, sizzle up one of the gas grills in our Grove, or reserve a table at one of Sanibel-Captiva’s most popular eateries below. » Read more
A Community Thanksgiving
The annual Sanibel Thanksgiving Celebration service will take place on Sunday, November 19 beginning at 6:45 p.m. at The Community House, located at 2173 Periwinkle Way. All are invited to join this celebration of Thanksgiving in words and song. Admission is free.
The mayor, city manager and representatives from all of the island churches will take part. There will be music and song by the BIG ARTS Community Chorus – under the direction of new leader Ellen Whitten – as well as The Sanibel School’s Seahorse Chorale. » Read more
Teaching a Captive Audience
Since their reveal last month, the new Learning Lavatories at the J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlilfe Refuge are impressing their “captive” audiences.
Ding Darling is the first of the 550-plus refuges in the National Refuge System to now feature educational imagery inside the center’s lavatories and on the outdoor wall leading to them.
Outdoor murals immerse visitors in a virtual underwater experience, where they come eye-to-eye with 3-D manatees and look up to see an alligator and other wildlife sculptures swimming overhead. » Read more