Julianne’s Boca Biz: Welcome to season, let’s get the party started!

Fresh Produce recently completed renovations to the store at 411 Park Ave. They removed the old window displays, increased the floorspace and repainted. With more floorspace and different display fixtures, the store is able to carry additional clothing lines and jewelry. Stop in for some great, casual ladies attire and accessories. 964-0800.

Wow! Boca Grande’s busy season is finally here. Just yesterday it felt like it was Labor Day and soon it will be Christmas. Where did October go? As a year-round resident of the island, I find it so interesting how “island time” seems almost stagnant in the summer time but it rushes at dizzying speeds during the fall and winter months. With winter’s shorter days and more things to see and do, it’s just funny how 5 o’clock is always just in a few hours.

There’s plenty going on this weekend, you should really get out and enjoy this beautiful weather before it’s cocktail time.

Fall Festival this weekend …
•  The Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the downtown Fall Festival this weekend on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The event is designed to welcome back residents and businesses to the island. The day will be filled with art and music, food, and fun activities for the entire family.
The street festival will include shopping specials at local businesses, music, games for the kids and the annual BBQ cook-off contest. As in years past, your votes will determine the winner so bring your appetite and sample some of the best food you’ll taste anywhere.
Call the chamber at 964-0568 for information.

More art on Park …
• Smart Studio at 370 Park Ave. has reopened for the season, featuring original artwork from Wini Smart, daughter Gail Cleveland and many more talented artists. The studio has a great selection of home accessories, jewelry, and gifts as well as artwork. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. 964-0519.

Back to the beach …
• Holly’s Island Shop at 383 Park Ave. will be re-opening for the season today, November 4. Hours will be Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 964-2767.

Great sale at Ariel LTD …
• Don’t miss the annual sidewalk sale at Ariel LTD. The sale starts today, Friday, Nov. 4 and runs through the weekend. Select clothing and accessories will be marked down from 50 to 90 percent off. Awesome! 444 4th Street. 964-0408.

Fabulous Fall Sale and Trollbeads Trunk Show …
•  Fugate’s is having a fall sale Friday, Nov. 4 through Sunday, Nov. 13. They’re open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. but staying open late until 6 p.m. during the Fall Festival. On Saturday, Nov. 5, there will be a Trollbeads Trunk Show. Stop in for a great selection of clothing items, home accessories, jewelry and so much more at great sale prices. 964-2323.

New jewels desired???
• Sadie Green’s Small Pleasures reopens Saturday, Nov. 5 at 10 a.m., featuring creative new designers, fine antique jewelry, precious and semi-precious pieces all in Victorian and contemporary styles.  420 East Railroad Ave.

Fabulous fall sale …
• The Sun Porch is having a fall sale with home accessories, jewelry and ladies apparel at prices marked down 50 percent. Wow! Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Railroad Plaza. 964-2567.

Waterfront dining reopens …
• Eagle Grille at the Boca Grande Marina will be re-opening for the season on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 5:30 p.m. for dinner. Open Thursday through Sunday for delicious, island-inspired cuisine. In the meantime … catch your favorite sporting events, beverages and a great meal downstairs at Miller’s Dockside. They have added several TVs this season so you can catch your favorite NFL teams. Private dining is available at Eagle Grille and Bellamy Lounge. Come by car, golf cart or boat. 222 Harbor Dr. 964-8000.

Pastries and coffee …
• The Loose Caboose is now offering some early morning treats. Stop in as early as 8:30 a.m. for gourmet coffees, cappuccinos, espressos, and a selection of home-made pastries like croissants and blueberry muffins. 964-0440.

Brand new restaurant …
• The North Village Cafe is now open, at 5800 Gasparilla Rd., just beneath Patrick’s Thai Bistro & Sushi. The restaurant features full service bar, fresh seafood, steak, prime rib, soup, salad and lighter fare. Open Monday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. (941) 855-9037.

In the mood to dine?
• The Main Dining Room at The Gasparilla Inn & Club is open for breakfast and dinner. All are invited to experience a true fine dining experience and the cuisine of chef Peter Timmins. Breakfast is available Monday through Saturday from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and on Sundays from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.  Dinner is available from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Call 964-4535 for reservations.

Annual wine tasting …
• B n’T Liquors and Fine Wines would like to invite all to their annual wine tasting on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 2 to 6 p.m. in their courtyard. This year, in addition to their fine wines, they will be featuring selected small batch and single barrel scotches. Hors d’oeuvres will be catered by La Stanza and tropical sounds of the islands will be provided by John Patti. (941) 698-1011.

Dennis is back …
• Yoga with Dennis resumes for the season on Monday, Nov. 7 at 5:30 p.m. in the Crowninshield Community House. All levels of experience are welcome. Mats are provided. For more info call 964-2890.

Get fit and flexible …
• Banyan Tree Pilates and Yoga is excited to announce that Nancy Cooper has started teaching pilates mat classes on Mondays and Wednesdays at 8 a.m. and a 7:45 a.m. class on Fridays.
There are also several Spin’Lates and Chair classes scheduled. Please email the studio for availability or visit their recently updated website for class descriptions: banyanstreetpilates.com. Their full schedule will be effective next week.  Private and duet sessions are available and massage therapists are taking appointments. 320 East Railroad Ave. 964-4404.

Hassle-free yachting is back …
• Barton & Gray Mariners Club is back in Boca Grande for the season. Enjoy luxury dayboating on their fleet of captained Hinckley yachts. Everyone is invited to join the crew and welcome back the “True Blue” to the island. The dock party will be held at Miller’s Dockside on Tuesday, Nov. 22 from 3 to 6 p.m. There will be complimentary beer, wine, hors d’oeuvres, and short demo cruises to discuss their club programs. (617) 835-4773.

Congratulations on 40 years …
Congratulations to Sue Kruder, Kathleen K. Turner, of PJ’s Seagrille, The Grapevine and the Theatre Building, and to their family and wonderful staff. Paul J. Kruder’s Akron, Ohio-based business CIMS, Tire Registration Experts have been serving the International Tire Industry for 40 years. They’re celebrating their 40th anniversary this week in Las Vegas at the Global Tire Expo.

Planning a holiday party …
• The Caribbean Room at The Temptation is now booking holiday parties. Make your life a little easier … order your holiday turkey with all the fixings from their kitchen, just call Chef Kevin at (941) 964-2610.

If your business has “new” news to share, contact Julianne at the Boca Beacon at 964-2995 or via email at jgreenberg@bocabeacon.com.