By Angela Langford, aklangford@naplesnews.com
EscapeToSWFlorida.com Staff Writer

Established in 1886, Fort Myers is the historical and governmental hub of Lee County. This inland city is located where the Caloosahatchee River spills into the Gulf of Mexico.

Fort Myers got its nickname, the "City of Palms," from the hundreds of towering royal palms that inventor Thomas Edison planted along McGregor Boulevard, the main residential street and site of his winter estate. Edison's idea caught on, and there are now more than 2,000 royal palms on McGregor Boulevard alone. From its historic sites, islands and white-sand beaches to tropical gardens and palms, the area provides access to water sports, museums, historic tours, golf and theater.

Situated as the hub of southwest Florida, Fort Myers offers access to many neighboring resort destinations. Off the west coast of Fort Myers, more than 100 islands range in length from just a few feet to more than 16 miles, including Sanibel and Captiva. Down the coast still farther is Naples, and a half hour south of Naples is Marco Island. Southwest Florida International Airport, located in Fort Myers, makes these popular vacation spots accessible to visitors from around the world.

From high-rise beachfront hotels to cabins or cottages, Fort Myers offers a variety of accommodations to satisfy any taste and stay within your budget. Choose from a historic setting within the City of Fort Myers or step out the door onto to the white sands of Fort Myers Beach. For a quieter, more secluded beach spot, try Lover's Key. Located between Fort Myers and Bonita Springs Beaches, Lover's Key is a State Recreation Area and offers a little more seclusion from the crowds.

Most of Fort Myers' activities are centered around the water - including relaxing on the white sand beaches, fishing, and boating. There are many beaches to visit in the Fort Myers area. Perhaps the most popular beach is Fort Myers Beach, located on Estero Island.

Fort Myers Beach is a popular spot for spring breakers as well as tourists of all ages. Numerous restaurants, stores and island shops line the beach boardwalk. For the adventurous travelers, Fort Myers Beach offers jet-ski rentals, paddleboat rentals and parasailing.

The history of Fort Myers is rich with varied cultural influences. From the earliest days of the Calusa Indian empire to the migration of the Koreshan Unity Church members, it has grown by embracing diversity. Despite commercial development, the older downtown area and the City of Fort Myers historic districts have retained much of their charm. The Fort Myers Historical Museum is housed inside of a restored train and has many exhibits on the earliest settlers of the Fort Myers area including the Calusa Indians, the cattle ranchers, who played a valuable part in supplying the Confederacy with food during the Civil War, and the Koreshan religious sect.

Besides museums that both entertain and educate, visitors may tour the homes of Fort Myers' famous past residents. Visit Thomas A. Edison's Winter Home, a 14-acre estate that includes a laboratory, botanical gardens, and a museum.

Also stop in next door at Henry Ford's Winter Residence, the more modest seasonal home of Edison's fellow inventor, automaker, and longtime friend.

The Burroughs home is a turn-of-the-century house, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Burroughs Home, built in 1901 in downtown Fort Myers, overlooks the Caloosahatchee River. A tour is given by guides dressed in World War I era costumes. The guides portray members of the Burroughs family as they lived in the year 1918, when they purchased the home.

Fort Myers has much to offer those who enjoy outdoor recreation and sports. If you like to play golf, Fort Myers has a golf course to suit you. There are approximately 60 golf courses open for year round golfing. For baseball enthusiasts, Fort Myers is the spring training home of the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins.

Shopping malls, restaurants and nightclubs offer respite from outdoor activity. Several outlet malls are located just outside Fort Myers, such as Miromar Outlets in Estero. For an evening or afternoon of indoor entertainment, visit the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, which offers a large venue of variety shows, Broadway performances and concerts.

With its beautiful beaches and endless amusements, Fort Myers, or the "City of Palms", beckons its visitors and residents alike to remember its rich history and its status as one of the best places to visit.