By Angela Mitchell

Three Great Excuses to Visit Fort Myers in September

From the heat to inflation to politics, escaping reality has a pretty big appeal these days. So I’m here to give you three perfectly justifiable excuses to visit the islands, beaches and neighborhoods of Fort Myers. Here, you can kick back, sip a refreshing cocktail poolside and get your toes in the sand - while metaphorically putting your head in the sand, even if just for a few carefree days of respite.

1. Island Hopper Songwriter Fest

Plan your escape from reality during this 10-day festival in September (18th-27th), and you’ll not only enjoy tons of free shows from acclaimed BMI songwriters, you can also snag a great hotel deal. Even hotels not offering specific deals generally have lower rates during September as the busy summer season is over.

But the best thing about Island Hopper is the feeling in the air. Check out this video I recorded last year. (I dare you to keep that song out of your head… he was the genius who wrote “Some Kind of Wonderful!”)

Island Hopper kind of reminds me of my favorite summer camp as a kid. Instead of stories around the campfire, the songwriters are telling stories around the stage. There’s a feeling of camaraderie and joy of just being part of it.

IYKYK. Or, as we like to say around here, it just feels right.

2. Sizzle Dining Month

Just when you thought a great hotel deal and listening to amazing music couldn’t get any better, along comes a whole month of chefs’ creations in multi-course menus at a fixed price.

That’s right: Sizzle Dining goes on throughout the entire month of September, serving up delicious meals and savings. It’s like someone scratched their head and said, “Waaaait a minute, why does happy hour have to end?” And voilà! Sizzle Dining Month was born. See participating restaurants and learn more.

3. You Deserve a Vacation from Your Vacation

Who cares if you already splurged on your summer vacation? (And if you skipped summer vacation, you really deserve one!) Your September escape to our islands, beaches and neighborhoods is low-cost (see reasons one and two) and best of all, low-key. All you really have to do is plop down on the beach, marvel at the magical sunset and feel the breeze.