PLACES TO GO! PEOPLE TO SEE! THINGS TO DO!
Take a stroll down the Promenade at Cape Harbour during the day or evening and you'll find endless ways to relax. Delight in the uniqueness of its waterfront businesses, shops, restaurants and galleries - storefronts that are both trendy as well as affordable! Transcend the everyday by stepping inside some of these boutiques, galleries, boat brokerages and eateries, all while soaking up the waterfront atmosphere and meeting our congenial merchants.
You can't miss the casual, chic atmosphere of The Joint, where a different food concept has created a loyal following for the restaurant. It's another top spot on the Marina. Partner/Chef Todd Johnson said, "Besides The Joint's hip atmosphere, its "nosh" menu is the main attraction." "Nosh" is a form of casual dining offering small plates to share - family style. The Joint is also known for its gourmet pizzas, sandwiches and, of course, Kobe beef sliders. Chef Fabrice changes the menu daily to keep things interesting, and count on special cocktails on a daily basis. It is the place to go in Cape Coral!
Next door is Longboards, The Joint's outdoor bar. "It is the most beautiful outdoor bar in Southwest Florida,'' said Chef Todd. The waterfront Cabana bar with Tiki roof serves up beer, cocktails and "nosh" from The Joint. Visiting Longboards is like having a front row seat at an event featuring the Marina, great weather and the live entertainment that takes place several times a week.
Not to be missed is a stop at Run Agrounds to partake of their legendary Italian Gelato. "Everybody knows about ice cream, but not everyone knows about gelato. We make 15 different kinds every day," Chef Todd said. Run Agrounds is also known for delicious sorbets, cookies and morning coffee with fresh pastries or bagels. Enjoy it all inside or on the deck by the Marina. Don't forget it's the place to surf the web with free Wi-Fi.
For the art lover and admirer of the creative endeavors of so many local talents, there is Harbour View Gallery, a gallery owned by seven local award winning artists. Gallery owner Shirley Hales said the cooperative venture of artists is what attracts its visitors. "It's an inviting place to come and look at art and not only purchase things to hang on your walls or sit on your table, but we also have gift items in a diversity of mediums - everything from paintings and pottery to jewelry and glass art." The gallery also welcomes monthly guest artists with a reception that is open and free to the public. A special welcome reception is on tap for April 16th from 6 pm to 8 pm, when professional photographer John Swank and artist Tina Marie Rider become two new artists who have joined the gallery. The gallery was also recently nominated as the Arts Organization of the Year in Lee County. The gallery is open from 11 am until 8 pm every day.
Visit Islands, a paradise of colorful clothing and accessories with a flair for the tropical look. The shop has Tommy Bahama, a new line of women's clothing, top of the line polarized sunglasses, footwear, sandals and "Life is Good" t-shirts. Owner David Stagman says, "We have lots of fun tropical things." Big sellers are t-shirts and sweatshirts with the "Cape Harbour" logo. David and wife Sheila opened their first "Islands" store on Cape Cod 22 years ago and are celebrating their 4th year at Cape Harbour. "We have great support here and very loyal customers." The store is open 10 am until 9 pm every day.
Ahh...the sweet smells permeating the air is no doubt Chef Robert Cardoos presiding over an open fire grill to prepare another sumptuous treat for his customers at Café Pignoli Deli and Bistro. The popular café is now open daily for breakfast, lunch and casual dinners. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am until 10 pm and Sundays and Mondays from 10 am until 6 pm. Co-owner Barbara Allshouse said there are all kinds of special events going on, including the monthly Wine and Dine where you can sample delicious wines and cuisine and sit out on the patio which overlooks the enchanting Cape Harbour Marina. Wednesday night is Motown Night from 7 pm until 10 pm. Thursday is Pasta Night starting at 5 pm with a chef attended pasta station. The buffet includes meatballs, Italian sausages, Caesar salad, fresh baked garlic focaccia bread and a host of other delicacies. Friday is BBQ Night featuring Reilly on guitar, or join us for Sunday Jazz Brunch on the Marina from 10 am until 2 pm. Vinnie Mischitelli will entertain on the sax. Then from 5 pm until 10 pm on Sundays, it's the Tapas and Wine Bar, with a chance to taste some smaller boutique vineyard wines not found in any of the local liquor stores or supermarkets. "Since we are located on the Marina, people tend to equate us with high prices, but it's not true," said Barbara. "We're all about the community and getting local residents to come down and experience Cape Harbour - the food and the shops. There's something going on here all the time."
Treasures from the past are in much demand these days, and there to meet the challenge is Tony Annunziata, proprietor of Mamma Maria's Treasures, Inc. The shop offers a diverse collection of jewelry, porcelain & ceramic dolls, furniture, paintings and curios from the fanciful and romantic Victorian Era. On some days, you can find Tony's Mom Maria, whose name graces the storefront, sitting outside crocheting. She sells her beautiful pieces, which include rosary bags and doilies, with all profits going to charity, the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement in Garrison, New York. Stop by the shop any day from 11 am until 8 pm.
