Page 48 - 2024-2025 Travel Guide to Florida

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
HISTORIC ANNA MARIA CITY PIER • BRADENTON AREA CVB (ABOVE); FORT MYERS BEACH • FORT MYERS - ISLANDS, BEACHES AND NEIGHBORHOODS/JASON BOECKMAN (BELOW)
ROAD TRIPS
Head east of Naples along Tamiami Trail (Highway 41) to immerse yourself in the region’s wild side and Old Florida culture. For glimpses of wildlife, try Janes Memorial Scenic Drive in Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park or Loop Road in Big Cypress National Preserve. Backroad Route 92 takes you from 41 to the time-stilled fishing community and seafood restaurants of Goodland.
Views along the Sanibel Causeway and Captiva Drive star in many commercials, but all of the coastal islands promise glimpses of sea and local color. The drive through Bonita Beach, Lovers Key and Fort Myers Beach and another from Lido Key through Anna Maria Island in Sarasota and Bradenton are particularly representative of island life.
From Fort Myers, head east along Route 80 to visit the small towns of riverside Alva and Labelle, and lakeside Clewiston. Glimpse the region’s rural, agricultural personality along the way. Or plan a trip to Pine Island to the northwest. Its four communities are known for exotic fruit farming, ancient Calusa shell mounds, an artists’ village and fishing.
In the Port Charlotte area, a road trip to Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island scores for historical intrigue and lovely beaches. To its north, Sarasota lays claim to a number of small organic and other farms you can visit. Cross the Manatee River from Bradenton to reach the attractions of Palmetto, a riverside beauty also known for its agricul- tural heritage.
SHOPPING
If you’re looking for unique buys, there’s plenty of that in Southwest Florida.
In the Everglades territory, visit the Big Cypress Gallery in Ochopee, home to Clyde Butcher whose large-format art photography captures the Everglades and other natural treasures.
In Naples, art galleries fill the downtown Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South districts. At the latter, buy your designer labels at Marissa Collections. Other popular outdoor shopping venues include The Village Shops on Venetian Bay, Waterside Shops and Mercato.
To the north in Bonita Springs, visit DeRomo’s Gourmet Market & Restaurant in the Promenade at Bonita Bay. It is an excellent place to dine and shop for food. Coconut Point lays out a huge spread of big box stores and fashion boutiques.
Sanibel Island is known for its shell shops, nature art galleries and resort wear boutiques. Hit the Shell Factory & Nature Park in North Fort Myers, where wildlife viewing and family amusements enhance shopping for shells, jewelry and other Florida trinkets. The Fun Park activities include a zip line, paddle and bumper boats, playground and climbing wall.
In Punta Gorda, downtown and Fisher- men’s Village present small, intimate shopping experiences. Hit Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island for a charming historical twist to your shopping.