Special Occasions
Host your next soiree, fundraiser or social gathering at these striking venues
When it comes to special events, aesthetics are everything. A carefully planned backdrop— be it indoors or out— can evoke feelings of sophistication, nostalgia and even seclusion from the outside world. Southwest Florida boasts a wide variety of uniquely designed venues that will turn any function into a very special one. Imagine your guests enjoying Gulf- front views or the elegance of an elite country club or even a lush countryside villa setting. Here are some places to consider the next time you are hosting an event.
Paradise Found
Gentle Gulf waters and idyllic stretches of shell- filled beaches draw many to the islands of Sanibel and Captiva. Oftentimes, it’s an ideal spot to host celebrations. With plenty of on- island resorts equipped with ample event space, this tropical oasis can be an inspiring setting for work retreats or romantic ceremonies.
“We do about two hundred weddings a year,” says Jessica Pasek, director of sales and catering for the Casa Ybel Resort on Sanibel. The 23- acre estate has held weddings for over a century and accommodates with both indoor and outdoor venues. Wedding vows can be exchanged outside on a white sand beach, at the lakeside gazebo or under the covered outdoor veranda.
“It’s great because it still has a view of the water, but it overlooks our Olympic- sized swimming pool,” Pasek says of the veranda. The understated white deck is reminiscent of Old Florida and can work for fancy ceremonies or laid- back island receptions.
Indoor areas with air conditioning, like the Victorian- style Thistle Lodge overlooking the Gulf, allow guests to enjoy aquamarine ocean views, minus the Florida heat.
The South Seas Island Resort on Captiva has 330 acres worth of flexible event space. “We can do a beach reception or outdoor reception,” says Daniel Smock, marketing and communications manager at the resort. “We can get as creative as you want.”
And who wouldn’t want to marry in an unspoiled island refuge, or have a board meeting walking distance from the beach? Along with many indoor meeting spaces, South Seas has four designated wedding venues and six reception spots.
The prime choices for South Seas celebrations are the Kings Crown and Kings Crown Lawn. This 1880s landmark maintains its vintage charm with wood floors, white surroundings and an original fireplace. Guests can either have hors d’oeuvres on the deck or enjoy a meal in the dining room. The Kings Crown Lawn is a dreamy spot for ceremonies, with towering royal palms and views of Pine Island Sound.
Southern Charm
While both Chris and Lisa MacArthur, owners of Cypress M Ranch, can agree that beachside settings are popular in Southwest Florida, they’ve started renting out their own private ranch in Punta Gorda to give people a taste of the good old Florida country.
“Agritourism ( utilizing rural areas for commercial estate) is big all over the world, and it seems to be coming to Southwest Florida more and more,” Lisa says. And if that’s so, Cypress M Ranch has all the makings of rustic style. Cypress and oak trees shade an 80- acre pasture that includes a ranch- style barn, outdoor kitchen and a cozy two- bedroom cottage that Lisa describes as “ranch shabby- chic.”
But it’s not just the farm’s overall design encompassing the culture of the American West. During events, staff members are decked out in cowboy suits, and the MacArthur’s horses even make cameo appearances at weddings as they usher in bridesto- be. “When brides make their grand entry on horseback, it’s just beautiful,” Lisa says.
Receptions often take place in the barn that’s played up with harvest tables and whiskey barrels, and an appointed country band is there to fiddle away while cowboys and girls dance along to twangy tunes. Campfires are lit and crackle softly in the background, while strewn lights twinkle around the barn, mimicking the stars in the stretch of sky above.
“We do things differently out here,” Lisa says. “It’s very laid back and it’s a sense of serenity and peacefulness.”
Southern Waters, located on Daughtreys Creek Road in North Fort Myers, also specializes in countryside events. Originally functioning as a Christian retreat, Tom Hoolihan purchased and now rents out the venue for weddings, baby showers, work functions and charitable gatherings.
Though he’s made plenty of renovations, Hoolihan says Southern Waters has the same amount of tranquility as the original property.
“Essentially, you are renting out 18 acres of complete solitude,” he says. “You don’t see cars passing by or people passing through; just you and your intended guests.”
Live oaks and a waterside view surround the estate, which also features a paved pavilion, hot tub and Southern- style lodge. “You have this feeling you’re in a place other than the flatlands of Florida,” Hoolihan says. “The property has a very subtle entrance, but once you come in, it amazes you.”
It’s All in the Past
History buffs needn’t look further than First Street in downtown Fort Myers for places filled with memories of yesteryear. Once referred to as “Millionaire’s Row,” many of these perfectly preserved mansions were the setting for social gatherings attended by Fort Myers’ legendary elite like Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone. The Burroughs Home & Gardens, previously inhabited by wealthy businessman Nelson Burroughs and family, is just one of the places now open to the public.
Built in 1901, the house is a true depiction of Georgian Colonial Revival. Pine floors complement a fully furnished interior, complete with a brick- lined fireplace, winding grand staircase and sitting areas containing dated entertainment devices, sepiatoned photographs and other antique memorabilia.
Once referred to as “Millionaire’s Row,” many of these perfectly preserved mansions were the setting for social gatherings attended by Fort Myers’ legendary elite like Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone.
“It was the ‘ it’ house of Fort Myers,” says Arlene Roth, executive director at Uncommon Friends Foundation, a company that manages the property. “It’s a stunning home, fully decorated in the era of the 1920s.”
Parties can be held in the main room or outside on the grounds, which, Roth says, still reflect the gardening styles of the Burroughs’ daughters. A wrap- around porch, gazebo and newly constructed pavilion allow gatherings to vary in size— perfect for corporate brunches, family reunions or vintagethemed bridal showers.
The Heitman House also allows guests to step back in time. Built in 1908 by Gilbert Heitman as an engagement gift to his bride, spouses- to- be are able to wed in a mansion that was founded on romance.
A circular driveway replete with classic sophistication welcomes guests as valet- parking attendants graciously open car doors.