Bubbles in Captiva

When not searching for our local alligator or admiring the pelicans, Cute and I sought amusement wherever we could find it during our Sanibel stay.  One fun place was The Bubble Room, a long-time hang-out on Captiva, the (posh) island connected by a bridge to Sanibel.

The Bubble Room is not posh, but it is entertaining.  Established in 1974, it has weathered several hurricanes and recently reopened (again) in July, about three years after Hurricane Ian and its destructive big surge hit. We were VERY glad it is back.

I’m pretty sure I can’t give it justice so I will just say that I am positive that no matter WHERE you look, you will smile.  With every inch decorated, from the ceiling down, the array of signs, figures, cards, books, dolls, games, movie stars, whatever, from the 30s, 40s, and 50s (I think) are boggling. Even the glass box tables are full of memories.

There are games of skill, too, like a shooting range and the booze barometer to test if you can leave, sober, from some unknown bar. (Move the ring without touching the electric current. Wow!) There are tributes (?) to famous stars. Take a close look at Bogey looking, Marilyn, and Lauren holding on - classic moment.

They’re famous for their cakes and even have another building right next door, Boop's by the Bubble Room, where you can devour ice cream, sodas, all kinds of cakes and desserts as well as sandwiches.  The staff there is just as nice as in the restaurant. There’s also an entire gift shop building, the Emporium, where you can get replicas of some of the memorabilia as well as all kinds of Florida stuff.

And oh, if you’re wondering, this place is not just for show-and-tell – the food is excellent, too.  I’m trying not to take pictures of food anymore, but couldn’t resist for the cake we split and then took home the large portion remaining.  Too much, even for us.

I know you’re probably not going to rush on down there (about 1,400 miles) but I liked this place because it’s very different from anything we have here in K.C. and it’s a great example of imagination put to work – from the eclectic antiques collection to the food and drink to the servers’ garb.

Since we don’t get hurricanes here (yet), if you’re interested in reading about the recovery process and what three hurricanes in four years can mean for a business (or home), there’s quite a good article here.   

Home to Fall now, I’m thinking about Al our alligator and those amazing pelicans. But I'm also remembering the Bubble Room celebrates the good cheer of Christmas 365 days a year.

It's a happiness thing.