DISCOVERING BEAUTIFUL FORT MYERS, FLORIDA
Recently, I had the opportunity of exploring Fort Myers, Florida….. a charming city full of history and so much beauty. I traveled with my bestie SheShe, who actually has a home close by on Sanibel Island. Our journey took us through some of the area’s most notable attractions, including the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, a stay at the elegant Luminary Hotel, and two nights at Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa. Here’s a detailed recount of our adventure……
THE LUMINARY HOTEL IN DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS
My first night was spent at the LUMINARY HOTEL, Autograph Collection….. a contemporary gem in the downtown Fort Myers River District. The hotel’s modern design was beautiful, and its prime location was unbeatable. With stunning panoramic views of the city and river, it was an ideal base for exploring downtown Fort Myers.
We started our very busy first day, at ELLA MAE’S DINER. It’s situated within the Luminary Hotel, and is the most charming eatery. It has such a cozy ambiance with a menu that showcases southern-inspired classics and modern favorites. Take a look at their MENU HERE…. quite impressive! You’ll find buttermilk pancakes, savory shrimp and grits, or hearty breakfast skillets. I chose some avocado toast that was delicious. It was the perfect spot to kickstart our day in Fort Myers.
THE EDISON AND FORD WINTER ESTATES
Our first stop was the EDISON AND FORD WINTER ESTATES. This is a must-visit historical site for anyone interested in history and innovation. It showcases the winter homes of two of America’s greatest inventors, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. It sits along the Calooshatchee River on over 20 acres. The Edison main house, with its original furnishings, really gives you a glimpse into their life at that time. A fun fact…. Edison had over 1000 patents! Incredible that a mind can think like that!
You’ll also find a museum with a super impressive collection of artifacts, inventions, and exhibits that highlight the innovative spirit of both men. Browsing through Edison’s inventions and Ford’s automotive memorabilia was absolutely fascinating. What legacies these pioneering men left us. It was extremely educational and always good to be reminded of the many things we have to enjoy because of their genius!
SHOPPING DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS
Shopping in Downtown Fort Myers was delightful! Its charming boutiques and fun vibe made our afternoon truly enjoyable. It’s amazing to see how the city has rebounded after the devastation of Hurricane Ian, almost two years ago. The local shops were full of a unique blend of fashion, art, and specialty items.
THE FRANKLIN SHOPS on First Street really stood out to me. It’s a co-op shop where multiple vendors offer their goods, all under one roof. This unique retail space features a variety of independent shops and boutiques, providing an eclectic mix of fashion, art, home decor, and other specialty items. All of this is housed within a beautifully preserved historical building….. you could seriously spend hours there!
CLICK HERE TO SEE MY REEL OF FORT MYERS
TWEEN WATERS ISLAND RESORT & SPA
The next leg of our trip took us to TWEEN WATERS ISLAND RESORT & SPA on Captiva Island. The resort is set between the Gulf of Mexico and Pine Island Sound. It is the absolute perfect blend of relaxation and adventure…… just what the two of us LOVE! SheShe and I shared a beautiful suite. We had two queen beds and a spacious living area with a kitchen.
The resort exudes coastal charm, featuring the cutest colorful bungalows. The pool area is perfect for relaxation and leisure, equipped with a restaurant and bar. Additionally guests can rent bikes for the day, making it easy to explore the scenic surroundings and enjoy the beauty of the island. We dined at OLD CAPTIVA HOUSE. I had been there before and remembered the incredible food. The fresh, locally caught seafood was perfectly prepared and there’s no way to beat the ambiance. Along with that, the service was impeccable!
CLICK HERE TO SEE MY REEL OF TWEEN WATERS ISLAND RESORT AND SPA
DAY SPENT ON THE WATER EXPLORING CABBAGE KEY
The most memorable experience however, was spending a full day out on the water with Captain Nathan. We embarked on a private boat tour that took us through the pristine waters surrounding Captiva Island, and on to Cabbage Key, which is about 20 miles northwest of Fort Myers. You can only access it by boat.
CABBAGE KEY is a quaint island famous for its rustic charm. Legend has it that this is where Jimmy Buffett’s song “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” was written. We had a delicious all-American lunch there followed by the yummiest ice cream cone. The historic DOLLAR BAR GRILL was fun to see. There are more than $70k worth of dollar bills signed and pinned to the walls by patrons.
The highlight however, was encountering the most playful dolphins. Captain Nathan knew just where to take us, to spur these creatures on to swim in the wake of our boat. It was SPECTACULAR to say the least. They really put on a show for us and we felt the thrill!!! It was SO COOL!!!!
CLICK HERE FOR MY DAY ON THE WATER REEL
REFLECTING ON AN UNFORGETTABLE TRIP
My visit to Fort Myers was a perfect blend of history, luxury, nature, and shopping. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates provided a fascinating dive into the past, while the Luminary Hotel offered the best location. Downtown Fort Myers was simply charming. Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa was a fabulous retreat. And Cabbage Key rounded out the trip beautifully.
Discovering beautiful Fort Myers, Florida was thee most relaxing getaway! There is something for everyone. My journey through this vibrant city left me with wonderful memories. If you are traveling to Florida anytime soon…. don’t miss out on Fort Myers!
