Browsing Ft. Myers
Located on Sanibel Island, the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum is a great place to look at an amazing seashell and mollusk collection. There are over 30 exhibits at the museum covering everything from fossils to rare shells to local pieces. The museum opened in 1995, and is visited by hundreds of tourists, scientists, researchers, and students who want to learn about shells or conchology. School classes and other groups especially love the museum for its great educational programs and workshops, which include informational guided tours of the museum.
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Beachview Golf and Tennis Club, on lovely Sanibel Island, is a 18-hole, Par 71 championship golf course. Following the curves and scenic beauty of the Sanibel River, Beachview offers an challenging and rewarding golf experience for players of all skill levels.
As a member of Audubon International's Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, Beachview takes great pride in preserving the beautiful, natural Florida landscape that makes Beachview the most desirable course on Sanibel Island.
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Hop aboard this 186-foot yacht, where you'll be treated to a wide variety of casino games, including Blackjack, Let-it-Ride, video poker, Roulette, and more. The boat sets sail from Moss Marine and cruises last for five and a half hours while on-board guests enjoy the quality games, entertainment, and buffet dining that Big M offers. On the morning cruises, guests can also enjoy Bingo games in addition to the regular casino fare, and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night cruises feature great live entertainment!
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Located at the mouth of the Charlotte Harbor on Gasparilla Island and popularly known as the "Tarpon Fishing Capital of the World," Boca Grande is not just a town for fishing aficionados. Although seasonally inundated with tarpon fishers, Boca Grande maintains a "quaint village" feeling and provides a look into a Florida from a bygone era. The town has no traffic lights nor modern high rises, and charms visitors with a great downtown historic shopping district, a 100-year-old lighthouse, high-end restaurants, boat rental stores, charter tours, and galleries that feature art inspired by the beautiful surroundings.
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On the northern tip of Estero Island sits the pristine Bowditch Point Regional Park, comprised of 17 acres of beach, forest, estuary, and, of course, great vistas. As you explore the area, make special note of the variety of plants and animals that live in each of this unique park's three different terrains. With restrooms and restaurants nearby, and a trolley running from the Main Street Park and Ride to the beach every 15 minutes, there is no excuse to miss this site.
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Well-known for its shelling, the enchanting and isolated Bowman's Beach is arguably Sanibel Island's best beach. It's truly nature at its best: miles of beautifully open beachfront filled with shells. There are picnic tables, restrooms, showers, and bike racks, so pack a picnic and make a day of it! Don't let the five-minute walk from the parking area detour you; this is a beach not to be missed.
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This gorgeous 100-year old Georgian Revival home sits on the Caloosahatchee River in Historic Downtown Fort Myers. Some historians attribute the home's classy style and suburb workmanship with transforming the standards of wealth and success in turn-of-the-century Fort Myers. For those interested in learning more about the architectural style of the house and day-to-day living in Fort Myers over 100 years ago, the Burrough's Home offers informative tours guided by historically-costumed docents. Luncheons and personal events at the house are also available.
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Nature lovers will get a fun and educational look at southwest Florida's natural history and more at the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium. Calusa offers nature trails through forest and wetlands, a replica of a Seminole village, and an aviary for permanently injured native birds-of-prey. In the nature center visitors can watch live animals -- tarantulas, snakes, and alligators, to name a few -- and learn about their native habitats. Additionally, the center has a planetarium with a special exhibit on the Hubble telescope and frequent laser light shows. Call ahead to find out the times of the excellent educational walks and animal lectures.
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This museum traces the history of the founding and development of the city of Cape Coral, from its establishment in the late 1950s until present day. The Cape Coral Historical Society originally opened the museum at the Cape Coral Country Club, and it moved to its current location at Cultural Park in 1983. You'll find great collections of photographs, antiques, and documents here, in addition to informational area maps and educational material. The museum also boasts a beautiful rose garden where visitors can wander through the gorgeous flowers.
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Captiva Island is great for those more interested in water sports or shell collecting than tourist attractions, and beautiful Captiva Beach will entice any visitor looking for a little privacy. Since Captiva Island is more residential than nearby Sanibel Island, the sandy, clear-water beaches are yours to enjoy without a large crowd. There are no restroom facilities and limited parking, but the place is perfect for relaxing, shell collecting, swimming, or catching a great view of the sunset.
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Located on both sides of the elevated highway (the causeway) to Sanibel Island, these beaches are easily accessible from the road and lure visitors looking to swim, windsurf, or just relax and have a picnic. Also somewhat renowned for fishing, it's best to just watch local anglers trying their luck on these beaches in the early mornings or at dusk. Amenities on the beach include free parking, showers, restrooms, and picnic tables.
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Sitting west of Ft. Myers near Pelican Bay, Cayo Costa State Park sits on an island and provides a great place to fish, snorkel, or just hang out on the beach. The park encompasses about nine miles of white sand coastline and 2,506 acres of forest and swampland, so there's plenty to explore here. For those who want to enjoy an extended stay, the park also provides 12 primitive cabins for camping, as well as 30 tent sites. The island is only accessible by boat (either private boat or ferry), and there are many boat slips available for those wishing to find a place to dock, either overnight or for daytime fishing excursions. This popular park is the perfect place to play, explore, and enjoy nature without competing with large crowds.
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Constructed in the early 1990s, City of Palms Park functions as the spring training venue for the Boston Red Sox. The park is lined with rows of palm trees, giving it both its name and a beautiful backdrop. About 2/3 of the stadium seats here are covered, and there is a nice central concourse that offers concessions, gifts, and souvenirs. Visiting teams get to utilize the 9,000 square-foot clubhouse, and there are also four enclosed batting tunnels on site. Fans can get tickets to exhibition games that run for almost two months, from February through March, and practices are also open to the public for viewing.
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Locally known as "CROW", this clinic was established in 1968 for the purpose of rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing animals who are injured or are in need of help. The center treats over 4,000 birds, mammals, and reptiles each year, thanks to its employee roster of veterinarians, staff members, and volunteers trained in the rehabilitation of animals. CROW believes that the best way to keep animals healthy and out of their clinic is to provide education and awareness about native wildlife, so they put on great programs and workshops for the public, and also sponsor a variety of community events.
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This 20-acre vineyard was established in 1986 by the Kiser family, who experimented with Florida’s soil and climate to find out if they could grow popular grape varieties (Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, etc.) in southern Florida. They finally succeeded, after many trials, and now produce six different wines. Visitors will love stopping by the cozy tasting room, located in the beautiful rural town of Alva, east of Ft. Myers. Wine tastings and sales are coordinated by three generations of Kisers, who ensure that the wines are of high quality and delicious, and that they maintain their unique local qualities.
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Famously known as the winter homes of inventor Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, this compound houses a museum, 17 acres of beautifully landscaped botanical gardens and grounds, and of course, the restored homes themselves. The homes are renovated and furnished with period antiques and accessories to evoke an atmosphere similar to that which Thomas Edison would have enjoyed in the early 1900s. In addition to the homes, guests can also explore restored laboratories where Edison did his research and experiments, as well as an outdoor in-ground pool that he had built in 1910. The exhibits in the museum cover such interesting topics as Edison's inventions, his power systems, Ford's cars and engines, and many great photographs.
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The Everglades Day Safari is Florida's premier Everglades eco-tour, providing daily excursions to the Everglades since 1992. Everglades Day Safari offers tours from the east coast (Ft. Lauderdale area) as well as the west coast (Sanibel/Ft. Myers/Naples area) of Florida. Travelers with Everglades Day Safari adventure into the four major Everglades ecosystems during their day-long exploration, including the sawgrass prairie, mangrove estuary, cypress swamp, and the savannah. Exploration is on foot, by airboat, by pontoon boat, and in air-conditioned vehicles. Hungry explorers are offered delicious alligator appetizers as well as an assortment of lunch choices during your stop in Everglades City.
The trips are guided by a renowned team of naturalists, from doctors of ornithology to herpetologists who expertly escort explorers into one of the most beautiful and unique places on earth--the Everglades. All wildlife is truly wild and therefore every excursion is different and exciting. At various times throughout the year, travelers will see manatee, bald eagles, swallow-tailed kites and roseate spoonbills among many other species of wildlife. Bottle-nosed dolphins and American alligators are seen regularly and all in their natural habitat.
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If you're looking for a good place to launch your boat, rent watercraft, or stock up before a fishing trip, Fish Tale Marina has you covered. You can rent a variety of boats here, from power boats to kayaks, as well as reserve charter fishing and sightseeing trips. Also, the marina offers both wet and dry places to store your boat as well as a fully-stocked marina store where you can find everything you'll need for a day on the water, including fishing tackle, bait, lifejackets, paddles, food, and sportswear.
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Gasparilla Island State Park's 135 acres is comprised of three lovely beaches: Sand Spur Beach, Sea Grape Beach, and Lighthouse Beach. Although swimming is advised against at Lighthouse Beach, it's fun to watch local fishermen go after one of Florida's most celebrated fish, the tarpon, a saltwater game fish also known as the "silver king". The Gasparilla Island State Park beaches are great for visitors looking for a fun day at the beach and have grills, picnic tables, restrooms and showers available to the public.
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This multipurpose event and performance venue has hosted over 1,000 events since it opened in 1998. It is the home of the Florida Everblades hockey team, as well as the Florida Firecats arena football team, and can seat up to 7,200 people for hockey games and 8,200 for concerts. Headliners over the past few years have included such favorites as Tom Petty, Cher, Brad Paisley, the Harlem Globetrotters, Sesame Street Live, and many others. In addition to the three ice rinks and arena football field, the arena also offers various other amenities including meeting spaces, a sports pub restaurant, and luxury suites.
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See the backwaters, bays, rivers, and shorelines of Southwest Florida on this kayaking trail. The Great Calusa Blueway trail has two 50-miles portions; one leading south that starts at the San Carlos Bay Preserve and continues through Estero Bay to Mound Key Archaeological State Park and the Imperial Trail. The second segment of the trail goes north through Fort Myer's Bunche Beach to Boca Grande. Kayakers will marvel at the natural splendor along the trial: tiny mangrove islands, dolphins, manatees, pelicans, ospreys, herons, and bald eagles, just to name a few. Visitors will need a kayak or canoe, which can be rented off-site.
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Sanibel Island beaches are believed to be among the most family-friendly in Florida, and Gulfside City Park beach is no exception. The beach's central location protects it from stronger ocean currents that are sometimes present on beaches at the tips of the island, and the sandbar makes for almost swimming pool-like conditions. Once done with swimming, take a short hike off the beach on the bike path, it leads to a historic pioneer cemetery that is inaccessible by car. The beach also has picnic tables shaded by large pine trees and a reputation of being a good shelling site.
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Hammond Stadium opened in 1991 and is home to the Ft. Myers Miracle baseball team (part of the Florida State League) as well as the Gulf Coast League Twins. The stadium is notable for its exterior, which was loosely modeled after Churchill Downs and is beautifully landscaped with palm trees, grass, and walkways. Inside, there are both box seats and aluminum bleacher seating. In addition to being the home of the Miracle, the stadium is also used as the spring training venue for the Minnesota Twins MLB team.
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This interactive museum is kid-friendly and will keep the whole family entertained for hours. There are over 60 hands-on exhibits here, and all are science and nature themed. You'll find many great things to check out at the Imaginarium, such as the Animal Lab, Dino Dig, Mind Magic, Science of Motion, Sporty Science Arena, and more. You'll also be treated to the new Sea-to-See Touch Tanks, which allow guests to explore and touch sea animals such as stingrays, crabs, mollusks, and urchins. If you're on a family vacation to Ft. Myers, the Imaginarium is a great place to go to keep everyone busy.
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J.C. Cruises offers great sightseeing and dinner tours on a gorgeous paddlewheel boat, the
Capt. J.P. The boat can hold up to 600 people, and guests can choose from seven different cruise options, ranging from a family Sunday buffet cruise to a Gulf of Mexico cruise to a Dinner Dance cruise. All cruises start sailing up and down the Caloosahatchee River, and some also explore the Intracoastal Waterway. They also offer private charter cruises and wedding options, so guests are sure to find the type of cruise they want.
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The expansive Ding National Wildlife Refuge's 6,354 acres encompass half of Sanibel Island and offers something for every outdoors and wildlife lover. Hiking trails, a driving route, tram, and canoe and kayak rentals make the Ding National Wildlife Refuge a perfect place for scenic outdoor activities, while the interpretative center and guided nature walks are available to visitors intent on learning about Florida's natural and diverse animals and ecosystems. Alligators, roseate spoonbills, ospreys, manatees, bobcats, and river otters are just a few of the 32 different types of mammals, 50 different kinds of reptiles, and an amazing 230 species of birds that make the refuge their home. Don't miss a climb up the observation tower to get an osprey's-eye view of this natural marvel.
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The Koreshan State Historic Site got its start in 1894 when religious pioneer Cyrus Reed Teed brought followers to the area to practice their form of faith, Koreshanity. The utopian group was called Koreshan Unity, and believed that all life existed within a hollow sphere. By 1961, the group had dwindled to only four members, who decided to deed the 305 acres of land to the state of Florida to remember Teed. Today, visitors can enjoy the park's many amenities, which include a nature trail, canoe rentals, fishing on the Estero River, a picnic area, boat ramp, and campground. Some of the original buildings of the Koreshan Unity group are also visible, and are preserved for visitors to explore through guided (or non-guided) tours.
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Bring the whole family to Lakes Regional Park for a day of fun in the sun. The park features 279 acres of lakes, green spaces, walking trails, and rentable pavilions and other structures that are great for parties or BBQs. Be sure to check out the 158-acres of freshwater quarry lakes that are located within the park. The lakes boast depths of up to 20 feet and are great for fishing, as well as seeing a wide array of other animals including alligator, heron, ibis, and more. The lakes here got their start in the 1960s when they were used for a man-made rock quarry, and the area was opened to the public as a park in 1984.
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Constructed in 1884, the Sanibel Lighthouse is the most photographed landmark on the island, and is still functional after more than a hundred years. A boardwalk traverses the natural wetlands to the beach, which wraps around the eastern tip of the island and gives both Gulf side and bay side views. Don't forget to bring your fishing poles because the beach also has a classic T-dock fishing pier. To get to the beach and lighthouse, turn left on Periwinkle Way from Causeway Road.
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Lovers Key State Park covers 712-acres, and includes a beach and wildlife estuary. It is Florida's newest state park, and its picturesque landscape has already made it a favorite spot for weddings. A tram takes visitors across estuaries to the sandy beach, which was once only accessible by boat. Beach goers will find few people and many amenities: restrooms, outdoor showers, grills, picnic tables, a boat ramp, and canoe and kayak rentals. Wildlife lovers should make sure to plan a stop here as well, as the expansive park is home to manatees, bald eagles, dolphins, and more.
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One of Lynn Hall Memorial Park's best attractions is the 560-foot pier, nicknamed "Pelican Pier," that stretches into the Gulf of Mexico. From here, visitors can catch great vistas, go fishing, and watch as pelicans dive in and out of the water in search of food. The beach at the park is perfect for families, with showers, restrooms, concessions, covered picnic tables, a playground, and an nature kiosk with information about Florida's land formations, plants, and animals. The shops and restaurants nearby are further proof that Lynn Hall Memorial Park truly is a site that has it all!
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Manatee Park is not your average nature park. Along with three manatee-viewing decks on the Orange River, the park has special polarized filters and a hydrophone that allows visitors to listen to the manatees "talking" to each other; a cow and her calf are said to be particularly verbose. The park also has educational exhibits, a canoe launch, an interpretive center, and also doubles as a manatee rescue and release facility, where formerly injured rehabilitated manatees are cared for before being returned to their homes in the ocean.
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Hop aboard one of Manatee World's open-air boats to take a tour of the area's wetlands and get great viewings of manatees. Manatees are endangered, shy creatures, and these tours will give you the chance to get up close and take a look at the unique marine animal. Manatee World is dedicated to educating the public about these gentle creatures, and they also work with local, state, and federal agencies to help preserve and protect the animals and their ecosystems. Boat guests will not only be treated to manatee sightings, but also will get to hear an informative ecological narration about the animal and its habitat.
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West of Cape Coral, Pine Island is a laid-back throwback to an era of old Florida fishing communities. Its gateway town, Matlacha (pronounce Matt-la-SHAY), claims the "world's fishingest bridge", and it hosts a jumble of fish shacks turned into seafood markets, as well as numerous restaurants, bars, and artists' galleries.
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In nearby Cape Coral, Mike Greenwell's Family Fun Park has a myriad of activities ensuring that kids will never want to leave: four go-cart tracks, eight batting cages, 19-hole miniature golf, an arcade, a maze, and a fish-feeding dock. And of course, what kids' park would be complete without paintball? Mike Greenwell's park has that too, as well as an extensive paintball store where you can stock up on all your supplies. The attractions may be for kids, but the reasonable prices are appealing for parents. There is also a snack bar and a free playground for kids under ten on the grounds.
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Mound Key is an undeveloped island that may have been a significant ancient Native American site. Archaeological digs are now underway in an attempt to discern the island's secret past, which is not an easy task as many artifacts are preserved in 30ft high shell mounds! The state park itself is actually a part of the Koreshan State Historic site, which preserves the location of a late 19th century religious sect's commune. Visitors to the island and the parks are encouraged to explore the grounds, but are asked not to take any artifacts from the island.
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Dedicated to educating the public about preserving and protecting our marine resources, the Ostego Bay Marine Science Center is a great place to go to learn through interactive, hands-on exhibits. The Center provides education through great displays such as a touch tank and aquariums, as well as exhibits that cover topics such as the beach, estuary, fossils, pollution, storm runoff, and more. Guests can also take advantage of the once weekly tour of the Center, the Coast Guard Station, and the shrimping industry-dominated waterfront.
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Despite almost being decimated by Hurricane Charley in 2004, Punta Gorda has recovered and is now a quaint and quiet historic community that should not be missed. Located across from Port Charlotte, some historians believe Punta Gorda to be the place where the legendary Ponce de Leon received his fatal arrow wound in 1521. Visit Punta Gorda's charming historic district with refurbished commercial buildings along streets adorned with old-fashioned street lamps, sculptures, and more than 20 murals. Punta Gorda also has great wildlife and wilderness areas with hiking, hunting, and even swamp tours, as well as water-based activities, tours, rentals, and lessons.
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Historic buildings from all over the island have been uprooted and hauled in to form the model "Olde Sanibel" at the Sanibel Historical Village and Museum. This recreation allows visitors to see what the island was like at the turn of the century. Included in the mix are the pioneer Clarence Rutland's original home, a tea room restored to its nostalgic 1930s appearance, the Burnap Cottage (constructed in 1898), the town's original post office, a schoolhouse, general store and even an antique Model-T. The museum also has a wealth of old newspapers, articles, and photographs, as well as lighthouse artifacts and displays.
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Take a ride on the Seminole Gulf Railway for a great tour full of beautiful scenery and history. Guests can choose from a variety of different tours, ranging from mystery dinner excursions to dinner train trips to special holiday festivities. There are also educational daytime tours available; they last about 1.75 hours and offer a great ride as well as educational narration about the history and ecology of the area. The dinner trip is also a popular option, as it not only includes a relaxing train tour, but also a delicious meal featuring menu items such as guava barbecue chicken, prime rib, salad, and fruit crisp for dessert.
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This unique attraction appeals to a variety of tourist interests: there are bumper boats, mini golf, pitching cages, and a video arcade to keep the kids entertained; a store filled with shells, shell-covered and shell-themed merchandise for the shopping aficionados; and for the shell lovers, the largest collection of rare shells and corals in the world. Outside there is a recently renovated nature park with a botanical garden, hiking trails, and a petting zoo with camels, donkeys, pot-bellied pigs, and more. Don't worry, there's also food available here to keep you nourished and energized as you peruse and partake in the Shell Factory and Nature Park's many attractions.
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This preserved natural area is home to a wide variety of native animals and plants, and is a great place to take a walk through the woods. The slough features a great 1.2-mile nature trail where visitors can get glimpses of animals and enjoy the scenery from the observation decks. Some of the animals that make their home in the slough include white tailed deer, alligators, and birds. The slough encompasses about 2,500 acres, and offers many areas and ecosystems to explore—if you‘re lucky, you might even spot one of the more than 10 different species of endangered animals and plants that live here.
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Housed in a restored railroad depot, this museum focuses on the history and progression of southwest Florida by highlighting the many different groups that have resided in the region. From the ancient Paleoindians, the Calusa people, and the Seminole tribes, to the Spanish explorers, early settlers, and farmers and fishers at the turn of the century, all are covered in this extensive museum. There are also exhibits, memorabilia, ancient artifacts, and photographs to help visitors understand the area's rich heritage. The museum houses some noteworthy curios, like a La France fire pumper from the 1920s, an 84-foot long Pullman rail car built in 1929, and a replica of a 19th century Cracker house. And for those interested in Fort Myer's architecture, the museum offers a 90-minute walking tour in the historic downtown area that focuses on the town's interesting structural designs.
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Sun Harvest Citrus offers delicious, juicy Honeybell tangelos and tangerines. They also make and sell their own orange (and other fruit) juices, which make for tasty refreshments on a warm day. Sun Harvest was founded in 1940 by Robert Edsall Sr., and the company is now operated by younger generations of his family. Guests can take a look around the facility here, taste the fruit and juices, take a tour of the packing house, and even treat themselves to soft serve ice cream. Of course, there's also a gift shop that sells the citrus fruit and lots of other Florida-themed gifts and souvenirs.
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Located across the river from Ft. Myers in Cape Coral, Sun Splash Family Waterpark is a great place to bring the family for a day of fun in the sun. The park features over 14 acres of watery fun, including water slides, pools, an ecological boardwalk, lazy rivers, and more. You'll find activities here for people of all ages, from the gentle Rain Tree that's great for the younger ones in the group, to the five-story, adrenaline-pumping X-Celerator slide that will keep the teens and adults happy. In addition to great slides and rides, the park also offers a cafe, volleyball court, birthday party area, and a gift shop where guests can stock up on supplies such as sunscreen and goggles.
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Beautiful and private, Tarpon Bay Beach on Sanibel Island has not been commercially developed and is perfect for beach-goers who want to get away from the crowds. Known for its great shelling, the beach is also noted for its sand quality, lots of open area, restrooms, and picnic tables. The beach is a bit of a walk from the parking lot, but its white sandy expanses and clear water make it well worth the trek.
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Explore the J.N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge through a Tarpon Bay Explorers guided tour. Tarpon Bay offers guided tram, kayak, and boat tours through the beautiful landscapes of the refuge, where guests will be treated to great scenery and wildlife viewing. They also offer a delicious breakfast cruise, which takes guests through the refuge while they munch on tasty pastries, juices, and coffee. The kayak tours are a great option for those looking to get a bit of exercise with their nature viewing; tours range from 1.5 to 2 hours and include guided narration and great bird watching opportunities.
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This par-3 course is fantastic for the beginning golfer and those experienced golfers who want to polish their short game. Water hazards come into play on many holes and sand bunkers dot the course. This course is well maintained.
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Located alongside the Blind Pass Bridge that separates Captiva and Sanibel Islands, Turner Beach is a favorite among local fishermen and shell-collectors. There is a free parking lot on the Captiva Island side, but unfortunately, due to fairly strong currents, visitors are not advised to swim here. Come to westward-facing Turner Beach to catch stunning sunsets.
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