Ringing in the New Year
Lots to do on holiday eve
While 2023 is sure to see lots of rebuilding for areas impacted by Hurricane Ian, New Year’s Eve promises to offer opportunities for Southwest Floridians to take a breath and enjoy a night out of care-free entertainment.
The South Cape Hospitality & Entertainment Associations will again host its annual South Cape New Year’s Eve Pub Crawl where attendees can enjoy special select adult beverages from many different local bars at a discounted price.
Participants will receive their wristband and passports to all locations, as well as a specialty gift upon check-in. Tickets are $17 and specialty drinks are $2.50 at each location. Pub-crawlers can have their passport stamped at each establishment for a chance to win the grand prize: an exclusive New Year gift basket with swag. Organizers encourage participants to dress in festive garb and have their picture taken at the official photo booth, entering them in the contest for a chance to win four free tickets to SCHEA’s 17th Annual Best South Cape Martini Competition Trolley Event on Jan. 28.
“I think we have a lot to celebrate after the last few trying months due to Hurricane Ian,” said SCHEA spokesperson Shannon Quinn. “Our community continues to rebuild and come together. Many of the participating locations were also affected from the storm and it’s just a wonderful thing to see everyone bouncing back. Our community deserves a little normalcy… and what better way than to kick off the New Year with a South Cape trolley event?”
Participating locations and their specialty drinks include:
• Backstreets Sports Bar – Cranberry Delight
• Big8 BBQ – Champagne Punch
• Cruisers Lounge – Sangria
• The Dive – Midnight Kiss
• Monkey Bar Steak & Seafood – Mimosa
• Ralph’s Place – TBD
• Rack’em Spirits & Times – Champagne Jello Shots
• Rusty’s Raw Bar & Grill – The Sparkling Pineapple
• Tiki Bar – Chocolate Peppermint
“We love our festive participating locations,” Quinn said. “It’s always fun to see the creativity in the ingredients and names of each cocktail.”
The official photo booth is at the South Cape Hub (909 S.E 47th Terrace). Snap your pic and upload publicly to Facebook. Photos will be posted on SCHEA’s page and the public will vote. This is a 21-plus event. Valid ID at check-in will be required.
Along with getting to taste and sip an abundance of different selections from a wide selection of establishments, attendees can have fun on-the-go, as trolley trivia from destination to destination is full of entertainment and prizes.
“Trolley attendees will have access to limo buses and trolleys as they visit each of the nine participating businesses,” Quinn said. “Along the way, there will be trivia and giveaways as well as a photo booth.”
All locations will be counting down at midnight to welcome 2023 with a roar.
“There is no specific location for the midnight countdown. All of our locations will be celebrating, though!” Quinn said. “We hope our attendees just enjoy a night out in South Cape and become returning patrons for businesses in the area.”
Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite and at www.southcapeentertainment.com.
Fireworks at Gather at Tarpon Point Marina & Fathoms at Cape Harbour
The only place to catch fireworks this New Year’s Eve in Cape Coral is at Tarpon Point Marina, thanks to Gather.
The restaurant will offer a New Year’s Eve special menu featuring charcuterie and cheese boards, roasted beet salad, ahi tuna tatami, spicy shrimp, steak and eggs, caviar, surf and turf, fusilli, seabags, wagyu filet mignon, truffle risotto, and delectable desserts. The night will end with a fireworks show at the scenic location.
“Come to Gather because you are guaranteed to have the best meal, and the most amazing mixologist cocktails,” said Gather Marketing Director and partner Valeria Zanella Voisin. “Music by DJ German Garcia is sure to bring a fun environment.”
Reservations are needed and can be made by calling 239-673-9939. Gather is at 5971 Silver King Blvd. Suite 116.
Fathoms will host a ticketed private event with a prix-fixe menu, open bar and live music by Soapy Tuna all night. Doors will open around 7:45 p.m. and the night begins with canapes at 8 p.m. A three-course dinner will be served at 9 with an open bar all night. Menu items include a surf and turn entree, pistachio crusted goat cheese salad appetizer, and chocolate and coconut opera desert. Tickets are $140 per person.
“Come to Fathoms because it’s a private event and you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable night,” said Voisin. “We have an awesome menu, open bar, and music from Soapy Tuna.’
To secure a table, call 239-524-0123. Fathoms is at 5785 Cape Harbour Drive, #106.
Marina Village
The Westin Cape Coral Resort will host special New Year’s Eve events at both Marker 92 and the property’s dockside bar and grill, The Nauti Mermaid.
Guests can take part in the 2023 festivities for $125 per person, which includes a full dinner buffet, live 5-piece band, decadent dessert bar, views of striking fireworks, cocktail and a special midnight toast.
“We’re always thrilled to bring our community and locals together to celebrate the holidays at Westin Cape Coral Resort, and our New Year’s Eve celebration will be one for the books,” said General Manager of The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village, Barry Kadel. “Westin Cape Coral Resort is the perfect place to experience the energy of New Year’s Eve, especially with the property offering striking views of the evening’s spectacular fireworks display at midnight. For locals looking to ring in 2023 in an elevated and spectacular way, Westin Cape Coral Resort has you covered.”
Both events take place from 8 p.m. to midnight, and reservations are required and can be made by calling 239-541-5942.
The Nauti Mermaid is at 5951 Silver King Blvd. Marker 92 is at 5961 Silver King Blvd.
Dixie Roadhouse
One of the most popular party spots in Southwest Florida will host two balloon drops at midnight featuring cash and other prizes.
Dixie Roadhouse’s New Year’s Eve bash sees doors open from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. where free party favors, a free celebration shot at midnight, and free line dance lessons go down.
General admission walk-up tickets are $10 from 7 to 10 p.m., $20 from 10 to 12:30 a.m., and $10 from 12:30 to 3 a.m.
Advance reserved tickets are $30 and $35 for walk-up tickets on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Reserved seats include (in addition to all the other free stuff): a reserved seat until midnight; the $20 cover charge included in the reserved seat ticket price; your first well drink or glass of wine is free; premium party favors; priority seating line; and guaranteed admission in the event Dixie reaches capacity.
Reserved seats must be claimed by 10:30 p.m. or Dixie may sell the seat to someone else. If you are running late, please call or text 630-201-1504.
Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite. Dixie Roadhouse is at 1023 Southeast 47th Terrace.
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To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com