In a Flip-Flop State of Mind.

It’s always great to see so many returning guests this time of year!

We received this gorgeous photo from Barry and Connie G. from Wichita, KS recently.  Barry wrote:

“We are looking forward to our Ocean’s Reach annual visit in late February.  I thought you might like this photo I took last year.  I think this shows how with all the great things to do,  » Read more

Best-selling Sanibel Island novelist Randy Wayne White has yet another Doc Ford thriller hitting store shelves and websites soon.  And if you’re lucky enough to be in Southwest Florida over the next week or two, you can get a “first look” at his latest novel — and meet the author himself — at a series of local book signings and appearances.

It’s all to promote the Doc Ford novel “Salt River,” starring marine biologist (and undercover black-ops agent) Marion “Doc” Ford and his sidekick Tomlinson.  » Read more

What do the numbers 223,898 … 1,093 … and 82 have in common?

I’ll give you a moment while the “Jeopardy” theme song plays in your head.

The answer:  in order, they are the patent filing number for Thomas Edison’s landmark light bulb issued in 1880 … the number of U.S. patents he held … and the amount of years the annual Edison Festival of Light has celebrated the remarkable achievements of our most famous winter resident.  » Read more

“Bursts of gold on lavender

melting into saffron. 

It’s the time of day

when the sky looks like

it has been spray-painted

by a graffiti artist.“

–  » Read more

Need another “day trip” idea for your next visit to Ocean’s Reach?

How about Keewaydin Island?  Located south of us between Naples and Marco Island, and only accessible by boat, Keewaydin is a great way to spend the day on the water and embrace the Florida lifestyle.

Keewaydin Island provides a unique beach experience.  As a nature preserve island in the Rookery Bay Reserve,  » Read more

Photo of Ron Magill by Joe McNally

Wildlife photographer Ron Magill brings his experiences to life with stunning imagery and stories that range from the incredible migration of monarch butterflies to the struggle for survival in the African bush.

On Friday, February 7, he will be presenting two free programs at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at J.N. “Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island.  » Read more

Photo from the Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel

There are all sorts of places near Sanibel Island that are Instagram-ready for you!

If you’re lucky, a frequent star of your social accounts will be the endlessly lovable, faintly bovine manatee (thus the “sea cow” nickname). Yet— fun fact — manatees are actually related to elephants.

Like other grazing animals,  » Read more

Life’s too short to stress all day.

Take some time off … unwind at Ocean’s Reach … and start living on island time!

   » Read more

Mark your calendars!

The Bat Yam Temple of the Islands will host “Three Cantors and a Pastor,” a free musical program on March 1 beginning at 4 p.m., which will include liturgical music, light classics, pop songs, Broadway songs and sing-a-longs.

The performers will be led by Bat Yam’s Cantor Murray Simon, who will be joined by Pastor John Danner of the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ and,  » Read more

2019 Best of Show award at ArtFest Fort Myers; artist Russell Yerkes

Every year, on the first weekend in February, ArtFest enlivens the Fort Myers waterfront with exceptional art, entertainment and children’s art activities.

It’s a “must see” for visitors, with beautiful, hand-crafted treasures in every booth.  Open today from 10 am – 5 pm; Sunday from 10 am – 4 pm.  » Read more