Boardwalk at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. Photo and video courtesy of Visit Fort Myers.

Fort Myers – winter home to Thomas Edison and neighbor Henry Ford – is steeped in history. But it’s also renowned for Spring Training, ecological activities, shopping, world-class dining, fun in the sun and artistic expression. Fort Myers was incorporated in 1885 after originally being established as a Seminole War Post in 1841. It was later a farming and cattle community into the late 1860s and 1870s. Fort Myers offers four designated historic districts – Edison Park, Dean Park, Downtown and Seminole Park – and nearly 20 designated landmarks.

PLACES TO GO

The River District

Any visit to “old Fort Myers” starts in the River District. Nestled in downtown Fort Myers, several blocks of fun and exciting activities and opportunities are available: Caloosa Sound Convention Center & Amphitheater, Florida Rep Theatre, Burroughs Home & Gardens, the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Lab Theater of Florida and more including a wealth of shops, galleries and dozens of dining and entertainment options.

More info: www.myriverdistrict.com

Edison & Ford Winter Estates

This historical museum and 17-acre botanical garden is a piece of history located along the Caloosahatchee River in Southwestern Florida. It includes both Thomas Alva Edison and Henry Ford’s homes, a 17-acre botanical garden, laboratory and Garden Shoppe and Museum Store. The estates are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the last ticket sold at 4:30 p.m. The present site dates from 1885, when Edison first visited Florida and purchased the property to build a vacation home. His home, completed in 1887 and dubbed “Seminole Lodge,” served as a winter retreat and place of relaxation until Edison’s death in 1931. Edison’s good friend, Henry Ford, purchased the adjoining property in 1916 where he purchased “The Mangoes” from Robert Smith of New York. Ford’s craftsman style bungalow was built in 1911 by Smith. In 1947, Mrs. Mina Edison deeded the property to the city of Fort Myers in memory of her husband for the enjoyment of the public. It was opened for public tours in 1950. By 1988, the adjacent Henry Ford winter estate was purchased and opened for public tours in 1990. The $10 million restoration of the grounds was completed in 2006. A separate fundraising arm, Edison-Ford Winter Estates Foundation, Inc., was created to assist the restoration project with no function in governance, programming or development, but rather to assist the governing board with the initial restoration. Due to repairs being made by Hurricane Ian, access to the pool complex may be limited. The property offers an Edison Ford Self-Guided tour, which is offered through audio that can be downloaded through the Edison Ford app, or by dialing a phone number.

More info: www.edisonfordwinterestates.org or 239-334-7419

Address: 2350 McGregor Boulevard

The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium

The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, a not-for-profit environmental education organization, is located on Ortiz Avenue and open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Nestled on 105 acres, the center houses a museum, three nature trails, a Planetarium, butterfly and bird aviaries and picnic areas. The jam-packed calendar of activities offers such events as live animal presentations and solar observation.

More info: www.calusanature.org or 239-275-3435

Address: 3450 Ortiz Avenue

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

The great outdoor space stretches approximately 11 miles long and 1/3 mile wide on more than 3,400 acres of wetland, an ecosystem home to a diverse population of plants and animals. Complete with a boardwalk trail and an Interpretive Center, individuals can get lost in the wilderness for a few hours of outdoor exploring. It is open from dawn to dusk every day, unless otherwise noted.

More info: www.sloughpreserve.org or 239-533-7557

Address: 7791 Penzance Boulevard

IMAG History & Science Center

IMAG History & Science Center is a fun and educational learning spot that features live animal encounters in special guest appearances throughout the year, as well as question-and-answer sessions followed by meet-and-greet activities, giving IMAG guests an opportunity to get up close and personal with featured creatures. Visitors also have the opportunity to partake in an IMAG LIVE! Animal Show, stingray feedings, Science on a Sphere, IMAG LIVE! Science Show and Meet-the-Keeper during its daily special attractions. The IMAG History & Science Center is a particularly enjoyable location for children and families. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and from 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

More info: www.theimag.org or 239-243-0043

Address: 2000 Cranford Avenue

THINGS TO DO

Alliance for the Arts

Event, education, fairs, exhibit and theater and arts, green market and other cultural activities. Nonprofit and user funded.

More info: www.artinlee.org or 239-939-2787

Address: 10091 McGregor Boulevard

Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall

Off-Broadway, live performances, holiday events.

More info: www.bbmannpah.com or 239-481-4849

Address: 13350 FSW Parkway

Florida Repertory Theater

Downtown Fort Myers is home to the Florida Repertory Theater. Founded in 1998, the venue and troupe has become a perennial favorite among art and theater lovers, blending humor, drama, dance, with productions of classics alongside the newest voices of modern playwriting. The 27th season runs from September 2024, through May 19, 2024, complete with comedies, dramas, a regional premiere and three iconic musicals.

More info: www.floridarep.org or 239-332-4488

Address: 2268 Bay Street

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre

The theater, which includes a 450-seat dinner theater, a 100-seat “black-box” theater called The Off Broadway Palm Theatre, a 120-seat dining room called Cafe Cabaret and a 30-seat space just off the main lobby called The Art Cafe, entertains more than 170,000 guests annually.

More info: www.VisitBroadwayPalm.com or 239-278-4422

Address: 1380 Colonial Boulevard