Boston Red Sox Spring Training tickets went on sale Friday, and while fans everywhere are waiting to see about that rebuild; there’s another rebuild that’s already on solid ground.
The Fort Meyers region in Florida, while not 100% operational yet, is very much back from the historic destruction from Hurricane Ian.
Lee County and the Greater Fort Myers area has come a long way since last year’s Spring Training, when the aftereffects of that category 4 storm that destroyed homes, businesses, beaches and more were still very much felt.
There were pretty much no waterfront hotels open. Beaches were a mess and construction crews were everywhere. And while some spots had begun to open again, it all needed time.
This year, you’ll find many beachfront hotels back in business, most nature attractions up and running (and growing lusher again by the day), and beaches themselves that, while you may still need to find the right spot and wear water shoes to visit, are open and as serene as they were prior to Sept. 28, 2022.
Lee County – and Fort Myers in particular – has long been a draw for New Englanders. Walk down any street or pop into any dining establishment and you’re bound to hear the accent. You’ll get high fives for your Sox attire.
It’s not just the Red Sox draw; though JetBlue Park – a smaller version of Fenway that even has its own Green Monster – is great spot to kick off your baseball season.
And even in team rebuilding years like this one, it’s fun to get down there in the warm sun and get a feel for where the season will go. Autographs are easy to get in this more intimate park, and all the Fenway staples are there. (In a nod to the home team, they even serve Sam Adams. Wicked awesome.)
But it’s more than that. First, there’s access: Jet Blue zips in and out of there with direct flights daily – you usually depart Boston from the Big Papi gate, setting the tone of the trip.
Fort Myers’ airport is easy to navigate, and it’s just a few steps to your rental car or shuttle service.
First, where to stay. Hotels, according to Visit Fort Myers (https://www.visitfortmyers.com), are 73% open.
This year, two major seaside spots are open, including the popular Margaritaville Beach Resort (margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-beach-resort-fort-myers-beach) on Fort Myers Beach, where you’ll find 254 rooms on seven acres with palm trees, pools and direct beach access.
Also open is The Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa (marriott.com/en-us/hotels/rswsb-marriott-sanibel-harbour-resort-and-spa) where you’ll find a 40,000 square foot spa, waterfront access and amazing sunsets.
Inland works too. The region is easy to drive around and there’s so much to do, you’ll want a car anyway.
Nature took a huge hit in the storm and many of the most beloved spots were closed for a good while. This year, you can get out there again. Famed J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island is open and offering free winter programs through March 30. For free (and just by registering at dingdarlingsociety.org), you can join group beach walks, wildlife drive caravans on everything from birding for beginners to the lifestyles of alligators and crocodiles. It’s a breathtaking spot.
The classics are back as well. You can once again do the “must stop” at the famed Shell Museum on Sanibel, newly reopened this winter with a new name –The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium. The change reflects reinstallation of its permanent exhibit spaces including the Living Gallery of aquariums and marine life and the shell exhibits of The Great Hall of Shells.
And She Sells Sea Shells, another favorite, is open again (https://sanibelshellcrafts.com).
In Bonita Springs, you’ll find the Edison and Ford Winter Estates (which escaped most damage from the storm) is open and bustling. And Wonder Gardens (https://wondergardens.org) a delightful spot to see flora and fauna (and a spot that helped save many creature lives post storm) is open and active.
You’ll find plenty of dining choices, golf, and historic spots to visit.
A note on the beaches: While all but three are reopened, you may find you have to walk a little way before settling in, and you’ll want to wear sneakers or water shoes as debris can still be found.
Spring Training season is heating up. This year, the Sox fan’s winter home is in better shape and ready for visitors. For more details and discount passes, you can visit https://www.visitfortmyers.com/sun-saver-passport.
