Fort Myers is not only a city steeped in history it is also a great example of 'Old Florida'. By 'Old Florida', I mean the neighborhoods have many of the typical Florida style one level homes with the hurricane shutters on them and the streets are lined with trees covered in Spanish Moss hanging almost to the blacktop in some places. Thomas Edison and Henry Ford where so taken with Fort Myers that they both built elaborate winter homes here along with work shops that are today, along with the grounds are open to the public as a museum. There are also several award winning beaches nearby including Sanibel island, which is famous for it's fantastic shelling opportunities, Fort Myers Beach just a short drive across the bridge and Lover's Key a few mile to the south.

Beautifully set along the Caloosahatchee River, winter home of Thomas Edison is one of the greatest historic treasures within Lee County. In 1885, Thomas Edison first visited Florida and built a vacation home. It was completed in 1886 and dubbed "Seminole lodge" by the Edisons, it served as a winter retreat and work place for the prolific inventor until his death in 1931. The inventive genius of Edison is evident throughout his 14-acre riverfront estate.

Edison's tropical botanical garden, has more than a thousand varieties of plants imported from all over the world, including a rather famous Banyan tree, which was a gift from Harvey Firestone in 1925. On March 6, 1947, Mrs. Edison donated the estate to the City of Fort Myers and in November of that year, public touring of the estate began.

Mr. and Mrs. Ford came to visit the Edison's in 1915 and like Fort Myers so much that the following year they bought their own home right next door. The Ford home, "Mangoes," was purchased by the City of Fort Myers in 1988 and was opened for public tours in 1990.

The community of Fort Myers Beach actually consists of two islands, Estero Island and its sister island, San Carlos. It used to be a remote stretch of green, edged with sand accessible only by boat. Today, there are more than 30 beach access points that are marked with colorful beach access signs that take you to developed, as well as secluded, pristine stretches of shoreline, many of which are near restaurants and outdoor cafes. You can hike, bike, lay out in the sand, shop and have a great seafood meal while not being too far from the 'main land'.

Sanibel Island is renown for it's spectacular shelling beaches where you can learn to do the "Sanibel Scoop". What makes this such a great shelling place is the islands unique positioning, it runs east to west, which is different from most islands which run north to south, this allows it to catch the many different kinds of sea shells. As you search the sand looking for that perfect shell be sure to put lots of sunscreen on your neck and wear a hat so your head doesn't burn. You will also need a bucket, net bag and scoop or shovel. Shelling at low tide after a storm is best and remember is illegal to take "live shells" from the sea. While on Sanibel Island be sure to visit the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge and enjoy one of the many bike paths, go bird watching, snorkel or walk along the beach.

Lover's Key is just a few miles to the south and as the name suggests, it's a very secluded place where you and your lover can relax and enjoy each other's company, and no one else's if you choose. It has also been named one of Florida's and the nations best beaches to visit on more than one occasion

Over all the Fort Myers area is a great place for those who love the outdoors whether it's on or off shore. Fishing, swimming, snorkeling, camping, hiking, biking, bird and animal watching, Fort Myers is a great place to spend a few days or life it truly has something for everyone.

Florida's Gulf Coast is the perfect spot for a vacation. With so many things to do in Fort Myers for you and your family to enjoy, whether its canoeing and bird watching at Ding Darling, lathering on the sunscreen and taking on the rays, or shelling on Sanibel Island, we're sure all of will enjoy something.

Tags: travel, vacations, beaches, florida, fort myers, island, sanibel, shelling