STAY LOCAL

Let’s go see and do and taste the things our visitors dream of doing

2020-10-16 - BY LIBBY MCMILL AN HENSON

Many Southwest Florida residents don’t even take the time or energy to go to the beach, stick an umbrella in the sand and enjoy the sound of the sea. Life keeps us all a little too busy—even in a crazy year like this one. So let’s go see and do and taste the things our visitors dream of doing.

It’s funny how we rarely do the things our own hometown is famous for. Fort Myers residents can go years without visiting the fascinating Edison and Ford Winter Estates, knowing they’ll get to it one day because it’s “right there.” Likewise, Sanibel Islanders rarely go shelling. Many Southwest Florida residents don’t even take the time or energy to go to the beach, stick an umbrella in the sand and enjoy the sound of the sea.

Life keeps us all a little too busy—even in a crazy year like this one. And because travel has become tricky at best, a staycation solves these dilemmas. Millions of people from around the world make a yearly trek, after all, to spend their precious accrued time in Southwest Florida. We get to live in the place that had them eagerly counting the months, weeks and days until they could visit again.

So here’s an expanded concept of the “Shop Local” theme: Let’s look at our own surroundings with the eyes of a vacationer. Let’s go see and do and taste the things our visitors dream of doing. Let’s ride bikes with ding-aling bells and take selfies with funny signs. Let’s sign up for tennis lessons, go boating or fishing with a guide, and order enormous king crab legs. Let’s check out museums and sing karaoke . . . just because we can.

CAPE CORAL

Never thought about taking a staycation in Cape Coral? Maybe that’s because you’ve never really checked out the Hideaway or The Westin. Although they do it in completely different styles, these two lodging options offer a fantastic getaway option, especially for anglers.

Hideaway Waterfront Resort is aptly named, tucked into an oasis-like property just four blocks from downtown restaurants and fun. The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village has such a cool vibe, you’ll revamp any outdated thoughts you may have about the Cape. (News flash: The city is a foodie hot spot now). The Westin not only has tennis courts, it has its own lagoon pool and a lap pool with water views. Views from its rooms are so outstanding, hotel management may have to toss you at checkout time.

Cape Coral also puts you in easy driving distance of public golf courses and charming Matlacha (matt-luh-SHAY), with its “fishingest bridge” and art galleries. Next stop: Pine Island fruit farms and waterfront restaurants. All in all, the Cape as a home base is the good counter-balance to our high-paced, complex lives.

Lodging

• Hideaway Waterfront Resort & Hotel; hideawayflorida.com;

239-542-5812

• The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village; westin.

marriott.com; 239-541-5000

Dining

• Nevermind Awesome Bar & Eatery; nevermindcapecoral.com;

239-994-3062

• Cork Soakers Deck & Wine Bar; corksoakers.net; 239-542-6622 • Nice Guys Pizza and Beer; niceguyspizza.com; 239-549-7542 • Siam Hut; capecoralsiamhut.com; 239-945-4247

Entertainment

• Anthony’s on the BLVD; anthonysontheblvd.net; 239-772-5900

FORT MYERS

Fort Myers has several personalities—choose the one that suits you. Coastal Fort Myers, near Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach, gives off a distinctly beachy vibe. The Downtown Fort Myers River District is a stimulating mix of dining, entertainment, architecture and people-watching. And then there’s nature lovers’ Fort Myers, where you can go to a truly magical place called Manatee Park; trek through Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve; or cycle through scenic Lakes Park. Have a camera handy!

If you’ve been putting off a visit to Fort Myers’ most amazing attraction, or it’s been a while since you visited the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, it’s time. The entire riverfront property, from homes and workshop to its truly special plant and gift shops, is mesmerizing. You’ll be awed by diving into a remarkable place and time, where some of America’s renowned innovators worked and mingled. Frankly, it’s worth a stop just to spend time beneath the estates’ jaw-dropping banyan trees.

In Fort Myers, the weather is typically terrific for outdoor activities in November and December. Have some laughs on the putt-putt course; take some tennis lessons; swim at Bunche Beach or arrange to learn windsurfing on the Sanibel Causeway. You’ll be amazed how much fun you can have without an agenda of any kind.

Lodging

• Hotel Indigo; ihg.com; 239-337-3446

• Crowne Plaza; crowneplaza.com; 239-482-2900 • Marriott Sanibel Harbor Resort & Spa; marriott.com;

239-466-4000

• Drury Inn & Suites; druryhotels.com; 239-267-1340

Dining

• Trattoria Napoli; latrattoriacafenapoli.com; 239-931-0050 • Harold’s; haroldscuisine.com; 239-849-0622

• Blanc; blancentertainment.com; 239-887-3139

Entertainment

• The Roadhouse Café; roadhousecafefl.com; 239-415-4375 • Broadway Palm Dinner Theater; broadwaypalm.com;

239-278-4422

• Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille; docfords.com; Fort Myers Beach