Doc Ford’s

While I like new experiences and going to new places, I’m also a creature of habit.  When I find something I really like, then I’ll keep going back for more.  It could be a place, food item, or a restaurant.  If it was real good the first time, why not go back and do or try it again.  Such is the case for my Sunday visits to Doc Ford’s in Fort Myers Beach.

When I’ve got the RV parked for the winter in Fort Myers Beach, my favorite Sunday activity is to bike over to Doc Ford’s Rum Bar for lunch and music.  Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille is a popular local eatery on the Estero Inlet in Fort Myers Beach.  It’s got two outside bars with several flat screen TV’s, a huge deck, inside bar and dining, and a marina.  Like most area restaurants, beach casual is the dominate attire.  The food is Caribbean fare and is very good.  On any given day, it’s a cool place to eat and hang out.

But, on Sunday afternoons, there’s free live music on the deck.  It’s a not a solo guitar player with a synthesizer like most places have, but instead a funky seven piece rock n’ soul band called Deb and the Dynamics.  Once the music starts, the boats pull in and the crowd shows up.  The rum starts pouring and soon the place turns into a rockin’ outdoor dance party.

My wife and I like to arrive before noon so we can snag a table on the deck near the dance floor.  Sometimes another couple from the RV park will join us.  Sometimes we meet new people while we’re there.  Sitting on the deck on a warm sunny afternoon overlooking the water is an idyllic setting to have lunch.

After having lunch and a tropical rum drink, I’m ready for the music which starts at 1 pm.  Band leader and lead singer Deb has a raspy Janice Joplin style voice that’s well suited for the blues.  The band packs a great sound with three horns, electric piano, drums, base, and lead guitar.  The music is mostly blues from the 70’s and 80’s which pleases the mostly snowbird crowd.

Fresh Mojito

My wife and I like to dance and the most of the songs are perfect for swing dancing.  For those less formal dancers, the music draws people to the dance floor who just want to move to the music.  As the afternoon progresses and the mojitos start to the take effect, the dance floor becomes packed.  Here’s a video of some music clips.

The band plays (and the party goes on) until 4 pm.  In between breaks, it easy to catch up on the NFL Sunday football games on TV’s in the bars.  People watching is also a fun activity.

Mrs. Claus also winters in Florida

I really enjoy Sunday afternoons at Doc Ford’s.  It’s one of the reasons I like spending the winter in this area of Fort Myers Beach.  And, it’s a nice example of what the snowbird lifestyle has to offer.  With a 5 minute bike ride, I can be sitting outside eating some good food, hear some great live music, and get some dancing in with my wife.

It’s a prescription for a great time.