Musical and Dance-worthy: Broadway Palm Readies Shows for the Season

Now in its 28th year, Broadway Palm has announced its lineup for the holiday season and the new year. Mama Mia! concludes its run November 14, to be followed by the festive Holiday Inn (November 19–December 26, 2020), based on the 1942 film starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. Read More »

Fresh Food for Families: Brighter Bites Promotes Healthy Eating

Children in the United States generally do not consume enough fruits and vegetables, according to national nutrition studies. Brighter Bites, a nonprofit organization that operates in six locations in the U.S., including Southwest Florida, has set out to change that deficit by using a three-step formula... Read More »

Fun, Food and Friends: Sounds Like a Night Out at Kitchen Social

Are you tired of the same old dinner menu? Are you hoping to hone your kitchen skills? Are you looking for something fun but worthwhile to do? Then Kitchen Social in Fort Myers is in order. Read More »

SWFL Journal (November/December 2020)

A journal from the perspective of Southwest Florida. Read More »

What’s Hot in Southwest Florida (November/December 2020)

Learn more about the hottest items - travel gadgets, coffee, food paint, and more - for sale in Southwest Florida! Read More »

A Sizzling Good Time At Ruth’s Chris

When it comes to elegant, sophisticated dining, it’s hard to beat Ruth's Chris Steak House in the Coconut Point Mall in Estero. And renovations during 2019 have made it even more appealing. It still has that steakhouse vibe but with a chic, Florida feel; lighter, with blues and grays. Read More »

Love Affair: The Ecstasy of Ennio Morricone’s Music

When composer Ennio Morricone passed away this past July at the age 91, he left a world immeasurably enriched by his musical legacy. Thanks in large measure to a prodigious catalog of some 400 film scores, his music has reached the ears of millions and has been championed by an array of musicians from Joan Baez to Yo-Yo Ma. Read More »

STAY LOCAL: Let’s Go See and Do and Taste the Things Our Visitors Dream of Doing

It’s funny how we rarely do the things our own hometown is famous for. Fort Myers residents can go years without visiting the fascinating Edison and Ford Winter Estates, knowing they’ll get to it one day because it’s “right there.” Likewise, Sanibel Islanders rarely go shelling. Many Southwest Florida residents don’t even take the time or energy to go to the beach, stick an umbrella in the sand and enjoy the sound of the sea. Read More »

Don’t Miss the Train! Dinner and murder on the rails

After shutting down because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Murder Mystery Train is back on track starting November 27 with the holiday special, Nutcracker’s Final Curtain. Read More »

Festive Yuletide Libations: There’s More to the Holiday Bar than Eggnog

Holiday gatherings might look a little different this year, but the festivities will continue and the spirits will still flow. Most people have a favorite adult beverage or perhaps a traditional holiday cocktail. This is a perfect time of year, however, to try something new. Read More »

On the Road Again: Tips for Traveling With Your Pet

With the holidays here, it’s time to hit the road again to see Grandma in Georgia, Aunt Tina in Tennessee or Cousin Carl in Cincinnati. Many pet owners arrange in-home pet sitting or boarding, and other owners take their pets along for the ride. Read More »

Help for Seniors: Friendship Centers Provide Variety of Services

Nutritious meals, social engagement and support for health and wellness are all offered at Senior Friendship Centers of Lee County, where case managers can help with assessing the needs and arranging for in-home services for seniors. Read More »

Marking a Milestone: Celebrating Past Successes and Hopes for the Future

During our 25 years, we feel very blessed to have found great professional people to consistently be a part of creating high-quality magazines for TOTI Media. Everyone who currently works for TOTI Media, or who has worked for TOTI Media in the past, can be proud of what we have accomplished over this quarter-century. Read More »

Champions of Nature: Defending Southwest Florida’s land, water, wildlife and future

Joanna Fitzgerald and Kathy Worley have a couple things in common. They are both passionate advocates for preserving Southwest Florida’s environment. And they have each been doing it for 25 years at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Read More »

Shell Point’s Newest Neighborhood: The Enclave Welcomes Its First Residents

The first phase of construction on the Enclave, Shell Point Retirement Community’s latest neighborhood, is complete, and several residents have already begun moving into the community. Read More »

Ground Zero for the Key West Experience: Ocean Key Resort & Spa is the Center of Attention in Old Town

The most famous of the Florida Keys, Key West is renowned for its breezy, subtropical climate, laid-back lifestyle and unique confluence of history and charm. Lined with swaying palms and lapping blue waters, the island is famous for its watersports, fishing and diving. Read More »

Advice for the Wise Holiday Shopper: Altruism—The “True-For-All” Very Best Gift Ever

Our Gulf Coast islands are a destination—especially during the holidays. Families and friends who come to celebrate with each other bring their own to-do lists. Different as schedules may be, there are two activities every list has in common. Read More »

What’s for Dinner? Recipe Keeper—Memories of Meals Shared Years Ago

Growing up in South Africa exposed us to a cosmopolitan array of food cultures. Nothing was off the table—from exotic European fare to local tribal dishes. We spent much of our early years sitting in the garden with our nanny and the other African staff, sharing their meals of putu pap... Read More »

A Feel-Good Spot That Tastes Even Better: Olde Florida Chop House in Bonita Springs Is Buttoned-Up—Yet Relaxed

The doors of Olde Florida Chop House had been open for only three months when COVID-19 forced them closed. Operators Stacy and Darren Robertshaw, along with general manager Addison Hyre, used the unexpected, unprecedented time off to reevaluate, regroup and reopen. Read More »

Recipes We Love - See What’s Cooking in SWFL (November/December 2020)

Delicious recipes (Butternut Squash Soup, Chocolate Cake, and Pickled Chanterelle Mushrooms ...oh my!) from a variety of distinguished restaurants in the SWFL area. Read More »

Saved by the Lights and the Lens: Jesi Cason Overcame Lifelong Challenges to Become a Top Photographer in SWFL

The “rock star” of photography who loves to photograph rock stars—this and much more—is Jesi Cason. Her eponymous photography studio is located in the Edwards Building, at the north end of the Alliance for the Arts campus in Fort Myers, Florida. Read More »

Making Holidays Happier: Local Communities Give Back

Organizations such as Bonita Springs Assistance Office, Cape Coral Animal Shelter, FISH of SANCAP, and more are giving back to the community. Read More »

The Daintiest of Egrets: The Snowy Egret Survived The Plume Trade But Is Still Imperiled

The snowy egret (Egretta thula) is distinguished by its beautiful white plumage, with vivid yellow and black details. It has yellow lores, a black bill and black legs with bright yellow feet. Its appearance is even more striking when sporting its breeding plumage of long feathery plumes on its back and throat. Read More »

The Florida Muck: A Gonzo Look at the Sunshine State

Could there be a place more conducive to the gonzo-style journalism of the late Hunter S. Thompson than Florida? Somehow, Thompson himself never fully embraced the Sunshine State, but, fortunately, Kent Russell has picked up the ball with his recently published book, In the Land of Good Living. Read More »

Ease Stress When Taking Children on Trips: Helpful Hints for Families Heading Out for the Holidays

As the classic poem—and later, song—says, “Over the river and through the wood to grandfather’s house we go.” While the lyrics sound merry, in reality a long car trip can be anything but. Let’s face it; the little ones get incredibly bored. However, there are ways to make a lengthy excursion a little more fun for all. Read More »

Beauty Column - The Must-Haves of Beauty Products (November & December 2020)

Are you a lipstick lover or face-cream fanatic? Then you’re in the right place. Every issue, we give you the lowdown on fabulous fragrances, luxurious lotions, must-have makeup and everything in between. Read More »

The Power of Breath: How Controlled Breathing Techniques Can Improve Overall Health

Hof’s achievements are leading to new discoveries showing that the autonomic nervous system and innate immune response can be influenced by human will—something that was previously unseen in science. Read More »

Crossword Puzzle for November/December 2020

Try your hand at this issue's crossword puzzle! Read More »