Ft.Myers Things to do

ATTRACTIONS NEWS

The Historic Burroughs Home in downtown Fort Myers is hosting one to two tea classes throughout the month. Lady Katherine’s Art of Tea introduces novices and connoisseurs to the world of whole leaf tea. Her Cup Meets Plate pairs tea and food and teaches how to cook using tea. Call for the current month’s schedule. Visit  www.uncommonfriends.org.

The Shell Factory in North Fort Myers has debuted a new interactive attraction called the Pirate’s Grotto. The cavern-like display, located inside the main building, features animated scallywags that interact with visitors as they enter the grotto. The attraction also has plenty of treasure and booty trinkets for sale. Website  www.shellfactory.com.

On Oct. 25, 2009, Imaginarium Hands-On Museum & Aquarium in Fort Myers celebrated its millionth visitor just 14 years after its opening. The museum treated Curtis Winter and his family from Naples, Florida, to a free VIP visit that day. He also received an Imaginarium gift basket filled with fun and educational items, plus a one-year family membership. Website

DINING/ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

The Sandy Butler restaurant in Fort Myers Beach has introduced a new seasonal menu offering fresh gourmet cuisine and local and heirloom produce. Chef Michael Ragusa has added new vegetarian and children menus, released a new affordably priced boutique wine list, and introduced a new happy hour martini menu. TripAdvisor, an online travel guide, has ranked the restaurant No. 1 of 351 restaurants in Fort Myers. Website  www.sandybutler.com.

Mad Cuisine (formerly Mad Take Out) of Fort Myers has hired one of New York’s top caterers, Andrea Correale, to head its kitchen. As managing partner, Correale will apply her experience cooking for celebrities such as the Trumps, Brooke Shields, Gweneth Paltrow, and Hillary Clinton to creating gourmet prepared foods-to-go and upscale event catering. Website  www.sandybutler.com.

The Sanibel Island Farmers Market resumed for the season on Nov. 1, 2009, at Tahitian Gardens shopping center. The market will reoccur each Sunday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. through season. Tel #  239-691-9249.

Chef Michael Marcantonio has expanded the menu for the main restaurant at The Shell Factory in North Fort Myers. Now Capt’n Fishbones Seafood and Steaks, it features hand-cut steaks with innovative toppings and creative garnishes. The restaurant also recently introduced its Singing Servers, who will serenade guests as they dine on Thursday and Saturday evenings. Website  www.shellfactory.com.

SPECIAL EVENT NEWS

A confluence of culture, people, and lifelong experiences converge on canvas and in clay during the annual Art Expressions of Latin America III at the Southwest Florida Museum of History in downtown Fort Myers. The exhibit of 24 artists from throughout Latin America runs until Dec. 5, 2009. Website  www.swflmuseumofhistory.com.