11 Questions Your Out Of Town Friends Ask

Your friends who visit really don’t know what Southwest Florida is really like and so they come with a butt load of questions. This is why we thought it would be fun to review them all and answer them. Because… we are just that freakin awesome!

Also, feel free to save yourself the trouble of having to answer the below questions yourself and just send them this blog!

Image Credit: (Naples Florida Vacation Homes)

1. What’s the deal with Publix?

There are 2 things all visitors and snowbirds need to understand about Publix. The first thing is that Pub-subs (Publix subs) is a lunch delicacy from their freshly made chicken tender sandwich to their Boars Head choices. The bread is freshly baked in their bakery and pairs perfectly with just about any combination of meats and cheeses. Secondly, their bakery is full of quality cakes and of course, their award-winning key lime pie. Their bakery is so popular here in town, that many brides will choose to have Publix provide their wedding cake.

2. So since you live near the beach, does that mean you go everyday?

Yes, most of us live 10 minutes from the beach or near the water. But, sadly the majority of us work during the week and it wouldn’t be worth the trip. Also, going to the beach is an all-day adventure here and not just an hour and out sort of deal. That is unless you happen to be one of the lucky few living on Sanibel or Captiva Island.

3. How often does it rain there?

It really depends on the months you come to visit, from April to October expect some daily rain showers. However, there is good news with our rain showers. As much as they seem like they will go on all day, the truth is, they usually will only last about an hour or two.

4. Is Naples really that high-end?

To put things into perspective the median property value of someone living in Naples in 2019 was $988,500 and Fort Myers was $238,700.(datausa.io) Also, the median income of Naples was $107,013 and Fort Myes was $46,409 in 2019. (datausa.io)

So the answer is “Yes” Naples would be considered more “High-end” than the neighboring cities and many other US cities. This does bring about a great array of fine dining options, great golf courses, and wonderful beach resorts for those who want to experience “High-end living” on their vacation.

5. There is hockey in Florida? Wouldn’t the ice melt?

Our local Everblades team was won many Kelly Cups and our youth programs are incredible. Also, have you not seen the Tampa Bay Lightning win the Stanley cup over the last few years? Either way, we clearly play the game inside. Pleasantly our ponds and lakes don’t freeze over in the wintertime.

6. Aren’t you affraid of hurricanes?

Not unless that hurricane is a level 3 or higher and those rarely come around. So, we’ll continue to enjoy our warm weather, while others worry about hurricanes coming for us.

7. What is Lani Kai?

It’s likely that your friend visiting heard all about Lani Kai at a local bar or uber ride and now they want to know more. So here is our best attempt at describing the resort and what goes on around it. The Lani Kai Resort holds events regularly that require audience participation or dance music. Now imagine that about 70% of the audience has been drinking there all day so they can get a bit rowdy, crazy, and occasionally destructive. The crowd that typically requests the establishment are college students visiting for spring break or are local and looking to score a good happy hour on the beach.

8. What is Mercato?

Mercato is actually an outdoor shopping mall, where a number of restaurants and bars turn into nightclubs. Here you will find some of the most high-end nightclubs in Southwest Florida. You’ll also find that each nightclub caters to a different audience, while some are better for the young college students, others are more for the 30-40-year-old adults.

9. How do people wear jeans there? Isn’t it hot outside?

To the folks here in Southwest Florida, the minute the either hits 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the scarves and jeans come out. Also, native Southwest Floridians oddly don’t feel the heat, it could be July and we will still see someone walking outside in jeans.

10. What’s a snowbird?

Snowbird refers to anyone who only comes to Florida during the wintertime, just to escape the cold. They likely own a vacation home down here or will rent for just a few months out of the year.

11. What is there to do in [insert southwest florida city]? Don’t just old people live there?

Let’s address the second question first, yes there are a lot of elderly people living here in Southwest Florida which is why we have bingo halls in each city. Now as far as things to do goes, each city has a little something to bring to the table.

Fort Myers Beach

Here you can have a great family day at the beach participating in a variety of water sports or simply just enjoying the sun and water. Locally you can find a variety of dining options, where the options closer to Times Square will be more laid back and fun, whereas those closer to Bonita Beach tend to be more fine-dining.

Fort Myers

In Fort Myers, you have a variety of different options and things to do and restaurants to explore. You’ll find plenty of mini-golf courses, some incredible nightlife and events going on downtown, and plenty of wonderful dining options to try. Click here to explore Fort Myers

Naples

You’ll find some of the best shopping and fine dining in all of the United States, in just Naples alone. The shops are virtually endless, from boutique stores specializing in knick-knacks to super high-end clothing and jewelry shops that only sell the best. Click here to explore Naples

Cape Coral

You’ll find some of the most laid-back people here in Cape Coral. Most people here love the live music, small bar, and local eatery scene here in town. Click here to explore Cape Coral

11 Questions Your Out Of Town Friends Ask – SWFL Edition