Thomas Edison - House
L’Etat-soleil de l’Amérique emballe l’Europe… en douze à treize de vol « boîte à sardines ». Mais qu’importe le flacon du voyage, pourvu qu’on ait l’ivresse « sea, sex and sun » et le plaisir de la découverte.
There’s a lot to celebrate this month. Sanibel Island’s first new hotel to be built in 40 years has announced an opening date. A Captiva Island treasure has reopened after three years of renovations. A Gasparilla Island gem has been named the No.1 resort in Florida. A pool that mimics the waves of the ocean has opened in Cape Coral. A Bonita Springs resort is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation to its meeting space. And if you are looking for a way to get close to nature, wet walks begin on Aug. 16.
Shalimar Beach Resort, Sanibel Island, plans a fall opening
Shalimar Beach Resort is planning a soft opening on Sept. 28 as the first Sanibel Island resort to be completely rebuilt, post-Hurricane Ian. The new construction, 33-room resort will offer Gulf-front studios, one- and two-bedroom villas. Reservations are available for stays beginning October 2025. shalimar.com
The first new hotel to open on Sanibel in 40 years, the property was built with hurricane resiliency in mind: impact doors, windows, walls, roof structure. Buildings are 6 feet above the base flood elevation. More than 500 concrete pilings are installed below the foundation. With a sensitivity to the natural environment, turtle lighting has been installed for protection during nesting season.
The Bubble Room on Captiva Island is back!
Bubble Bread, model trains, holiday lights and memories are back. The iconic Bubble Room Restaurant has opened after three years of renovations following Hurricane Ian and delays from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The restored restaurant retains its vintage, nostalgic charm and famous desserts. Open for lunch and dinner. https://bubbleroomrestaurant.com
Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande, named No. 1 in Florida
Travel + Leisure readers named the Gasparilla Inn the No. 1 Florida Resort for 2025. As part of its World’s Best Awards from reader surveys, the publication says, “The property has retained a distinct Old Florida charm that date back to the inn’s opening in 1913.”
As one reader shared, “There truly is no place like The Gasparilla Inn. Its unique character and historic charm create an elegant atmosphere that is fast disappearing from most, if not all, other hotels and resorts.” Click here to read the article.
Surf’s up in Cape Coral
Sun Splash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral has opened Paradise Cove, a $4 million wave pool. The 12,000-square-foot pool features seven wave patterns and varying intensities. In addition, a 16-foot movie screen will be added for "dive-in movies" and other events. sunsplashwaterpark.com
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, Bonita Springs, renovations
A multimillion-dollar renovation of meeting and event space is underway at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa. With completion this fall, the renovation complements recent updates to its rooms, waterpark and restaurants.
With ocean blues, deep lush greens and sandy beige accents, the meeting space will be updated with new carpeting, wall coverings and artwork. Lighting will feature an extravagant mesh chandelier reminiscent of a brilliant conch shell in the Estero Ballroom and lighting installations with opalescent glasswork and silver accents throughout the additional spaces. The Calusa Ballroom Terrace renovations include redesigned landscaping providing settings reminiscent of a tropical garden. hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/naprn-hyatt-regency-coconut-point-resort-and-spa
Get wet at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, Fort Myers
You can’t get much closer to nature than the wet walks at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. The walks begin Aug. 16 and run through Oct. 25. Participants are allowed into parts of the Slough that are normally off-limits and experience these beautiful wetlands with trained guides along a trail that is safe and has welcomed thousands of walkers for more than 50 years.
This season’s schedule has a total of 14 regular wet walks, two meditation wet walks, two themed wet walks, plus two wet walks geared toward families with children ages 8 to 11. (The minimum age for all other wet walks is 12.) Check information, dates, pricing and make reservations at sloughpreserve.org/wet-walk-season-2025
Don’t miss: Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, Sept. 19-28
The award-winning Island Hopper Songwriter Fest returns for its 11th year with dozens of BMI songwriters set to play against the tropical island backdrop of Fort Myers’ islands, beaches and neighborhoods. Singer-songwriters who have penned hits for such artists as Eric Church, Faith Hill, Grand Funk Railroad, Harry Connick Jr., Jake Owen, Jason Aldean and LoCash will perform at multiple venues, Sept. 19-28.
Presented by BMI, iHeartMedia, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB), attendees will have the unique opportunity to experience the stories and personalities of the songwriters in intimate island settings. Check https://www.island-hopperfest.visitfortmyers.com/deals for special Island Hopper deals at area accommodations and attractions.
While most Island Hopper shows are free, make plans now to grab your tickets for a unique and up-close performance by the greatest BMI singer-songwriters from Nashville and beyond.
Experiences include:
Sept. 20: BMI singer-songwriter Frank Myers will perform with Cut the Chord String Quartet and Jimmy Nichols at the Captiva Civic Center on Captiva Island.
Sept. 21: Captiva Cruises will host a Songwriter Sunset Cruise. Take in breathtaking views of the Gulf coast while listening to live music from BMI singer-songwriters Ruby Amanfu and Sam Ashworth.
Sept. 22: LOCASH will take the Island Hopper stage in Cape Coral at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village. Their most recent hit, “Hometown Home,” peaked on the Billboard Country Airplay chart at No. 1. Book the Island Hopper room package deal at islandhopperfest.com to receive tickets included in your stay.
Sept. 23: Take the Songwriter Sunset Cruise with BMI singer-songwriter Allan Bradford aboard the Silver King Watertaxi at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village in Cape Coral. Limited tickets available. Hotel guests receive free admission. Limited seats available.
Sept. 24: Julianne Ankley and Tim McGeary will perform at the Luminary Hotel & Co.’s Island Hopper Dinner Experience in downtown Fort Myers.
Sept. 24: Americana Community Music Association (ACMA) Showcase at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers will feature a variety of performances including Robert Bidney, Kim Mayfield, Bill Metts, Roy Schneider and Ray Cerbone.
Sept. 25: Essex County will return to perform at Luminary Hotel & Co.’s Island Hopper Dinner Experience in downtown Fort Myers.
Sept. 27: Canvas and Chords lets you immerse yourself in the sounds of BMI singer-songwriters Danny Myrick and Katrina Cain at Alair Custom Homes on Fort Myers Beach while local island artist Lacy McClary paints a custom work of art. Ticket proceeds will support SWFL Reefs.
Sept. 28: Multi-platinum BMI singer-songwriter and Grammy-nominated Chris Young will wrap up Island Hopper with a pool-party performance at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach. Young has more than 9 billion global streams and 14 career No. 1 singles.
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, named one of the Top 5 music fests by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, gives fans the opportunity to see singer-songwriters perform in smaller venues with a tropical setting as the backdrop.
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