Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island Offer Incredible Sunsets and So Much More

Fort Myers is not only a city steeped in history it is alsoCarlos. It used to be a remote stretch of green, edged
a great example of 'Old Florida'. By 'Old Florida', I meanwith sand accessible only by boat. Today, there are
the neighborhoods have many of the typical Floridamore than 30 beach access points that are marked
style one level homes with the hurricane shutters onwith colorful beach access signs that take you to
them and the streets are lined with trees covered indeveloped, as well as secluded, pristine stretches of
Spanish Moss hanging almost to the blacktop in someshoreline, many of which are near restaurants and
places. Thomas Edison and Henry Ford where sooutdoor cafes. You can hike, bike, lay out in the sand,
taken with Fort Myers that they both built elaborateshop and have a great seafood meal while not being
winter homes here along with work shops that aretoo far from the 'main land'.
today, along with the grounds are open to the public asSanibel Island is renown for it's spectacular shelling
a museum. There are also several award winningbeaches where you can learn to do the "Sanibel
beaches nearby including Sanibel island, which isScoop". What makes this such a great shelling place is
famous for it's fantastic shelling opportunities, Fortthe islands unique positioning, it runs east to west,
Myers Beach just a short drive across the bridge andwhich is different from most islands which run north to
Lover's Key a few mile to the south.south, this allows it to catch the many different kinds of
Beautifully set along the Caloosahatchee River, wintersea shells. As you search the sand looking for that
home of Thomas Edison is one of the greatest historicperfect shell be sure to put lots of sunscreen on your
treasures within Lee County. In 1885, Thomas Edisonneck and wear a hat so your head doesn't burn. You
first visited Florida and built a vacation home. It waswill also need a bucket, net bag and scoop or shovel.
completed in 1886 and dubbed "Seminole lodge" by theShelling at low tide after a storm is best and
Edisons, it served as a winter retreat and work placeremember is illegal to take "live shells" from the sea.
for the prolific inventor until his death in 1931. TheWhile on Sanibel Island be sure to visit the J.N. "Ding"
inventive genius of Edison is evident throughout hisDarling National Wildlife Refuge and enjoy one of the
14-acre riverfront estate.many bike paths, go bird watching, snorkel or walk
Edison's tropical botanical garden, has more than aalong the beach.
thousand varieties of plants imported from all over theLover's Key is just a few miles to the south and as
world, including a rather famous Banyan tree, whichthe name suggests, it's a very secluded place where
was a gift from Harvey Firestone in 1925. On March 6,you and your lover can relax and enjoy each other's
1947, Mrs. Edison donated the estate to the City ofcompany, and no one else's if you choose. It has also
Fort Myers and in November of that year, publicbeen named one of Florida's and the nations best
touring of the estate began.beaches to visit on more than one occasion
Mr. and Mrs. Ford came to visit the Edison's in 1915 andOver all the Fort Myers area is a great place for those
like Fort Myers so much that the following year theywho love the outdoors whether it's on or off shore.
bought their own home right next door. The FordFishing, swimming, snorkeling, camping, hiking, biking, bird
home, "Mangoes," was purchased by the City of Fortand animal watching, Fort Myers is a great place to
Myers in 1988 and was opened for public tours in 1990.spend a few days or life it truly has something for
The community of Fort Myers Beach actually consistseveryone.
of two islands, Estero Island and its sister island, San