THE PREMIER LGBTQ BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
SOUTHWEST FL
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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Excerpt from gaycities.com
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
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
Mediterrano Bright, turquoise-hued eatery offering upscale Mediterranean cuisine & umbrella-shaded patio tables. 336 13th Ave S, Naples, 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
Harold’s Warm, casual venue featuring hearty, locally sourced meat & seafood & a large wine menu. 15250 S Tamiami Trail #107, Fort Myers, 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
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
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 Lehne Burger Burgers with many toppings & sauces, plus shakes & beer, in a bright retrostyle space with a patio. 1232 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL
Wylds Cafe Works by local artists adorn the walls of this warm New American find with wines & unique beers. 4271 Bonita Beach Rd SW, Bonita Springs, FL
Ford’s Garage Auto-themed joint serving burgers & pub grub in a setup with vintage cars suspended over the bar. 1719 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral, 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
Point 57 Kitchen & Cocktails Chic setup for updated American fare, cocktails & wines, Sunday brunch, bar snacks & happy hour. 3522 Del Prado Blvd S, 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
Maria D’anna Cafe Farm-to-table Polish meals, sandwiches & desserts are provided in a cozy, elegant environment. 300 Tamiami Trail North, Trinity Plazacorner of 3rd ave north, 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
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2020 EVENT SCH E DULE Southwest Florida’s premier community orchestra! Tickets and details at tasteofcapecoral.com.
FEBRUARY FEB 8 12:00PM
FEB 22-23 10:00AM-5:00PM
CAPE CORAL CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL
NAPLES NATIONAL ART SHOW
The Annual Naples National Art Festival held in scenic Cambier Park and along 8th Street South in downtown Naples, Florida is consistently voted among the top 25 art shows in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine.
Featuring 12 breweries and unlimited samples. Tickets for this event will be limited, so get them while you can! Tickets day of the event are $35 and only available for purchase in our Cape Coral taproom. Your ticket will get you a 5oz cup and unlimited samples from the breweries. Details at eventbrite.com.
Because of its national ranking and the beautiful weather in Southwest Florida in February, the Naples National draws some of the finest artists in the country. This is a juried art festival with artists applying in 18 categories including painting, jewelry, watercolor, ceramics, metal, sculpture and wood.
FEB 8
2020 ASIAFEST
The Festival will showcase crafts, customs & cultures from countries and ethnic regions from all over Asia. Featuring a Medley of Delectable Asian Cuisine, Domestic & Asian Imported Beer, Enticing Specialty Vendors, Japanese Taiko Drummers, Traditional Lion Dancers, Martial Arts, Tai Chi Demonstration, Alluring Multi-Cultural Dances from China, Korea, Indonesia, Turkey, Bollywood, Philippines, & the Pacific Islands. Plus featured Guest Speakers, Artists, Comedians & more. We encourage you to wear your favorite Asian Attire. Details at eventbrite.com.
The local community counts the Naples National among its premiere, must-see events thanks to the high quality of the art, the engaging personalities of the artists and the festive atmosphere. Visit paradisecoast.com.
MARCH MAR 7 12:00PM
NAPLES CRAFT BEER FEST 2020
FEB 16 11:00AM-6:00PM
The Naples Craft Beer Fest is a celebration of the art of craft beer. A wide variety of beers from breweries across the country and the world are available for tasting.
TASTE OF CAPE COD
Join us at Tarpon Point for a wonderful afternoon of great taste! This expanded community event celebrates both culinary arts and music. Sample an international array of great food from more than 20 local restaurants, plus a wide variety of craft beers, margaritas, and wine. Enjoy musical performances from local bands and finish the day with another sensational Symphony at Sunset.
To enhance the tasting, local restaurants are a part of the Fest and provide food pairings with select beers and are specifically designed to match with a particular brew. These talented chef’s compete to win the People’s Choice award for best pairing, as well as the Brewer’s Choice award, decided by the many brewer representatives in attendance at the Fest. Lastly, the
Enjoy a selection of light classical, pops, and Broadway favorites in a beautiful Southwest Florida setting—from
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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
Bar Tulia Contemporary eatery featuring upscale pizzas, pasta dishes & craft cocktails, plus patio seating. 462 5th Ave S, Naples, F Sea Salt Modern seafood dishes with global salts & spices served in a hip, upscale space with patio seating. 1186 3rd St S, Naples, FL
Rascals Lively, modern gay bar featuring drag shows, karaoke, DJs & pool, plus happy-hour specials. 3758 Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, 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
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
Yabba Island Grill Airy setting with outdoor space serving seafood, steaks & other casual eats, plus cocktails. 711 5th Ave S, Naples, FL
Whiskey Park Energetic tavern featuring craft beers, whiskey & bar grub, plus pool tables, live music & a patio. 3380 Mercantile Ave, Naples, FL
Ridgeway Bar & Grill Bright bottle-lined New American eatery with a French-influenced menu & quaint courtyard. 1300 3rd St S #101, Naples, 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
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2020 EVENT SCH E DULE Naples Craft Beer Fest showcases local musical talent to create a truly festive atmosphere. Visit eventbrite.com.
parking available for a fee. learn more on Facebook.
MAR 8 11:00AM
FORT MYERS CRAB & MUSIC FEST
APR 10-12
TACO FEST 2020
Love crab? Shrimp? All kinds of seafood? Want to enjoy a weekend of pure relaxation, eating and music? Then join us April 10-12, 2020 in the River District of downtown Fort Myers for the premiere of the Fort Myers Crab & Music Festival. Festivities begin Friday from 4pm-10pm, continuing Saturday 11am-10pm and Sunday 11am-6pm. All weekend!
Taco Fest is a Family Friendly event featuring live local musical entertainment with plenty of food trucks and restaurants offering delicious food. We also offer alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages and a kids area. For this event, every vendor must offer a $2.00 taco for you to taste. Come and spend the day with your family and with great music and food. Learn more at fortmyers-sanibel.com.
General admission is FREE to all ages! This Crab & Music Festival is created for you like an outstanding meal, by incorporating and blending the finest ingredients. Choose entrees (crab and other seafood items, meat dishes and vegetarian entrees), all cooked fresh onsite. Select from a diversity of side dishes, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks and of course - some scrumptious desserts! While dining, listen to live musical performances on stage by Florida’s top musical talents. Visit seafoodfestivals.com.
MAR 28 11:00AM GARLIC FEST 2020
Garlic Fest is a Family-friendly event featuring live local musical entertainment and plenty of food trucks and restaurants offering delicious food. We also offer alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages and a kids area. For this event, each vendor must have at least 1 item where garlic is the main ingredient. This event is held annually in Centennial Park in downtown Fort Myers. Come and spend the day, from 11am to 6pm, in the park with your family and great music and food. Admission will be $10 for ages 3 and up. Details at allevents.in.
APR 18 10:00AM-3:00PM 2020 NAPLES EARTH DAY FESTIVAL
The Naples Earth Day Festival will be held on April 18, 2020. There will be guest speakers, music, live animal programs, boat rides, sea turtle obstacle course, activities, presentations, ecofriendly exhibits, festival food and much more. Take your kids to the kids’ zone featuring crafts, games, sand art, face painting, fossil dig and more. Learn more at fairsandfestivals.net.
APRIL Apr 5 11:00am-6:00pm 11th Annual BBQ, Bands & Brew EAT, DRINK AND DANCE to live music from some of the hottest bands, enjoy delicious food from local vendors, sign up for the Cornhole Tournament and enjoy a Kids’ Barnyard Area showcasing games, face painting, a bounce house, petting zoo, crafts and activities for the whole family! Parking is free, with VIP
APR 19 7:00PM
MISS NAPLES PRIDE PAGEANT
2nd Annual Miss Naples Pride Pageant is an event you do not want to miss! We are going to have fabulous
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2020 EVENT SCH E DULE MAY 23 4:00PM
entertainment from local and out of town entertainers, food & drinks available, complimentary champagne glass, 50/50 raffle. Visit eventbrite.com.
RIVER DISTRICT FOOD AND BREW FESTIVAL We invite you to an amazing festival, highlighting our local restaurants, and local breweries! Enjoy unlimited beer, live music, and food along the beautiful Caloosahatchee River. Food will be available on-site for purchase. Wine will also be available for purchase by the glass! This event is for adults 21 years of age and older. Valid ID must be presented at check-in. No persons under the age of 21 will be allowed entry. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
APR 25
2ND ANNUAL MR. SWFL DRAG KING COMPETITION
The moment you’ve all been waiting for! It is time for our 2nd Annual Mr. SWFL Drag King Competition. Winner will receive a crown, sash, and some cash. Details at eventbrite.com.
APR 25
NAPLES PIZZA FESTIVAL
The Nation’s Biggest Pizza Festival and ultimate pizza experience is coming to Naples Florida! 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 ! Find us on Facebook for details.
JUNE JUN 6 5:00PM
MAC & CHEESE FEST
Fresh ingredients transformed by even fresher combinations. The unexpected fusion of Latin and Indian foods presented with street style. Fun, creative food that tastes both homemade and exotic—all in the same bite. Learn more at arekie.com.
MAY
JUN 12-14
MAY 2 8:00PM
ANIMENEXT 2020
MEXICAN FOOD FESTIVAL
AnimeNEXT is organized by Universal Animation whose mission is to educate about Japanese Culture, in particular popular culture. Learn more at eventsinamerica.com.
Tacos, burritos, enchiladas... We’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo early with a huge celebration of Mexican Food! Enjoy your classic favorites with a modern twist, Mexican lagers and margaritas. Details at 239area.com.
JUN 13
SWFL SPACECON
MAY 16
SWFL SpaceCon, This fun, family friendly event is a hit for all ages. Meet some of the actors from Power Rangers, Walking Dead & more. Plus Meet Guests from the Comic Book Industry. There will be Costume Contests, Table top gaming, Cosplay Lip-synching Battle, Video Game Demos, Game Tournaments, Vendors, Celebrity Q&A’s & more. Learn more at 10times.com.
NAPLES INTL MUSIC CON
Naples International Music Conference will offer something for everyone! Dynamic keynotes, informative speakers, interactive and thoughtprovoking panel discussions, engaging networking opportunities, exciting live performances — and much more. Visit eventbrite.com
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2020 EVENT SCH E DULE JUN 13
JULY
SUGDEN STRIDE 5K
Runners will have plenty of scenic views as they wind around Lake Avalon on a closed path inside the park. This is a spectator friendly course as athletes can be seen for most of the race.
JUL 3 5:00PM-10:00PM FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS
Enjoy food, live music from Kyle Anne Duggan from 7-10! Hangout in the brewery/game room and play corn hole, darts, air hockey, food, and foosball! Event is family & pet friendly. Learn more at mpmcc.com.
Bring your swimming trunks because after the race, you can cool off in the clear lake or relax on the sandy beach. Post race festivities include the latest popular music, refreshments, and a variety of snacks. Learn more at raceplace.com.
JUL 13-14 5:00PM MANGOMANIA
Featuring great food and beverages, mango & tropical fruit specialty food and beverages, free mango tasting table, art & craft vendors,, gifts to purchase, kids activities area and tropical plants and trees for sale. Event is held at the German-American Social Club, 2101 Pine Island Road, Cape Coral, FL.
JUN 16
TASTE OF LEE TROPICAL FRUIT FEST
The annual event will feature free tasting tables of locally grown fruit and vegetables; exotic fruits on display; tropical fruit trees and herbs for sale; information on how to grow plants; and classes on edible natives, growing tropical fruit trees and more from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
JUL 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE & FIREWORKS
Festivities kick off with a 10 a.m. parade up Estero Blvd. Then, 15 minutes after sunset, one of the region’s most spectacular fireworks shows shoots off from the Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier. That’s the main event, but restaurants, lounges, and others step up the festivities with music and activity in the Times Square area and the length of the beach. Call for additional information. Visit fortmyersbeach.org.
Farmers will also be bringing their edibles for sale including cheeses, honey and more. General admission is $2 with children under 12 free. No pre-registration is necessary and you can pay at the door. Learn more at lehighacrescitizen.com.
JUN 21
TASTE OF THE BEACH
Fort Myers Beach’s finest restaurants will be gathering to provide attendees with samples of their tastiest cuisines. Each participating restaurant will have its own booth to sell a few of its specialty dishes. To help wash down the food, there will also be plenty of beverages, beer, soda, water, teas and even a wine garden where samples of various delectable wines will be offered. Details at northfortmyersneighbor.com.
JUL 4 9:00PM
FIREWORKS AT NAPLES PIER
The City of Naples 4th of July Fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m. at the Naples Pier. The presentation features a 20-minute display with special effects musically choreographed to patriotic selections that will be simulcast on radio station WAVV 101.1 FM. Learn more at paradisecoast.com.
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LGBTQ COM MU NI TY ORGANIZATIONS & ATTRACTIONS
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
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
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BUSINESS D IRECTO RY AIR CONDITIONING Advanced Air........................................................... 16
JEWELRY Zak’s Jewelry..................................back outside cover
AUTO DEALERSHIP Germain Honda of Naples........................................ 9
MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR United Mechanical................................................. 19
AUTO DETAILING Super Suds Car Wash & Auto Repair....................... 17
MORTGAGES US Bank.................................................................... 7
CAR WASH Super Suds Car Wash & Auto Repair....................... 17
MOTORCYCLE & AUTO REPAIR Super Suds Car Wash & Auto Repair....................... 17
DIGITAL MARKETING WBN Marketing...................................................... 27
PIZZA Maria’s Pizza....................................front inside cover
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Mister Sparky.....................................................12-13
POOL CONTRACTOR Jackson Pools....................................................14-15
FULL SERVICE CONTRACTOR T. Jerulle Construction............................................ 27 HOSPICE VITAS Healthcare..................................................... 25
REAL ESTATE John R. Wood Properties................. back inside cover Richard Ball- Sun Realty......................................... 23 The Wakelin Team at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Florida Realty................................... 5
HVAC Advanced Air........................................................... 16
ROOFING Roof Smart of Southwest Florida............................ 21
I-UNIVERSITY Hodges University..................................front cover, 3
TRAVEL Preferred Travel of Naples Inc................................... 1
INSURANCE Joanne Jordan - State Farm...................................... 7
WEALTH MANAGEMENT Suncoast Trust & Investment Services....................... 5
ITALIAN CUISINE Maria’s Pizza....................................front inside cover ITALIAN RESTAURANT Caffe dell’Amore..................................................... 11
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