DINING
For the casual, familiar taste of a New England summer shack year-round, check out the Cape Cod Fish Company. It serves up seaside staples like fried clams, lobster rolls and seafood chowder in a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
If you want a different take on local seafood, consider El Guacho Inca, which offers Peruvian ceviche dishes made with fresh local fish alongside many other Peruvian delicacies.
FAMILY
If you’re in something of a quirky mood, be sure to explore The Edison and Ford Estates. These museums, once the winter homes of inventor Thomas Edison and auto manufacturer Henry Ford, provide a glimpse into the lives of two of the most influential people of the 20th century. The botanical gardens that surround the estate are a must see, and include the first Banyan tree to be cultivated in the United States, planted by Edison himself.
BEACHES AND OUTDOORS
Of course, no trip to south Florida would be complete without exploring the area’s pristine beaches and unique inland ecosystem. For both endeavors, there’s no better location than Fort Myers. Located comfortably between Fort Myers Beach and the Caloosahatchee River, Fort Myers offers both standard ocean-going activities like swimming, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing and inland sightseeing. Or try Caloosahatchee wildlife tours, where you’re likely to see the area’s famous Manatees along with an abundance of impressive birds, including egrets and bald eagles.
For the particularly adventurous outdoorsman, the Everglades National Park lies about 100 miles south of Fort Myers, and offers intimate tours of a breathtaking, one-of-a-kind preserve.
SPORTS
Baseball fans know Fort Myers best as the Spring Training home of the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins. Preseason workouts offer some of the best opportunities for fans to get up close and personal with the game’s biggest stars, and Grapefruit League action combines all the excitement of in-season play with the relaxed atmosphere that permeates the Fort Myers area. Plane tickets to Fort Myers during Grapefruit League play may be harder to come by than usual, so be sure to book your flight in advance.