Restaurants
Harold’s
Warm, casual venue featuring hearty, locally sourced meat & seafood & a large wine menu.
15250 S Tamiami Trail #107, Fort Myers, FL 33908
Phone: (239) 849-0622 | Web: haroldscuisine.com
Traders Restaurant on Sanibel
Quaint hybrid gift shop & eatery featuring American fare, live music & a full bar in cozy digs.
1551 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
Phone: (239) 472-7242 | Web: traderssanibel.com
Sails Restaurant
Upscale European fare, seafood towers, wine & cocktails in elegant environs with an open kitchen.
301 5th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102
Phone: (239) 360-2000 | Web: www.sailsrestaurants.com
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Campiello
Ritzy landmark eatery draws locals with a chic vibe, refined Italian eats & a vast wine list.
1177 3rd St S, Naples, FL
Lazy Flamingo
Down-home sports pub offering beer-steamed seafood, a raw bar & ice-cold brews in an informal space.
1036 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL
Iguana Mia Mexican
Casual cantina with vibrant decor doling out familiar Mexican fare & margaritas.
28051 S Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, 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
Cocomo’s Grill
Laid-back island-themed eatery offering a varied menu from steaks to tuna tacos to falafel. 1069 N Collier Blvd #202, Marco Island, FL
Point 57 Kitchen
Chic setup for updated American fare, cocktails & wines, Sunday brunch, bar snacks & happy hour.
3522 Del Prado Blvd S, Cape Coral, FL
Oasis Restaurant
Established American restaurant features casual meals in a simple venue, plus a pet-friendly patio.
2260 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Fort Myers, FL
Misto Bar & Grill
A blend of Italian & American fare, including meat, seafood & pasta, plus wine, in a relaxed space.
231 Del Prado Blvd S, Cape Coral, FL
Sale e Pepe
Beach Ocean Resort’s elegant dining room offers refined fromscratch Southern Italian fare & wines.
480 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL
EVENTS 2024
Sep 20
Shorts of the Fort
This unique film festival invites you to submit your short films, ranging from a quick 30-second snapshot to an immersive 5-minute narrative, showcasing the islands, beaches and neighborhoods of Fort Myers. Visit www.artinlee.org for complete details.
Sep 20-29
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest
Enjoy over a hundred free performances in intimate island venues showcasing BMI’s best singer-songwriters. Learn more at islandhopperfest.visitfortmyers.com.
Sep 21
Peace Day Pine Island
Live music and entertainment scheduled throughout the day. There will be a children’s area with crafts, art, face painting and scavenger hunt. We also have loads of wonderful vendors, food trucks. Learn more at visitfortmyers.com.
Oct 12-13
Orchid Sale and Symposium
Come discover all the fabulous things you can do with orchids during this fun two-day event dedicated to these marvelous wonders! Presentations are free (does not include tours or admission to the museum, lab or riverside). Visit us online at visitfortmyers.com.
Oct 25-27
Naples International Film Festival
This event is a place for film lovers to connect, exchange ideas and celebrate the art of film in a friendly, welcoming environment. The festival typically screens more than 60 films over four days, introducing the best of independent cinema — and dozens of talented filmmakers — to our community. Visit experiencemercato.comfor details.
EVENTS 2024
Oct 26
Fall Festival
Although summer is still here, fall is quickly approaching, which means pumpkins galore, festive activities will be held, seasonal delights will abound, and a palette of warm colors can be seen! Enjoy some fall things with us as you stroll along and shop craft vendor booths, get something to eat and drink and listen to music. Learn more at visitfortmyers.com.
Nov 20
Garden Tea Party at Shangri-La Springs
This limited participant event will start with an educational tour of the garden focusing on tea-specific plants, followed by a tea party brunch in the property’s event space. We allow minimum 10 people and maximum 21 people. Brunch and tea will be offered along with a question-and-answer session by Shangri-La Springs organic garden manager, Cecelia Morales, about various tea plants. Learn more at visitfortmyers.com.
Nov 21-24
American Sand Sculpting Championship
The 34th Annual American Sand Sculpting Championship on Fort Myers Beach promises to be an extraordinary event, showcasing the incredible talents of World Class Master Sand Sculptors. With the addition of the Advanced Amateur State Championship and an Amateur contest, it offers a unique opportunity for artists of different skill levels to demonstrate their creativity. Learn more at fmbsandsculpting.com.
Dec 7
Tropical Tree Lighting and Holiday Parade at Coconut Point Mall
Embrace the vibrant fusion of an all-day tropical celebration and holiday merriments as Coconut Point Mall brings together a plethora of professional and community entertainment delectable coconut and Caribbeaninspired bites and the spirit of giving back to the community. Learn more at visitfortmyers.com.
EVENTS 2024-25
Dec 8
Festivals of Speed
Join us for a car show like no other! This exquisite motorsport display will showcase the world’s most exotic cars, motorcycles & luxury brands all placed for display throughout Mercato. Vintage and contemporary vehicles of all makes and models will be featured. Automotive designs by Lamborghini, Porsche, Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Aston-Martin, Bentley, BMW, Mercedes, McLaren will all be onsite! For your free tickets, head over to www.tix.com/ticket-sales/tix/4625/event/1363895.
Dec 11
Shangri-La Springs Art & Soul Night / Mistletoe Market
Shangri-La Springs is hosting our first Art & Soul Night / Mistletoe Market on December 11th. Art & Soul Night / Mistletoe Market is a FREE community event, open 5 – 8 PM. Featuring live music, entertainment, an artisan market, and delicious organic food and beverage from our Harvest & Wisdom Restaurant. Learn more at visitfortmyers.com.
Jan 11-12 2025
Cape Coral Arts and Music Festival
Welcome to the 40th Annual Cape Coral Art Festival & Market Place! We are thrilled to bring this incredible event to our community once again, showcasing the talents of over 300 artists and craftsmen from around the world. Since 1985, the Cape Coral Arts and Music Festival has been showcasing the area’s incredible artistic talent at this impressive arts and music festival. Learn more at capecoralartfestival.com.
Jan 14-15
Acrylic: Big Skies Large Canvas
Are you interested in learning how to paint stunning landscapes with dynamic clouds and big horizons? This two-day class is the perfect opportunity to do so! You’ll be working on a large 26 x 26 canvas and will begin by under-painting the entire canvas in orange to create a cohesive base. Learn more at visitfortmyers.com.
Feb 1-2
Fort Myers Art Fest
Elevate your senses and mark your calendars for an unparalleled celebration as ArtFest Fort Myers prepares to illuminate the Fort Myers waterfront in grandeur for our 25th Anniversary. Downtown, the waterfront is filled with talented local and national artists displaying their artwork and chatting with admiring fans. Learn more online at artfestfortmyers.com.
Feb 7-9
2025 Everglades Seafood Festival
If your idea of a good festival in southwest Florida includes some of the freshest local seafood you can find, this might be your nirvana. Celebrate with us as we mark our 55th year! Enjoy three days of live country music, carnival rides, arts, crafts, and tantalizing seafood, right here in the Stone Crab Capital of the World. Learn more at naplesfloridatravelguide.com.
Mar 1-2
Pride Cape Coral
Studies in 2018 showed Cape Coral as one of America’s fastest-growing cities, but they also revealed that the city ranked low on the spectrum of diversity and acceptance. A group of Southwest Florida merchants and local leaders planned a celebration like no other in the region to bring the community together while sending a clear message. Learn more at pridecapecoral.com.
Mar 22
Sounds of Jazz & Blues Festival
Music lovers won’t want to miss the Cape Coral Jazz & Blues Festival held in March. Purchase your general or experience admission tickets in advance. Bring your lawn chair and blankets and come enjoy the show! Food and beverages are available for purchase. Learn more at capeconcerts.com.
Street food is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the sizzle of skewers on a grill, the aromatic spices wafting through the air, and the sizzling woks that create an irresistible symphony of flavors. Here are some of the world’s most beloved street food traditions:
1. Thailand: Mango Sticky Rice ~
In Thailand, street food is a way of life. You can’t visit without savoring pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish bursting with flavors. And don’t forget to indulge in mango sticky rice, a sweet and fragrant dessert that’s the perfect balance of creamy and chewy.
2. Mexico: Tacos and Elote ~
Taco stands are a staple in Mexican street food culture, offering an array of fillings like al pastor, carne asada, and carnitas. Pair your tacos with elote, grilled corn slathered with mayonnaise,
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cheese, and chili powder—a taste explosion in every bite.
3. India: Samosas ~ Indian street food is a flavorpacked paradise. Try chaat, a savory snack that combines crispy fried dough with chickpeas, yogurt, and tangy chutneys. For something heartier, try samosas - deep fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes are a must-try.
4. Vietnam: Banh Mi ~ Vietnamese street food offers a fresh and aromatic experience. Sample a steaming bowl of pho, a fragrant noodle soup infused with herbs and spices. Or grab a banh mi, a delectable sandwich filled with grilled meats, pickled veggies, and a burst of fresh herbs.
5. Greece: Gyros & Souvlaki ~ Greek street food is a Mediterranean delight. Indulge in a gyro, a pita wrap filled with tender slices of roasted meat and topped with tzatziki sauce and veggies. For a quick bite, grab a souvlaki skewer, often made with succulent marinated chicken or pork.
6. Japan: Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki ~ Japan’s street food scene offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Try takoyaki, octopus-filled dough balls drizzled with savory sauces. Or savor okonomiyaki, a savory pancake loaded with toppings like cabbage, pork, and mayo.
7. Morocco: Tagine & Harira Soup ~ Moroccan street food is a sensory explosion. Taste tagine, a slowcooked stew that combines tender meats, vegetables, and aromatic spices. And don’t miss harira soup, a hearty tomato and lentil soup that’s a Moroccan comfort food staple.
8. United States: Hot Dogs/Pretzels ~ Street food isn’t limited to international flavors. In the U.S., you can’t beat the classic charm of a hot dog cart or a soft pretzel stand. Add your favorite toppings and sauces for a taste of American street food tradition.
Exploring global street food culture is like taking a whirlwind tour of the world’s flavors and traditions. Each street vendor, food cart, or bustling market stall offers a unique opportunity to savor authentic dishes and connect with locals. Whether you’re strolling through the vibrant streets of Bangkok or sipping soup in a Moroccan medina, street food is an adventure waiting to be devoured. So, grab a plate, dig in, and let your taste buds take you on a journey you’ll never forget!
PRIDE-SWFL
PRIDE SWFL is the non profit organization that plans and produces Southwest Florida’s official LBGTQ+ Pride events each year. Providing the citizenry of Southwest Florida with a positive image of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people and to create functions and events throughout the year promoting educational, civic, and cultural activities that further this goal and enrich the lives of our members and the entire Southwest Florida community. Web: prideswfl.com
SWFL 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. Web: swflharmonychamber.wildapricot.org
VISUALITY
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 our cultural diversity. We strive to end violence, harassment, and discrimination based on real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or sexual expression. Web: www.visualityswfl.org
LGBT COMMUNITY FUND OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
A “multi-donor fund,” which is a giving circle that engages like-minded individuals and organizations to increase philanthropic support in Southwest Florida for the unique challenges and opportunities facing Southwest Florida’s LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community. Web: lgbtswfl.com | Phone: 239-274-5900
EVENTS 2025
Apr TBD
SWFL Mural Fest
After two years of this groundbreaking community event, including the notably successful rendition in April of 2024, we are ready to hit the ground running on an even bigger and more expansive project, featuring more walls and including more local talent. Learn more at artsembleunderground.com.
May 5
Arches Cinco de Mayo
This is our 5th Rock The Arches Music Festival with a Latin twist and fundraiser for Restore Fort Myers Beach Arches, Inc a 501(C)3 and awareness raiser for the post Hurricane Ian Shrimp Industry. Learn more at mickyds2002.wixsite.com.
EVENTS 2025
May 14-18
Fort Myers Film Festival
Hundreds of local and national independent flicks take over Fort Myer for five days of movie-loving magic. Don’t miss out on mingling with the filmmakers at the red carpet opening. Visit fortmyersfilmfestival.com.
Jun TBD
Naples Pridefest
Naples Pride celebrates diversity and unity, educates the community on LGBTQ issues and promotes equal rights for all. This all-inclusive, familyfriendly and open to the public event will combine entertainers, speakers, musicians, performers, vendors, exhibitors, kids activities, food & drink for a day of fun and celebration. Learn more at naplespride.org.
Jul TBD
Mango Mania
Celebrate the delicious mango bounty of Florida at Mango Mania! This fun-filled festival features mango tastings, cooking demonstrations, and mango games and contests. Discover different varieties of mangos, enjoy live music, and take home some delicious mango treats! Learn more at pineislandchamber.org.
Jul
4
Red, White, & Boom
Get ready for the biggest Independence Day celebration in Southwest Florida. The festival features a spectacular fireworks display, live music, and food vendors. It’s a patriotic event you won’t want to miss. Learn more at capeboom.com.
Aug 10
Cornhole Tournament at Margaritaville Beach Resort
Cornhole Tournament at Margaritaville Beach Resort is proud to host Corn to be wild!! Put your cornhole skills to the test at Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach. Learn more at swfl.life.
