Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
mainly on the overwhelming scope of Edison's genius, and their homes are genteel, land-
scaped delights.
From November through March, one of the easiest ways to encounter wintering
Rd 80; parking per hr/day $2/5; 8am-sunset daily)
, a warm-water power-plant dis-
charge canal that's now a protected sanctuary. The park is signed off Hwy 80, about 6.5
miles from downtown.
For an easily accessible taste of South Florida wetlands, meander the 1.2-mile board-
walk trail of the
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
(
239-533-7550;
www.leeparks.org/
sixmile
; 7791 Penzance Blvd; parking per hr/day $1/5;
dawn-dusk, nature center 10am-4pm Tue-
Sat, to 2pm Sun)
.
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Fort Myers Beach
Fifteen miles south of Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach is 7 miles of talcum powder-fine
sand along
Estero Island
, presided over by one of Florida's quintessential activity-and-
party-fueled beach towns. Families often prefer Fort Myers Beach because it's more af-
fordable than neighboring coastal towns, and coeds like it because its bars are louder and
more raucous. For town information, visit
www.fortmyersbeachchamber.org
.
The only draw, and it's a good one, is the beachy fun, but nearby
Lovers Key State
Park
( 239-463-4588;
www.floridastateparks.org
;
8700 Estero Blvd; per car/bike $8/2; 8am-
sunset)
adds great shelling as well as hiking and kayaking among quiet islands and canals
(frequented by manatees).
Impeccably clean and well maintained,
Edison Beach House
( 239-463-1530;
www.edisonbeachhouse.com
; 830 Estero Blvd; r $145-415; )
is perfectly situated near
action central (the so-called Times Sq area), yet soothingly comfortable, with full kit-
chens. For funky charm in a more low-key beach section, nab one of the six rooms at
Mango Street Inn
( 239-233-8542;
www.mangostreetinn.com
; 126 Mango St; r $95-150;
)
, an idiosyncratic B&B serving delectable breakfasts by a Cajun-trained chef.
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Sanibel & Captiva Islands
