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Lakes Regional Park ranks cool with families for its interactive water fountains, paddle boats, surrey bikes and more.
A Spot for a Picnic (and where to stock up)
Picnics are a year-round prospect in the Fort Myers and Sanibel area, and whether you prefer beach level or a picnic table, you’ll find ample sources for your outdoor meal and plenty of places to settle in.
By Chelle Koster Walton
Picnics are a year-round prospect in the Fort Myers and Sanibel area, and whether you prefer beach level or a picnic table, you’ll find ample sources for your outdoor meal and plenty of places to settle in.
By Chelle Koster Walton
  Sculpture, Lakes Regional ParkChelle Koster Walton |
Picnics are a year ’round prospect in the Fort Myers and Sanibel area, and whether you prefer beach level or a picnic table, Yogi and Boo-Boo would approve of these favorites.
Before you go, stock up on ingredients at any grocery. Publix stores are the local favorite, and they have great deli choices, in case you want to forego the kitchen prep. I name a few other convenient gourmet, seafood and ethnic take-out spots for the more discriminating.
In Fort Myers, Lakes Regional Park ranks cool with families for its interactive water fountains, playground, paddle boats, surrey bikes and miniature train ride. Stop for gourmet sandwiches and salads (and – Aaron would be happy to know – cookies by the dozen!) to go at The Flying Pig.
On the northeast side of town, Manatee Park boasts its wintering resident population of gigantic but loveable manatees. Any time of the year, it makes a great place for family dining out of doors. Kids especially love the playground and the Nature Bingo or Eye on Nature (with provided magnifying glass) games that they can play along the habitat trails, including a butterfly garden and waterfront boardwalk. There’s a Publix down the road about a mile or, even closer, Maine’s Best Seafood for fish, crab cake sandwiches and the likes.
 Manatee ParkChelle Koster Walton |
If you’d like some entertainment with your picnic, schedule your visit at Strausser BMX Park to coordinate with a bicycling event. Get there early to grab a picnic table and do some quality playground time.
Before heading to Fort Myers Beach, fill your basket and cooler with the finest picnic fare – imported cheeses, homemade bread, deli sandwiches and prepared hot dishes – at Sandy Butler. Kids love the beach at Lynn Hall Memorial Park for its playground and fishing pier. If you prefer something quieter, head north to Bowditch Point Regional Park or south to Lovers Key State Park. Although our favorite way to get to Lovers Key is by boat, you can get to the beach by driving to the park and taking the tram – or your own two feet. Call ahead to ask about special fishing, birding and tour boat programs during your visit.
Sanibel Island’s beaches are minimally developed. Still, you’ll find grills and picnic tables (if you want to keep your food out of the sand) at Bowman’s Beach. To go the extra gourmet step, stop at Andrea’s for fun import items, hand-made sandwiches and ready-made meals. Or try Bailey’s General Store for snacks and deli delights. And don’t forget the cookies. The white chocolate-macadamia nut variety is especially yummy.
Tips:
- Call ahead to parks to see if it’s necessary to reserve picnic-shelter tables.
- If you’re dining on the beach, keep all food hidden from the gulls until it’s time to eat.
- Feeding the birds causes them to lose their natural ability to hunt and creates nuisances.
If you go...
Andrea’s Gourmet Market & Delicatessen, 239-472-9990, www.andreasgourmetmarket.com
Bowditch Point Regional Park, 239-765-6794, www.leeparks.org
Bowman’s Beach, 239-472-6477
Cape Coral Yacht Club Community Park, 239-574-0806, www.capecoral.net
El Mambo Cuban Restaurant, 239-542-9995
The Flying Pig, 239-337-3744, www.theflyingpig.net
KC’s Riverstop, 239-549-5699
Lakes Regional Park, 239-432-2000, www.leeparks.org
Lovers Key State Park, 239-463-4588, www.floridastateparks.org/loverskey
Lynn Hall Memorial Park, 239-765-6794, www.leeparks.org
Maine’s Best Seafood, 239-694-2288, 800-676-5629
Manatee Park, 239-690-5030, www.leeparks.org
Sandy Butler Gourmet Market, 239-482-6765, www.sandybutler.com
Strausser BMX Sports Complex, 239-458-1943, www.capecoralbmx.org
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