2010 Sugden Stride 5K

Runners who participated in the Sugden Stride 5K were treated to a wonderful race course through Sugden Regional Park in Naples. The course took runners around Lake Avalon, along the path next to the beach and back along the trail for a fast and exciting finish. Glass mugs were given as awards to participants who placed from 1st through 5th in their respective age divisions. I was lucky enough to place 4th in my age group, and have christened my mug with a nice cold imported dark beer. I must commend the organizing committee Elite Events, and Collier County Parks and Recreation for putting on a quality event. I look forward to the next event, The Eagle Lakes Extreme 5K Run and Walk, on Saturday July 31st, at Eagle Lakes Community Park in Naples. It is my hope that the next race in the Series will draw more runners to push everyone to strive for their PR.

Enjoy Southwest Florida,

Robin Bishop
swflfun.com
southwestflfun@gmail.com

Celebrate Father's Day in Style

Show your appreciation and love for your Dad by treating him to a special event in Southwest Florida. Let Dad relax and cool down at Sun Splash Family Water Park in Cape Coral or at Sun-N-Fun Lagoon in Naples, where Dads get in free with one paid admission. The Edison & Ford Winter Estates is a great place to visit with the family and Dads can enjoy the many inventions of these two incredible men. The Naples Zoo is honoring all Dads, by giving them free admission, by having them bring in any left over bottles of cologne. If you would like to entertain your Dad over an evening with a mystery and dinner, how about taking him and the family out on the Murder Mystery Train? These are just a few ideas to help celebrate Father's Day. There will be many family barbecues, watching the World Cup and watching an exciting finish to the US Open Golf Tournament at Pebble Beach.

photo by Ksionic

Wishing all the Dads a very Happy Father's Day!

Enjoy Southwest Florida,

Robin Bishop
swflfun.com
southwestflfun@gmail.com

ECHO "Get into Gardening"

The ECHO (Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization) event showcased how one can create their own attractive garden for enjoyment or to supply food for their families. ECHO, provided a number of workshops for the public to learn about container gardening, growing vegetables in the summer, growing herbs and learning about grafting fruit trees. ECHO, is located in North Fort Myers, at 17391 Durrance Road and is definitely worth visiting. Children will enjoy learning about growing various plants and how they can easily grow in a number of different containers. ECHO, provides a valuable resource to the residents and visitors of Southwest Florida. The organization provides "sustainable options to world hunger."

Enjoy Southwest Florida,


Robin Bishop
swflfun.com
southwestflfun@gmail.com

Cinco de Mayo in Southwest Florida

Are you looking for something fun and entertaining to do today? How about enjoying a Cinco de Mayo celebration with live music, margaritas, dancing, and the colorful flamenco musicians. Around Southwest Florida there are a number of events in honor of Cinco de Mayo. Here are some facts about Cinco de Mayo, that can be shared during conservations throughout the evening.

photo by garlandcannon

Enjoy Southwest Florida,

Robin Bishop
swflfun.com
southwestflfun@gmail.com

Tropicool 5k Run Naples

The Tropicool 5k Run in Olde Naples on Sunday May 2, was a resounding success. This year's event set a record for the number of runners participating. Runners from around Southwest Florida and from places as distant as Seattle, Washington enjoyed a quality event that was organized and directed by the Gulf Coast Runners. The Club honored the area's youth who have shown their dedication to the sport of running with scholarships to further their education. The club honored these outstanding youth with scholarships totaling $30,500. A special thank you goes out to "The English Group" of Merrill Lynch for sponsoring the race. Please remember to check our events calendar for upcoming races.

Enjoy Southwest Florida,

Robin Bishop
swflfun.com
southwestflfun@gmail.com

Celebrate Your Special Occasion or Event Aboard The Naples Princess

Have you ever thought about celebrating your special event or occasion in an unique way? The Naples Princess docked at Port-O-Call Marina off US 41 in Naples, offers Lunch, Afternoon Sightseeing, Sunset Sightseeing, Sunset Hors D'oeuvres, and Sunset Dinner Cruises. Taking a relaxing cruise with the Naples Princess is a wonderful way to enjoy an afternoon or evening on the water. The views of Naples from the water are simply awesome. Dolphins can be seen playing in the water, and on evening sunset cruises there are wonderful crimson colored sunsets. If you want a memorable experience that you can share with family and friends, the Naples Princess will not disappoint.



Enjoy Southwest Florida,

Robin Bishop
swflfun.com
southwestflfun@gmail.com

Excursions & Day Trips From Southwest Florida

Have you ever wanted to embark on an interesting day trip or excursion from Southwest Florida? Well let me tell you that there are many educational, informative, memorable, thought provoking and family friendly places to visit. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy what Southwest Florida has to offer. I have comprised a brief listing of some unique places to visit that vividly portray the Southwest Florida environment, lifestyle and culture.

1. Corkscrew Swamp Audubon Sanctuary - is located in the Eastern portion of Collier County. Patrons who visit this wonderful facility walk along a 2.25 mile boardwalk that takes you through marsh lands, up-lands, where we can observe native species and local wildlife in a natural setting.

2. Everglades National Park - is in the heart of the Everglades. It is one of the largest National Parks in the country. This park is known to many as "The River of Grass," courtesy of Marjory Stoneman Douglas. A great way to observe this wonderful park, is to take an airboat ride through the park to view it up close.

3. J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge - is located on Sanibel Island and is home to many native Florida bird species and alligators. Educational classes are held here and birdwatching is extremely popular.

4. The Shell Factory - is located in North Ft Myers and is home to one of the largest shell collections.

5. Edison and Ford Winter Estates - are located in downtown Ft Myers. Patrons can learn about all the inventions of Edison and Ford by visiting their laboratory, gardens and museum.

6. ECHO - Educational Concerns For Hunger Organization - is located in North Ft Myers and teaches us about healthy sustainable food practices and how to help solve world hunger.

7. Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park - is located in the Eastern portion of Collier County and home to the famous "Ghost Orchid." This area truly is a treasure and depicts what is special about Southwest Florida.

These are just some ideas on how you can or the entire family can enjoy a day trip within pristine Southwest Florida. An interesting excursion or adventure awaits you.

Photo by jmagnusphoto

Enjoy Southwest Florida,

Robin Bishop
swflfun.com
southwestflfun@gmail.com