
Local Traditions & Customs in Bonita Springs, Florida, United States
1. Bonita Springs National Art Festival
Annual outdoor fine art festival featuring works by local and international artists. It showcases a variety of artistic mediums.
- Unique Art Selection: Offers unique, handcrafted pieces that cannot be found in typical retail stores
- Community Engagement: Provides an opportunity for the community to interact with artists and learn about their creative process
- Support for Artists: Offers artists a platform to showcase and sell their work, providing them with valuable exposure and income
2. Edison & Ford Winter Estates
Historic estate complex showcasing the winter residences of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, featuring gardens, a museum, and a laboratory.
- Historical Significance: Provides insight into the lives and innovations of two legendary figures in American history
- Beautiful Grounds: Offers a serene, tropical setting with lush gardens and scenic river views
- Educational Opportunities: Provides educational programs and exhibits that explore the lives and work of Edison and Ford
3. Mangrove Adventures
Guided kayak tours through the Estero Bay mangrove forests, offering wildlife viewing and nature education.
- Exclusive Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities to observe local wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, and various bird species
- Knowledgeable Guides: Offers guided tours led by experienced guides who provide insight into the ecosystem and its inhabitants
- Peaceful Setting: Provides a peaceful, relaxing environment for nature enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of Estero Bay
4. Coconut Festival
Annual celebration honoring the coconut, featuring food, music, and activities for all ages.
- Unique Themed Event: Offers a fun, family-friendly event with a focus on the area's rich history of coconut farming
- Cultural Education: Provides insight into the cultural significance and uses of the coconut in Bonita Springs
- Community Engagement: Brings the community together for a fun, festive event that showcases local talent and culture
5. Old Fishermen's Village
Waterfront shopping and dining complex with a focus on fresh seafood, featuring shops, restaurants, and live music.
- Unique Shops: Offers a variety of local and regional shops selling everything from art to souvenirs
- Fresh Seafood: Provides access to some of the freshest seafood in the area, with many restaurants featuring locally caught fish
- Scenic Waterfront Location: Offers a picturesque waterfront setting with views of the bay and local marina
6. Bonita Springs Farmers Market
Weekly open-air market offering fresh produce, locally made goods, and live entertainment.
- Fresh Local Produce: Provides access to a wide variety of fresh, local fruits, vegetables, and other farm products
- Support Local Farmers: Supports local farmers by providing them with an outlet to sell their produce directly to consumers
- Community Gathering Place: Serves as a gathering place for the community, bringing together friends and neighbors for a fun, social experience
7. Immokalee Pioneer Museum
Museum dedicated to the history of Immokalee and the agricultural heritage of the area, featuring artifacts, exhibits, and guided tours.
- Cultural Education: Provides insight into the rich cultural heritage and early settlers of Immokalee
- Historical Artifacts: Features a collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Immokalee's agricultural history
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours led by knowledgeable guides who provide additional context and insight into the exhibits
8. Bonita Springs Historical Society Museum
Museum dedicated to the history of Bonita Springs, featuring artifacts, exhibits, and guided tours.
- Cultural Education: Provides insight into the rich cultural heritage and early settlers of Bonita Springs
- Historical Artifacts: Features a collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Bonita Springs' history
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours led by knowledgeable guides who provide additional context and insight into the exhibits
9. Everglades City Tour Train
Guided tour train through Everglades City, offering insights into the history and ecology of the area.
- Unique Transportation Experience: Offers a unique and comfortable way to explore Everglades City
- Historical Insights: Provides insight into the history and ecology of Everglades City and the surrounding area
- Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the beautiful Everglades landscape
10. St. Leo's Catholic Church
Historic church with a rich history in Bonita Springs, featuring stunning architecture and weekly services.
- Architectural Beauty: Features stunning stained-glass windows, intricate wooden carvings, and a beautiful bell tower
- Religious History: Provides insight into the religious history of Bonita Springs and its early settlers
- Weekly Services: Offers Mass and other religious services for the local community
11. Lovers Key State Park
Beautiful state park featuring a variety of habitats, including beaches, mangrove forests, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and pristine beaches
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities to observe local wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, and various bird species
- Recreational Opportunities: Offers recreational opportunities including swimming, fishing, kayaking, and nature walks
12. Bone Broth Cafe
Unique cafe specializing in bone broth, featuring a variety of flavors and health benefits.
- Health Benefits: Offers a nutritious and healing option for those seeking natural remedies
- Unique Menu Items: Provides a unique dining experience with a variety of bone broth flavors not found in other restaurants
- Community Gathering Place: Serves as a gathering place for the community, providing a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere
13. Big Hickory Island Preserve State Park
Preserve featuring a variety of habitats, including mangrove forests, hardwood hammocks, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and pristine beaches
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities to observe local wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, and various bird species
- Recreational Opportunities: Offers recreational opportunities including swimming, fishing, kayaking, and nature walks
14. Bonita Springs Community Garden
Community garden providing opportunities for residents to grow their own produce and learn about sustainable gardening practices.
- Local Produce: Provides opportunities for residents to grow their own fresh, local produce
- Sustainable Practices: Promotes sustainable gardening practices and education on composting, water conservation, and organic gardening
- Community Engagement: Brings together residents of all ages and backgrounds for a shared interest in gardening and sustainability
15. BONITAfest
Annual music festival featuring local bands and artists, food vendors, and arts and crafts.
- Local Music Scene: Showcases local bands and musicians, providing them with valuable exposure and performance opportunities
- Community Engagement: Brings the community together for a fun, festive event that showcases local talent and culture
- Support for Artists: Provides artists with an opportunity to sell their work and connect with potential fans and customers