Staring in the mirror, glancing one last time to make sure every single hair was in place; my lovely girlish make-up was picture perfect. Just one last glance. Adrenaline laced heartbeat as I walked out the door, destination: Local Hot Spots. My first night out on the town in lovely Fort Myers, Florida. Like many residents of sunny southwest Florida, I am not native to the state. Born and raised in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, this would be a night to remember. As a dashing gentleman, that I chose carefully to escort me to the open door of our awaiting Fort Myers limo, I sit down gracefully as I try to settle my nerves. The door closes, signaling it’s time to get this party started.

On this particular night, my fellow co-worker alerted to me that his band was playing later that night. Club Nirvana, here I come. Stepping inside my senses where overwhelmed. Dim lights, blue lights. Red lights, and even black lights. ‘Is that a fog machine?’ I wondered very briefly. Of coarse there would be a fog machine, I lightly giggled to myself. The music was a mix of Rock-n-Roll and Reggae. A fun combination to drink my first cocktail, cranberry and vodka. I tilted my head back and slammed the contents down. The burn could not have felt any better. Although this is where it all began, this is not where I would finish.

After briskly visiting the Buddha, and not fully enjoying my night, I was inwardly upset. Could this be all that Fort Myers had to offer? Then my lovely gentleman had one last trick up his sleeve to impress me. His Ace in the Hole. Club Ultra. Pulling into the parking lot, I could tell by the bouncer’s that this particular place was different. With my age confirmed, and my non-date at my side, I strode in with my head held high, confidence in check, I knew I was going to rock this place tonight.

I didn’t know quite where to go, or what I should have been doing, but after a potion of fine spirits or two, an idea hits me. This young lady needs to be in that crowd doing what she knew best. Dancing. Grabbing his hand and striding to the center, I felt that mystical connection to the music and it was “go” time. My hips swayed. Legs that moved in tune, dipping me down low and bringing me up real slow. I felt the sweat cascade down the small of my back; it didn’t make me dirty though, only on fire. The sex appeal had me in its grinding grasp. Barely registering the multiple eyes upon my person, at that precise moment, I did not mind. I was free to ironically be me. The entire time I felt good, unstoppable. I was dancing and that was all I could wrap my thoughts around.

What eventually turned into hours, seemed light mere minutes where I was concerned. Red interior and friendly bar mixed up with the latest hip-hop and rave music added the most delightful touch to my night. Then suddenly the lights turned on and the music stopped. Under the impression of nightlife, slowly registered as early morning. And that was okay with me. I thanked my charming companion for the best time. For my first “out on the town.” I finally experienced what all others were chitchatting about. As we exited I looked at him and he returned my thought without words. Tonight was not over yet, as we shared one more drink.

  “Closing time, you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.” SuperSonic- “Closing time”

Beaches In Southwest Florida