Bonita Springs, Florida
Visiting Bonita Springs, Florida is like blending the past and the present. Located between Fort Myers and Naples, it is Southwest Florida's newest city, and according to the 2000 census, has doubled in size since 1990. It is also retains its Old Florida heritage and remains relatively untouched by this growth spurt. Before all this growth, Bonita Springs used to only be known as the "Gateway to the Gulf." Today, however, Bonita Springs is a mixture between a thriving business community and a vacation wonderland. Like much of the Gulf Coast, the history of Bonita Springs is filled with pirates, Spanish explorers, Calusa Indians, and homesteading settlers. During the Seminole Wars, Bonita Springs became known as "Survey," a name given by military surveyors who camped along the banks of the Surveyor River (today it is the Imperial River). In the 1880's Archibald Mcleod, from Alabama, bought 6000 acres of what now constitutes most of Bonita Springs, and grew pineapples until a severe frost caused him to sell the land to developers.Bonita Springs has plenty to delight the history buff, sports enthusiast, sun worshiper, and thrill seeker. Windsurfing, parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, tennis, scuba diving and kite boarding are just a few of the activities available to vacationers.
The area is also teeming with attractions for the nature lover. At Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary near Bonita Springs, you'll see many varieties of wading and migrating birds. The sanctuary is located on two miles of raised boardwalk trails that trek through the largest virgin Bald Cypress forest in the nation. Lovers Key State Park is a blend of recreational and educational experiences. The park has tidal lagoons fringed with mangroves, diverse aquatic animals, and beautiful remote beaches that will delight eco-tourists, as well as those who simply wish to witness all the Gulf has to offer.
With close to ten public courses, just as many resort courses, and numerous private courses, Bonita Springs is also a Golfer's paradise. Loops are available to suit any skill level. Located a short drive to Naples, which has the most golf courses per capita of any city in the United States, only adds to a duffer's choices!
Bonita Springs is about half way between Fort Myers and Naples. In Fort Myers, take some time to check out the Edison/Ford Estates, which is a museum detailing the life of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. In addition to golf, Naples is loaded with upscale shopping boutiques and fine dining establishments that will dazzle any taste bud. Or take a day and drive south to Everglades National Park, the jumping off point of the Everglades, the largest remaining subtropical wilderness in the United States.
