We live in a place where people are always coming on vacation, so I love playing tourist and checking out fun things in our area and this week I visited The Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs.
I'm a huge animal lover, so anywhere that I can go where there are animals to see or interact with is my kinda place. I can't believe I've lived in SWFL for 4 years and have just now for the first time visited The Wonder Gardens. The Wonder Gardens is in Bonita Springs on Old 41. It's a botanical garden and animal refuge for over 300 birds and reptiles that have been rescued, rehabilitated and are non-releasable. There's alligators, flamingos, macaws, tortoises and more.
If you've never been, I highly recommend it. There are 3 acres of absolutely beautiful animals and nature. The price of admission is very fair at $12 for adults and $7 for kids 3-12. There are also special rates for military and seniors. It's just a great opportunity to get up close to these animals in an intimate setting. It wasn't super busy when I went, so it was nice to be able to spend as much time as I wanted without feeling rushed or that I had to make room for other people. I had some great conversations with the birds, and even got Calypso the Catalina Macaw to dance for me!
The Wonder Gardens has been around since 1936. It was originally The Reptile Gardens and it was a roadside attraction on the newly built Tamiami Trail. As the exhibits grew, the name changed to what we know today. For 87 years now, The Wonder Gardens has been in Bonita Springs inspiring and educating visitors.
You can find more info here
Pics from The Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs:
These SWFL Restaurants Were Ranked In USA Today’s Top 10 New Restaurants In Florida
These SWFL Restaurants Were Ranked In USA Today's Top 10 New Restaurants In Florida
Florida is a culinary hotspot, known for its diverse food scene and abundance of fresh seafood. The state is also home to a thriving restaurant industry. There are new establishments constantly opening to meet the demands of food-loving locals and tourists alike.
With a state as large as Florida, there's so many good restaurants to choose from when dining out. Whether you're a food lover looking for a unique and exciting meal or a traveler seeking a taste of local culture, there's something for everyone. As Florida continues to grow and evolve, so does its food scene. There are endless options for those who love to explore new flavors and cuisines.
Over the last year, Florida welcomed more restaurants than we can count. Everything from fast-casual spots with ethnic flair to doughnut shops to extravagant fine dining and waterfront party spots. USA Today has put together a list of their top 10 new restaurants in the Sunshine State and a few in SWFL made the list.
In 2023 we'll see a lot of new dining options. As far as chain restaurants go, we heard earlier this week that The Cheesecake Factory will be coming to Estero later this year. Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen will be opening in the former Sweet Tomatoes space at U.S. 41 North and Immokalee Road. Mission BBQ will be opening on Airport-Pulling RoadThe new Shea’s Lansdowne Street plans to open within the next month in the former Newk’s Eatery space on Naples Blvd. Carole’s House Café & French Bakery will be opening a second location in the Pelican Strand shopping center off Immokalee Road in North Naples. The 1942 Mexican Grill plans to open soon at U.S. 41 and Wiggins Pass Road.
