There's more than just beaches to discover in Southwest Florida! In fact, some of the most unique plants and wildlife can be found in the local nature sanctuaries and state parks. Here are seven sites to add to your "must-do" list. 


J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is better known by locals as “Ding” Darling. One of the best attractions on Sanibel Island, Ding Darling is a part of the U.S. National Wildlife Refuge System and is famous for its migratory bird populations. Drive or bike through the park and see what wildlife you discover! You can click here to learn more about Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. 

 

Photo Courtesy of USFWS/George County


Lover's Key State Park is located on the south end of Fort Myers Beach, just before you cross into Bonita Springs. The park is spread amongst four barrier islands including Lover’s Key, Black Island, Inner Key, and Long Key. With two miles of natural beach ...

FICO® scores are the credit scores most lenders use to determine your credit risk and interest rate. As you may already know, you have three FICO® credit scores, one for each of the three major credit bureaus – Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.



Your credit score is one of many factors considered by lenders when applying for a mortgage. While it’s an important factor, it’s not the only factor. Still, many wonder what credit score they need before starting the application process for a home mortgage. And, the answer is not always cut and dry. 

The New Average FICO® Score

Did you hear that the new average FICO® score in the U.S. is 703? The num ...

Some of the nicest communities you’ll find in Southwest Florida have Homeowners Associations, or HOA’s. People living in HOA communities elect a board of representatives which govern the community with a set of guidelines to help maintain the appearance and value of the community.



We know, there are mixed feelings when it comes to how strict an HOA community can be. Some HOA’s are pretty relaxed, where they only get involved when multiple complaints arise. While other HOA’s can be very strict, even with details such as what color you can paint your mailbox or sh ...

The area we refer to as “Greater Naples” includes the City of Naples, which borders Keewaydin Island, and North Naples, which borders Bonita Springs. With roughly 14 miles of coastline, Naples extends from the Gulf of Mexico, east towards Interstate 75, with lots of goodies in between! As you may know, Naples is known for its high-end shopping, fine dining, flashy cars, and historic homes. It’s also home to fantastic art galleries, unique museums, musical theaters, and of course, the beach!


The Naples Pier
We cannot mention Naples without first talking about the historic Naples Pier. First established in 1888, the pier has become an icon of the City of Naples. Literally, the pier is featured in the City’s seal! The pier is a popular fishing spot for locals, and dolphin watching spot for visitors. Not to mention the perfect place to capture amazing photos of the sunset. Enough said. 



Downtown Naples
Also referred to as Old Naples, the downtown ...

How to incorporate your hobbies and passions into your home decor!

So you live in Southwest Florida, or you will one day. You are probably really excited to grab the latest of edition of Coastal Living Magazine and go crazy with cool-colored coastal decor. Or, maybe you already have a Pinterest board full of ideas, like seashell art and anchor patterned pillows. That’s great! 



Decorating with a coastal vibe can be really fun… but too many “seas the day” pillows and blue walls might have you jumping overboard in no time. Balance is key with any home decorating theme you choose. That’s why we thought this idea was genius: integrate your hobbies with your decor! 

Here’s how…

1. Hang th ...