Winter like Edison and Ford in Fort Myers
Many years ago, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford would spend their winters in balmy Fort Myers, Florida, and it’s easy to see why: gorgeous beaches, lots of sunshine and, of course, warm days.
During your winter getaway, you could enjoy these and much more, including a tour of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates; the Edison Museum; sailing to Cabbage Key for lunch, including the cheeseburger Jimmy Buffett made famous; and searching for shells on Sanibel Island, the world’s best shelling beach.
Step back in time
At the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, you’ll start your journey at the museum shop, where you can purchase your tickets. Then, you will cross the street to explore the neighboring homes where the men lived.
Edison arrived in the area in 1885 from New Jersey after his doctors’ recommendation to spend the winters in warm weather. Upon arriving in Fort Myers via the Caloosahatchee River, he purchased 13 riverfront acres and built his home.
“Edison was attracted to the property for a variety of reasons, but one thing that caught his eye was bamboo,” said Breanna Alexander, marketing and public relations coordinator for Edison and Ford Winter Estates. “It is a mystery, but there was bamboo on the property in 1885 that Edison later used to create a filament while he was experimenting with the light bulb invention. He would later import many different varieties of bamboo that you can see on the site today.”
Ford visited Edison in 1914 and bought the neighboring property just two years later.
“Edison and Ford have about a 16-year age difference, so they had a mentor-type of friendship,” Alexander said. “Ford really looked up to Edison as an inventor, and the two soon became close friends.”
Seeing the homes provides insights into these two men, their families and work lives. Back across the street, the Edison Museum provides a deep dive into Edison and his many inventions, as well as a look at Ford’s legacy and vehicles.
In the Edison Botanic Research Laboratory, you can see where Edison and Ford worked to find a source of rubber that could be grown and cultivated in the United States. Don’t forget to stroll through the estate’s gardens, which feature more than 1,700 plants representing more than 400 species from six continents.
Grab a cheeseburger in paradise
You can’t visit Fort Myers without enjoying the glorious sunshine and time on the water. A perfect way to do this is by setting sail with Captiva Cruises to Cabbage Key, an island reminiscent of “Old Florida” from times gone by.
As you make your way to the island, the captain will share a bit of history on the area. Once you arrive, head to the restaurant, where you can try the burger believed to be the inspiration for Buffett’s iconic song “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” Don’t forget to sign and leave a dollar bill on the wall (or ceiling) to mark your visit.
For a taste of Italy, grab a meal at Bruno’s of Brooklyn in downtown Fort Myers. Think veal piccata, lasagna and meatballs, and lobster ravioli.
“Bruno’s offers a taste of Old World Italy with a modern twist, crafting dishes that celebrate our heritage while exploring new, unforgettable flavor profiles,” said Calcedonio Bruno, chef and owner.
If you can’t get enough of Old Florida, don’t miss The Veranda in downtown Fort Myers. Since 1978, this iconic restaurant serves Southern regional cuisine ranging from chicken Orleans and Atlantic salmon to filet mignon and USDA prime New York strip. But it’s the restaurant’s ambiance and first-class service that will have you feeling like you are dining in a bygone era.
Search for seashells on the seashore
If your favorite beach memento is a collection of seashells, Sanibel Island is the place to go.
Nicknamed the “Seashell capital of the world,” Sanibel Island offers 12 miles of beaches where you can peruse the sand and water for your next collectible. Given that more than 400 types of seashells wash ashore every day, it shouldn’t be hard to find a few to take home with you.
Once you have all the shells you want, take time to relax and watch the waves roll in. A great spot for doing just this is Pink Shell Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach. Book your stay for a full beach vacation, or purchase a resort day pass to enjoy the beach and pools for a beach vacation within a vacation.
Get comfortable in downtown Fort Myers
Just steps from Fort Myers’ bustling historic downtown, the Luminary Hotel & Co., Autograph Collection is the ideal place to stay when in town. Not only can you explore the city’s thriving shopping, dining and entertainment offerings nearby, but you also can relax in modern comfort that celebrates the city’s historic figures.
“Luminary Hotel & Co. was built on the belief that Fort Myers’ story deserves to shine,” said Joe Collier, president and founder of Mainsail Lodging & Development. “Inspired by Old Florida’s timeless charm, the hotel reflects a place where the river’s rhythm, warm hospitality and spirit of discovery shape everyday life.”
As you wander the property, you’ll see vintage photographs and artifacts from around the city. In addition, there are elements that honor the visionaries who defined Fort Myers: Think Capt. Francis Hendry, one of the city’s first settlers; Alice McCann, the city’s first telephone operator; and Tootie McGregor, one of the city’s “founding mothers.”
The hotel also offers several dining and beverage options, including The Silver King Coastal Kitchen with its Mediterranean-inspired menu, the Beacon Social Drinkery Rooftop Bar overlooking downtown and the river, and Dean Street Coffee Roastery & Retail.
Yes, Edison and Ford knew what they were doing when they chose Fort Myers for their winter getaways. Just one visit, and you may start doing the same.
