FORT MYERS
Fort Myers has several personalities—choose the one that suits you. Coastal Fort Myers, near Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach, gives off a distinctly beachy vibe. The Downtown Fort Myers River District is a stimulating mix of dining, entertainment, architecture and people-watching. And then there’s nature lovers’ Fort Myers, where you can go to a truly magical place called Manatee Park; trek through Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve; or cycle through scenic Lakes Park. Have a camera handy!
If you’ve been putting off a visit to Fort Myers’ most amazing attraction, or it’s been a while since you visited the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, it’s time. The entire riverfront property, from homes and workshop to its truly special plant and gift shops, is mesmerizing. You’ll be awed by diving into a remarkable place and time, where some of America’s renowned innovators worked and mingled. Frankly, it’s worth a stop just to spend time beneath the estates’ jaw-dropping banyan trees.
In Fort Myers, the weather is typically terrific for outdoor activities in November and December. Have some laughs on the putt-putt course; take some tennis lessons; swim at Bunche Beach or arrange to learn windsurfing on the Sanibel Causeway. You’ll be amazed how much fun you can have without an agenda of any kind.
Lodging
• Hotel Indigo; ihg.com; 239-337-3446
• Crowne Plaza; crowneplaza.com; 239-482-2900
• Marriott Sanibel Harbor Resort & Spa; marriott.com; 239-466-4000
• Drury Inn & Suites; druryhotels.com; 239-267-1340
Dining
• Trattoria Napoli; latrattoriacafenapoli.com; 239-931-0050
• Harold’s; haroldscuisine.com; 239-849-0622
• Blanc; blancentertainment.com; 239-887-3139
Entertainment
• The Roadhouse Café; roadhousecafefl.com; 239-415-4375
• Broadway Palm Dinner Theater; broadwaypalm.com; 239-278-4422
• Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille; docfords.com; Fort Myers Beach 239-765-9660
• Fort Myers Princess sunset cruise; fortmyersprincess.net; 239-765-8500