“See” listings
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Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva Island
Park at McCarthy’s Marina and then stroll through the many galleries, or enjoy al fresco dining and a sunset cocktail on Andy Rosse Lane, the heart of tiny Captiva Island that is only one small block-long. (09/2011)
I-75 to Exit 131 to the Sanibel Causeway
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Sanibel Lighthouse
This iconic lighthouse has crowned Sanibel’s east end since 1884, and it’s still operational (a 1972 Coast Guard effort to decommission it was stamped out by outraged locals). The beachgoers lounge beneath its tower, and seashell fanatics scour the sand for the coveted “miniatures” that are often found here. (08/2011)
Eastern end of Periwinkle Way
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Cigar Cutters Fine Cigars & Barbershop
Cigars, fine wines and beer are on sale in this handsome new man-cave at McGregor Square. Enjoy a smoke or a drink on-site after your purchase, or head into the barbershop for an oldfashioned haircut and shave. (06/2011)
13451 McGregor Blvd, Ste 28
239- 985-9116
cigarcuttersfl.com -
Caloosa Catch and Release Fishing Tourney
This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the popular tournament that welcomes skilled and novice anglers—and many more spectators. With a total purse of $125,000, it is sure to draw another great batch of competitors. June 9-12. (06/2011)
At the South Seas Island Resort 5400 Plantation Rd, Captiva Island
239-850-1707
caloosacatc...release.com -
Fort Myers Miracle
The minor league baseball affiliate for the Minnesota Twins kicks off another hopeful season after this final spring training series against the Saint Lucie Mets. April 9-13. (04/2011)
At Hammond Stadium 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy
239- 768-4210
minorleaguebaseball.com -
Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center
Stop by this arts complex at night to see cool public art—two internally-lit pillars project Latin words onto surrounding surfaces, including the broad white canvas that is the museum's facade. A former Federal Building seen in the film Just Cause, it now hosts hip events and art openings. This month, check out Salvage, a collaboration of dance, poetry film and music (April 29). (04/2011)
2301 First St
239-337-1933
sbdac.com -
Devils Garden Bird Park
Reservations are required at this new birding hotspot, but birders will be amply rewarded for their effort. Set on a lovely 7,000-acre ranch, it's filled with rare and endangered species like the snail kite. (03/2011)
County Road 833, Hendry County
239- 851-7915
devilsgardenbirdpark.com -
Bunche Beach Preserve
This tucked-away stretch of beach and tidal wetlands on San Carlos Bay offers birders a good chance of seeing waders, shorebirds, plovers, marbled godwits, whimbrels, bright pink roseate spoonbills, black skimmers, peeps, common loons, giant white pelicans and long-billed curlews. Dogs are no longer allowed, which has been a boon to birding. (02/2011)
18201 John Morris Rd
239-765-6794
leeparks.org -
ESTERO RIVER OUTFITTERS
This time of year is perfect for paddling, and this well-appointed outfi tter—located in a cozy oak-shaded waterfront setting right on US 41—offers scenic upriver paddles, as well as guided tours to the historic Mound Key Calusa Indian burial site. (01/2011)
20991 S Tamiami Tr, Estero
239-992-4050
esteroriver...i tters.com -
CAPTIVA CHAPEL BY-THE-SEA
Tucked under towering seagrape trees on the beach waterfront, this historic seaside sanctuary draws locals and visitors for worship and for its charming setting. (01/2011)
11580 Chapin Ln, Captiva Island
239-472-1646
captivacivi...ciation.com -
BLIND PASS
Pay the $6 causeway toll to drive onto Sanibel, and head to the far west end toward Blind Pass bridge, which has parking and beaches on both ends. It’s a great sunset spot, where you can easily access nearby restaurants or head to a local grocery to put together a picnic. (12/2010)
Between Sanibel and Captiva islands
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BOTANICAL GARDENS TOURS
This illuminating tour of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford’s former winter estates highlights Edison’s obsession with exotic plants; he collected more than a thousand from all over the world. Take a camera and wear comfortable walking shoes. (11/2010)
2350 McGregor Blvd
239-334-7419
efwefla.org