Lower humidity and cool ocean breezes are back on Sanibel Island and in Fort Myers, which means it is November in the Sunshine State. Grab your date book or open up your calendar app as we prepare you for a November to remember in Southwest Florida.
Shell Point Holiday Bazaar
Sanibel Island Shell Point residents are hosting the annual Shell Point Holiday Bazaar 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5. The free bazaar features a large assortment of shells and holiday décor crafts. There will also be children’s items and tasty treats. Cash and checks are the only form of payment accepted. Call (239) 454-2290 for more information.
Fee-Free Admission on Wildlife Drive
Take advantage of Free-Fee Admission Wildlife Refuge Day at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Nov. 12-13 in honor of Veterans Day. Enjoy a drive through one of the most picturesque wildlife reserves in the country as you spot turtles, birds, marine life and more. Admission to the drive is usually $5 per car or $1 per adult cyclist or hiker. Don’t forget your camera.
American Sandsculpting Championships
Master Sand Sculptors is returning to Fort Myers Beach Nov. 18-27 this year to host the 30th annual American Sandsculpting Championships behind the Wyndham Garden Hotel on the beach. It’s the largest sandsculpting event in the state. Come witness some of the best sand sculptors in the country and more than 40 sand sculpture creations on the beach during the 10-day event. The family-friendly event also includes art displays, live music, food and drinks and activities for children. Tickets are $7 and children 4 and under are free.
Thanksgiving Sunset Dolphin Cruise
Can you think of anything to be more thankful for than enjoying a Thanksgiving Sunset Dolphin Cruise? Adventures in Paradise is offering a 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. holiday cruise Thursday, Nov. 24. Enjoy the serenity of San Carlos Bay off Fort Myers while you search for dolphins after enjoying a nice meal. Complimentary soft drinks and water is provided. Book your Thanksgiving cruise today.
Maximize your November stay in Southwest Florida by spending some time on the water.
A Christmas Carol
An adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol with traditional folk tunes and fiddles will be presented 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28 and runs through Dec. 23 at the Strauss Theater at Big Arts Sanibel Island. It includes a child’s reading of the classic tale that transforms into the real world of Dickens’ characters. Tickets range from $5 to $32 and can be purchased online.
Walk Through Bethlehem
Take a Walk Through Bethlehem 7 p.m. Nov. 30 as members of the Sanibel Community Church portray the coming of the Messiah in the Historic Chapel. Guests will be immersed into the town of Bethlehem as they meet people from the era and come upon the manger where Jesus was born. The performance is free and will be repeated 7 p.m. Dec. 2.
Smithsonian Water Ways Exhibit
The Smithsonian Museum’s traveling Water/Ways Exhibit will be stationed at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s Visitor & Education Center through Dec. 8. The first of its kind free exhibit examines the issues and context facing our plant and the water issues we have here. The exhibit includes a film series, speakers, a children fishing derby and special family programs and giveaways. For more information, call (239) 472-1100 and visit a list of the exhibit events.
Enjoy a drive through a picturesque Sanibel Island wildlife reserve in the fall.
Book Your Southwest Florida Stay
You need a weekly vacation rental to take advantage of everything to do in November on Sanibel Island and Fort Myers. Rent a fully furnished condo at Royal Shell Vacation Rentals or Sundial Beach Resorts & Spa. Sundial guests receive 30 percent off boat, canoe and kayak rentals.
Plan Your Watersports Activities
Maximize your November stay in Southwest Florida by spending some time on the water. Rent a boat or schedule a charter to go fishing or enjoy a sunset cruise. Our charter boat captains at Port Sanibel Marina can accommodate all of your boating and watersport activity needs. Give us a call at (239) 437-1660 to plan your boating itinerary today!
