Things To Do In SW Florida

Dolphin watching is definitely one of the favorite things to do for anyone living in or visiting Southwest Florida. There are lots of places where you can watch dolphins from Sanibel to Naples from dolphin cruises to watching these playful animals from the Fort Myers or Naples piers.

But if you’re looking to get really close and personal with dolphins and you love excitement a Waverunner dolphin tour in For Myers Beach is the way to go. There’s really no experience like this.  This dolphin tour lets your drive your own JetSki and get really close and personal to the dolphins in Estero Bay.

We’ve lived in Southwest Florida for over 10 years and the Waverunner dolphin tour is one of our favorite experiences so far. This fun and exciting tour is ideal for adults and families with older children. 

 

We saw so many dolphins and got so close to them. The advantage of the Waverunner is that you are able to get really close to the dolphins. We stopped a few times when we spotted them and once we had stopped they would usually approach us and play around the wave runners. It was really amazing!  read more

We’ve compiled some of the best New Year events in Southwest Florida. From New Year’s dinner cruises in Fort Myers and free firework shows in Fort Myers Beach and the Naples Pier to family friendly New Year events in Cape Coral and noon balloon drops for kids. You’re sure to find a fun and memorable way to ring in 2020 in Southwest Florida.

If you’re still looking for something to do New Year’s Eve in Southwest Florida, check out the list below wich include events in Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral, Naples and Sanibel.. Most your favorite Southwest Florida restaurants will also be hosting events and price-fix menus so don’t delay on making reservations now if you haven’t already.

Ring in 2020 with a bang and don’t forget to stay safe.

 New Year Events in Fort Myers

Fort Myers Downtown Countdown – The annual celebration in downtown Fort Myers will include five live bands, a DJ, a junior balloon drop, and a ball drop all starting at 8pm.

New Year’s Eve Champagne Toast & Dinner Cruise – Enjoy a 3.5 hour cruise with J.C. cruises on the Caloosahatchee River. With a buffet dinner, music for dancing, party favors, cash bars and a champagne toast at midnight! read more

This is a sponsored post in partnership with Edison Mall.

On November 2nd Edison Mall in partnership with the Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce brought the Dia de los Muertos tradition to life. From 2 pm through 6 pm the parking lot in front of the entrance to the mall transformed into a fiesta filled with music and color.  

This event was a celebration of Mexican culture and brought together families of all backgrounds from across Southwest Florida. 

What is Dia de los Muertos?

Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican tradition celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. On Dia de los Muertos it is believed that the border between the spirit world and the real world dissolves. The souls of the dead reawaken and return to the living world to drink, feast, dance, and time with their loved ones. In turn, the living family treats the deceased as honored guests in their celebrations and leave the deceased’s favorite foods and other offerings.

On this day families remember their loved ones who have passed away. It’s a day of joy and of celebrating the people we love who are no longer with us.  Much different to Halloween, which is all about whiches, ghouls and monsters the Dia de los Muertos is a joyful celebration of life.  It’s a great opportunity for families to come together and keep the memory of loved ones who have passed away alive. read more

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing escape from your weekly routine or a weekend away at a historic hotel, the Belleview Inn in Belleair, Florida just minutes away from Clearwater Beach is a perfect choice. The newly renovated Inn is a unique architectural gem that provides you with a rare opportunity to take a step back in time.

 

The Belleview’s Unique History

Located in Belleair, Florida, the Bellview Inn has a very unique and captivating history. Originally constructed in 1897, this historic Florida hotel began as one of Henry Plants’ original destinations for his railroad. Sadly, the 35-room inn was forced to close its doors more than 10 years ago after hurricane damage nearly destroyed the historic site.

Three years ago, a developer took on the monumental task of restoring the Bellview to its former glory.  From the restoration of the Inn’s original wood exterior to the repair of nearly 100 panels of stained glass in the recreated Tiffany Room, the hotel’s renovation was completed with so much attention to detail. read more

Roy’s wagyu beef mandu

Take a tasting trip through Korea without leaving Florida thanks to the new prix fixe menu at Roy’s Bonita Springs. The three-course Taste of Korea menu includes a choice of appetizer, one entrée, and one dessert, giving you a chance to enjoy an entire Korean meal in a beautiful restaurant setting.

Roy’s crispy calamari salad

Start your meal with a selection of wagyu beef mandu or crispy calamari salad. The wagyu beef mandu was a delicious Korean dumpling with a tangy firecracker dipping sauce. And the crispy calamari salad was topped with fried calamari, Asian pear, and a yummy sesame miso dressing.

Roy’s sesame-crusted salmon bibimbap

The Taste of Korea menu has two entrees to choose from. The delicious 48-hour galbi boneless beef short rib comes with a side of kim chee mash, bok choy mung, and bean sprouts. And the sesame-crusted salmon bibimbap is complemented by shiitake mushrooms, spinach, and gochujang quail egg for a lighter dinner option.

Roy’s 48-hour galbi boneless beef short rib read more