Jeannie Marie & Company

 The gators at Everglades Wonder Gardens  in Bonita Springs Florida, are clearly the most interesting and exciting of the animal attractions and worth the price of admission alone.   They are slithery, active and legion! On this side of the pond they were on the move.  Over here they were hungrily devouring the alligator food tossed down.   This wildly adventurous senior citizen gingerly made his way across the swaying rope bridge with gators circling in the waters below.   Further along the lovely flamingos had a beautifully calm pond to wander in.  A bench is thoughtfully placed in the observation area so one can linger and enjoy these beautiful birds.  Wide and shady pathways meander where new plants nestle among the established gardens.   Native birds can be observed closely,  while dappled sunshine pours over newly planted vegetation.   Turtles cluste...

It was all by chance that we found Everglades Wonder Gardens located in Bonita Springs, FL.  Our hotel had a local weekly newspaper publication with a flamingo on the cover that caught my eye.  I read about how this aging Old Florida attraction had closed after 77 years.  Now it is reopening under new management and undergoing renovations.  The admission price is currently reduced to $10.00 as the renovations are just beginning.   What fun!  We made it our first stop of the day! We were greeted upon entering by one of the new owners. She had lots of stories about the renovation and upcoming plans.  I know we will be making a return trip.   It has only been in renovation for a month and most of the work has been done on the original building.  It is now an art gallery, museum and gift shop.   The Gift Shop  There are wonderful items to purchase.  The baskets and hats are crafted in Africa...