February is chance to unwind and reconnect while enjoying warm days, sandy beaches, fishing, family fun, outdoor activities, exploring nature and a month filled with special events, including the return of Spring Training. Visit visitfortmyers.com and start planning.
A piece of Old Florida returns
There’s something comforting about seeing a piece of Old Florida come back to life. With the reopening of the iconic Anchor Inn & Cottages, a slice of Southwest Florida that Hurricane Ian tried to wash away is once again welcoming guests with simple charm and ease. Under its new owners, it continues to offer the kind of laid-back hospitality that can feel rare these days.
Recently we celebrated the return of these historic accommodations that originally opened in 1959 as the Villa Capri. The property was one of the few places travelers could stay overnight on Sanibel. Its 12 units, including three A-frame cottages, have been restored and reimagined with nautical, vintage charm and local art including works by Sanibel Island’s Rachel Pierce. Less than a mile from the beach, visitors enjoy a pool, picnic area, bikes and a carefree stay. They are perfect for a girlfriend getaway, family vacation or if you are just craving the fun of a nostalgic escape.
Welcome back, Anchor Inn & Cottages. Check out details and reservations at sanibelanchorinn.com
Find your slice of Old Florida to enjoy
Island cottages and motels, old roadside attractions, seafood spots that never change, nature preserves and mangrove tunnels that you can kayak for miles, walkable and preserved downtown areas, neighborhood bars and gathering spots. They are all part of the nostalgia of Old Florida. And you find them all in the Fort Myers area.
In a world that keeps moving faster, these Old Florida gems remind us that some things are worth preserving. It’s fun to seek out places offering the escape and comfort of something from our history. If you decide to create a list of your own Old Florida places to explore during your next visit, these will get you started.
- Wonder Gardens − one of Florida’s original roadside attractions at 90 years old, recalls a simpler era of Florida travel.
- Shangri-La Springs − a restored Old Florida retreat known for its natural spring, banyan trees, and timeless sense of calm.
- Flamingo Inn − a small and quaint Fort Myers Beach inn with an unpretentious, relaxed vibe. A short walk to the beach from your cozy home away from home.
- Bonita Fish Company (previously Bonita Bill’s) − Everyone feels at home with a century of stories, dockside dining, seafood from the Gulf and local music.
- J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge − where mangroves and wildlife set the pace, inviting visitors to slow down and take it all in.
- Sanibel Lighthouse − a familiar sight that has welcomed generations of island locals and visitors.
- ’Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa − a Captiva classic where rocking chairs, sunsets, and island time still set the mood.
- Cabbage Key Inn − where time stands still with burgers, dollar bills, and decades of stories.
- Edison and Ford Winter Estates − a riverfront step back into Fort Myers’ early days, where history surrounds us.
Happening this month
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife 8th Annual Ground Owl Day
Feb. 2
Pelican Baseball Complex
ccfriendsofwildlife.org/events/2026/ground-owl-day
ArtFest Fort Myers, downtown Fort Myers
Feb. 6-8
artfestfortmyers.com
Edison and Ford Winter Estates annual Antique Ford Car Show
Feb. 7
EdisonFord.org
Spring training
Boston Red Sox
Feb. 20-March 23
JetBlue Park, Fort Myers
mlb.com/redsox/spring-training
Minnesota Twins
Feb. 20-March 24
Lee Health Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers
mlb.com/twins/spring-training
Southwest Florida Ag Expo
Feb. 26-March 8
“Roots ’n’ Rides: A Celebration of Tradition”
The Southwest Florida Ag Expo continues to honor the region’s agricultural roots while offering entertainment, midway rides, livestock shows and family activities for all ages. Enjoy an array of talented performers throughout the event. For a schedule of events, special promotions, ticketing and parking information, visit swflagexpo.com or follow the SWFL Ag Expo on Facebook at facebook.com/swflagexpo
24th annual Burrowing Owl Festival, Cape Coral
Feb. 28
Rotary Park Environmental Center
ccfriendsofwildlife.org/burrowing-owl-festival-2
Accommodations news
Welcome back: Casa Ybel and Thistle Lodge on Sanibel Island
After three years, the luxury all-suite resort has reopened following extensive renovations. Beginning a new chapter on Sanibel, the beachfront property is accepting reservations for accommodations. casaybelresort.com
Visit Fort Myers partners with Kind Traveler
Visit Fort Myers is proud to be the first Florida destination to partner with Kind Traveler, an acclaimed innovator in sustainable travel. Participating hotels and their nonprofit partners offer a chance for visitors to give back with a portion of their booking going to a local organization that supports sustainable travel. Check accommodations and their nonprofit partners at visitfortmyers.com/kind-traveler
Big news: Gasparilla Inn and Club on Boca Grande named to Conde Nast Traveller list
Gasparilla Inn on Boca Grande has been named to the publication’s gold list 2026 for the Best Hotels in the World. The 1913 icon has Old Florida charm in a stunning beach setting. cntraveler.com/hotels/united-states/boca-grande/gasparilla-inn-club-boca-grande
South Seas opens Captiva Landing
South Seas recently celebrated the opening of Captiva Landing, its new 2.5-acre aqua adventure. The resort’s newest family-friendly attraction features six waterslides, thrilling tipping buckets, a lazy river, splash zones, cabana/lounge areas, food and beverage offerings, an arcade, a kids’ nature club and more. Captiva Landing is available to registered South Seas guests and Club Captiva owners. southseas.com
White Pelican Villas plans to open in early 2026
Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts purchased the property formerly known as Beachview Cottages, a 22-unit condo property that was destroyed by Hurricane Ian. Plans are underway to rebrand the new build as White Pelican Villas, with 22 units in three buildings tied together with a shared, covered walkway. The resort is farther back from the beach and plans to open in early 2026. sanibelcaptivabeachresorts.com
Comm. & Rédaction partir-magazine.com
