From Siesta Key to Ft Myers, Southwest Florida is sure to cure your cabin fever, with a continuum of vital downtown neighborhoods to beautiful beaches.
They say, “In a nod to its namesake, Siesta Key beaches are an invitation for relaxation and rejuvenation.” The first attempt to develop the key was by the Siesta Land Company in 1907, consisting of Harry Higel, Captain Louis Roberts, and E.M. Arbogast. The company platted the northern end of the key as “Siesta on the Gulf,” as well as dredged bayous and built docks. The only access to Siesta Key was by boat or ferry until the first bridge connecting it to the mainland was completed in 1917.
Siesta Key has the charm and feel of Key West. The beach, well not sure I can describe the beauty and calm of the white quartz cool sand, sounds of the perfect waves of crystal blue water hitting the beach while the sun is warming you from your skin to your soul. I know now why so many of our fellow Ohioans have become snowbirds to the sunny state of Florida. Just minutes from the beach you will find, as they call it “The Village,” lined with a variety of shops with merchandise to satisfy everyone’s needs and wants to restaurants from local spots, like S.K.O.B with dishes to impress, pizza joints, and fine dining at the Summer House Steak and Seafood, then end with late-night fun at Gillian’s or The Beach Club! There is truly something for everyone within The Village!
If you are a history or art enthusiast, Fort Myers is steeped in history while marching to a modern vibe. The depth of culture and history can be enjoyed cruising down the Caloosahatche River, where the Calusa Indians traveled east to the Atlantic Ocean or south to the Florida Keys. Dolphins and manatees will delight your family as you cruise down the river.
You can almost feel the enthusiasm and eagerness of the early entrepreneurs when you visit the Edison and Ford estates, where the early 1900s brought inventors and snowbirds to this sunny destination to discuss, debate, and create while visiting their winter homes. Your kids (or grandkids) will be amazed at the early experiments displayed in Edison’s laboratory. Then there is the IMAG History and Science Center downtown Fort Myers for family fun.
If you are an art enthusiast, there is the ornate historic post office, now the Sidney and Bernie Davis Art Center, as well as numerous art galleries, exhibits and film festivals. Also, every month, the historic River District brings families and friends together to enjoy Friday night Art Walk and Music Walk.
Bar hopping scene has everything from fashionable Firestone Sky Bar to the Prohibition-era vibe of the 86 Room. Numerous restaurants will please your palate from the Social House where you can hang and play standing size games while eating sharable dishes to Capone’s that has pizza you will write home about, all while maintaining a historical and local vibe.
And of course, there is the ever-popular Fort Myer Beach where fun and sun abounds with beachfront dining and water sports while watching the beautiful sunsets over the Gulf.
