Walk among live oaks and lush gardens, relax in a rocking chair on the veranda as you watch the river roll gently by, but first, join Mona and Jettie Burroughs as they share the history and colorful tales of living in one of Fort Myers' oldest homes - The Burroughs Home. Built in 1901, this Georgian Revival Mansion was the scene of many social events that hosted the Fort Myers' elite including the Edisons, Fords, and Firestones. Antique furnishings, historical artifacts, and delightful tales of growing up as the privileged daughters of wealthy businessman Nelson Burroughs and his wife Adeline await visitors who want to take a step back in time. The Burroughs Home has come alive once again under the management of Uncommon Friends Foundation.

Probably the most famous tourist attraction in Fort Myers is the Edison Ford Winter Estates. Inventor Thomas Edison began wintering along the Caloosahatchee River in 1886. In 1916, Edison's friend Henry Ford built his winter home, Mangoes, next door. Both are open to the public and include Edison's botanical gardens and laboratory (just as Edison left it), the largest banyan tree in Florida and a museum. Guided tours are required. Admission is USD12 for adults, USD5.50 for children. The historic electrical boat river tour costs an additional USD4.

At Hoople House in Downtown Fort Myers, there is a strong emphasis on giving local bands a platform to showcase their talent. If you're looking to catch big-name performers live in concert, this is definitely not the place for you. Instead, if you want to encourage local talent and enjoy some good music in the process, you should definitely make your way over to Hoople House.

This summer eat cool ice cream and watch even cooler performances at the Cool Hand Luc's. This establishment offers an unique blend of ice-cream and fun shows; its tough to decide which of the either too makes it so popular! An all ages venue, it prides itself in staging shows that cater to the entire family and leave no one behind. Puppet shows, seminars, fun workshops, art and crafts fair and much more makes for an interesting calendar. For more details, check website or call ahead.

After tremendous pressure from locals and newspapers, the Southwest Florida Museum of History was finally opened in 1982. Housed inside a dilapidated building inside an  old depot, this museum provides visitors a deep insight into the history of Fort Myers. Collections here are centuries old and include artifacts, maps and documents used by herdsmen, settlers and fishermen. Check website for further details.

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located in the heart of downtown Fort Myers. Not merely a vibrant art center, this venue also has a stunning neoclassical design with impressive pillars built from coral and limestone. Art exhibitions and art walks are a regular affair however fund raisers, charity balls, private events and more can be held too. Check their website for a list of upcoming events.

Eagle Ridge Golf Club is an affordable golf course conveniently located with airport in close proximity. The course is very popular in the area with a very challenging design and a natural landscape. A range of very prominent tournaments are held here frequently. A preferred destination for organizing corporate events, thanks to the excellent hospitality and facilities here. Also featured here is a golf shop that sells all the accessories that a golfer would want, good practice facilities and a modern cafe for a quick grub.

Seahorse Scuba provides instruction, boats, and equipment for scuba diving. The business in family owned and operated. They sell, rent and service a variety of equipment. The charters leave in the morning to visit area wrecks and reefs, and are back by lunch. The charter includes snacks and a guide. Tanks and weights are provided free, and other equipment can be rented. Reservations are required, with a limit of six. For beginners, they offer a three-day certification program, and summer camp for kids.

The Ostego Bay Foundation's mission is to promote understanding of marine life and the delicate balance of marine ecosystems through education and community involvement. At the Marine Science Center, exhibits, touch tanks and aquariums introduce visitors to marine life. There are also exhibits on fossils, shells and endangered species. The Science Center offers a walking tour that includes the Center, the Coast Guard station, the waterfront and shrimp boats, and explains how the industry works. Parking is free under the bridge.

BIG ARTS, which stands for Barrier Island Group for the Arts, is a cultural organization presenting everything from Jazz and Brahms concerts to classes in pottery. There are over 160 workshops and 20 concerts every year, as well as films and lectures. The BIG ARTS has a dance studio, art galleries and sculpture garden. Most events have a fee. Reservations for events and classes are necessary.