In a Flip-Flop State of Mind.

“The beach is truly home,

its broad expanse of sand

as welcoming as

a mother’s open arms.“

– Joan Anderson

Should you have any photos you’d like to share, please email them to Dina@OceansReach.com.  » Read more

Almost two decades ago, Marina Marchese fell in love with bees during a tour of a neighbor’s honeybee hives. She built her own bee hive, ordered bees, and was soon harvesting honey.

She eventually quit her job in the arts, and even spent time in Italy training to become a ‘honey sensory expert’ – which is basically like being a honey sommelier. Today, her small business Red Bee Honey sells artisanal honey and honey-related products to shops and restaurants all over the country.  » Read more

Spend a lazy Sunday afternoon enjoying the tunes of the ever-popular Island Jazz musicians as they return to the BIG ARTS Garden this Sunday, February 2 from 3 – 5pm.

While this will be the group’s only performance in February, they’ll be back every Sunday throughout March and April.

As past guests will tell you, this is a special weekend treat!  Bring a chair and come early to enjoy this free concert in the open air.  » Read more

Kudos to guests Linda and David P. from Frederick, WI for spotting these five beautiful horse conch shells during their recent visit to Ocean’s Reach.  As annual guests for the past five years, they’ve learned to save extra space in their luggage for the trip home!

The horse conch (Triplofusus giganteus), also known as the giant band shell, has been Florida’s official state shell since 1969.   » Read more

Next time you’re on Sanibel-Captiva Road, stop by In the Garden at R.S. Walsh Landscaping to support their “Spirit Tree” that benefits an assortment of non-profits on the island.

The Olive tree was chosen as it represents love and charity.  Displayed last fall, Spirit Tree donations have already benefited the Sanibel Community House, the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum and C.R.O.W., the Clinic for the Rehabilitation for Wildlife.    » Read more

We just saw this great review of Mudbugs Cajun Kitchen in Florida Weekly:

The food and flair of the French Quarter isn’t what you’d expect to find on a sedate Florida island best known for its shell-laden beaches, preserved nature and snowbird population. Nevertheless, Mudbugs bills itself as “Bourbon Street at the Beach,” and its interpretation of New Orleans cuisine is a welcome addition to Sanibel’s dining scene — and to greater Southwest Florida,  » Read more

“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”

Sure, it’s one of our favorite Dr. Seuss quotes, but it also perfectly captures this snapshot of just one of the many beautiful floral scenes Andy has planted around Ocean’s Reach!

   » Read more

Photo by @sew_i_run

Bowman’s Beach was recently featured in a Narcity article that listed the “Nine Best Beaches in Florida If You Like Privacy.”  

They write:

There is a time and place for being the life of the party and vibing among crowds. But from time to time, some of us want to retire for a while to our sanctuary of sand,  » Read more

Gulfshore Opera will return to Sanibel with two concerts for its sixth season.

The GO Cabaret returns to the Sanibel Community House on Jan. 25 with “A Salute to Louis Armstrong.”  GO Artists in Residence, accompanied by a jazz trio, salute Louis Armstrong.  Enjoy selections by Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra.  Tickets are $45 and include wine and hors d’oeuvres.  » Read more

Just saw this article from Narcity entitled “This Florida Beach is the Best Place to find Intact Sand Dollars!”

It starts:

“Whether you’re a serious sheller or casual beach-goer, hunting around in the shallows for your very own nautical treasures is a great way to pass to time, and save money. If you’re looking for the best beach in Florida to find sand dollars,  » Read more