Fort Myers

Introducing Fort Myers

Just a sleepy resort town in 1885, Fort Myers was pretty enough to entice Thomas Edison to build his winter home here. Among his many visions was palm-lined avenues, which he kicked off with a gift of more than 800 trees. His arboreal legacy lives on, and today 14 miles of McGregor Blvd are lined with more than 2000 palms. It's a nice introduction to what's still a fairly sleepy town; would that the rest of it were as impressive. The visitor & convention bureau has visitor information; call or check online.

See how the early innovators lived at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. In addition to Edison's winter home, you'll see his laboratory, gardens and a museum dedicated to his work, as well as the estate Henry Ford bought next door and the largest banyan tree in the continental US. Forty-minute guided tours leave every half-hour until 4pm.

Just north of Fort Myers, take a 90-minute swamp-buggy wildlife excursion through pinewoods, freshwater marsh and cypress swamp, led by Babcock Wilderness Adventure.

For American bistro food try the cute McGregor Cafe, in a converted home with a shady patio under a huge live oak. Impress your date (or Mom, or client) with the regional specialties at the lovely Veranda, located in a turn-of-the-century residence in downtown Fort Myers.

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Lonely Planet has teamed up with Lee County Tourism to produce an in-depth guide to the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel.

Last updated: Jun 8, 2011