Last Chance To Visit Shell Factory A SWFL Tourist Icon

This weekend is your last chance to visit Shell Factory, an iconic SWFL tourist attraction. The Shell Factory & Nature Park in North Fort Myers is closing its doors for good on Sunday and here is what you need to know.

Owner Pam Cronin made the announcement earlier this month. Her late husband Tom Cronin took over the struggling attraction in 1977 and the two breathed new life into attraction on US41. They survived hurricanes, floods, fires and economic downturns. But the financial strains have finally taken their toll on Cronin.

Shell Factory has hosted visitors from around the world for the last 86 years. It's a place that truly does or did have something for everyone. The shopping alone spans 50,000 feet.

There are a few amusement-style rides, bumper boats and even a zipline. Arcade games have also been a popular pastime for visitors.

But perhaps the part visitors have loved the most is the 4 1/2 acre Nature Park. It has been a safe haven for more than 400 animals, some indigenous, some exotic.

Weather permitting, the park will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday through Sunday. Admission is $16 for adults, $11 for children ages 4 to 12, free for children 3 and under (with a paid adult), $12 for seniors ages 55+ and $11 for military veterans. Ticket sales support the Nature Park staff in the continued care and feeding of the animals as they finalize efforts to rehome to approved facilities.

The park’s onsite restaurants, the Southern Grill and Tommy’s Outdoor Café, will be open with a limited menu until supplies run out.

Finally, the Shell Factory Gift Shop is loaded with thousands of shells and so many other treasures. Everything is 40% off.

They have a large Christmas section, jewelry, apparel and all kinds of Florida related tchotchkes. It's a big gift shop but they are also expecting big crowds so entrance may be staggered. Be prepared to wait.

Thank you Pam and the amazing staff at the Shell Factory & Nature Park, for all the memories you helped so many families make over eight decades. You will be missed.

This weekend is the two-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian. Many Southwest Floridians find themselves cleaning up again, this time from Hurricane Helene. However, when you need a break, here are the 5 Top Southwest Florida weekend events for some fun and distraction.

In anticipation of Hurricane Helene, a few weekend events have been changed and altered. Keep that in mind as you make your plans to double check with event planners before heading out.

The storm has disrupted the annual Island Hopper Music Fest. Events in downtown Fort Myers have been canceled but at press time, weekend concerts on Fort Myers Beach still had the green light. They are the final events to wrap up the ten-day event. Most are free.

The first fall and Halloween festivals of the season kick off this weekend. In addition, a new show is opening at Broadway Palm Dinner Theater and there are some rap icons in concert that you won't want to miss. All of that information is below.

If you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. Finally, here are your Weekend Vibes for September 27th through September 29th. Enjoy something different at these 5 top Southwest Florida Weekend events.

*Please remember, event times and details are always subject to change. It never hurts to confirm with a phone call or a quick check of social media and event websites.

The first fall festival of the season opens this weekend in Southwest Florida, and this is always a popular one. It's the 10th anniversary of Farmer Mike's Fall Festival at the farm's Bonita Springs location. There is a second location on Gladiolus Drive in Fort Myers. Enjoy a pumpkin patch, hayrides, a haunted corn maze, a friendly corn maze, and lots more.  The festival runs through October 27th. Ticket prices and times vary. More info here.

It's opening weekend for Chicago at Broadway Palm Dinner Theater in Fort Myers. The longest running American musical in Broadway history comes to life with iconic songs like All That Jazz and Razzle Dazzle. Ticket prices vary. The show runs through November 9th. More info here.

Old School rap stars, the Sugarhill Gang are set to take the stage in Bonita Springs. You might know the words to their iconic “Rapper’s Delight.” Don't miss this fun show Friday, 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $60. Arts Bonita Center for Performing Arts, 0n Bonita Beach Road. More info here. 

The Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium is reopening following a massive renovation project. There is a VIP reception to celebrate, along with an exclusive movie screening. Ribbon cutting is at 10am the party is at night. Friday 6-8, $150. More info here. 

This is the very first Pride Festival in Bonita Springs. Lots of entertainment is planned along with vendor, food trucks and more. Events are both indoors and outdoors at Visual Arts Center on Old 41 Saturday noon to 6pm. Sunday features a Drag Brunch from 1-4pm.  Tickets start at $5. More info here.