Summer season in full swing at Shell Factory
The Shell Factory and Nature Park is bustling with numerous activities and special events this summer. And, over the next few weeks, there will be no fewer than five reasons to come and have a good time.
“It used to be down a little bit. But now it seems we have more going on in the summer than in season,” said CFO and marketing director Rick Tupper.
On Saturday, there will be another “Snores and Roars” sleepover in the Nature Park., which has been such a success and received such positive feedback that Tupper has decided to hold them once a month over the summer until November, when they will be held twice a month.
He is also adding an overnight birthday adventure, which can happen on any night of the week. For $39 per camper (10 people or more), you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the Nature Park when it turns dark.
The experience also features a fun park package and campfire activities supervised by nature park staff.
The following day, Sunday, is Father’s Day, and dads will be offered lots to do including a special Father’s Day cookout from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission to the Nature Park and zipline rides for dads, while the whole family can enjoy a free round of mini golf. They also can get 20 percent off in the retail store’s men’s shop.
“In the past, we relegated Mother’s Day and Father’s Day to other places, but because we’ve done so many festivals, people are expecting us to do something,” Tupper said. “We want to provide a place for people to go on these special days.”
For those who would like to treat their dad to a restaurant dinner, a new Sunday Italian all-you-can-eat buffet will be featured from 1 to 6 p.m. in the Dolphin Room. For $6.95 for kids and $12.95 for adults, you can treat Pop to pasta, pizza, numerous meat dishes and, of course, cannoli.
Wednesday, June 21, is National Seashell Day. The retail shop will offer a 20 percent discount on all seashells and seashell gifts -?or just browse among the more than 5 million offerings.
At Capt’n Fishbones Seafood Grill, there will be a 20 percent discount on all shellfish related menu items starting at 11 a.m., as well as a free shell museum, live entertainment from 4 to 7 p.m. and Happy Hour from 1 to 7 p.m.
“This was something the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau is promoting. They both go hand in hand and that will take care of that week,” Tupper said.
All the events lead up to July and the eighth-annual Christmas in July event, which will kick off with visits from Santa from July 1 to 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., between visits to the beach.
Tupper said 2017 looks to be another big year for the Shell Factory, as revenues and attendance are again up.
“More locals are coming and we’re getting to the point where we’re almost as busy in the summer as in winter,” Tupper said. “We hope all the locals continue to come here.”
The Shell Factory is at 2787 Tamiami Trail N. For more information, call 995-2141 or go to www.shellfactory.com.