Are you taking a trip to Southwest Florida?
Are you headed to Sanibel Island?
If you are looking for a “non-beach” activity, I have the perfect suggestion.
My husband and I toured the Thomas Edison’s winter residence and museum located on the Caloosahatchee River on our wedding anniversary a few years ago. Did you know that Thomas Edison held over 1,093 patents? I didn’t; and it would be a great inspiration for children or adults with inventive minds to keep the ideas flowing.
The residence is surrounded by exotic gardens and trees. These gardens contain more than 1,000 plant varieties that Edison imported from all over the world. It is here that I saw my first Banyan Tree, which happens to be Florida’s largest. These trees fascinate me. If you haven’t heard of the Banyan Tree they put forth roots from the limbs that help support the huge bottom limbs. As much as they fascinate me I could not have one in my yard because they will easily overtake any other vegetation.
During the visit I learned that Henry Ford and Thomas Edison were very good friends. After a visit to the Edison Estate one summer, Henry Ford purchased the house next door. For more than 15 years Ford and his family spent summers in Fort Myers to be with the Edison’s.
We spent about four hours on the estate, touring the homes, gardens and the museum. Then we ventured over to Sanibel Island. We walked on the shell covered beach and ate lunch at the Bubble Room. Then on our way off the island we drove through “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and toured the visitor’s center. If you are a biker (bicycle not motorcycle) the island is a great place to ride.
Pack a lunch for the beach or visit one of the wonderful restaurants on the islands. You might consider making this a full weekend trip. Drive into Fort Myers on Friday and take the Edison Tour; then drive over to islands and enjoy a weekend retreat in the relaxing atmosphere of Sanibel and Captiva Islands.
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