‘Magic words’ bring discounts this weekend, Florida’s Creative Coast Weekends also brings fun
This weekend, residents and visitors on Pine Island will find that if they mention a few magic words, they will save money for many purchases, even food in some restaurants.
This Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12 and 13, Pine Island will hold its third “Florida’s Creative Coast Weekend” of this 2008-2009 season, with five more to follow through June.
Held on the second weekend of each month, October through June, the event is not new. It has been held since November 2001, but this season brings a notable change, according to Lisa Benton, executive director of the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce, which is a main sponsor.
“It is the first year it is expanded,” she said of this “Creative Coast” event. “Before, it was only on Friday night, and also this year, for the first time we have more than just the galleries participating. We encourage other organizations and businesses to take part.”
This once-a-month “weekend” now covers all of Friday and Saturday, not just the evening of Friday, as it has been in the past years. The participants are located all over the islands, in Matlacha, Bokeelia and St. James, and they expand their hours of operation for the special event.
Many of the businesses will offer discounts to people mentioning “Creative Coast Weekend,” and according to Benton, this year the suggestion has been made to participating restaurants to include a “special item on the menu,” and also offer discounts to patrons mentioning these magic words.
This Dec. 12-13 weekend will also mark the grand opening of a new store, Earth & Spirit Garden Gallery (see related story).
A detailed listing of participating business and organizations, and the specials they offer, can be found on line at: www.floridascreativecoast.com
The Old Fish House Marina in Matlacha, a fish market and restaurant, will offer a free concert, Saturday, from 1-5 p.m. Kip and Charlie of the Yard Dogs Band will play.
“Coolers and lounge chairs are welcome,” said Tom Skorupski, the property manager. “We’ll have a kids’ Christmas Drive for boys and girls. People who bring an unwrapped toys will get a free picture with Santa.”
Visitors wishing to enjoy a mini vacation on the island can take advantage of special discounts offered by two Matlacha lodging facilities — based on availability.
At the Knoll’s Court Motel, after two nights the third one will be free. The number to cal for reservation is: (239)283-0616.
“We do offer specials for that weekend,” owner Jay Johnson said, “and we do offer free boat dockage. We also have kayaks available.”
At Bayfront Cottage Inn & Boatel, after two nights the third one is 50 percent off.
Among other expected participants in the Pine Island Florida’s Creative Coast Weekends on Friday and/or Saturday are:
– Julia’s Arts: Third Annual Fashion Show in Matlacha
– WildChild Art Gallery: Take me to Paradise
– Koucky Gallery and Gardens: Meet and Greet Thom Millsap
– Florida Gallery: Featured Artist John Sinclair Manson
– Gulf Coast Kayak: Discount of 10 percent on purchases
– Wigert Mango Grove & Nursery: Bonsai, 20 percent discount on purchases
Six more “Weekends” remain
Six more Florida’s Creative Coast Weekends are scheduled for the remainder of this 2008-2009 season, when the galleries and shops have extended hours and participating restaurants may add a special menu item and offer discounts to people especially there for these fun-filled events. The dates are:
– Dec. 12-13
– Jan. 9-10
– Feb. 13-14
– March 13-14
– April 10-11
– June 12-13