Another year has come to pass, which is harder to believe than ever. The islands were so busy this year, the time just flew by us.
We have several suggestions for ringing in 2022, Island Style. Unless otherwise indicated, most businesses are scheduled to open their regular hours:
Bailey’s General Store (2477 Periwinkle Way) will close early on New Year’s Eve, open 7am to 4pm, and be closed on New Year’s Day. Jerry’s Foods and Café (1700 Periwinkle Way) will be open both days with its normal hours of 7am to 9pm.
The Clam Shack (2407 Periwinkle Way) will be closing at 3pm on New Year’s Eve and closed New Year’s Day. Before or after that, please enjoy their authentic New England seafood and some of the best steamed clams (“steamahs”) you’ve ever had.
Doc Ford’s Sanibel location (across from Bailey’s) will be closing early at 4pm, but open all New Year’s Day. Try the Yucatan Shrimp while watching your favorite Bowl games!
The Paper Fig Kitchen (at Tahitian Gardens plaza) will be closed both New Year’s Eve and Day.
Adventures in Paradise still has seats for their New Year’s Eve Sunset Cruise at $59.00 per passenger from Port Sanibel Marina. Ask about their trolley pickup near your location to avoid dealing with the tolls at the Causeway again.
One of the biggest events on the island is the Sundial Beach Resort’s Rock ‘N’ Roll New Year’s Eve party. It’s a family-friendly event with lots of games for the kids (ring toss, crafts, ax throwing… wait, AX THROWING?...and more). Kids can also enjoy karaoke and play Guitar Hero and even have a mock countdown to midnight at 9pm so they can get to bed and let the big kids party! Several serving stations are catering to all cuisines from 7pm to 9pm (from salads to tacos and sliders, beef and chicken, seafood, kids’ favorites and desserts). It starts with a live DJ and switches to a live band with Dale Schwegel and The Old 41 Band with dance, hula hoop, and air guitar contests before the big countdown and champagne toast. Tickets must be purchased in advance ($90 for adults, Children 4 thru 12 are $35, kids 3 and under are free.). Or you can reserve your own private poolside cabana for up to 10 people with tableside drink service and private champagne toast ($975). Call (239) 395-6015 for tickets and further details.
George & Wendy’s Sanibel Seafood Grille (Bailey’s Shopping Plaza) is hosting their annual New Year’s Eve party from 9pm till midnight with a variety of live music from Relentless Fire.
The Tipsy Turtle Restaurant and Back Bar (1223 Periwinkle Way) will be open with live music until midnight.
The Thistle Lodge at the Casa Ybel Resort will be having a special three-course dinner for New Year’s Eve starting at $65.00 each. Book a seating on OpenTable or call (239) 472-3145.
400 Rabbits (975 Rabbit Road, 239-558-8756) is celebrating their 1-year anniversary on New Year’s Eve, open from 11am to 9pm. Enjoy this unique Mexican kitchen and Tequilaria (their word, not ours).
The Tween Waters Resort on Captiva will have several special events for New Year’s Eve:
- The Old Captiva House is offering four dinner specials (Grilled Veal Porterhouse Steak, Sweet Chili-Glazed Sea Bass, Blue Crab stuffed Jumbo Prawns, and Grilled Lamb Loin Chops); be sure to make a reservation through OpenTable or call (239) 472-5161 ext. 421
- For once, masks will be required…FOR FUN! The Resort is hosting the Glow In The Dark Maskerade Party. Admission is free and starts at 10pm. There will be DJ music, party favors, prizes, and even drag queens!
For a quieter, elegant evening, Sweet Melissa’s Café (1625 Periwinkle Way) is hosting a special five-course tasting menu (Click on the link for details.) prepared by award-winning Chef Melissa Donahue. Seatings are at 6pm and 8pm at $125 per person ($175 per person with wine pairing). There are still a few tables available, so be sure to book a (required) reservation either by OpenTable or calling (239) 472-1956 ASAP!
If you’re up for it New Year’s Morning, the San-Cap Motor Club has its monthly (September through May) “classic car cruise-in” in the parking lot of the Periwinkle Place shopping center from 9am to 11am. Start 2022 by viewing some vintage vehicles and rad roadsters. Refreshments are available and donations are welcome. Sure beats a polar bear plunge on January 1.
From all of us at Sanibel Holiday, have a safe and Happy New Year!