Once the winter retreats of Thomas
Edison and Henry Ford, the stately
homes of these two industrial pioneers are now among Fort Myers Florida's most
popular attractions. The Edison & Ford
Winter Estates are located on McGregor
Boulevard, a grand thoroughfare lined with over 1,800 majestic Royal Palm trees.
At this popular attraction you’ll discover the residences of Edison and Ford, lush botanical gardens, Edison’s laboratory and a museum housing thousands of Edison’s inventions and memorabilia. The River District also features the recently renovated IMAG History & Science Center, an interactive children’s museum. Another great place to take the kids is the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium. The Caloosa Sound Convention Complex in downtown Fort Myers is host to dozens of civic events and exhibits throughout the year. One of the most unique Fort Myers attractions is Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, featuring some of America’s favorite theatrical performances and food that’s a cut above standard dinner theater fare. A frequent visitor to our waters is the Manatee, one of nature's shyest and gentlest mammals. During the winter, they are attracted upriver by warm inland waters generated by the local power plant and often can be seen in this setting created by man. These gentle giants are found year-round in the warm waters throughout the area, and can be viewed at Manatee Park, a Lee County Parks & Recreation facility. Other Lee County Parks & Recreational facilities worth a visit include: Lakes Park, an amenity packed facility with playgrounds, swimming area, bike and non-motorized water craft rentals, concessions and more; Six-Mile Cypress Slough, featuring a huge boardwalk through anancient cypress preserve; and Hickey’s Creek Park, with miles of hiking trails through a 1,000+acre conservation area. Just above Fort Myers is Cape Coral, with an attractive parks system. Visit Cape Coral Parks & Recreations, their Four Mile Cove for a stroll on the boardwalk, nature trails and kayaking. One of the area's most renowned attractions is The Shell Factory & Nature Park in the North Fort Myers area. They have everything you'd expect at a huge Florida gift shop, plus a fun park with rides and games, a nature park with hundreds of critters and delicious dining and entertainment. North of Cape Coral and Lee County lies Punta Gorda and Charlotte County with its own attractions and sights to see like Fishermen's Village, a waterfront dining, shopping and activity destination. Shopping alternatives also abound in the area. Edison Mall is the largest regional mall in the area, but there’s also a myriad of specialty shops and other retail attractions to be found. If you're looking for the best tasting citrus you've ever had, visit Sun Harvest Citrus at their huge retail store and packing house where you can stop in for a buy one get one free ice cream all Summer long! |
Kayaking on Hickeys Creek, part of a 1,000-acre conservation area.
The new aquarium at the IMAG History & Science Center was featured on the tv show Tanked on Animal Planet.
Miromar Outlets, located south of Fort Myers in Estero, is a mecca
for power shoppers.
The Edison & Ford Winter
Estates is one of Fort Myers' most popular attractions. A botanical garden,
Edison's laboratory and a museum of Edison's inventions and memorabilia
make this a fascinating destination.