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One of the many joys of living or staying at Olde Florida Motorcoach Resort is the opportunity to enjoy exceptional dining experiences that reflect the rich flavors of Southwest Florida. From fresh local ingredients to seasonal recipes, the culinary scene around the resort is both diverse and delicious. Whether you’re exploring the best local restaurants or preparing gourmet meals in your motorcoach’s outdoor kitchen, there’s always something to satisfy your palate.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best local eateries near Olde Florida Motorcoach Resort, as well as seasonal recipes that will bring a taste of Florida’s fresh ingredients right to your plate.

1. Spring Flavors: Fresh and Bright
As spring arrives in Southwest Florida, the region’s farmers’ markets and local restaurants offer an abundance of fresh produce, seafood, and citrus fruits. This season is all about light, bright flavors that highlight the natural beauty of the ingredients.

Local Eats:

• The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill (Fort Myers): A waterfront favorite, this casual spot is perfect for enjoying fresh seafood with views of the river. Try their famous shrimp cocktail or grilled Mahi Mahi tacos, both of which highlight the fresh catch of the day.
• Lulu’s Kitchen (Naples): Known for its farm-to-table approach, Lulu’s Kitchen offers a seasonal menu that changes regularly. Spring favorites include their heirloom tomato salad and a delicious local grouper with citrus beurre blanc.
• LaBelle Brewing Company (LaBelle): For a more laid-back dining experience, this brewery offers craft beers made on-site, paired with light bites like fresh ceviche and gourmet flatbreads. It’s the perfect spot for enjoying Florida’s spring weather with a cold drink.

Seasonal Recipe: Florida Citrus Salad with Grilled Shrimp

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 oranges, segmented
  • 1 grapefruit, segmented
  • 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or baby kale)
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup toasted almonds
  • Citrus vinaigrette (2 tablespoons fresh orange juice, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste)

• Instructions:

1. Toss the shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, until cooked through.
2. Arrange the greens on a plate and top with orange and grapefruit segments, avocado, red onion, and toasted almonds.
3. Place the grilled shrimp on top and drizzle with citrus vinaigrette. Serve immediately.

This light, refreshing salad is perfect for a warm spring day and takes full advantage of Florida’s seasonal citrus fruits.

2. Summer Bounty: Cool and Refreshing
Summer in Southwest Florida is the season for cool, refreshing meals that are perfect for beating the heat. Whether you’re dining at a local beachside café or preparing a chilled dish in your outdoor kitchen, summer dining is all about embracing fresh seafood, juicy fruits, and vibrant salads.

Local Eats:

• The Bubble Room (Captiva Island): Known for its quirky decor and eclectic menu, The Bubble Room offers fun summer dishes like their famous “Cuban Sandwich” and decadent dessert options like the orange crunch cake.
• Twisted Vine Bistro (Fort Myers): A local favorite for farm-to-table dining, Twisted Vine Bistro’s summer menu is packed with fresh salads and chilled seafood dishes like oysters on the half shell and ahi tuna poke bowls.
• Island Cow (Sanibel Island): This family-friendly spot offers a variety of seafood and summer staples, from crab cakes to fried grouper sandwiches. Their patio is the perfect place to enjoy an icy drink and watch the sun go down.

Seasonal Recipe: Chilled Florida Gazpacho

• Ingredients:
  • 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or cilantro for garnish

• Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Blend until smooth.
2. Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Blend again until well combined.
3. Chill the gazpacho in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Garnish with fresh basil or cilantro before serving.

This chilled gazpacho is a perfect summer meal—refreshing, flavorful, and easy to prepare ahead of time. It’s ideal for enjoying on a hot day at Olde Florida Motorcoach Resort.

3. Fall Harvest: Earthy and Savory
As fall arrives, Southwest Florida’s culinary scene transitions to heartier, earthy flavors, with root vegetables, squash, and an abundance of freshly caught fish. Fall dining is all about balancing savory ingredients with the lingering warmth of the season.

Local Eats:

• The Veranda (Fort Myers): For an upscale dining experience, The Veranda offers a fall menu that includes rich, savory dishes like braised short ribs and roasted squash with pecans. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a special celebration.
• The Local (Naples): True to its name, The Local emphasizes ingredients from Florida farms and fisheries. Try their fall special, the roasted butternut squash and fish stew with saffron and fennel, a seasonal favorite.
• Harvest & Wisdom at Shangri-La Springs (Bonita Springs): This organic farm-to-table restaurant offers a true farm-fresh experience, with dishes like roasted pumpkin salad, fresh root vegetables, and seasonal fish.

Seasonal Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash and Shrimp Skewers

• Ingredients:
  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh rosemary for garnish

• Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F.
2. Toss the butternut squash with olive oil, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread the squash on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
3. Thread the shrimp and roasted butternut squash onto skewers, alternating between the two. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are cooked through.
4. Garnish with fresh rosemary and serve immediately.

This dish perfectly captures the flavors of fall, combining the earthy sweetness of roasted squash with the smoky flavor of grilled shrimp. It’s ideal for a cozy dinner by the fire pit.

4. Winter Comfort: Rich and Flavorful
Winter in Florida may not bring snow, but the cooler temperatures make it the perfect time to enjoy comforting, rich flavors. Hearty soups, roasted meats, and indulgent desserts take center stage as winter sets in, offering warmth and nourishment.

Local Eats:

• Blue Coyote Supper Club (Fort Myers): This members-only club offers an intimate dining experience with winter dishes like slow-roasted duck breast and hearty mushroom risotto. The cozy ambiance makes it perfect for a special winter evening.
• The Capital Grille (Naples): Known for its upscale dining and excellent steak, The Capital Grille offers rich winter dishes like roasted rack of lamb and lobster bisque—ideal for those seeking a luxurious dining experience.
• Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille (Sanibel Island): For a more casual winter meal, head to Doc Ford’s for their famous Yucatan shrimp and Caribbean-inspired soups and stews that provide a little warmth with a tropical twist.

Seasonal Recipe: Florida Seafood Gumbo

• Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups seafood stock
  • 1/2 lb crabmeat
  • 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 lb white fish (grouper or snapper), cut into chunks
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

• Instructions:

1. In a large pot, make a roux by whisking the vegetable oil and flour over medium heat until it turns golden brown, about 10 minutes.
2. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomatoes, seafood stock, Cajun seasoning, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
4. Add the crabmeat, shrimp, and fish, and cook for an additional 10 minutes, until the seafood is cooked through.
5. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

This Florida seafood gumbo is perfect for warming up on a cool winter evening at Olde Florida, full of rich flavors that celebrate the local seafood bounty.

Conclusion: Savoring Seasonal Flavors at Olde Florida
No matter the season, Olde Florida Motorcoach Resort offers access to the best local flavors and dining experiences that Southwest Florida has to offer. Whether you’re enjoying a meal at one of the area’s renowned restaurants or preparing a fresh, seasonal dish in your motorcoach, there’s always something to delight your taste buds.

Experience Seasonal Dining at Its Best
Ready to indulge in the best of Florida’s seasonal flavors? Contact Olde Florida Motorcoach Resort today to learn more about our lot ownership opportunities and how you can enjoy the luxury of motorcoach living paired with world-class dining.

Olde Florida Motorcoach Resort
“Where Every Season Brings a New Flavor to the Table.”
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