What's New From the Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

Summer savings, Art of the Olympians, new attractions and accommodations, special events and more await visitors

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. April 23, 2010

LEE COUNTY, FL (USA) - April 21, 2010 - With summer savings, recent openings of new attractions, accommodations going “green,” the Art of the Olympians Al Oerter Center of Excellence, and many exciting special events planned in upcoming months, The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in southwest Florida continues to provide new experiences for first time and returning guests to Florida's unspoiled island sanctuary. For the latest information on the area's many accommodation choices, events and activities, visit www.FortMyersSanibel.com.

Art of the Olympians

Visitors will have an opportunity to view art by worldwide Olympic athletes at the Art of the Olympians Al Oerter Center of Excellence, which opened earlier this year. Located in downtown Fort Myers on the Caloosahatchee River, the opening marks the fulfillment of Olympians and Olympic enthusiasts, who along with the late, four-time consecutive gold medalist, Al Oerter, sought to use their passion for art and sports to create an arena to celebrate excellence.

Art of the Olympians features the art of international Olympic athletes, educational programs for children and adults and special events. Featured works include those by Olympians Jean-Blaise Evequoz, fencing, Switzerland; Al Oerter, discus, USA; Florence Griffith-Joyner, sprints, USA; Peggy Fleming, figure skating, USA; Liston Bochette, decathlon and bobsled, Puerto Rico; Kader Klouci, long jumping, France; Roald Bradstock, javelin, U.K.; Shane Gould, swimming, Australia and many others. For details, visit www.artoftheolympians.com.

Summer holiday savings The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel will launch its second Summer Sanctuary program filled with the best deals and rates for summer visitation to the destination May through August 2010. During these months, the unspoiled island sanctuary is spotlighting its accommodations with exceptional vacation rates and value-added amenities at more than 20 participating properties. For complete listings, visit Summer Sanctuary at www.fortmyers-sanibel.com.

Attractions news Sanibel Island's Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (C.R.O.W.) opened its new Healing Winds Visitor Education Center. Offering a rare opportunity for visitors to learn how one of the nation's leading rehabilitation hospitals rescues and cares for injured wildlife, the education center is designed to inspire and educate with interactive wildlife experiences, this special center teaches how injured animals are admitted, diagnosed (by western or eastern methods), cared for and released. Visitors also get to play the "vet" as they follow the cases of four animals from admission to release. Admission: donation of $5 is recommended. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Information: www.crowclinic.org or 239-472-3644.

At the new Butterfly Estates an eco-attraction in the river district of downtown Fort Myers, visitors surround themselves with thousands of butterflies. The venue includes a botanical garden and butterfly habitat with cascading waterfalls, lush tropical nectar plants and butterflies that delight guests with their astounding beauty. Admission: $15 for adults 17 and older; $9 for children three to 16. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Information: www.thebutterflyestates.com or 239-690-2359.

Recent hotel openings
The Resort at MarinaVillage at the Tarpon Point Marina in Cape Coral, a SunStream Hotels & Resort property, offers guests 19 stories of views of the Caloosahatchee River, San Carlos Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The resort includes choices of 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom residences up to 2,225 square feet. Guest rooms combine hotel and residential living with grand rooms, master suites, guest suites, dining terraces and access to amenity decks. Amenities include boat slips, waterfront dining and shopping and a spa. Call 239-765-7654 or visit www.marinavillageresort.com.

The Residence Inn Fort Myers Sanibel, located in Fort Myers, with 116 spacious suites, includes complimentary high-speed Internet access; fully equipped kitchens with a refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker; flat-panel televisions; and sleeper sofas. Some rooms have balcony views of protected marshland and partial water views. The pet-friendly property also includes complimentary coffee and breakfast, on-site laundry, and daily maid service. Call 239-415-4150 or visit www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/rswrs-residence-inn-fort-myers-sanibel/

Hyatt Place Fort Myers at the Forum, with 148 rooms, features a bakery cafe serving Starbucks® specialty coffees and premium wine and beers, a 24-hour guest kitchen providing made-to-order snacks and entrees, continental breakfast, Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, heated outdoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center. The hotel is non-smoking. Call 239-418-1844 or visit www.fortmyers.place.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/place/

For information on planning a vacation to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel and special value-added packages, visit www.FortMyersSanibel.com. Also visit the VCB's Twitter page at www.Twitter.com/SocialLeeVCB (@SocialLeeVCB) or become a fan of The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel at www.Facebook.com/SocialLeeVCB.