Staycation values close to home this summer/fall
Florida residents have an opportunity to explore many unspoiled island sanctuaries on Southwest Florida’s Gulf coast with money-saving rates and packages that include lots of great offerings this summer and into fall. With exciting attractions, shelling, fishing, unique shopping and art galleries, waterside dining, kayak paddling and accommodations from quaint cottages to upscale resorts and everything in between, The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel offers the best discounts and values this time of year.
Special packages designed for Florida residents offer a chance to take advantage of the area when it is less crowded, the pace is slower and there are lots of great deals closer to home.
During this time period, visitors may also enjoy special festivals and events such as the 13th Annual MangoMania Tropical Fruit Fair in July; the fifth Annual Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival in October; the 21st Annual “Ding” Darling Days in October; and the 24th Annual American Sand sculpting Championship Festival in November.
For a list of all Florida resident values, packages and special rates, visit www.FortMyersSanibel.com.
Summer and fall festivals and events include:
– 13th Annual MangoMania Tropical Fruit Fair, Cape Coral/Pine Island
July 10-11, at German-American Social Club on 2101 Pine Island Rd.
Contact: 283-4842; www.mangomaniafl.com
The mango is the star attraction for two days each summer on Pine Island. Go wild for fruit as you sample locally-grown delicacies at this 13th annual affair, an unusual celebration of all the tropical fruit grown on the island, which also includes lychee, carambola, longan, papaya, and “chocolate pudding fruit.” Fruit, exotic fruit trees, and fruit-related products are available for purchase. The festival also offers live music, kids’ activities and rides. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
– Fifth Annual Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival, county-wide
Oct. 29-Nov. 7; www.CalusaBluewayPaddlingFestival.com
Along the Great Calusa Blueway paddling trail on waterfront communities in southwest Florida, events include activities that will help attendees achieve a “carbon neutral” vacation experience with tips to bring home. The festival includes free clinics and demonstrations, a speaker series, waterfront hospitality events and chances to win a kayak and other prizes. Also: Moderately priced nature and cultural tours, waterway cleanups, canoe and kayak races, and a catch-and-release kayak fishing tournament. A nature photography contest and family-oriented outdoors eco-fests round out the offerings. Complete details with contact information and regular updates may be found at www.calusabluewaypaddlingfestival.com.
n 21st annual J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island
Oct. 17-23; Contact: 472-1100; www.dingdarlingdays.com
“Ding” Darling Days include a week of eco-activities with free refuge tram tours, live wildlife presentations, kids activities, Federal Duck Stamp artist presentation, art day, family day and more. Birding and kayak paddling tours, environmental speakers, a nature photography contest, and Junior Duck Stamp Awards will fill the week with environmental activities for all ages. The festival celebrates the birthday of the refuge’s namesake, conservationist and Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Jay N. “Ding” Darling. For detailed schedule, visit website.
– 24th annual American Sand sculpting Championship Festival, Beach
Nov. 10-14; Contact: 454-7500; www.sandfestival.com
Dolphins, great blue herons, giant computers, entwined lovers and Neptune, god of the seas: The intricate sculptures at the 24th Annual American Sand sculpting Championship Festival takes “playing in the sand” to a whole new level in November on Fort Myers Beach. From nothing more than a beach of sand and 300 gallons of water, about 20 master sculptors will create complex works of art. Amateur sculptors are invited to create and learn from the masters during a Sand sculpting 101 workshop on Friday.
For more information on planning a vacation to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, visit www.FortMyersSanibel.com .
Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, 12800 University Drive Suite 550, Fort Myers, FL 33907 United States