3 Amazing Things that Should Come to Mind When You Think of Fort Myers
When people think of modern day Fort Myers, chances are thoughts of enticing ocean-front restaurants and beautifully-planned residential neighborhoods come to mind. But what most people don’t think of is that this quiet, beachside community was once called home by some of the greatest minds in American history.
Actually, there are many things people don’t know about the Fort Myers/Cape Coral area. For instance, did you know that Cape Coral has more canals than the Italian city of Venice? Or that the sport of tarpon fishing originated in the warm Gulf waters that surround the city?
Today, we’ll take a look at three facts that make Fort Myers the perfect place to buy your next home.
Sanibel Is Right Around the Corner
Have you ever dreamed of travelling to a tropical island, your toes sunk in the soft 
white sand, coconut palms swaying behind you, and beautiful crystal blue water stretching farther than the eye can see? While this may seem like a far off vacation, this is what Fort Myers’ locals just call “Tuesday.”
Sanibel Island has everything one could wish for – excellent restaurants, first-class accommodations, golfing, tennis, fishing, shopping, and over 15 miles of pristine beaches that’ll make you wish you never had to wear full-length pants again.
The beaches are so celebrated that last year U.S. News & World Report ranked Sanibel Island’s Bowman’s Beach 10th on its list of the “12 Best Beaches of the World.”
But want to hear the best part? Sanibel Island is less than 20 minutes from the southern neighborhoods of Fort Myers.
There’s an Art Scene, Like A Really Big One.
In the Fort Myers-Sanibel area, it’s easy to lose an entire day hopping from one art gallery to another. Ft. Myers eclectic scene boasts more than 10 unique art galleries, monthly music and art walks, and an ArtFest, which has deemed itself as Southwest Florida’s premier art festival.
Currently, the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Ft. Myers is being renovated into what local art enthusiasts hope becomes the “Gem of the River District.” This architectural icon has been the city’s catalyst for theater, music, and rotating art shows since the 1930’s.
It’s So Good Even Thomas Edison and Henry Ford Lived Here
Thomas Edison’s relationship with Ft. Myers is a little known – but nevertheless intriguing – fact. The man whose inventions changed the world first visited the young town in 1885. Unable to resist its charm, he purchased a winter home, almost on the spot.
The home would go on to host the many notables who visited Edison, including automobile tycoon Henry Ford and rubber mogul Harvey S. Firestone. Powerless to resist the town’s appeal either, they also invested in area property.
Today, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates’ historical museum and botanical gardens entertain thousands of tourists a year. Edison’s botanical garden, more than 15 acres in size, is said to contain a thousand different varieties of plants, including the world’s largest banyan tree at 400 feet.
If living close to Florida’s most celebrated beaches, a thriving art scene, and a plethora of museums doesn’t give you enough reason to buy a home here, then call me to find the perfect community to live in.
Posted by Guest Blogger: Villa Medici