So my mid-January weekend escape to Hollywood, Florida where temperatures in the ’60’s immediately killed the momentary dream of sun, surf and beach bars posed a problem. How to entertain myself without too much pouting. I chose the Margaritaville Resort to further my research. In honor of Jimmy Buffett’s recent passing,this massive memorial to Beach Vibe, License to Chill, and Welcome to Paradise ambiance helped to lift my spirits. Okay, maybe it was more the plentiful margaritas – and the ever-present Jimmy Buffet serenade — that did that but I found my way to two intriguing outings. While always keeping in mind that it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere…. (assuming you all know that that is one of Buffett’s many legacies).

So I was ready to move on from his sonorous tones to the more live-band atmosphere at the Yellow Green Farmer’s Market. Over 300 booths all promoting sustainability through all kinds of artisanal products created by local artists and craftsmen didn’t disappoint.

The outside food court presented offerings from Mexico, Uruguay, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador. Notice a pattern? At one point I saw someone with a sweatshirt from a U.S. city and got excited – until I realized we were NOT in a foreign country despite the ubiquitous South American ambiance. Think of it as a mini-Epcot Center.

The expansive table area is surrounded by a large herd of life-size black and white cow sculptures for which I could see little purpose other than to re-enforce the idea of the farm part of the farmer’s market. Worked for me.

And we hadn’t even entered the huge barn containing all the afore-mentioned stalls proffering fresh fruits and veggies, baked goods, cheese and chocolates, plants and more varieties of nuts and dried fruits than you ever knew existed. Also clothes, backpacks, jewelry, African handicrafts, tropical oils, bath products and too many other items to even contemplate. If there’s anything you could possibly want, I promise you it’s there – you just need the patience to seek it out.

And, of course, there are even more food and drink options scattered throughout. Did I mention the free samples? And if you hadn’t already had enough Margaritas, they’re here too — along with Bloody Marys, Bellinis and Mojitos. And dogs – lots and lots of dogs – so indeed there are also lots of designated watering holes for them, as well.

Just when I thought I had found my way to the final aisle, I discovered multiple other arteries with multiple other interesting offerings. And just when I thought I had seen all of them, there was a fooz-ball game and a billiards table. I know dozens of towns and villages boast Farmer’s Markets of their own – and I’ve been to many – but the diversity of products, food items, entertainment — and for me, especially dogs – made this a most welcome diversion from Margaritaville.

If perhaps live animals and wild flowers appeal more than cow statues and bouquets for sale, the Flamingo Botanical Gardens and Wildlife Sanctuary heartily beckon. The first offers 3000 species of rare and exotic native tropical plants; the second, home to over 90 species of rescued birds and animals. On the way to the tram, I saw about a dozen cats and was hoping there was more to the wildlife. By the time I got to the Black Bear and the Panther, I was well reassured.

Just walking along the paths enveloped by green canopies, you are engulfed in foliage, small, large, low, high and enormous, with leaves the size of surfboards that make you stop and stare. Plants are light, dark, thin, thick, mottled, marbled. Birds – tall, short, multi-colored are everywhere – flocks of flamingoes, prancing peacocks and so many Ibises that they almost form a white blanket over the entire property.

The tram expands the journey into vast varieties of trees, plants, shrubs and lush vegetation where I felt mesmerized by the sheer green overload. I became one with the forest as the constant chatter of the guide faded into background noise. I was actually disappointed when we came back into sunlight.

My favorite enclosure was the cactus and succulent garden housing bizarre shapes, grotesque creations and other-worldly forms promoting nature at its most imaginative.

Other highlights included Wildlife Encounters with animals who have been injured or rescued. Okay, a lot more information than I cared to know but still interesting. Feeding frenzies of playful otters and majestic flamingoes and visits to bobcats, tortoises and other wildlife further delight.

Did I still miss going to the beach? Yes. Was I somewhat placated? Also, yes. For more information go to: Hollywood, Florida.

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Lee County’s Ft. Meyers and Bonita Springs are beach towns, bastions of sun and surf for snowbirds and tourists alike. With beaches closed and without facilities – possibly true for the foreseeable future – I found myself seeking other entertainment options – and I wasn’t disappointed.

There are still nature parks, island cruises have just started up again, hiking, of course, canoeing, boat excursions, flea markets, historic sites but I’m going to focus on three unusual attractions that don’t usually fall on the must-see itinerary.

Shangri-La Springs Resort, in concert with its name which usually conjures up a fantastical paradise, is actually where the springs that give the city of Bonita its name were first discovered by the Calusa Indians – the first mineral springs spa in North America. The hotel oozes history and healing inside and out.

At the Harvest and Wisdom Restaurant, I felt my mind expand even as I was being seated. Architecture, landscape and gardens provide extensive farm to table offerings. With only regenerative farming practices used, the 100% organic, sustainable products preserve the natural state of the plants. This was now over my pay grade dealing with essential oils, natural yeasts and beneficial bacteria but I was pretty sure the vegetables I was eating were pretty fresh.

Asian art proliferates throughout the property, inside and out. It’s a boutique hotel impersonating an art gallery. Even the lobby aquarium has tiny Asian sculptures. The fish, I assume, were local.

The springs themselves resemble a small river floating under extensive tree canopies. The large fountain erupting in the center was probably not there when first discovered… The grounds bring to mind a mini-Botanical garden (not the only Bonita Springs hide-a-way to do so but more on that later), proffering a quiet, restful ambiance accentuated by streams, fountains and sculptures. And then there’s the Spa which reflects internally the graceful serene exterior.

So from the sublime to the ridiculous – and I say that in the most loving of ways…. As a long-time travel writer, there are a few things I find anathema due to de rigueur repetitive visits. I tend to avoid tours of forts, butterfly gardens and shell factories. But the world’s largest Shell Factory and Nature Park in Ft. Myers beckoned despite my internal protestations. And what an adventure it was!

Apparently, they left off amusement park in the site’s name because these are the activities I first noticed: a carousel, mini-golf, zip-line, climbing wall, gem mining, paddle and bumper boats, arcade games, a performance arts center and two restaurants. And oh yes, there is also a shop that sells shell necklaces. Well, okay – perhaps a tad more than that. How about the World’s Largest Shell Factory and this country’s largest gift shop.

A place so big it warrants its own zip code and, no surprise, they have their own post office to accommodate it. Inside, in addition to those afore-mentioned shells, there’s a fudge factory, a Christmas store, ice cream bar, t-shirts galore, more greeting cards than in a Hallmark warehouse (maybe several warehouses…) and miles and miles of quirky items you never knew you wanted until you tripped over them.

An onsite fudge-making operation is one of many surprises at the Shell Factory. They have everything and all of it in abundance, attested to by a self-aware sign that states: “If you can’t find something in this store, they just don’t make it!” And that includes the kitsch-en sink.

And did I mention the Nature Park? Four-hundred-and-fifty animals ranging from the expected alligators, tortoises and peacocks to lesser-known lemurs, camels and reptiles to virtually unknown tayras, caracels and a huge Eurasian Eagle-Owl. And, of course, a petting zoo with goats, alpacas and an ox and a Dinosaur Park offering visitors a chance to walk through our prehistoric past. They were the only animals who were not real. Although I suspect the animals are well-taken care of, some of the habitats felt a little cramped and I wasn’t sorry to leave.

Nonetheless, apparently I have to rethink my aversion to Shell Factories. But the Everglades Wonder Garden in Bonita Springs — a sort of hidden gem — left all thoughts of its Nature Park behind – it was a place I didn’t want to leave. If you’re old enough to remember the “roadside attraction” designation – this one dates back to 1936 – it usually conjures up an image of very unhappy animals in a very unsavory environment.

Though a step-back in time to a mainstay of Florida tourism, this roadside attraction evokes a totally different mind-set. It is the “later” I alluded to earlier, though more of a semi-tropical rainforest than botanical garden.

Scarlett, Calypso, Rudy and Murphy act as a very colorful and loud welcoming committee. Compared to the Shell Factory, these parrots are in luxury outdoor accommodations. Visiting the various rescued animals over three very airy and well-signed acres – alligators to tortoises, flamingos to lorikeets, over bridges and walkways, alongside streams and splashing waterfalls, amid an avalanche of tropical plants – the feeling is one of expansiveness and immersion in nature, with an appreciation of what a wonderful home these animals have. I suspect many of then think they are still in the wild.

Whether an exotic plant, animal or waterfall, there’s something to gawk at around every turn. My personal favorite? A giant orange and black iguana straddling a tree. Squawks, shrieks, yelps and tweets (no, not THAT kind!) reinforce the jungle atmosphere. Even the few cages on the property are expansive enough to resemble the same jungle impression prevalent outside of them.

Even as I re-read this, I realize how much of Lee County involves a natural habitat of sorts. So yes, Bonita Springs and Ft. Myers may be all about beaches, but they are also, thankfully, all about nature. Besides, who had time to sunbathe? For more information, visit www.shangrilasprings.com, www.shellfactory.com and www.wondergardens.org.

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