Beautiful - Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce
Beautiful - Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce
Beautiful - Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce
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Historic <strong>Bonita</strong> <strong>Springs</strong><br />
By Susie Sayger<br />
HHistoric Downtown <strong>Bonita</strong> <strong>Springs</strong> has long been the focus for community leaders and citizens<br />
interested in seeing the corridor come to life as a destination for shopping, recreation, family<br />
life and culture. Its gradual formation has included the refurbishment <strong>of</strong> the downtown park, including the<br />
historic Liles Hotel and six original fishing cottages that dot the shores <strong>of</strong> the beautiful Imperial River. All<br />
are open to the public showcasing <strong>Bonita</strong>’s history and now function as artist studios.<br />
Many agencies use the park throughout the year as a staging area for their concerts and music<br />
programs, food festivals, holiday celebrations and old fashioned outdoor movies. The downtown was<br />
updated with sidewalks, streetlights and benches for patrons to safely walk throughout the district and<br />
many shop owners participated in a beautification program to remodel their buildings in the Old Florida<br />
style. Art, including many sculptures and statues, are placed along the route for patrons to enjoy.<br />
Shoppers are <strong>of</strong>ered the quaint “mom and pop” type stores including antiques, flowers, tuxedo rentals,<br />
pottery, fresh fruits and vegetables, bicycle shop, grocery, auto parts, pool shop and thrift stores. A<br />
full range <strong>of</strong> food is represented with an Old Florida café, bakery, ice cream parlor, pizza shops, hot dogs,<br />
wings, hamburgers and Mexican and Caribbean cuisine.<br />
Thousands <strong>of</strong> visitors tour the historical Everglades Wonder Gardens each year seeing the native<br />
HISTORIC BONITA SPRINGS<br />
alligators and animals up-close as well as taking in the natural beauty <strong>of</strong> Florida trees, flowers and<br />
vegetation. Also, the historical Shangri-La Health Spa is set to open, inviting guests to partake in the<br />
serene ambiance <strong>of</strong> the Imperial River area.<br />
Personal services are provided by small business owners including men and women’s hair stylists,<br />
massage therapists, veterinarian hospital, real estate <strong>of</strong>ces, construction, interlock paving, doctors,<br />
laundry facilities and even karate classes!<br />
Most recently, the <strong>Bonita</strong> <strong>Springs</strong> Historical Society has joined the downtown in transforming a historical<br />
home into the Society’s <strong>of</strong>ces and museum—another destination for visitors and residents to enjoy.<br />
The downtown corridor is a refreshing change <strong>of</strong> pace, <strong>of</strong>ering guests a chance to revel in a piece <strong>of</strong><br />
Old Florida hometown-style that welcomes everyone to visit!<br />
28 <strong>Bonita</strong><strong>Springs</strong><strong>Chamber</strong>.com 2013
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