COME FOR THE BEACH, STAY FOR SO MUCH MORE
BY ALONA ABBADY MARTINEZ
SUN, SURF, AND SAND MAY SHINE OUT OF POSTCARDS IN FLORIDA’S “CITY OF PALMS,” BUT VISITORS
WHO STEP OFF THE 7-MILE, GULF-COAST BEACH WILL DISCOVER A THRIVING DOWNTOWN OF AWARD-
WINNING RESTAURANTS AND DYNAMIC CULTURAL VENUES, WITH A TOUCH OF HISTORY AND A DASH OF
INVENTION. AFTER ALL, THIS WAS THE WINTER HOME OF THOMAS EDISON AND HENRY FORD.
do
Turquoise waters and powder-white sand abound — so do seashells.
Visitors can head to Sanibel Island’s Bailey-Matthews National Shell
Museum to learn why this spot was dubbed “Seashell Capital of the
World.” Back in town, explore the homes and research lab of the
city’s most famous historical residents at the Edison & Ford Winter
Estates before ending the day with a concert at the Sidney & Berne
Davis Art Center.
eat
This burgeoning foodie town was noticed by the world when Sweet
Melissa’s Cafe received a nomination in this year’s James Beard Awards
(the Oscars of the food world) for specialties like fish stew. Upgraded
comfort food with stellar wines can be found at Twisted Vine Bistro,
with dishes like lobster mac and cheese and truffle fries. Burger buns
seared with the Ford emblem at Ford’s Garage is one of the many nods
given to the Model T inventor.
stay
Set in the heart of downtown, boutique Hotel Indigo embraces the
city’s creative vibe. The colorful mural by the rooftop pool was created
by a local artist, and it’s one of the stops in Fort Myers’ monthly Music
Walks featuring local musicians. The hotel is also close to The Franklin
Shops, a treasure trove of shops.
getting
there
FLYWASHINGTON.COM 46 AUTUMN 2019
Daily nonstop flights on American Airlines
and JetBlue connect Reagan National Airport
(DCA) to Fort Myers Southwest Florida
International Airport (RSW), while United
Airlines offers nonstop service from Dulles
International Airport (IAD) in about two hours
and 35 minutes one way .