It’s a new year and time to start planning a getaway to the Fort Myers area.
A chance to unwind and reconnect while enjoying warm days, sandy beaches, fishing, family fun, sun and blue skies, outdoor activities, exploring nature and a month filled with special events. Visit visitfortmyers.com and start planning today!
Happening this month
Tour de Cape Jan. 17-19, Cape Coral
In its 34th year, Cape Coral Parks and Recreation hosts Tour de Cape with fun and challenges for everyone. There is a 5K, a mini kid’s ride and 15-, 30-, 62- and 100-mile bike tours. Visit tourdecape.net for details and registration.
Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival, downtown Fort Myers
Jan. 24-25 – Caloosa Sound Amphitheater
Embrace the magic of Celtic tradition at this much-anticipated festival. The 22nd anniversary event returns with a full weekend of Celtic vibes, heritage and Guinness. fortmyers.gov/2123/Celtic-
Fort Myers Seafood and Music Festival, downtown Fort Myers – Jan. 30-Feb. 1
Enjoy foods cooked fresh onsite. Seafood is from Florida’s coastal waters, a sustainable and renewable resource. Listen to live musical performances on stage by some of Florida’s and the region’s top musical talents. paragonfestivals.com/festival/
Plan ahead
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. 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.
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
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 Traveller
Visit Fort Myers is proud to be the first Florida destination to partner with Kind Traveller, an acclaimed innovator in sustainable travel. Participating hotels and their non-profit 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 non-profit partners at visitfortmyers.com/kind-
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