Last Chance To Visit Shell Factory A SWFL Tourist Icon
This weekend is your last chance to visit Shell Factory, an iconic SWFL tourist attraction. The Shell Factory & Nature Park in North Fort Myers is closing its doors for good on Sunday and here is what you need to know.
Owner Pam Cronin made the announcement earlier this month. Her late husband Tom Cronin took over the struggling attraction in 1977 and the two breathed new life into attraction on US41. They survived hurricanes, floods, fires and economic downturns. But the financial strains have finally taken their toll on Cronin.
About Your Last Chance To Visit Shell Factory
Shell Factory has hosted visitors from around the world for the last 86 years. It’s a place that truly does or did have something for everyone. The shopping alone spans 50,000 feet.
There are a few amusement-style rides, bumper boats and even a zipline. Arcade games have also been a popular pastime for visitors.
But perhaps the part visitors have loved the most is the 4 1/2 acre Nature Park. It has been a safe haven for more than 400 animals, some indigenous, some exotic.
Your Last Chance To Visit Shell Factory
Weather permitting, the park will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday through Sunday. Admission is $16 for adults, $11 for children ages 4 to 12, free for children 3 and under (with a paid adult), $12 for seniors ages 55+ and $11 for military veterans. Ticket sales support the Nature Park staff in the continued care and feeding of the animals as they finalize efforts to rehome to approved facilities.
The park’s onsite restaurants, the Southern Grill and Tommy’s Outdoor Café, will be open with a limited menu until supplies run out.
Finally, the Shell Factory Gift Shop is loaded with thousands of shells and so many other treasures. Everything is 40% off.
They have a large Christmas section, jewelry, apparel and all kinds of Florida related tchotchkes. It’s a big gift shop but they are also expecting big crowds so entrance may be staggered. Be prepared to wait.
Thank you Pam and the amazing staff at the Shell Factory & Nature Park, for all the memories you helped so many families make over eight decades. You will be missed.
5 Top Southwest Florida Weekend Events
This weekend is the two-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian. Many Southwest Floridians find themselves cleaning up again, this time from Hurricane Helene. However, when you need a break, here are the 5 Top Southwest Florida weekend events for some fun and distraction.
In anticipation of Hurricane Helene, a few weekend events have been changed and altered. Keep that in mind as you make your plans to double check with event planners before heading out.
Southwest Florida Weekend Events Canceled
The storm has disrupted the annual Island Hopper Music Fest. Events in downtown Fort Myers have been canceled but at press time, weekend concerts on Fort Myers Beach still had the green light. They are the final events to wrap up the ten-day event. Most are free.
More Southwest Florida Weekend Events
The first fall and Halloween festivals of the season kick off this weekend. In addition, a new show is opening at Broadway Palm Dinner Theater and there are some rap icons in concert that you won’t want to miss. All of that information is below.
If you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. Finally, here are your Weekend Vibes for September 27th through September 29th. Enjoy something different at these 5 top Southwest Florida Weekend events.
*Please remember, event times and details are always subject to change. It never hurts to confirm with a phone call or a quick check of social media and event websites.
Here Are The Top 5 Southwest Florida Weekend Events To Enjoy
