Articles

Polish-born Marco Island resident Mila Bridger has a body of work that includes fine art and fantastical portrait photography shot around the world as well commercial work for numerous magazines. When not on assignment closer to home, she takes her camera along wherever she goes, but especially enjoys photographing nature and wildlife in her own backyard (the burrowing owl) and while trail riding with her husband in the Fakahatchee Strand (top), Big Cypress National Preserve and other vast expanses in the Everglades. They often pass the Ochopee Post Office (above) on the way to a trail. “It’s amazing how much nature you can see that is raw and untouched,” she says, adding her adventures often require a permit and a vehicle inspection.

Longtime Naples resident and recently retired Peggy Farren now lives in Port Charlotte and is delighting in discovering the many parks and trails there. One of her favorites is Charlotte Harbor State Park, above. “You really feel like you are out in the middle of nowhere,” she says. Before it was blown away by Hurricane Ian, she also loved the Cape Romano Dome House, right. She first visited the six abandoned modules in 2015 and soon was leading photo tours to the locally famous curiosity in the Ten Thousand Islands. Hurricane Irma took the first two domes out in 2017; Ian finished the job last September. “I’m so happy that not only did I get to see the house so many times, but that I could bring so many others there to enjoy and photograph it,” she says.

Dennis Goodman’s photographs have been published in Gulfshore Life, Portfolio, Naples Scene, Marco Scene, Island Scene, Kiplinger and Connections magazines. His accolades include Nature’s Best Photography, National Audubon Photography and Epson Pano Awards, along with many individual show awards. A Naples resident since 1985, Mr. Goodman developed his love and appreciation for nature while growing up in Minnesota. “As with so many things in life, your environment greatly influences your perspective,” he says. Clockwise from top: a fallen tree at Wiggins Pass State Park; a resplendent roseate spoonbill on Fort Myers Beach (taken as Mr. Goodman stretched out on his belly in the mud); and a snowy egret he calls “Big Bird.”

From kids to veterans to art aficionados and car buffs, we’ve got places you’ll love

CHECK OUT THESE FIVE AREAS FOR DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES

Any sport that doesn’t require mountains or snow likely is played somewhere in Southwest Florida, a sun-splashed haven for nearly every sporting dream. Well, almost. We’ve got go-karts and disc golf, traditional golf, mountain biking, tennis and pickleball plus spectator sports such as professional baseball and Division 1 collegiate basketball. There’s also bocce ball and shuffleboard, swimming and tennis, softball and volleyball.

Whether you’re interest in art is merely passive appreciation or you’re an active participant — you know: clay in the hair, paint on the dog — Southwest Florida offers oodles of adventures in art. Arts organizations throughout the region present homespun exhibitions featuring works by local artists as well as major international traveling shows. They also provide a plethora of single-night or multiweek classes to suit your schedule, skill level and location.

How do I love you, Southwest Florida? Let me count the ways. Truth is, there are way too many ways to count, so we’re starting for you. When your head goes dizzy with all the possibilities, take a breath and consider this handful of experiences to celebrate the day Southwest Florida-style.

If you’re in a rut when it’s time to cook dinner, the problem might be what you are bringing home.

Admission to a theme park can be expensive. So, too, are visits to many of Florida’s top attractions. The good news is that Southwest Florida offers plenty of activities and events that don’t cost a thing while immersing you in local color.