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

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 | Comments (3)

Around Town

February 19, 2010 – 8:29 am

For those of you here in town, this is the big parade weekend!  The Edison Festival of Lights Grand Parade to be exact.  Because so many of us who live here make this an annual tradition and have for many, many, many years – it will be the focus of this weeks’ Around Town Post.  Read on for more information:

72nd Edison Festival of Lights Grand Parade, Saturday, February 20th at 7:00 p.m. – Downtown Fort Myers

This weekend, we will be celebrating the Innovation of Thomas Alva Edison and the Quality of Life of Southwest Florida in the 72nd Edison Festival of Lights Parade.  This parade has been named One of North America’s Top 100 Events and One of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast.  The Grand Parade is a two-hour extravaganza featuring national & local marching bands, floats, local government and law enforcement officials, a famous Grand Marshall and more. The parade brings the entire Southwest Florida community out in celebration of the life and achievements of our local winter resident, Thomas Edison. This event is free to the public.  For a complete route map, click here.

There are many great places to view the Grand Parade. If you would like reserved seating you can purchase Street Seat tickets which are sold by local non-profit groups and set up all along the parade route. A list of participating organizations will be located here at the website under Tickets as the time approaches. Otherwise arrive early with your chairs and blankets and pick a great spot by consulting the parade route map here at the website under About Us/General Information.

The Main Street Garage is located at the corner of Jackson and Main Street with the entrance on Main Street.  The City of Palms Garage is located at the corner of Bay and Monroe with the entrance on Monroe.  Parkers will have until 5:00 pm to enter the City of Palms Garage at the Monroe entrance.   The Monroe entrance will close at 5:00 pm and parkers will have to use the Main Street Garage or find parking elsewhere.   The garage entrance closes (does so every year) because of the parade route and the pedestrian traffic.  There is a pay on entry event fee charge of $4 when entering the garages.    Parkers may park at the meters and in the Zip Zone at no charge.  Parkers are subject to being towed for parking in privately owned parking lots.

History of the Parade

In 1885, Thomas Alva Edison built his winter home in Fort Myers, Florida on the Caloosahatchee River. Throughout the 50 years Edison wintered in Fort Myers, he dedicated time in support of local charities and projects. He died in 1931, having successfully received over 1,000 patents for his inventions.

The idea of a celebration to commemorate Edison’s life of achievement evolved into the Edison Pageant of Light in 1938, with a Coronation Ball, a parade, a band concert and a memorial service, which began following Edison’s death. The successful three-day event needed to accommodate a growing series of events, which later increased to a week-long festival, then ten days, and finally to two full weeks.

In 1988, demand for more public events was great, but the pageant membership available to provide volunteer leadership for more activities was limited. The choices were to limit the growth of the public events of the Pageant so they could be handled by Pageant volunteers, or create a new public corporation to assume the responsibility for all events open to the public.

In a unanimous vote, the board of directors of the pageant elected to turn over all the public events of the Edison pageant of Light to the new non-profit corporation, the Edison Festival of Light. This paved the road to the possibilities of civic celebration in which the entire community could participate. In 1989, the new organization, the Edison Festival of Light, Inc. officially assumed responsibility for all of the Pageant’s public events.

There’s something for all ages! Come and join in celebrating the spirit of Edison, during Southwest Florida’s greatest family tradition, The Edison Festival of Light!

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Welcome to the 72nd Edison Festival of Light
“Celebrating the Innovation of Thomas Alva Edison and the Quality of Life of Southwest Florida”

By Kelly | Comments (0)

Around Town

February 11, 2010 – 10:14 pm

Looking for something to do this weekend?  Well, as usual, you’ve come to the right place – lifeXpressions’ blog!  We’re your one stop shop…find out what’s trendy on Tuesdays, get sneak peeks of fabulous sessions with fabulous clients, be the first to know about all the fun stuff we have planned this year, and lots more!  Win-win, right?!

Below are are few quick glances at what’s going on Around Town this weekend.  If you don’t see something that knocks your socks off, then click here for more, more, more!  As always, make it a great weekend, and be safe!

Friday, February 12 6:00 p.m., Night Vision at the Naples Zoo

Join Zoo Director David Tetzlaff after night falls for a private guided tour of Naples Zoo. Through the lens of a night vision scope, you’ll see the nocturnal activities of rare animals in the dark including Malayan tigers and the new fosas from Madagascar. Tetzlaff and staff lead you in the darkness for over two hours. Along the way, you will also meet animals up close, interact with natural artifacts, engage in a behind-the-scenes experience, and board a night cruise through islands of primates. $69.95 per person for non-members/$59.95 for members. To learn more, visit the website www.napleszoo.org or call (239) 262-5409. Located at 1590 Goodlette Frank Road, Naples

Saturday, February 13 10:00 a.m. – Fourth Annual Coconut Point Art Festival

Fine art, music and more will occupy the streets for two fun-filled days at Coconut Point Mall. Grab your sunscreen and walking shoes to stroll amidst life-size sculptures, spectacular paintings, one-of-a-kind jewels, photography, ceramics, and much more. Coconut Point is located on U.S. 41 between Corkscrew Road and Coconut Road in Estero. 

Saturday, February 13 11:00 a.m. Beautifully Outdoors, Children’s Museum of Naples

Join the Children’s Museum of Naples (C’mon) as we explore the world around us through hands-on activities at Waterside. Plus, get a sneak peak at some of the exciting exhibits that will be in C’mon when we open in 2010! Study the difference between native and non-native plants, then plant a seed to take home. All activities are weather permitting.Waterside 5415 Tamiami Trail N. Naples, Florida. 


Fine art, music and more will occupy the streets for two fun-filled days at Coconut Point Mall. Grab your sunscreen and walking shoes to stroll amidst life-size sculptures, spectacular paintings, one-of-a-kind jewels, photography, ceramics, and much more. Coconut Point is located on U.S. 41 between Corkscrew Road and Coconut Road in Estero.

By Kelly | Comments (0)

Around Town

February 4, 2010 – 9:30 pm

I know, I know.  It’s Superbowl weekend.  But, life does go on – right? Haha!  Well, considering I’m not a huge football fan and am only going to a Superbowl party to catch up with old friends, I thought I’d better figure out what else was going on this weekend.   Here we go:

Professor Patches Magic Show, Cape Coral Yacht Club – Friday 2/5 at 7:00 p.m.

Do something magical Friday night and take your kids to see Professor Patches!  Voted the best entertainer in SWFL by Gulfshore Life Magazine, Professor Patches will amaze children and adults alike. This would be the perfect event to bring the grandparents too!  Doors open at 6 for free kids’ activities.  The show begins at 7:00 p.m.  Tickets are $5 per person; call (239) 574-0806 for more information.

Cape Coral BIKE NIGHT – Downtown Cape Coral, Saturday 2/6 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Like to ride?  Well, get down to  Cape Coral Bike Night – Easy Riders Magazine says “it’s the place to be.” Join us on February 6th, 2010 from 5-10pm in Downtown Cape Coral for the best bike night in all of Southwest Florida. Our October and December events packed the streets with crowds of over 12,000 people for just one night.  Enjoy tasty food and beverages and do some shopping with merchandise from the area’s best vendors. There’s live music for everyone to enjoy and biker games for the serious competitor in you. The streets of Downtown Cape Coral will be closed to regular traffic just for this event and neighborhood restaurants, bars and hotels are ready to serve you.  For more information, click here.   Remember to Watch Out For Motorcycles!

Art Festival – ALL WEEKEND, River District {Downtown} Fort Myers

Art Fest Fort Myers, Southwest Florida’s premier art festival takes place downtown Fort Myers on February 6 & 7, 2010 from 10 to 5 each day. Each year Fort Myers’ only free, two day art extravaganza, decorates our downtown with exceptional artwork, entertainment and children’s art activities.  Attendees enjoy and purchase artwork in a variety of mediums and prices from nationally recognized artists from across the country and around the world.  Its better than a gallery – there is lots of variety – you can talk to the artists – you can view the work of over 200 fine artists in a single weekend – you can introduce your children to the magic of original art. Enjoy this amazing opportunity to see some of the most creative and exciting artwork to be exhibited anywhere in Florida this season!  For more details, click here. {The photo featured below is the stunning work of one of the artists featured at the festival – John Brady}.

ArtFest Fort Myers, Southwest Florida’s premier art festival takes place downtown Fort Myers on February 6 & 7, 2010 from 10 to 5 each day. Each year Fort Myers’ only free, two day art extravaganza, decorates our downtown with exceptional artwork, entertainment and children’s art activities.

Attendees enjoy and purchase artwork in a variety of mediums and prices from nationally recognized artists from across the country and around the world.

Its better than a gallery – there is lots of variety – you can talk to the artists – you can view the work of over 200 fine artists in a single weekend – you can introduce your children to the magic of original art.

Enjoy this amazing opportunity to see some of the most creative and exciting artwork to be exhibited anywhere in Florida this season.

By Kelly | Comments (0)

Around Town

January 22, 2010 – 3:03 pm

I was sitting in bed last night thinking how nice it was to have some free time for a change, but yet strangely feeling as though I was forgetting something.  Well, DUH!  The blog!  Let’s get right to it!

43rd Naples Boat Show & Seafood Festival – ALL WEEKEND!

Set course for the 43rd Naples Boat Show and Seafood Festival to check out an armada of new, used and antique boats as well as vintage cars and other land cruisers. While you’re there, stop in the nautical flea market. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Sunday at 100 Goodlette Road S., near the intersection of U.S. 41.  Tickets are $10 per Adult and Children 12 & under are FREE. Parking is also FREE. Ticket includes a $10 Gift Certificate to Pincher’s Crab Shack, a $10 Gift Certificate to Cruise Naples & a $10 Gift Certificate to Sea//Tow Naples and is good for the entire weekend.

2nd Annual Art on the Lakes – Miromar Lakes (Estero/Bonita), Sunday, Jan. 24th, 1-4 p.m.

Enjoy a beautiful afternoon on the Promenade on Lake Maggiore at Miromar Lakes & Beach Club for an afternoon of Fine Art, Live   Music, Water Ski Show at 1:30 pm and Food and Beverages Available!  Sunday, January 24, 2010,  1 to 4 p.m.    On the Promenade at Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club and view a variety of art by Miromar Lakes residents and other Southwest Florida artists.   Don’t miss the   Water Ski Show at 1:30 p.m.  What a fun way to explore this gorgeous community!

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Cape Coral Yacht Club – School Day’s Off Adventure Camp 1/25 and 1/26

Looking for something fun for your kids to do next week when school’s out?  The School Day’s Off Adventure Camp at the Cape Coral YachtClub will run on 1/25 and 1/26. The cost is $25/day for residents and $27/day for non-residents. Kids will enjoy tennis, fishing, swimming and various crafts will be available to do here at the Yacht Club. The ages we target for this will be 8-12. Our phone number is 239-574-0806.

HAVE A HAPPY, SAFE WEEKEND!!!

By Kelly | Comments (0)

Around Town

January 15, 2010 – 9:00 am

Happy Friday everyone!  We made it through another chilly week here in Southwest Florida and I’m personally very happy the temperature has warmed up just a smidge!   Get out and enjoy it before the next front comes through.

6th Annual Nature Festival – Rookery Bay Estuary, Naples:  ALL WEEKEND!

Check out the Southwest Florida Natural Festival Friday through Sunday for guided field trips to area wildlife hotspots, an array of local wildlife programs, live birds of prey and other programs at the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. For more information, call 417-6310 or visit www.rookerybay.org/nature-fest-2010.

Antique Appraisal Day – Crowne Plaza (Bell Tower), Fort Myers, Saturday 1/16/10

The Animal Refuge Center is holding an Antique Appraisal Day at the Crowne Plaza Hotel- Ft. Myers from 10am to 4pm on Jan.16, 2010. Peter Curran, renown appraiser of the Antique Roadshow will be there with other fellow appraisers. For a $20.00 donation to ARC, you can have two pieces appraised. Discover the true value of that painting, jewelry or statue that Aunt Tess handed down.  Location is across from the Bell Tower Shops at 13051 Bell Tower Dr, Ft. Myers, FL 33907.  So dust off your hidden treasures and come on over and have fun. Find out what those treasures handed down to you over the years or that item you found at a garage sale are really worth!! Maybe that item will get you the new car of your dreams.

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Estuary Wading Trip -Estero Bay, Saturday 1/16/10

Estero Bay estuary wading trips are offered through the Estero Bay Buddies and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve office. It is free of charge thanks to funding by the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program. Please join us as we discover first-hand why estuaries such as Estero Bay are so important to southwest Florida. Explore the ecology of the state’s first Aquatic Preserve and learn more about what lies beneath the waters of Estero Bay.  Participants will travel into mudflats and seagrass beds at low tide and encounter the many species that call this estuary home. Seines, dip nets and field microscopes will be provided for closer examination of crabs, fish, shrimp, and other interesting animals. Participants will discover first hand why estuaries are known as the “cradles of the ocean”! Advance registration is required. For reservations and information, call the Preserve office at 239-463-3240 during regular business hours (8:00 am – 5:00 pm) Monday through Friday. Wading trips take about 1 ½ -2 hours. Wear old tennis shoes or diving booties and a swimsuit or shorts. NO flipflops or sandals. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, water and a towel.

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Have a WONDERFUL weekend!

By Kelly | Comments (0)

Around Town

January 7, 2010 – 10:19 pm

Hmmm….what to do this weekend, what to do.  How about:  STAY WARM!  Now, I have to say that I do love cool weather and think one of the most beautiful places on earth is Lake Tahoe covered in snow.  But, we don’t live there, and this artic weather in sunny Florida is getting old.  [Uh, check back with me in August on that  opinion as I'm sure I'll be begging for mercy from the heat].  I suppose if I had a fireplace in the house like my in-laws do, I’d have big plans for a good old-fashioned marshmallow roast inside the house tomorrow night.  The best I can offer my boys is to just light one on fire over the sink.  Haha.    So, for my fellow Floridians, my suggestions for what to do this weekend and stay warm while doing it are:  go to the movies; go shopping; stay home and crank up the heat.  I’ll be doing the latter.   Now, for my fellow frisky Floridians who love the cooler weather and want to get out there – well, check out what’s happening Around Town:

25th Annual Cape Coral Festival of the Arts – ALL WEEKEND, Downtown Cape Coral

Check out Cape Coral’s 25th Annual Cape Coral Festival of the Arts will showcase the works of more than 300 juried artists and artisans featuring fine art, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, photography, metal works, mixed media and more from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on Cape Coral Parkway between Del Prado Boulevard and Vincennes in downtown Cape Coral. The event, which offers free admission and parking, is recognized by Sunshine Artist Magazine as one of the 75 Best Arts and Crafts Show in the nation.

Go see the Manatees at Manatee Park, Fort Myers

My husband and I took our boys today to Manatee Park to see the manatees who are packed almost on top of each other in the Orange River directly across from the Florida Power & Light Power Plant.  The plant and surrounding water are a haven for manatees in the cooler months as they seek warmer water – which is abundant around the power plant.  Optimum viewing times are between the months of November and March due to the cooler gulf temperature. Manatee Park is a non-captive refuge for the Florida Manatee. Manatees are generally not present during the warm summer months. The park has an extensive butterfly garden. Picnic areas & shelters, fishing pier on the Orange River. Canoe/kayak launch to the Orange River. Program amphitheater and playground. Driving Directions: Take I-75 to exit 141. Go east 1 1/4 miles. The park is on the right (directly across the street from the FPL Power Plant).

Here are a couple of pics we took today just to give you an idea of just how many manatees there are – amazing:

[caption id="attachment_3403" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Manatee Park"]Manatee Park[/caption]

And then we stumbled upon this little guy…

Thankfully, he wasn’t real!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

By Kelly | Comments (0)