48 Hours in Fort Myers

Located about three and a half hours south of the Villages of Citrus Hills, Fort Myers offers everything a traveler could want from a South Florida town along the Gulf Coast.

Between the local wildlife, outstanding food, and history that is unique to the area, there is more than enough to keep you busy over a weekend trip to Fort Myers.

If you’re looking to plan your next 48-hour getaway, these are a few ideas we would recommend for exploring Fort Myers.

Day One - Burgers, Boats, Southern Food, and Ghosts

Assuming that you are going to be hungry when you first arrive in Fort Myers, our first stop is going to be Fat Katz for a delicious lunch. This fun and friendly gastropub goes all out to class up the typical sports bar favorites like burgers, cheesesteaks, and salads. Don’t skip the hummus dip!

Once we have our bellies full, the next stop on our Fort Myers getaway will be the History and Eco River Cruise from Pure Florida Fort Myers. This 90-minute cruise will get you out on the Caloosahatchee River where you can see tons of local wildlife, as well as unique views of all of the most popular Fort Myers attractions.

For dinner on our first night in Fort Myers, we are heading to Fancy’s Southern Cafe for one of the best southern-style meals you will find anywhere. This amazing restaurant plays all of the southern hits like Fried Okra, Fried Green Tomatoes, Chicken-N-Waffles, and Country Fried Steak in an upscale, white-tablecloth atmosphere.

After dinner, the plan is to head back out into the city to participate in the Haunted History of Fort Myers Walking Tours. These 90-minute tours leave at 8 pm on most evenings and take guests past some of the most famously haunted spots in Fort Myers.

Day Two - Wildlife, Crab, History, and Steak

After staying out late with the ghosts on our first night in Fort Myers, we are going to kick off day two by getting back out in nature at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. You can spend as long as you want exploring the trails that lead off of the 1.5-mile raised boardwalk here, and you can expect to see a wide range of South Florida wildlife as you venture through the preserve.

Now that we’ve worked up an appetite at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, we’re heading to Trap House Krab and Seafood for a unique lunch that will blow your mind with flavor. You pick your combination of seafood here, and everything is served in similar aluminum take-out pans topped with the most amazing garlic butter sauce you’ve ever tasted.

You can’t come to Fort Myers for the first time without visiting the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, so that is where we are heading next. This gorgeous campus offers a collection of historic buildings surrounded by award-winning gardens, which is what makes this one of the most popular tourist destinations in Fort Myers.

Our second dinner in Fort Myers is going to take us to El Gaucho Inca, which serves Peruvian and Argentinian style dishes that will completely blow your mind. Definitely start with the Trio Ceviche, and then just order whatever meats and sides look most appealing to you from there. You will not be disappointed!

If you are looking for a nightcap following the meal, you can take a quick ride up to The 86 Room in the River District for a craft cocktail with a classic speakeasy-style vibe. The drink menu is always changing here, but feel free to ask for your favorite!

Day Three - IMAG, Crave, and Shopping

The IMAG History and Science Center is the first stop on our last day in Fort Myers, and you definitely don’t have to be a kid to enjoy everything that this place has to offer. With 60 different exhibits, live shows, a massive aquarium, and 3-D movies, there really is something for everyone to enjoy here.

We like to finish up our 48-hour getaways with a fantastic brunch option, and one of the most popular places for breakfast and brunch in Fort Myers is Crave. There are plenty of options to choose from on their locally sourced menu, but the best place to start is always going to be their selection of twists on Eggs Benedict.

Before heading back home, we are going to make one last stop in Estero to check out the shopping at Coconut Point. There are more than 100 unique shops to explore in this open-air mall, so you can grab plenty of souvenirs to remember your 48-hours in Fort Myers.

After spending 48 hours taking in all that Fort Myers has to offer, you will have just barely scratched the surface of what is possible in this fun South Florida town. So don’t think twice about planning what will surely be the first of many quick getaways to Fort Myers!

Experience the Tampa Craft Beer Scene

With a brewing history that dates all the way back to 1896, beer has always been a big deal in Tampa. But even the biggest craft beer enthusiasts have been pleasantly surprised at the amount of growth the Tampa craft beer scene has logged over the past decade.

Whether you are a passionate craft beer enthusiast or just a regular beer drinker looking for a good time, the craft breweries that are popping up all over Tampa offer local residents a great way to explore the city in a unique way that changes in flavor each and every day.

If you are just getting your feet wet exploring the craft beer scene in Tampa, these are the five powerhouse operations that should be first and foremost on your list.

Angry Chair Brewing

Founded on the principle that everyone has an “Angry Chair” that they wouldn’t mind getting away from for a bit, Angry Chair Brewing is a 1,900 square foot operation that is best known for their unique stouts.

Attached to the brewery is a 1,000 square foot taproom that features 16 taps pouring their latest creations. If you are looking to try a little bit of everything, you will be happy to learn that they offer 5 oz pours of anything on the menu. They are open every day of the week, but the hours do vary slightly from day to day.

Brew Bus Brewing

Brew Bus Brewing originally started as a party bus tour company that offered transportation for patrons looking to hit multiple breweries over the course of a day. After struggling to choose which local brewery to feature most prominently, they eventually decided to create their own.

The taproom at Brew Bus Brewing is open every day and features 20 different beers on tap.

Whether you are looking for crazy-hopped IPA’s or just a mellow pale ale, there is something for every palate here...and each beer has its own hysterical name.

Brew Bus Brewing also offers a full menu in their taproom, and they still run public and private bus tours to other breweries on a regular schedule.

Cigar City Brewing

Since opening its doors in 2009, Cigar City has quickly grown to become one of the most popular craft breweries in all of Florida. Much of that growth has been driven by their fantastic Jai Alai India Pale Ale.

The tasting room at Cigar City Brewing is designed to look and feel like the quintessential neighborhood bar, and you can grab a pint and a cigar here any day of the week between 11 am and 8 pm. Cigar City Brewing also offers full tours every day at 12 pm, 1:30 pm, 4 pm, and 5:30 pm.

Coppertail Brewing Co.

This brewery is named after an imaginary monster created in the mind of the owner’s daughter. The creative five-year-old’s impossible creation seemed to fit right in line with the story of a talented home brewer looking to make a career out of his hobby by going up against the monsters of the beer industry.

The four core beers that Coppertail is known for are its Free Dive India Pale Ale, Dependent Pilsner, Night Swim Porter, and Unholy American Trippel Ale. You can find those beers along with plenty of other seasonal options being poured and served along with delicious food in their beautiful taproom every day of the week.

7venth Sun Brewery

After earning a degree in Fermentation Science from Oregon State University and logging time working for Anheuser-Busch and Sweetwater Brewing, Devon Kreps decided that it was time to create her own brewery. That idea would lead to the founding of 7venth Sun Brewery, which officially opened its Dunedin facility in 2012.

7venth Sun Brewery is best known for its unique variations of Florida Weisse beers, but you can always find a full selection of brews available at their taproom in Tampa, which is open later than most breweries every night of the week.

While these five breweries certainly represent the best of what the Tampa craft beer scene has to offer, they really just scratch the surface of one of the fastest-growing craft beer markets in the entire country.

Don’t miss out on your chance to check out some of these incredible breweries the next time you head down to The Big Guava.

48 Hours on Amelia Island

If a relaxing beach getaway is something that your body is craving, then Amelia Island is the perfect destination for your next adventure.

Between the gorgeous beaches, dolphin sightings, first-class golf courses, and the nice touch of history, this popular destination is one of the best options in all of Florida for a quick getaway.

And when you add in the fantastic collection of local restaurants to choose from, it’s actually hard to avoid having a Wonderful experience during a quick 48 hours on Amelia Island.

If you are thinking about planning your own getaway weekend to Amelia Island, this itinerary for a 48-hour adventure is one of the best ways to get to know this paradise by the sea.

Day One - Seafood, History, and Cucina South

Timoti’s Seafood Shak

Assuming that you are going to be hungry following your travel to Amelia Island, our first stop is going to be lunch at Timoti’s Seafood Shak. They are best-known for their seafood baskets, which come grilled, blackened, or fried. Then there are the other equally-delicious options like fresh fish tacos or a poke bowl.

Our lunch at Timoti’s is going to have us situated right in the heart of Amelia Island’s Historic District, so our first activity in town is going to be exploring that area a bit more. It’s hard not to appreciate all of the historic buildings you will find here in the downtown area, but the more time you take exploring the area, the more impressive you will find it to be.

For dinner on our first night, we are going to go with a casual Italian bistro meal from Cucina South. This place is all about doing your favorite Italian comfort food dishes the right way, and they always stock you up with plenty of salad and breadsticks.

Depending on how you feel at this point, it would be perfectly reasonable to call it a night and rest up for your second day on the island. However, if you are in the mood for a nightcap, the next place we are heading is The Green Turtle. This is a classic Florida-style tavern where you can always grab a pint or a cocktail and usually find some live music.

Day Two - Golf, Kayaks, and Salt

The Golf Club of Amelia Island

Our second day on Amelia Island is going to be all about enjoying the gorgeous natural beauty of the area. For some, that means scheduling a tee time at one of the dozens of local golf courses. For others, it is going to mean spending the morning kicking back on one of the area’s pristine beaches.

Whether you choose to enjoy the island from a golf course or a beach, everyone is going to love swinging through Gilbert’s Underground Kitchen for a delicious seafood lunch after a morning of fun in the sun. This one-time BBQ restaurant is now serving some of the most interesting seafood bites in all of Florida, so let yourself get adventurous here.

During the afternoon of our second day on Amelia Island, it is finally going to be time to get out on the water. There are plenty of options for kayak tours around the area, so pick the local company that seems most interesting to you and get your arms ready to paddle.

Following a full day of activities on Amelia Island, we are going to cap off the second day of our trip with a fabulous dinner reservation at Salt, which is located inside the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. You can choose from excellent selection of meat and seafood dishes here, or you can really get adventurous with one of the chef’s tasting menus.

If you are still in the mood for a few cocktails after dinner, we are going to make the most of the fact that we are already at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island and explore the rest of the property. Whether you prefer the lobby bar or the pub, there is always room for a nightcap here.

Day Three - Fort Clinch, Brunch, and Shopping

This wouldn’t be a true Florida getaway without a visit to a historic state park, and the one to visit on Amelia Island is Fort Clinch. This is a popular destination for Civil War buffs, but it is also an awesome location to spot local wildlife like gopher tortoises and a wide range of native birds.

We always like to finish out our weekend getaways with a delicious brunch, and the place to do that on Amelia Island is definitely The Patio Place. Known as a bistro, wine bar, and creperie, this popular local spot serves up a dynamite brunch every weekend that you don’t want to miss.

Before we admit that our 48-hour getaway has come to an end, we are going to allow just enough time for a quick shopping spree. This might mean heading back to the area’s historic downtown district, or it could mean hitting up one of the local outlet malls. Either way, make sure that you get yourself something to remember your adventure on Amelia Island.

After spending a quick 48 hours enjoying everything that Amelia Island has to offer, you are going to be heading home with a relaxed attitude and a full stomach, which is the definition of success for one of these quick weekend getaways. When are you going to book your trip?

5 Fun Things to Do in Clearwater

Located on the Gulf Coast just west of Tampa, Clearwater is a little more than 90 minutes away from the Villages of Citrus Hills. And while those 90 minutes might not seem like much, spending time in this beachside paradise will make you feel like you are miles from anywhere resembling your normal life.

If you are looking to plan a weekend getaway to the beach or simply want a fresh day trip destination, the Clearwater area is packed full of things to do. Let’s jump right into the warm water and check out five fun things to do on your next trip to this white sand paradise.

Hit the Beach

When a destination is known around the world for its beautiful white sand beaches, spending some time enjoying those beaches should be at the very top of every visitor’s list.

Clearwater Beach is the most popular beach destination in the area, and it offers an absolutely gorgeous stretch of pristine sand and crystal clear water. This is the perfect place to lay out, walk with your feet in the water, or go for a swim.

So grab a towel, kick off your shoes, and get ready to hit the beach.

Beach Walk

When you are ready for a break from the beach, the Beach Walk pedestrian area offers a nice place to stroll along a paved sidewalk under the shade of palm trees.

The road is pushed back a bit from this area, which is also filled with local shops, restaurants, and an old-time ice cream parlor.

You won’t believe some of the cool things you will find in the boutique shops along the Beach Walk, so this is the perfect way to get your shopaholic fix in Clearwater.

Pier 60

Another popular destination that isn’t far from the beach is Pier 60. This 1,080-foot fishing pier is the perfect place to cast a line in Clearwater, day or night.

There is a small fishing shop right on the pier that can fix you up with everything you need to catch local fish like Spanish mackerel and spotted trout.

The pier also features a constant flow of entertainment from local musicians and jugglers, so there is always something to see and do here. It’s also a wonderful spot to watch the sunset.

Kayaking & Standup Paddleboarding

Whether you prefer to kick back in a kayak or do your paddling while standing up, there are a number of fantastic paddling options around Clearwater for anyone who prefers to relax out on the water.

Spending some time exploring the waters around Sand Key Park, Moccasin Lake Nature Park, or Cliff Stephens Park is an activity that you could base an entire trip around.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

In addition to everything there is to do outdoors, Clearwater is also home to the famous Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This massive aquarium features all kinds of marine life on display, including Winter, the dolphin who served as the inspiration for the movie Dolphin’s Tale.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium specializes in marine rehabilitation, so you can also learn quite a bit about how they are working to improve conditions for marine life along the Gulf Coast.

From kicking back on the beach to paddling kayaks through untouched nature parks, everything in Clearwater is focused on relaxation. So the next time you feel the need for a day or two of recovery, let Clearwater help you reconnect to nature in whatever way works best for you.

October 2019 Activities and Events at the Villages of Citrus Hills

We’re rolling into the month of October and with all of our snowbird friends heading south for the winter, it’s setting up to be a very busy month here at Citrus Hills.

Between all of the social events, educational talks, sports competitions, and delicious dinner specials, there is an almost endless amount of ways to keep yourself busy in our community this month.

Let’s take a quick look at some of the things you are going to want to have circled on your calendar this month.

Social Events

The first social event of the month will be the Shalom Social Club Dinner at Skyview Restaurant on Friday, October 4. On the menu this month will be your choice of New York Strip Steak, Chicken Piccata, or Bourbon Salmon.

On Friday, October 11, the action will be in the Hampton Room for the Rockabilly Dance Party featuring live music from Sherry & The Rockafellas. Doors open at 7 pm for this event, and there will be Costume Contest Prizes announced at 8 pm.

Tasty Trivia Tuesday will also have a Halloween theme this month with questions revolving around all of your favorite monsters. The competition will happen in the Hampton Room on Tuesday, October 15, and the menu this month will include Shepherd’s Pie and Roasted Pork Loin Dijonase.

We might be well into the fall season, but the Sizzlin’ Summer Show Series has one more concert set for Thursday, October 17 in the Activity Center Auditorium. Rocky and the Rollers will be the featured band for this one, and they will be switching things up a bit and performing an unplugged show.

A fun event this month will be the Halloween Costume Party at Skyview on Wednesday, October 30. The Halloween-themed cocktails will be flowing, and there will also be prizes for most creative, best duo, and spookiest costumes.

Arts & Education

The Activity Center Parking Lot will be hosting an Autumn Farmers’ Market and Craft Fair on Saturday, October 13 from 10 am to 2 pm. In addition to the local vendors, there will also be live entertainment and local food trucks spicing up the event.

Doc Talk will be back in the Activity Center Auditorium on Tuesday, October 22 at 10 am. The Grove Health & Rehabilitation Center will be our guests this month, and their representatives will be discussing everything you need to know about diabetes health management.

Dr. Aparna Bapat will be our guest for Lunch & Learn in the Garden Room on Monday, October 28. The presentation will cover healing and health maintenance through food and lifestyle regulation, then lunch will feature a Zucchini Burger served with a Cilantro Chutney.

Golf & Tennis

Our golfers will be getting right back into the swing of things with the Ghost Open on the Meadows Course on Saturday, October 5. That will be a great event to get ready for the Skyview at Terra Vista Men’s Club Championship on October 28 and 29.

If you need to put in some work on your swing this month, our very own Mary Slinkard will be leading free golf clinics for beginners on October 7, 8, and 9. Then she will be back to work with intermediate golfers on October 14, 15, and 16.

The regular Free Beginners Tennis Clinic will be held on Tuesday, October 8 at the Skyview Tennis Center. That will be a perfect way to prepare for the exciting Tennis BurgerFest mixed doubles event that is scheduled for Sunday, October 20.

Dinner Specials

Skyview Restaurant is going all out with some new weekly specials like Lobster Roll Wednesday, Oktoberfest every Friday in October and our Sunday Brunch on October 27. Plus, you won’t want to miss out on Bayou Night on October 10.

Other great dinner specials to keep an eye out for this month include Pulled Pork Night at the Tiki Bar on Saturday, October 12 and Taste of Germany at The Grille on Sunday, October 13.

BellaVita Spa

When you find your free time, take some time to pamper yourself over at BellaVita Spa with their European Rose Mud Body Treatment on special all month long.

With so many things filling up our calendar in October, you should have no problem keeping yourself busy throughout the entire month. Make sure that you mark these events on your own calendar so that you don’t miss out on any of the fun!