First Spring Training Visit

[iowaguychris]

For Christmas - my wife got us a weekend in Ft. Myers during spring training.  Having never been there - does anyone have any suggestions of "can't miss" things we should try to make sure we do?  Thanks for any ideas!

 

[Twins1fan]

Take in a Twin's game. Come early to tailgate or picnic and then walk around the other diamonds to see some players. 

[y2jjj54]

Some of the things I would advise to do is go out to Fort Myers Beach for some beach life, good food, and drinks.  If your into history at all the Edison and Ford Estates are a must.  If you are bringing children with the Sea Life Encounter Excursion through Adventures in Paradise was a lot of fun for our kids.  I have went out to the twins spring training complex on days where their were no games or away games and just watched practice.  I have enjoyed that just as much as the games.  They usually practice in the mornings and are done by noon.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Make sure to spend some time in the backfields with the minor leaguers and the practice sessions.

[Squirrel]

Make sure to spend some time in the backfields with the minor leaguers and the practice sessions.

I’m not sure when the official MiL report date is, but later into the ST, the minor leaguers drill and work out in the mornings and play games in the afternoons, usually starting around 1, and usually on 3-4 fields. Is great to walk from game to game to game to game then back to game to game to game. Of course, do this when the Twins have an away game so you don’t have to pay for parking and/or have to park a far distance.

[Halsey Hall]

Hard to tell you for a weekend trip.  If the Twins are on the road, come to the stadium, only so many go on the bus.  Then head down the street to Sun Harvest Citrus place and get a key lime and chocolate swirl cone. 

[Squirrel]

Hard to tell you for a weekend trip.  If the Twins are on the road, come to the stadium, only so many go on the bus.  Then head down the street to Sun Harvest Citrus place and get a key lime and chocolate swirl cone.

 

And a free sip of the strawberry orange juice!

[tarheeltwinsfan]

Go to the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge at Sanibel Island...about a half hour from the ball park. Many interesting birds: pink flamingos, giant pelicans, osprey, roseate spoonbills, They have viewing towers and walking paths, but most can be seen from the car. It is best at sunrise and sundown.  Closed on Fridays. Take a camera. There is a wild animal  rehab center there. I have seen alligators  in the wild.  For food, we like "Mission BBQ" which has a salute to the military as a theme and good smoked brisket. If you are into eclectic cuisine by a chef who understands dietary needs (such as Celiac), I recommend Chef Brook's Cafe. It is a funky place that reminds me of my college days in Chapel Hill in the late 60's. We're going for the opening week of the spring training games this year. Blue Jays, Red Sox (2 games) and Phillies. My wife and I have had a blast  the last five years. My favorite part is mornings wandering around the various fields and watching practices and listening to the players and coaches conversations. Oliva, Carew, Hunter, Cuddyer, Kelly, and many others. I'm not an autograph seeking person, but I do enjoyed speaking to the players and coaches after practice and wishing them well for the coming season.I hope you will enjoy your spring training trip. P.S. Your wife is a genius.