Florida Travel Guide
Fort Myers
Henry Ford and Thomas Alva Edison
Fort Myers came to the attention of the world at large when famed brain box Edison moved here in 1885. Edison came to Florida seeking a tranquil spot with a pleasing climate in which to recover from a collapse due to exhaustion. He bought 14 acres on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River and built a house and laboratory. He lived here every winter until his death in 1931. There are tours daily around the Edison Winter Home, the house itself is disappointing but the laboratory and museum do full justice to the breadth of his achievements.
Part of the tour also includes admission to the Ford Winter Home. Henry Ford, carmaker, was enticed here by his friend Edison and built this property in 1916.
Fort Myers Historical Museum
This museum gives the usual outline of a towns history. The one notable section is that devoted to local man Dr Franklin Miles the man who, God bless 'im, invented Alka Seltzer.
The Parks
For a place comparatively small in size, Fort Myers has three different but decent parks.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Recreation Area (what is it with all the snappy names for these places?) is a narrow strip of beach with all the entertainment facilities you could wish for.
The Koreshan State Historic Park is a 19th century religious community with all its original structures still intact.
The Lee County Regional Park Program Office apart from offering access to an assortment of activities in the park both on and off the water can get you into Manatee Park. This is a place where you can see these splendid aquatic mammals in their winter home.
Fort Myers Beach
Situated a short drive out of Fort Myers lies Estero Island, the town of Fort Myers Beach and several other beaches. This resort area is still not quite as 'full on' touristy as many of its neighbours. The north end of the island tends to be livelier than the more sedate and residential south end. The sun shines, the sea is blue and for many people this is the perfect holiday environment.
Sanibel and Captiva
These two islands lie north of Fort Myers Beach and can only be reached by crossing a causeway. These two islands offer beach type things and more. The stunning sandy beaches on the ocean side of the islands are great places for picking up seashells. On the side of the islands facing towards the mainland, there are mangrove swamps. Highlight of this area is the JN 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge a 6000-acre home to some spectacular wildlife.
Eating, Drinking and Sleeping
As with most of Florida the seafood is exceptional here and there are a reasonable quantity of bars and restaurants.
Accommodation is usually plentiful off-season and not too expensive, the opposite is true during high season where rooms become scarce and prices escalate.
Most of the nightlife is centred around the beach areas.
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