‘Magic words’ produce discounts on islands
Residents and visitors of Pine Island will find that if they mention a few magic words this weekend, they will save money for many purchases, even food in some restaurants.
Pine Island will hold its third “Florida’s Creative Coast Weekend” of the 2008 to 2009 season today and Saturday, 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. “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.”
The once-a-month “weekend” now covers Friday and Saturday, not just Friday evening as it has been in 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 who mention “Creative Coast Weekend.” According to Benton, this year the suggestion has been made to participating restaurants to include a “special item on the menu,” and also to offer discounts to patrons mentioning the magic words.
A detailed listing of participating businesses and organizations, and the specials they offer, can be found online at: www.floridascreativecoast.com.
The Old Fish House Marina in Matlacha, a fish market and restaurant, will offer a free concert from 1-5 p.m. Saturday. 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 toy 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 is free. The number to call for reservations 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.
Other expected participants this season in the Pine Island Florida’s Creative Coast Weekend 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.
‘Magic words’ produce discounts on islands
Residents and visitors of Pine Island will find that if they mention a few magic words this weekend, they will save money for many purchases, even food in some restaurants.
Pine Island will hold its third “Florida’s Creative Coast Weekend” of the 2008 to 2009 season today and Saturday, 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. “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.”
The once-a-month “weekend” now covers Friday and Saturday, not just Friday evening as it has been in 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 who mention “Creative Coast Weekend.” According to Benton, this year the suggestion has been made to participating restaurants to include a “special item on the menu,” and also to offer discounts to patrons mentioning the magic words.
A detailed listing of participating businesses and organizations, and the specials they offer, can be found online at: www.floridascreativecoast.com.
The Old Fish House Marina in Matlacha, a fish market and restaurant, will offer a free concert from 1-5 p.m. Saturday. 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 toy 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 is free. The number to call for reservations 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.
Other expected participants this season in the Pine Island Florida’s Creative Coast Weekend 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.
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