THE PREMIER LGBTQ BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
SOUTHWEST FL Vol. 3
SCAN QR CODE TO VIEW THIS ISSUE ONLINE Bar Guide & Event Schedule
TABLE OF CON TENT S
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ABOUT SOUTHWEST FL
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RESTAURANT GUIDE
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EVENTS SCHEDULE
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BAR GUIDE
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LGBTQ ORGS & ATTRACTIONS
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BUSINESS DIRECTORY
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ABOUT SOUTHWEST FL LGBTQ Southwest Florida Naples is known for its great shopping and dining on Fifth Avenue, excellent fishing and world-class golf courses, not necessarily for being a gay hotspot. But that doesn’t mean that gay bars and gay-friendly accommodations can’t be found. With more than a hint of cosmopolitanism, Naples attracts its healthy dose of gay and lesbian travelers every beach season. Fort Myers’s gay scene might not be as loud as in Florida’s larger cities, but it’s definitely there! Neighborhood bars are casual and tend to cater to a friendly crowd. And expect to get your game on, as some several of the bars now offer space for gaming tournaments. Fort Myers is just a short drive away from Port Charlotte, if you’re looking for more local fun.
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RESTAURANT GUI DE BHA! BHA! Persian Bistro Elegant, white-tablecloth restaurant offering Persian specialties such as kebabs & duck fesenjān. 865 5th Ave S, Naples, FL
Cracklin’ Jack’s Steak, ribs, seafood & fried chicken plus Southern-style sides dished out in a down-home setting. 2560 39th St SW, Naples, FL
Mediterrano Bright, turquoise-hued eatery offering upscale Mediterranean cuisine & umbrella-shaded patio tables. 336 13th Ave S, Naples, FL
Fancy’s Southern Cafe Cozy eatery featuring familiar Southern fare such as chicken & waffles, sweet potato soufflé & more. 8890 Salrose Ln #101, Fort Myers, FL
Harold’s Warm, casual venue featuring hearty, locally sourced meat & seafood & a large wine menu. 15250 S Tamiami Trail #107, Fort Myers, FL
Romeu’s Cuban Restaurant Humble dining room serving a large menu of homestyle Cuban fare, from Cubanos to oxtail plates. 6800 Dykes Rd, Southwest Ranches, FL
Petar’s Restaurant Sophisticated American cuisine & wines are presented in a polished setting with an open kitchen. 3300 Bonita Beach Rd SW #120, Bonita Springs, FL
Artisan Eatery All-day American cafe with weekend brunch, coffee, beer & wine served up in a comfy setting. 8951 Daniels Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL Fuse Global Cuisine Easygoing, airy eatery serving a range of eclectic global fusion such as BBQ bao, plus beer & wine. 2500 Tamiami Trail N #115, Naples, FL
A Table Apart Buzzy but unfussy nook serving a sustainable menu heavily influenced by Hawaiian flavors. 4295 Bonita Beach Rd SW, Bonita Springs, FL
Lehne Burger Burgers with many toppings & sauces, plus shakes & beer, in a bright retro-style space with a patio. 1232 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL
Fish Tale Grill by Merrick Seafood Spacious, contemporary venue featuring upscale seafood dishes, a bar & a fish market. 1229 SE 47th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL
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2021EVENT SCH EDULE SEPTEMBER
a family friendly event with Live music by The Andy Pursell Band, Food Trucks, a Dunk Tank, face painting and sketch portraits, corn hole, and a whole lot of fun! Learn more at eventbrite.com.
SEP 14
FORT MYERS BEACH FILM FEST
The Fort Myers Beach International Film Festival seeks to be one the premier sustainable film festivals highlighting and featuring a compelling selection of stirring films. The Festival welcomes cinematic artists, the original storytellers who share their craft in an intimate setting while enjoying remarkable hospitality. Visit fmbifilmfest.com.
SEP 25-26
NAPLES GRAPE FESTIVAL 2021
At the Naples Grape Festival you will enjoy wine, food, arts, crafts and local/ regional music. Bake a pie for the World’s Greatest Grape Pie Contest and sample every thing “grape” that our valley has to offer. Learn more at expotobi.com.
SEP 17-26
ISLAND HOPPER SONGWRITER FEST
SEP 25
KEY LIME & TROPICAL FEST
Island Hopper offers an impressive lineup of nationally acclaimed and award-winning singer-songwriters with their own unique way of expressing themselves.
Don’t miss our family friendly Key Lime & Tropical Fest featuring live music, specialty vendors, festival glitter tattoos, Jeff the Juggler magic show, shopping and dining all in one convenient location! Learn more on Facebook.
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is a 10day music festival in Southwest Florida featuring performances by the greatest singer-songwriters from Nashville and nationwide. The festival is broken up into three locations with the first weekend kicking off on Captiva Island (Sept. 17-19), then moving to downtown Fort Myers during the week (Sept. 2023), and ends with a weekend on Fort Myers Beach (Sept. 24-26).
OCTOBER OCT 21-24
NAPLES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Now in its thirteenth year, the Naples International Film Festival is a place for film lovers to connect, exchange ideas and celebrate the art of film in a friendly, welcoming environment. Now a part of Artis—Naples, the festival typically hosts more than 60 screenings over four days, introducing new, exciting films, and often their talented creators, to our community. Visit artisnaples.org.
Most shows are free with the exception of a few ticketed experiences like our headliner shows (TBD). Stay up-to-date on festival news by downloading our festival app or follow us on social media. Learn more online at island-hopper. fortmyers-sanibel.com.
OCT 23
TACO FEST
SEP 18
Join us in Bonita Springs for BSC’s Annual Taco Fest. Taco Fest welcomes local restaurants and food trucks to feature a $2 taco in competition for SWFL’s Most Creative, Most Traditional, and People’s Choice Tacos. Find us
MUSIC & FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL A FUN family friendly night with live music, food trucks, and so much more. Join us for our first annual music and food truck festival with The Pepper Team. Starting at 4:30pm. This will be
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BAR GU ID E Bambusa Bar & Grill Informal American tavern with small plates, Tex-Mex dishes, pizzas, burgers & happy hours. Empire Plaza, 600 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples, FL
7th Avenue Social Modern Southern dishes & craft cocktails are the draw at this sophisticated restaurant with a patio. 849 7th Ave S #101, Naples, FL
Rascals Lively, modern gay bar featuring drag shows, karaoke, DJs & pool, plus happy-hour specials. 3758 Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL
Whiskey Park Energetic tavern featuring craft beers, whiskey & bar grub, plus pool tables, live music & a patio. 3380 Mercantile Ave, Naples, FL
Cruiser’s Lounge Easygoing gay bar serving up cocktails, drag shows, karaoke & dance nights, plus happy hours. 1517 SE 47th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL
Dylan’s Drafthouse Easygoing bar & grill offering pub fare from sandwiches to entrees, along with many beers on tap. 1258 Airport-Pulling Rd, Naples, FL
Yabba Island Grill Airy setting with outdoor space serving seafood, steaks & other casual eats, plus cocktails. 711 5th Ave S, Naples, FL
The Real Macaw Restaurant Caribbean-inspired bar/eatery with tropical decor & seafood fare, plus outdoor seating & live music. 3275 Bayshore Dr, Naples, FL
Sea Salt Modern seafood dishes with global salts & spices served in a hip, upscale space with patio seating. 1186 3rd St S, Naples, FL
The Parrot Bar & Grill Burgers, fish sandwiches & American bar bites pair with tropical drinks in colorful, laid-back digs. 1100 6th Ave S, Naples, FL
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2021EVENT SCH EDULE on Facebook or for more info, visit bscevent.com.
NOVEMBER
OCT 23
CHALK FESTIVAL
FALL FEST
An event that is full of music, food trucks, vendors, games, and activities for everyone. We will be also raffling off items throughout the evening! Details at eventbrite.com.
OCT 23-24
ESTERO FINE ART SHOW
The focus is visual arts and features up to 140 quality juried fine art and fine crafts created by award-winning artists with all discipline for sale – paintings, clay, glass, sculpture, fiber, wood, jewelry and more. All artwork is original and personally handmade by the artist who is present at the show. There is something for everyone, in all price ranges. Tickets at eventbrite.com.
OCT 27
HALLOWINE WINE WALK
Join us for a night of festive fun and enjoy a drink and bite walking to several Mercato hot spots! Dress up in your favorite Halloween costume or if you don’t want to dress up, come as you are! On Event Day, go to registration tent and obtain your commemorative wine glass, wristband, and passport; then travel to all the venues for fun and enjoyment. Get your photo taken in our interactive Photo Booth! Win raffle items and enter to win the Hallowine Costume Contest! Learn more at eventbrite.com.
OCT 29-31
STONECRAB FESTIVAL
Festival takes place at Historic Tin City October 29 – 31, 2021. Lots of fresh locally harvested stone crab claws, live music, events of all kinds as well as art and fun family activities. Admission is free. $5 general parking. Visit official site at stonecrabfestival.com.
NOV 1
The Chalk Festival is back with ‘SPIRIT’ED’ festivities October 29, 30, 31 with a final viewing day Nov. 1 appropriate for the trick-or-treat weekend. Artists, volunteers and spectators are encouraged to dress up to help set the weekends playful goblin mood. Artists will use chalk as their medium to create oversized masterpieces as spectators are invited to watch. A new layout will provide lounge settings, beverages and plenty to eat! No longer will one have to stroll the entire area without rest! A curated festival with select artists bringing you the best the art form has to offer. A separate area for children of all ages will afford all the opportunity to give chalk art a try, both on the ground and on chalk walls. Live music, vendors, fun and spirits. Details and tickets at eventbrite.com.
NOV 5
DROPITCANYA 10 MUSIC & ART FESTIVAL
We will be local in Fort Myers for our 10 year celebration! Heart of Palms Ranch is a 35 acre permaculture farm, and this year, we will have Camping, Music, Art, Vendors, Food Trucks, Yoga, and Permaculture and Grow Workshops! Tickets at eventbrite.com
NOV 6
NAPLES PIZZA FESTIVAL
With pizza vendors from all over the world attending our first event we are expecting to see large crowds and lots of PIZZA! Right now the location is being kept under wraps so keep an ear out and stay tuned for more information on Facebook.
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2021 EVENT SCH E DULE NOV 13
required to attend. Featuring food trucks, free parking, raffles, cannabis chefs, MMJ physicians, medical cannabis dispensaries, 100s of vendors and exhibitors, 5 live bands, free axe throwing, live art and glass demos, hemp farmers, free photo booths and 2 beer booths. Learn more and get your tickets at eventbrite.com.
SUNCOAST FOOD & WINE FEST
Offers an afternoon of samplings and tastings from a large selection of the area’s finest restaurants as well as a variety of fine wines and other beverages in a beautiful outdoor setting. Tickets and details available at eventbrite.com.
NOV 14
DECEMBER
NAPLES VEG FEST
DEC 3-5
Come see how easy it is to find healthy plant-based foods in Naples, Florida. Find local sources of eco-friendly and cruelty-free products. Learn about the science behind the benefits of a plant-based diet. Featuring expert speakers, cooking demos, vendors, and animal rescues – with entertainment and activities for the whole family! Visit eventbrite.com.
SIESTA BEACH SEAFOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL
Bring family and friends to enjoy fresh seafood and outstanding live musical performances. General admission is $5. This event will offer a variety of seafood, cooked fresh on site by local restaurants and food purveyors. Seafood dishes are prepared using only the freshest local and sustainable ocean resources from the Florida Gulf Coast. Also select from meat and vegetarian offerings and a diverse menu of side dishes and desserts. Alcoholic, non-alcoholic and fruit drinks are available.
NOV 20
NAPLES PRIDE FESTIVAL
There will be entertainers, musicians, speakers, exhibitors, performers vendors, kids activities, food and drinks, and more. Complete details at naplespride.org.
While savoring your meal, relax to some of Florida’s top musical groups from genres such as R&B, blues, jazz, rock and Caribbean sounds. Visit paragonartevents.com.
NOV 20
CANNAFEST
Make plans to attend the 2nd Annual CannaFest 2021 - A wellness and music experience celebrating Cannabis and Reggae Rock. No patient card
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2022 EVENT SCH E DULE HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
in the brewery/game room and play corn hole, darts, air hockey, food, and foosball! Details at mpmcc.com.
This TheatreZone original production features an extravaganza of holiday favorites, lively dance routines, dazzling costumes and a live orchestra to help audiences celebrate the spirit of the season. Details online at broadwayandmain.com.
JAN 29
DOWNTOWN VENICE CRAFT FESTIVAL
Downtown Venice Craft Festival features a display of products like ceramic, jewelry, digital, photo, fiber, metalwork, sculptures, glass, mixed media, wood, graphics, painting and much more. Details at artfestival.com.
DEC 18
A HOLLY JOLLY HOLIDAY
Your holiday season won’t be complete without attending this time-honored tradition as Key Chorale joins Music Director Troy Quinn and The Venice Symphony for “A Holly Jolly Holiday.” Classic carols O Come All Ye Faithful and O Holy Night, beloved standards Sleigh Ride and White Christmas, and music from The Nutcracker are just a few of the highlights. Key Chorale will bring you to your feet with Handel’s majestic Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah. A singa-long with surprises, Chanukah music and holiday film favorites round out this festive program. Visit keychorale.org.
FEBURARY FEB 18
DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS MUSIC WALK
The River District comes alive as local and regional musicians line the streets. From jazz and blues to rock & roll, many genres can be heard and vary each month. Free to the public with many venues featuring additional attractions and specials. Visit mpmcc.com.
FEB 19
JANUARY
VENICE ANTIQUE SHOW
JAN 8
Features antique dealers selling all antiques and old collectibles. All price ranges and something for everyone. Details at festivalnet.com.
ART FESTIVAL & MARKET PLACE
Exhibitor will showcase Painting Mixed Media & Graphics Photography, Sculpture Jewelry Fine Crafts, The Cape Coral Festival of the Arts essentially kicked off the art festival season by holding the event during this time of the year, the festival add new features such as a children’s play area, a rock climbing wall, children’s activity center and food from a variety of vendors and local restaurants. More info at 10times.com.
FEB 26
VENICE HOME SHOW
At the Venice Home Show you will find; landscapers, builders, contractors, windows, kitchens, baths, solar, garden displays, outdoor furniture, closets, pools and spas, flooring, carpeting, paving, decks, security systems and more. View and interact with the industry’s hottest home improvement products for 2022. This Home Show features exhibitors with fabulous ideas for updating and improving your living space. At this show you’ll find the latest in products and services. Visit tradeindia.com.
JAN 21
FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY AT SCOTTY’S BIERWERKS
For this Food Truck Friday, enjoy food from Classic Cuban & Ma Petite Crêperie from 5-9! Enjoy live music from Kyle Anne Duggan from 7-10! Hangout
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LGBTQ COM MU NI TY ORGANIZATIONS & ATTRACTIONS
LGBT COMMUNITY FUND OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Engages like-minded individuals and organizations to increase philanthropic support in Southwest Florida for the unique challenges and opportunities facing Southwest Florida’s LGBT. lgbtswfl.com NAPLES PRIDE CENTER To unite and empower the LGBTQ+ community of SWFL, to educate and foster equality for all. naplespride.org SOUTHWEST FLORIDA HARMONY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The SWFLHCC exists to promote networking within the existing LGBTQ and LGBTQ friendly business and professional community, to promote business opportunities for chamber members, to promote Southwest Florida as a year-round LGBTQ and LGBTQ friendly tourist destination, to provide resources for our members and to provide outreach from our community to community organizations. swflhcc.org
VISUALITY FLORIDA The mission of Visuality is to enhance and sustain the health and well-being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer plus communities and our allies by providing activities, programs, educational events, and services that create community, empower community members, provide essential resources, advocate for civil and human rights; and embrace, promote and support out cultural diversity. We strive to end violence, harassment, and discrimination based on real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or sexual expression. visualityflorida.org
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BUSINESS D IRECTO RY ARCHITECT Gibbons, Fortman & Associates............................. 8-9
MORTGAGES John Castilone- Bay Equity Home Loans................ 13
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Woodyard & Associates........................................... 26
PERFORMING ARTS HALL Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW.......... 3
CREMATION SERVICES Fuller Funeral Home............................................... 35
PERSONAL INJURY Arias Law Firm PA...........................back outside cover
DENTIST Legacy Dental Studio.........................................18-19
PEST CONTROL Truly Nolen............................................................. 27
ELDER LAW Lyons & Lyons......................................................... 28
PET BAKERY Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Estero................... 31
ESTATE PLANNING Lyons & Lyons......................................................... 28 Skrivan & Gibbs PLLC.............................................. 21
PET GROOMING Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Estero................... 31 PROBATE AND TRUST ADMINISTRATION Skrivan & Gibbs PLLC.............................................. 21
FINANCIAL PLANNER Massie & Associates Financial Planning Corp........... 1 Moran Wealth Management.............................24-25
GENERAL CONTRACTOR The Henning Group................................................ 15
REAL ESTATE Ashley Wells- Royal Shell Real Estate....................... 7 Capstone Team- MVP Realty Associates.................. 11 Dave Lambert- Coldwell Banker Realty................... 35 Paradise Coast Property Team..........front inside cover Sue Myhelic- Gulf Breeze Real Estate..................... 31 Tim Sweeney- MVP Realty...................................... 17
GUTTERS SWF Roofing Inc..................................................... 23
REAL ESTATE LAW Skrivan & Gibbs PLLC.............................................. 21
HEALTH CARE NCH Healthcare System......................................... 21
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL DISASTER CLEANUP Omega...................................................................... 5
FUNERAL HOME Fuller Funeral Home............................................... 35
HOSPICE Tidewell Hospice.................................................... 33
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ROOFING Omega...................................................................... 5
INSURANCE Bassine Insurance Agency LLC................................ 28 Stockton-Hill Insurance............................................ 6
RESTAURANT Cielo....................................................................... 14
INVESTMENT ADVISOR Nina Azwoir- Wintrust Investments........................ 29
ROOFING SWF Roofing Inc..................................................... 23
LANDSCAPING Pelican Lawn & Landscaping Inc............................... 5
WEALTH MANAGEMENT Max Wealth Management at LMCU....................... 35 Moran Wealth Management.............................24-25
LAWN SERVICES Pelican Lawn & Landscaping Inc............................... 5
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