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Introducing Fort Myers
Just a sleepy resort town when Thomas Edison arrived in 1885, Fort Myers was pretty enough to entice him 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. This shady legacy lives on, and today 14 miles of McGregor Blvd are lined with more than 2000 palms. It’s a stellar start to any visit, but the rest of the town doesn’t quite live up to the introduction. The visitor & convention bureau (239-338-3500; www.fortmyerssanibel.com) has visitor information; call or check online.
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See how the early innovators lived at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates (239-334-3614; www.edison-ford-estate.com; 2350 McGregor Blvd; adult/child 6-12 $20/11; 9am-5:30pm). The homes themselves are anticlimactic – you only see Edison’s through the windows like a peeping Tom – but his laboratory, gardens and museum make the trip worthwhile. Check out the banyan tree at the visitor center; it’s the largest in the US. Forty-minute guided tours leave every half-hour until 4pm.
Just north of Fort Myers, take a 1½-hour swamp-buggy wildlife excursion through pinewoods, freshwater marsh and cypress swamp, led by Babcock Wilderness Adventure (800-500-5583; www.babcockwilderness.com; 8000 SR 31, Punta Gorda; adult/child $18/11; 9am-3pm Nov-May, morning only Jun-Oct).
For American bistro food try the cute McGregor Cafe (239-936-1771; 4305 McGregor Blvd; lunch $8-12, dinner $15-25; 11am-3pm & 5-9pm Tue-Fri, from 8am Sat, 8am-3pm Sun), 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 (239-332-2065; 2122 Second St, Fort Myers; mains $20-33; 11am-4pm & 5:30-10pm Mon-Fri, 5:30-10pm Sat) located in a turn-of-the-century residence in downtown Fort Myers.
Last updated: Jul 22, 2009
