Alliance for the Arts

The Alliance for the Arts was founded in 1975 to encourage the growth of the arts in Lee County. With two buildings on site, the Alliance features an indoor theatre, galleries, classrooms, and an outdoor amphitheater that bring together many different art groups. Almost 40 years ago, the membership fee was $5 and member information was handwritten in a small journal, but the members were very committed to the future of the local culture. This town was in desperate need of a home for all the creativity to flow freely and now we have it. Today, membership fees start at $50, but the Alliance offers a lot more than it did back in the older days.

One of the main features of the Alliance is the art gallery which hosts many different exhibits throughout the year. Whether you just want to look around or get your hands dirty, the Alliance has exactly what you are looking for. They offer classes like photography, painting, knitting, pottery, sketching, and musical lessons for adults and children of all ages. Once you are done with your class or finish up your stroll through the exhibit, check out all the locally made products in the gift shop.

The 150 seat indoor theatre hosts many new performances every year from different performance groups, including Theatre Conspiracy. This group moved into the Alliance theatre in 1993 and is described as “unafraid to push the envelope of live theatre.” The theatre and other spaces throughout the building are available to rent out for performances, events, or meetings. The outdoor amphitheater is used for concerts, theatrical performances, and special events for large crowds.

Every summer, the Alliance is used for an art themed summer camp to expose elementary aged children to the art world. The camp gives students a chance to test out their abilities in different artistic outlets, including drama, art, dance, and vocal training. Each week, the kids are given a different theme to focus on and every Friday they put on a musical performance in the theatre for friends and family.

Also, the Alliance for the Arts hosts a Green Market on the campus every Saturday. Here you can find locally grown, caught, or prepared foods and products for purchase. During the market, you can enjoy yoga classes under the trees with a locally registered instructor, live entertainment, and fun activities for people of all ages.

Southwest Florida is a community full of art and culture; the Alliance for the Arts is the perfect home to nurture and enhance the creativity found in Lee County. Whether you are a local resident or just passing through, take the opportunity to show your support for the arts and stop by.


lose ourselves at the same time.   Thomas Merton

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens


Lions and tigers and bears…oh my! The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a nonprofit, nationally accredited zoo. With a path stretching about a mile long, the zoo has about 70 different species that rotate throughout the displays. The zoo began as the personal garden of famous botanist Dr. Henry Nehrling in 1919. His plant collection was neglected after his death in 1929, but was reopened in 1954 by Julius Fleischmann. Animals weren’t added until 1969 thanks to Larry and Jane Tetzlaff and the gardens were turned into a zoo. Today, much of the plant life that Nehrling planted himself almost 100 years ago is still there.
In this tropical atmosphere, you will see many of your favorite animals such as lions, monkeys, and alligators. Also, throughout the year you will see many different exhibits featuring rare animals from across the world. In addition to the animals and plant life, there are fun and informational presentations throughout the day. You can also enjoy a Primate Expedition Cruise through the islands of monkeys, apes, and lemurs.  There are also plenty of opportunities for you to stop and relax in a tranquil setting overlooking the water or beautiful gardens. Through recreation and conservation, the zoo offers fun for everyone.
Spending a fun day with the family doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg either. Parking at the zoo is free and admission prices are under $20 each. Or if you would like to enjoy everything the zoo has to offer you can become a member of the zoo for a small annual fee. Plus not only does your admission price get you through the gates, but your contribution goes to helping the animals in the zoo as well as in the wild. So get wild and enjoy a day outside…you won’t regret it, and the animals will appreciate your help!

Barefoot Beach - Naples, FL

How do you start a blog about the Sunshine State? With over 1,000 miles of coastline, the most obvious answer is to start at the beach. Florida is known for its laid back tropical atmosphere and Southwest Florida has plenty of beaches to choose from. But how do you navigate miles of soft sand and crashing waves? You ask the locals. The most notorious are Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island, but these are tourist beaches and during season you will be lucky to find a place to lay out a towel. There are, however, a few “hidden” gems that are more known by the local crowd. Located in Naples off Bonita Beach Road, Barefoot Beach is beautiful and quieter than its sandy neighbors.
Barefoot Beach is 342 acres of undeveloped nature. The small fee to enter the beach is definitely worth it to avoid the crowds. In order to get to the beach you pass by rows of gorgeous beach style houses and your car is flooded with the smell of salt water and fresh air. Known for its gorgeous, plush surroundings, it offers a great opportunity for avid fishermen to enjoy many different species of fish. The beach also offers a one mile nature trail, picnic areas, and a concession area where you can purchase food and drinks as well as rent equipment. So pack the cooler, grab the family, and don’t forget the sunscreen!

Welcome to Fort Myers!!!

In 1885, Fort Myers was home to 349 people. Now, with over 60,000 residents, this luscious beach town is a major destination for snow birds, spring breakers, and baseball fans. There are still many people who are unaware of what this laid back city has to offer. Take it from someone born and raised in the area, there is so much more to this city than people realize. The City of Palms (or Dunk City as it is known recently) is full of culture, sports, and art. There is great shopping and even better dining. The city has it all. Our hope for this city is to encourage tourists to visit and give them a reason to stay.