Fun with Fernando

Looking for something different to do with the kids over the holidays? Are the grandkids coming for vacation and you are thinking of things to do with them? I’ve got an idea for you. After you have had the kids out to the tennis courts a few times to chase tennis balls around, Fernando Jimenez, our relatively new and very capable Maintenance Technician, and his family have a few real thrills for you and the kids.

In addition to keeping our courts beautiful, Fernando is also the Events & Reservations Manager at the Corner Creek Ranch and Paso Fino Club in North Fort Myers. Jerry (Remember Jerry?) told me about it long ago, and I decided to visit Fernando at the ranch yesterday afternoon. I enjoyed myself immensely and would have stayed for the midnight, moonlight ride had I not been summoned home.

Shortly after I arrived at the ranch, Laurie (our creative Pro Shop Manager) showed up with her four kids, a friend and her young son. I already had tremendous respect for Laurie, but now I’ve added a healthy dose of admiration. I will let Laurie tell you the story if she chooses, but let’s just say that she and the boys had an adventure. Me? I just had a terrific time, and plan to spend as much time at the ranch as Fernando will let me and I can spare.

Corner Creek Ranch is 96 acres of “Old Florida” landscape, with trails for riding or walking. The wooded areas are great for off trail walking or riding as well, and Fernando informs me that camping is also allowed. Given my limited riding experience and questionable sense of direction, I’m all about sticking to the well-beaten paths.

But the horses and trails aren’t the only attractions at Corner Creek. The Cub Scout troop and other kids that were there yesterday seemed to have a blast at this no frills gem. When they weren’t riding the little pony or horses, they were running around, playing in the bounce house, or talking to the birds.

When the adults weren’t riding or walking trails, they were sitting in the shade, sipping on cold refreshments (most weren’t drinking lemonade), and listening to the Latin rhythms emanating from the thatch roof “clubhouse.” I’ve never been to Columbia, but I suspect that the Corner Creek Ranch/Paso Fino Club is a retreat reminiscent of the hinterlands of Fernando’s birthplace.

I can’t fully express what the experience meant to me, but if natural habitats, low cost entertainment, and unique experiences appeal to you, then Corner Creek may be a place to visit over the holidays. Talk to Fernando and I’m sure he’ll be happy to give you all the details.