CHECK OUT BONITA SPRINGS
BRIAN KETTLER
If you haven’t visited downtown Bonita Springs recently, you may be surprised by what you find.
Over the past few years, the city has been quietly transforming its historic downtown into an increasingly interesting destination, with new restaurants, entertainment, apartments, parks, and public gathering spaces. While it still has its small-town charm, there’s a growing energy that makes it well worth a visit.
WHAT’S NEW?
Several new restaurants and gathering places have opened, creating a much more vibrant atmosphere, especially during the evenings and on weekends. Outdoor dining, live music, and special events are becoming more common, giving downtown a character that’s quite different from just a few years ago. If you’re a foodie, you’ll find some exciting new options to explore.
One of the biggest improvements is the continued enhancement of Riverside Park, along with the redevelopment of the nearby Banyan Tree parcel. I love to visit and hang out in beautiful, well-maintained public parks.
Just a short walk away, construction is underway on Imperial 41, a new mixed-use development along the Imperial River. The project will bring new apartments along with restaurants, retail space, and public riverfront areas. Like our new Estero Sports & Recreation Park, Imperial 41 is a public-private partnership. The City of Bonita Springs has partnered with two developers, Barron Collier Companies and CAREFIT, on the project.
WHY IT MATTERS
For Country Creek residents, downtown Bonita Springs is only about a 25-minute drive. Unlike many Southwest Florida destinations, it’s easy to park your car, get out, and explore the area on foot.
The next time you’re looking for someplace a little different, consider spending an afternoon or evening exploring downtown Bonita Springs. You may be surprised by how much there is to see, do, eat, and enjoy—right in our own backyard.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Downtown Bonita has hosted the popular Celebrate Bonita festival and other community events for years, but the expanded park improvements are allowing the city to host even more activities.
• The Imperial River was once primarily known for kayaking and fishing. Today, it’s becoming the centerpiece of their downtown redevelopment.
• The city has intentionally focused on creating a walkable downtown area, making it easy to park once and explore on foot.
