Category Archives: Around Town

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Looking for something to do? We’ve got the scoop on what’s happening throughout the Naples and Fort Myers areas.

Around Town!

July 15, 2010 – 2:47 pm

Have you been missing your weekly lifeXpressions’ Around Town blog?!   Well, it’s back!  Terrilyn and I have had quite a busy summer so far.  We’ve been working hard on sessions, but also behind the scenes on some fun stuff.  Many of you know that we made a big announcement last week.  If you don’t know, then click here to read all about it!  In the meantime, let’s get to it and see what’s going on around town this weekend!

C’mon Family Fun at Bell Tower – Saturday, July 17th

The Children’s Museum of Naples’ education series, Family Fun, is expanding into Lee County at Bell Tower Shops. Children, ages 4 through 8, will have the opportunity to explore the world through hands-on activities at the Fort Myers shopping center.

Held the third Saturday of each month, through July 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Family Fun programs are free, fun and open to the public. Each activity takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes and snacks and juice are provided. A parent or adult must stay and participate in the Family Fun activities.

Space Kidettes (July 17). Explore the outer reaches of the universe and study the effects of gravity, then make a rocket that can really blast off.  For additional information on the Family Fun programs, contact Jennifer Sabo, C’mon’s education director, at 239-514-0084, or click here.

Miracle Baseball Game – Sunday, July 18th at 7:05 p.m.

Have you been to a Miracle’s Baseball game yet?  They’re a lot of fun, and a great time for the whole family.  This Sunday is Family Fun Sunday! Pregame catch on the field and postgame spring the bases.  $6.50 for general admission/ $8.50 for a box seat.  For more information, click here.   You can also attend a baseball camp with the Miracles!  The first camp starts on Monday!  Camp #1: July 19th, 20th, 21st, 9:00am – Noon: Ages 6-8 years.  For more information, click here.

Beat the HEAT at Sun Splash Family Water Park  and the first 500 people get a FREE pair of sunglasses on Saturday, July 17th

Has it been a hot summer or WHAT?!?!  Well, even though we all know this awesome water park is here, I know I’m guilty of forgetting it’s just down the street.  So, here’s a great reminder!  Slather on lots of sunscreen, load up the kids, and head over to cool off!  Join us on Saturday, July 17 for a special giveaway sponsored by the Lee County Electric Co-op. The first 500 guests through the turnstyle will receive a FREE pair of LCEC sunglasses.  Supply is limited so arriving early in the day is recommended. Limit of one pair of sunglasses per guest. For more information, call 574-0558.  Sun Splash also offers a variety of classes throughout the summer, like swimming, junior lifeguard, etc.  For more information, click here.

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Send us your fun SUMMER pictures!!!

Got any fun pictures from this summer???  We want to see them!  Yes, we really do!  Here, I’ll share one with you to get you started.  Make sure you get that camera out this summer and capture these silly, fun times with your kids.  You won’t be sorry you did!

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By Kelly Turner | Also posted in All Session Highlights, News & Events | Comments (0)

Around Town

April 16, 2010 – 2:18 pm

Happy Friday everyone!  Did you all survive tax day?  Either way, let’s think happy thoughts now and see what’s going on Around Town this weekend.  In case you were wondering, the weather is supposed to be quite nice:  partly cloudy with highs in the low 80’s!

Smuggler’s Cove Miniature Golf – Fort Myers Beach, FL

What a perfect weekend to take the family out for a round of miniature golf!  And Smuggler’s Cove is the place to go offering 18 exciting holes of “adventure style” mini golf.  The course is set in lush tropical settings amid waterfalls and rushing waterways with caves, pirate ships and live alligators to boot.  Smugglers Cove is fun for all ages and will host children (and adult) birthday parties, youth groups, field trips, fundraisers and corporate outings! Hours: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm 7 days a week all year.  For more information, click here.

Exploration Day – Your Hometown, Anytime!

Today I took my two boys, Jack (3) and Jake (2), to Lovers Key State Park located just south of Fort Myers Beach in Estero, Florida.  We called it our ‘exploration’ day and our goal was to check out the beach (for future sessions…hee hee) and find as many cool critters and things as we could.  Well, we had a blast and I wanted to share a visual ‘narrative’ of our morning.  I hope you enjoy it, and I hope it inspires you to do something similar with your own children.  It was quite rewarding for me too….I had a mommy and me day with my two boys and got invaluable bonding time with them :)

Ready?  Here we go!

First, we had to cross this bridge…..

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And walk down this path (those are my boys with their squirt bottles)…

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So we could get to this beach….

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Where we found this crab swimming along the shore…LoversKey0416-12

And this starfish in the water…

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And this sea algae washed up on shore…

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And this piece of driftwood sticking out of the sand (my boys LOVE sticks)…

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By this time, we were all tired and hungry and decided it was time to head back over this bridge and go home….

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What a great day it was!  I hope ALL of you have a wonderful weekend and take some time to have a little fun with your own families  – enjoy!

By Kelly Turner | Comments (0)

Around Town

April 2, 2010 – 7:23 pm

Happy Good Friday!!!  And a Good Friday it has been indeed….Terrilyn and I had the most amazing session this morning at WigginsPass Beach in Naples.  Stay tuned for a Sneak Peak of the session, but in the meantime take a look at this cool picture!  This playful dolphin swam along the shore for quite a while dining on breakfast here and there.  It was really neat to watch, and the little girl we were shooting was in awe.   Well, so was I!!! Honestly, I can’t think of a better thing to do with your family this weekend than head to the beach – it was gorgeous, there were lots of kids and families cooking out and enjoying the gorgeous weather we’ve been having.

Wiggins Pass Dolphin

5th Annual Eggcellent Easter Eggstravaganza, Calusa Nature Center, Saturday 4/3

This year’s Easter celebration is sure to exceed egg-spectations! Easter egg hunts will be scheduled throughout the day. Visitors will also have the chance to have their picture taken with the Easter bunny, and play carnival-style games to win candy and prizes. Children will have fun in our bounce house, will be encouraged to make rabbit ears and other crafts to take home, try out their hopping skills in sack races, and meet local wildlife up close. Included with regular admission. Please call for more information.

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16th Annual Islands Spring Festival – Children’s Education Center, Sanibel Island 4/3

On Saturday, April 3, 2010 the 16th Annual Children’s Education Center of the Islands Spring Festival will be held at Sanibel City Park on Periwinkle Way from 10:00 am until 1:00 p.m.  This is a fun, family event for the entire Island! The festivities begin with an Easter egg hunt for children four and under. The hunt for children ages five to eight will be at 10:10. Children ages nine to twelve will follow at 10:20. There is no charge for the Easter egg hunt. The games, crafts, contests, and pony rides begin at 10:30 a.m. and will run until 1:00. A $10 armband will allow each child unlimited fun to participate in all activities. The festival fun will include a bounce house, a giant slide, pony rides, face-painting by Ms. Silvia, pinatas, a basketball shoot, sack races, and many other fun events. The festival will also include a silent auction, Easter basket raffles, guess the jelly beans give-away, homemade baked goods, and balloons. Hot dogs will also be served. A special attraction will be pictures with the Easter Bunny and with the ponies. The Children’s Education Center of the Islands is a non-profit school run by a parent board. The school relies heavily on the support of the community. Bank of the Islands is the sponsor of the event. Residents and visitors are welcome to attend. See you at the Festival!

Happy Easter Everyone!

By Kelly Turner | Comments (0)

Around Town

March 25, 2010 – 9:13 am

Gearing up for another great weekend ahead! Beautiful weather too. Let’s see what’s going on Around Town:

Estero Festival of the Arts, Saturday, March 27th

Estero Festival of the Arts will showcase local and regional artists, Estero student art, children’s activities, and great entertainment. Music will be provided by the Gulf Coast Symphony accompanied by featured Estero High School students, Night Train and the Estero High School Jazz Band. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. This fun-filled, free event takes place from 12 noon to 6 p.m., Saturday, March 27 at the Estero Community Park located at 9200 Palms Blvd. (south side of Corkscrew Rd), Estero 33928.   For more information, click here.

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Spring Easter Egg Hunt, Centennial Park – Fort Myers, Sunday, March 28th

The City of Fort Myers Recreation Division, Ft. Myers Metro-McGregor Kiwanis Club and Lee County YMCA invite all children up to six years old to join us for the SPRING EGG HUNT, on Sunday, March 28, 2010 at Centennial Park. 4000 eggs will cover Centennial Park and a special visit from E. Bunny is expected! Children will be divided into age groups and the Egg Hunt begins promptly at 10:00 am. Children must be able to walk on their own; parents will not be able to assist them. There will be a drawing for special prizes! Children should bring their own basket to collect the eggs. Prior to the Egg Hunt there will be face painting, concessions and free giveaways. There is no registration or fee required. Plan to bring the kids and enjoy a great Fort Myers tradition.  For more information, click here.

Spring Egg Hunt

Laser Light Shows – Calusa Nature Center, Fort Myers

Ever been to one of these?  Pretty cool! Calusa Nature Center puts on a laser light show almost daily at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to much life Pink Floyd, LedZepplin, the Beatles, Vinyl, Hypnotica, and U2.  Tickets are $5 for the matinee and $10 for the evening show when purchased in advance.  For more information, click here.

Have a great weekend everyone!!!

By Kelly Turner | Comments (0)

Around Town

March 18, 2010 – 9:08 pm

What would you say if I told you that, for $42 bucks, you could treat your family to a fun night out?!  That I was nuts, right?   Well….tsk, tsk, tsk.

Gator Lanes Bowling Alley, Fort Myers – ANYTIME!

That’s right! $42.00 gets you two hours of bowling and shoes for up to six (6) people per lane. It also gets you a large pizza and a pitcher of soda. When was the last time you went bowling? Time to lace up those shoes, grab your friends and family, and head on down to Gator Lanes, 7050 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers. For more information on other fabulous specials they’re offering, click here.

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Marco Island 2010 Seafood Festival, Marco Island – ALL WEEKEND

The first Marco Island Seafood Festival was a tremendous success. Visitors agreed that the seafood vendors delivered a wide variety and excellent quality food. Most of those vendors will return this year plus a few new seafood specialists, who promised to keep the same high standard we so much enjoyed last year! For those who want other snacks and deserts, there will again be a lot of alternatives to choose from ranging from hotdogs, hamburgers to ice cream, kettle corn and much more.

This year’s festival has an even greater program of entertainment planned. Marco Islander entertainer and musician, Jay Robert of Mangrove Music,(www.mangrovemusic.com) has contracted an impressive list of artists for the Marco Island Seafood Festival. “The Lely Jazz Band” is scheduled to kick off the Marco Island Seafood Festival. Raiford Starke” will return and you sure will enjoy local favorites: ”The GladeZmen,” Jeff Hilt,” “Lords of Cool,” Jim Long,” “Jezebelle & the Sunset Bay Band,” “Myles Loud,” “Marco Island Strummers” and “Frank Carroll.” Once again the Marco Island Seafood Festival has teamed up with long time Arts & Crafts organizer, Pam Patullo, (www.karftfairs.com) to manage our arts & craft vendors and offer even more variety as we expanded the area to offer visitors many choices to browse and find the perfect items for sale.

Sound fun?  Come on down and enjoy yourself!  Gates open at 10:45 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, and festivities will continue until early evening.  For more information, click here.

Family Fun “Beautifully Outdoors” at The Bell Tower Shops, Fort Myers – Saturday 3/20

Bring the kids out on Saturday, March 20th, for Family Fun “Beautifully Outdoors” at the Bell Tower Shops from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.   Held the third Saturday of each month, through July 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Family Fun programs are free, fun and open to the public. Each activity takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes and snacks and juice are provided. A parent or adult must stay and participate in the family fun activities.

This Saturday, children, 4-8 years old, will explore the world through hands-on activities with educators from the Children’s Museum of Naples. Study the difference between native and nonnative plants; then plant a seed to take home.  The Bell Tower Shops are located at 13499 S. Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers.

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Have a happy, safe weekend!

By Kelly Turner | Comments (0)

Around Town

March 11, 2010 – 11:13 pm

Despite the rainy night we’re having, this weekend is shaping up to be another fun one in Southwest Florida!

DNA Lifeprint Event – Saturday, March 13th at Sutherlin Nissan – FREE

The DNA LifePrint Child Safety Event and endorsed by John Walsh, America’s Trusted Name In Fighting Crime is coming to Fort Myers this weekend. This program provides parents with the vital tools recommended by the FBI and The Department Of Justice.  In fact, the program is being donated to our community by Sutherlin Nissan this weekend.  The location of the event is 13985 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers on Saturday, March 13th, 2010 9:30am – 2:00pm.

Biometrics is the newest and most advanced technology available today for obtaining fingerprints. We are privileged to be able to use the same equipment presently used by Federal Agencies, Law Enforcement, and the US Military. Law Enforcement know that time is critical in the recovery of a missing child. The Biometric Technology our program brings to parents allows their child’s fingerprints to be immediately submitted into the FBI Database as soon as they are reported missing. When the child’s fingerprints are entered into the FBI Database, the fingerprints become immediately available to all law enforcement agencies throughout the United States.

You will receive the following DNA kit ($14.95 value) when you bring your child with you to this event:

FBI Certified Biometric 10 Digit Fingerprint Profile.

High resolution full color Digital Photograph of your child.

A Child Safety Journal which will provide law enforcement officials with all the necessary vital information about your child and other important facts they will need immediately after a child is reported missing.

A Home DNA Identification Kit that is easy to use and lasts through generations.

There is no data basing on Saturday: After each child goes through the line, parents are handed a Child Safety Journal (which contains the Biometric Fingerprints and Digital Photo) and a DNA Kit. The DNA Kit contains detailed instructions on how to use the DNA Kit at home. The only record of the visit is handed to you to take home: The event sponsor keeps no records on file. You will also be given John Walsh’s Child Safety Tips. All the information provided at this Child Safety Program is recommended by child safety experts and law enforcement officials to be updated every 6 months.

If a child becomes missing, parents greatly increase their chance of quickly recovering their child if they immediately provide, a FBI Certified Biometric 10 Digit Fingerprint Profile, a DNA Sample, a High Resolution Full Color Photograph, and Current Statistical Information.

Parents Please Bring Your Children to this FREE Child Safety Program!  For more information, click here.

52nd Annual Shrimp Festival – Fort Myers Beach, ALL WEEKEND!

Come on down to the beach this weekend and take part in this fun festival!!  There will be a parade, lots of crafts, food, music, and…SHRIMP!  For a complete rundown of activities all weekend, click here.

Coors Light Open – Fort Myers Country Club – ALL WEEKEND!

The Fort Myers Country Club is a joy to play. Designed by the great Donald Ross in 1916 and opened in 1917, it is one of the oldest facilities on the west coast of Florida and the Fort Myers Country Club plays like golf should be! Golfers find it to be a fun quality place. Walking is permitted every day of the year and any time of the day and rarely does a home come into play on the course. The “Fort”is truly a course of the ages.

The “Fort” also possesses another tradition. The Coors Open, a Pro-Am golf tournament that began in 1963 and is the longest running event in Southwest Florida. The 48th Annual Coors Open will be held this weekend, March 12-13,2009. One local writer refers to the Coors Light Open as the biggest little tournament in the United States. He´s so right! There is no charge for admission; no fee for parking and spectators can walk right next to the players! Wow, no wonder half of Southwest Florida comes to watch!

The Fort is set in a unique and warm setting in the heart of Fort Myers. The “Fort”is only one mile south of the Thomas Edison Home and fact tells us that Mr. Edison, Mr. Henry Ford and others loved to play the “Fort”in the 1920´s.

Fort Myers Country Club is located at 3591 McGregor Boulevard – you can’t miss it!  Hope to see you all there!

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By Kelly Turner | Comments (0)

Around Town

February 26, 2010 – 12:41 pm

Baby, it’s COLD outside.  Brrrrr!!!  And we’re in for another storm this weekend.  Has this been a crazy winter or what?  I can handle the cold, but not when our gorgeous blue skies go to cloudy gray.  Thankfully, I think we’re in for a lot of sunshine this weekend, even though it will be cold.   Let’s see what’s happening, shall we?

Southwest Florida Lee County 86th Annual Fair, Lee Civic Center – 2/26 through 3/8

If you love fairs, you’re in for a treat!  Today commences the 86th Annual Southwest Florida Lee County Fair.  It runs through March 8, 2010 at the Lee County Civic Center and Fairgrounds, 11831 Bayshore Road, in North Fort Myers.  For more information about tickets and times, please call (239) 543-8364.

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FREE Busch Gardens Preschool Pass for kids ages 5 and younger, Busch Gardens – Tampa, ALL YEAR!!!

That’s right - if you have a child 5 and younger, a Free Commemorative Busch Gardens Preschool Pass is waiting! It’s all they need to explore the wonders of Busch Gardens and our all-new Sesame Street Safari of Fun…for all of 2010.  Come join everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends on a family-friendly Safari adventure where the rhythms of Africa are sprinkled with giggles. It’s Busch Gardens’ newest land filled with kid-size rides, cool water fun and plenty of memorable adventures. Fly through the desert with Grover. Climb in Elmo’s Tree House. Splash in Bert and Ernie’s watering hole. You can even dine with your child’s furry friends. It’s Sesame Street Safari of Fun, where imaginations run wild and there’s fun for everyone.  Click here to register for your free pass.  Did I mention there are NO blackout dates either???  What a fantastic deal this is!

44th Annual Swamp Cabbage Festival – Labelle, ALL WEEKEND!

Load up the family and join us for food, fun, and entertainment!!!! Parade, Rodeo, Food, Arts & Crafts, Miss Swamp Cabbage Festival, Armadillo Races and fun for all ages. Parade Starts February 27th at 10:00 a.m.   For more information on all the activities, click here.

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By Kelly Turner | Comments (3)