Opportunities to Enhance Mind, Body and Spirit

I have come to realize that as the Village of Estero grows and matures, the healthier it is becoming to live in the area — notwithstanding the stress of peak traffic times! Around every corner is an opportunity to improve our minds, bodies and spirits. While you take a moment to contemplate your personal opportunities, allow me to point out a few that you might overlook. While we are all anticipating the development of the new sports and entertainment center at the corner of Williams Road and Via Coconut, there are many other avenues for self-improvement.

Our cover story this month highlights a tremendous educational opportunity for anyone, from ages 15 to 105, through the FGCU Academy (formerly Renaissance Academy) which offers classes on a wide variety of topics in a non-credit atmosphere purely for the joy of learning, inspiring minds, enriching lives and strengthening community. Improving one’s knowledge, understanding new technologies and seizing opportunities to travel are just a few ways residents can grow in mind, body and spirit, all while delivering a great sense of accomplishment. I hope you will enjoy digging into the details of this tremendously successful FGCU offering.

Our Village Connection offers an update on the utility expansion project for the Estero River and Estero Bay. Bringing municipal water and sewer to areas of Estero that remain on septic and package wastewater treatment will not only benefit those specific communities, but it will also improve the water quality of the Estero River and Estero Bay — delivering health benefits to the entire community and peace of mind in knowing that our local waters are becoming healthier for us and the environment. It will also make recreational activities more healthful. We invite you to explore the details of these plans.

Walking, shopping, dining, fresh air and sunshine are just a few healthy benefits of visiting Coconut Point Mall’s 110 stores and 24 restaurants; the area also has 300 condominiums and 30,000 square feet of office space. Buying unique items for ourselves or for those we love can help improve our attitudes and spirit. Add to that the enjoyment of a great meal or exercise. In addition, the mall offers many options for family-oriented fun, such as the annual Christmas holiday festival partnering with the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Estero to kick off the holidays. We invite you to read about
“the latest stores and more” to discover new dining options that have recently been added at Coconut Point, plus the many new retail openings so far this year.

One of those recent openings is Sea Love Candle Bar, located near Dillard’s. This boutique-style shop is a feast for the senses with eco-friendly products, including candles, reed diffusers, room and body mists, soap bars, jewelry and more. The relaxing atmosphere will assist even the most stressed to let go of tension and lift their spirits. You can even create your own personal scented candle!

Speaking of relaxing, our dining feature this month showcases a down-home, neighborhood bar and grill, the Rush Inn Bar & Grille, located on the south side of Miromar Outlets. Rush Inn’s concept is to serve elevated comfort food and Midwestern classics, beckoning locals to emerge from behind their gates and join together as a community in a place where everyone knows your name — Estero’s ‘Cheers’! If you’re looking for a place to stimulate your mind through friendly conversation and socialize while dining, then you will love the atmosphere at Rush Inn. Check out our favorites in this month’s issue.

 

Until next month, remember to…

Enjoy the Good Life: Estero Life!!!

Gary

Gary Israel, President & Publisher

Estero Life Magazine