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Must Do Fort Myers Visitor Guide Summer/Fall 2017

At Must Do Visitor Guides we believe the best experiences in life are better when shared, and so we do. Inside this Fort Myers Summer/Fall 2017 issue, you will find over one hundred well-researched and carefully curated standout things to do so you can make the most of your visit. Everything from major attractions to awe-inspiring tours or family activities conveniently arranged in our Top 10 directories. Our dining and nightlife recommendations take the guesswork out of where to find a great meal or drink. You can make your experience here even more spectacular with our valuable deals and savings.

At Must Do Visitor Guides we believe the best experiences in life are better when shared, and so we do. Inside this Fort Myers Summer/Fall 2017 issue, you will find over one hundred well-researched and carefully curated standout things to do so you can make the most of your visit. Everything from major attractions to awe-inspiring tours or family activities conveniently arranged in our Top 10 directories. Our dining and nightlife recommendations take the guesswork out of where to find a great meal or drink. You can make your experience here even more spectacular with our valuable deals and savings.

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ATTRACTIONS<br />

top<br />

Experience the<br />

10<br />

Coupon<br />

Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum<br />

3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel Island<br />

888.679.6450 • ShellMuseum.org<br />

More than 30 exhibits devoted to shell<br />

habitat, history, common Southwest<br />

Florida shells, rare specimens, fossil shells,<br />

and more. Offers in-depth information on<br />

local shelling and identification, a hands-on<br />

play area for kids, displays, games, a tank<br />

with indigenous mollusks, and educational<br />

and fun daily programs. Open daily from<br />

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving.<br />

The Mound House<br />

451 Connecticut Street, <strong>Fort</strong> <strong>Myers</strong> Beach<br />

239.765.0865 • MoundHouse.org<br />

Built in 1921, Mound House is the oldest<br />

standing structure on Estero Island and sits<br />

atop an ancient Calusa Indian Shell Mound<br />

directly on Estero Bay. Learn about Florida<br />

prehistory, Calusa Indians, and early pioneer<br />

settlements through educational programs,<br />

botanical, and archeological tours. See<br />

website for special events. Open from 9 a.m.<br />

to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday.<br />

DEBI PITTMAN WILKEY<br />

Places we<br />

Love<br />

When you visit Sanibel and Captiva<br />

Islands you’ll have an opportunity to<br />

experience North America’s best<br />

shelling, and with over 300 species of<br />

birds in the <strong>Fort</strong> <strong>Myers</strong>-Sanibel area,<br />

it is one of the top destinations in the country for birding. Add to this great biking<br />

and kayaking trails, and acre upon acre of wildlife sanctuary and you’ve got a<br />

combination of natural attractions that are tough to beat. Once you’ve scoured<br />

the beaches and collected enough shells to fill a suitcase, it’s time to experience<br />

the <strong>Fort</strong> <strong>Myers</strong> area’s other attractions.<br />

History enthusiasts will be fascinated to learn that Native Americans, pirates,<br />

explorers, and world-famous inventors have all called the <strong>Fort</strong> <strong>Myers</strong> area home.<br />

The Calusa Indians ruled Southwest Florida for thousands of years before the<br />

arrival of famed Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León in the early 1500s, and<br />

Thomas Edison and Henry Ford had winter homes here. In addition to the area’s<br />

natural and historical attractions, you’ll find a diverse array of culture and arts,<br />

with everything from first-class music and theater, to museum quality visual art<br />

providing hours of fun and entertainment the entire family can enjoy.<br />

Check It Out<br />

C.R.O.W<br />

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife is a<br />

unique visitor education center and wildlife<br />

hospital featuring interactive exhibits, daily<br />

presentations with Animal Ambassadors, and<br />

weekly wildlife walks including a behind the<br />

scenes tour of the hospital and campus. Be sure<br />

to visit the fantastic wildlife themed gift shop.<br />

See website for hours.<br />

3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel Island<br />

239.472.3644 • CROWClinic.org<br />

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre<br />

1380 Colonial Blvd., <strong>Fort</strong> <strong>Myers</strong><br />

239.278.4422 • BroadwayPalm.com<br />

Experience dazzling Broadway musicals<br />

and an award-winning buffet. The 2016-<strong>2017</strong><br />

Season includes Evita, Phantom, Anything<br />

Goes, Clue the Musical, Mary Poppins,<br />

Groovin’, Pippin, and A Christmas Story.<br />

They also feature four children’s theater<br />

productions each year, an annual concert<br />

series, and a smaller venue: The Off Broadway<br />

Palm, which presents comedies year-round.<br />

See website for full schedule.<br />

Edison & Ford Winter Estates<br />

2350 McGregor Blvd., <strong>Fort</strong> <strong>Myers</strong><br />

239.334.7419 • EdisonFordWinterEstates.org<br />

<strong>Visitor</strong>s to Edison Ford can enjoy 20 acres of<br />

historical buildings and gardens including<br />

Edison’s Botanic Lab and the Museum.<br />

The 1929 historic landscape is evident<br />

throughout the property, and the Museum<br />

has an impressive collection of inventions,<br />

artifacts, archive and special exhibits. Also<br />

features a gift shop and café. Offers a wide<br />

range of tour options. Open daily from 9 a.m.<br />

to 5:30 p.m.<br />

Everglades Wonder Gardens<br />

27180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs<br />

239.992.2591 • EvergladesWonderGardens.com<br />

This Old Florida family attraction features<br />

3 ½ acres of lush tropical botanical gardens.<br />

See flamingos, alligators, exotic birds, and<br />

more. Explore the gardens and exhibits on<br />

a self-guided tour, enjoy a picnic, or relax<br />

in the native butterfly garden overlooking<br />

the Imperial River. Gallery, café, and gift and<br />

souvenir shop. Open daily from 9 a.m. to<br />

5 p.m. Closed Christmas.<br />

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge<br />

1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel Island<br />

239.472.1100 • DingDarlingSociety.org<br />

Part of the largest undeveloped ecosystem<br />

in the U.S., this 6,400-acre wildlife refuge is<br />

home to more than 220 species of birds. The<br />

five-mile Wildlife Drive, tours, trails, fishing,<br />

kayaking, and bicycling provide excellent<br />

opportunities for visitors and residents to<br />

experience and enjoy the area. Education<br />

Center features interactive exhibits and a<br />

hands-on area for children.<br />

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens<br />

1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples<br />

239.262.5409 • NaplesZoo.org<br />

Experience a wildly fun day at this<br />

historic tropical oasis where you’re<br />

only steps away from many exotic and<br />

endangered animals. Hand-feed giraffes,<br />

observe alligator feedings, and take a<br />

narrated cruise past islands of monkeys,<br />

lemurs, and apes. Meet the zookeepers<br />

and enjoy numerous wildlife shows,<br />

presentations, and exhibits including the<br />

new endangered Florida panther exhibit.<br />

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.<br />

Sanibel Historical Museum & Village<br />

950 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Island<br />

239.472.4648 • SanibelMuseum.org<br />

Follow the footsteps of Sanibel Island<br />

pioneers, from Calusa and Spanish eras<br />

to early islanders. <strong>Do</strong>cents bring to life<br />

Sanibel’s early families who homesteaded<br />

the island with tales of warriors, fishermen,<br />

farmers, and proprietors. The Historical<br />

Village is handicap accessible. Operating<br />

hours vary, see website for details.<br />

Seminole Casino Hotel<br />

South 1st St., Immokalee<br />

800.218.0007 • MoreInParadise.com<br />

With over 1,300 slot machines and tons<br />

of high paying table games, there’s plenty<br />

to do and lots to win. Try your luck at<br />

Blackjack, Pai Gow Poker, Mini-Baccarat,<br />

or catch a game in the award-winning<br />

poker room. Several dining options, live<br />

entertainment, concerts, and special<br />

events throughout the year. Just like<br />

Vegas, Seminole Casino is open 24/7.<br />

Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center<br />

2301 First Street, <strong>Fort</strong> <strong>Myers</strong><br />

239.333.1933 • SBDAC.com<br />

Immerse yourself in the arts with concerts<br />

by internationally renowned musicians<br />

and theater performances by exciting<br />

young companies, from unique special<br />

events to eclectic education classes,<br />

to monthly art shows. See website for<br />

complete schedule of performances and<br />

events. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.<br />

Monday through Friday except special<br />

events at the Art Center.<br />

“Best Family Fun Activity”<br />

Get Closer!<br />

Closer to Animals. Closer to Nature. Closer to Family.<br />

Naples Zoo connects you with the natural world<br />

through up-close animal experiences. Create lasting<br />

memories with your family at Naples Zoo today!<br />

$<br />

1<br />

.50<br />

0FF<br />

Not valid w/ other offers or online<br />

tickets. Limit 6. Expires 12/31/18<br />

MSTDO-17FM<br />

Gulfshore Life<br />

Magazine<br />

239-262-5409<br />

1590 Goodlette Rd. Naples, FL<br />

napleszoo.org I facebook.com/napleszoo<br />

DEBI PITTMAN WILKEY<br />

20 SUMMER | FALL <strong>2017</strong> <strong>Must</strong><strong>Do</strong>.com

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