Shop Till You Drop!

For those of you who like outlet shopping, we have two excellent choices in the area. To the north, we have Prime Outlets in Ellenton with approximately 130 stores. Check out such fine outlet stores as Chico's, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Adidas Outlet Store, Movado and Coach Factory. Prime Outlets is easy to reach from I-75 at exit 224.

To the south, Miromar Outlets in Estero has approximately 140 stores. Included in the roster are Disney's Character Warehouse, Escada, Neiman Marcus Last Call Store, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th and Crabtree & Evelyn. Take I-75 to exit 123. Miromar Outlets is located between Naples and Fort Myers. Now go shop!

Cafe de la Bay

There is a new restaurant on Dearborn Street: Cafe de la Bay located at 470 W. Dearborn Street. It is open Tuesday - Sunday for both breakfast and lunch and will have some dinner hours available as well. Seating is available at outdoor tables under the trees and in a crisp and attractive indoor dining area. The weather was warm, so the large screened windows in the dining area were open. We felt like we were outdoors.

We enjoyed Spinach Benedict with fresh fruit for our brunch. The Hollandaise sauce had a hint of lemon - very delicious. Breakfast entrees are available from $3.95- $10.95. Lunches of salads and sandwiches range from $5.50 -$9.95. Entrees range from $5.99 - $12.95. Beer and wine is available.

Try it - you'll like it!

Let's Visit the Florida Military Heritage & Aviation Museum

If military history is your interest, you will find lots of fascinating exhibits at the Florida Military Heritage & Aviation Museum. Located in Punta Gorda at Fisherman's Village, the museum has military medals, uniforms, weapons and other equipment. The collection is vast, so exhibits change often. The volunteer guides, most with former military service records, are very helpful. All donations are 100% tax deductible. They can be reached at 941-575-9002.