GET TO KNOW

From ocean breezes to wildlife viewing, Southwest Florida is a traveler’s delight. Learn how to explore its thoroughfares and waterways like a local.

©LEE COUNTY VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU PHOTO CREDIT GOTHAM BOOK 5.5/9PT

Fort Myers

Known for its natural environs, historic homes and as the spring training home for the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins, Fort Myers beckons with perpetual sunshine. It was here that Thomas Edison set up his summer home and laboratory—with contemporary Henry Ford quickly following suit; a visit to their estates is a must. The city is a recognized Tree City USA member, thanks to the Royal Palms that grace its major arteries. Residents do their part to keep Fort Myers well-manicured, eligible for beautification awards for doing so. Public art also abounds here; many pieces can be found in the River District, the city’s shopping, dining and arts hub. When visiting one of the 148 parks, don’t miss Manatee Park, where you can view the gentle creatures; prime viewing months are December-February. fortmyers-sanibel.com

Estero Island/Lovers Key/Ft. Myers Beach

Natural beauty abounds on Estero Island. Between Mound Key Archeological State Park and Estero Bay, Florida’s first aquatic preserve, visitors can learn about the area’s native peoples, plants and wildlife. Its miles of white-sand beaches provide the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic and watch dolphins, turtles and other animals frolic in the Gulf waters. Shelling is a popular pastime here as well, and Lovers Key State Park, at the island’s Southern tip, affords ample opportunity—this secluded area is also a spot for destination weddings. Swimmers love Ft. Myers Beach’s gentlysloping ocean floor that has no sudden drop-offs or large waves; stick around until the golden hour for some of the most breathtaking sunsets in Florida. floridastateparks.org/Lovers-Key

Estero

A former citrus community sandwiched between Fort Myers and Naples, Estero’s rich landscape has always made it a magnet for industry. Fed by the Estero River, this fertile land has drawn Native Americans (the network of waterways, now known as the Calusa Blueway, is named for the native Calusa people), Spanish conquistadors, farmers and settlers, including followers of a religious and scientific sect who founded a utopian community. In 1894, a religious group practicing Koreshanity were led by their leader, Cyrus Teed, off to the city to erect New Jerusalem. Teed and his followers founded the Koreshan Unity, today preserved as the Koreshan State Historic Site. The site features gardens, a nature trail that winds alongside the river, a campground and picnic area and is on the National Register of Historic Places. visitflorida.com/places-to-go/southwest/estero

©BRIAN TIETZ PHOTOGRAPHY, INC.; ©JASON BOECKMAN Cape Coral

The coastal community of Cape Coral is a large peninsula bordered by the Caloosahatchee River. It has more than 400 canals, which were developed in the ‘70s to divert freshwater runoff from to the city’s mangrove forests, thus increasing its flood protection. Cape Coral also teems with nature parks. Its largest, Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, has a kayak trail (not for beginners) and a walking trail with observation piers; visitors can expect to see eagles, ibises, herons, other wading and migratory birds, raccoons and snakes. Rotary Park Environmental Center is considered the “Great Florida Birding Site” and is part of the Florida Birding Trail. Manatees can be found at Sirenia Vista Park; burrowing owls at Saratoga Lake and Veterans parks. capecoral.gov

Bonita Springs

A city named “Bonita” should be beautiful, and this place doesn’t disappoint. Lovely Gulf beaches, lush foliage, warm breezes and plenty of sunshine make an ideal setting for the graceful neighborhoods and upscale resorts. Much of the development here is of recent vintage—once a small farming and fishing town, Bonita Springs officially became a city on the last day of 1999. It’s also home to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, committed to the stewardship of the area’s land, water and wildlife; its sea turtle program is one of the longest continuously run (39 years and counting) sea turtle monitoring projects in the world. Those bringing Fido along for the journey should stop at the aptly named Dog Beach Park, one of Florida’s only no-leash beaches. cityofbonitasprings.org

Sanibel & Captiva islands

Sanibel’s 10,000 acres offer fresh sea breezes, whispering palms and stunning sunsets. It’s home to the J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a popular recreation destination and an essential estuarine habitat along the migratory Atlantic Flyway. The barrier island’s best catch may be the seashells that wash up on its pristine beaches. Anglers come here to catch tarpon, redfish, sea trout and other varieties of fish. Like its big sister, Captiva Island draws all these enthusiasts and more. Turner Beach is a great place for catching that prize fish and for finding the colorful shells that these islands are famous for. Exploring Captiva by boat is the best way to see the island’s coastline of colorful flora and the grand homes that face the water. sanibel-captiva.org

Marco Island

The largest barrier island within Southwest Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands area, Marco Island has become a hot spot to live and vacation in Collier County. Sun worshippers enjoy the island’s six miles of pristine beaches, where you can stroll along the soft, white sands. Marco has it all when it comes to water activities—fishing, windsurfing, boating, kayaking and snorkeling—plus challenging golf courses. Much of the fun takes place amid a natural backdrop of sawgrass and mangrove swamps, the latter creating a maze of inland waterways. Rare pre-Columbian artifacts, such as the world-famous Key Marco Cat, can be viewed at the Marco Island Historical Museum. The Briggs Nature Center has a half-mile boardwalk for viewing wildlife; it’s also a starting point for shelling excursions and self-guided canoe trips. paradisecoast.com/marco-island

Naples

The largest city in Collier County and the self-proclaimed “Golf Capital of the World,” Naples features more than 70 courses around the municipality. The city is nestled along 10 miles of gorgeous white-sand Gulf beaches and surrounded by some of the state’s most important wildlife sanctuaries, including Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve and the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. The much-lauded Naples Zoo is home to many exotic creatures, as well as a tropical garden first planted in 1919. For more exotic flora and fauna, a trip to the 170-acre Naples Botanical Garden is a must. The city is also known for its love of the arts and is home to dozens of galleries and Artis—Naples, which houses The Baker Museum (modern and contemporary art) and the Naples Philharmonic. paradisecoast.com/naples

Everglades City

Everglades City is Southwest Florida’s gateway to the 1.5 million-acre Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. It’s recognized globally as a World Heritage Site, a Wetland of International Importance and an International Biosphere Reserve— one of only three places on the planet with all three designations. The park covers so much ground that it has three entrances, but they are not interconnected. Cover these waters on an airboat ride that’ll take you through the swamp’s prime viewing spots that only the tour guides know best. The American Everglades is home to more than 2,000 species of plants and animals, including 78 that are threatened or endangered, and is the only place in the world that you’ll see alligators and crocodiles living together. evergladesfoundation.org

Sarasota

From fine-art viewing to interactions with gorgeous creatures, to, of course, exploring nature areas and beaches, Sarasota delivers. It lies approximately halfway between Tampa (to the north) and Fort Myers (to the south) and was once the winter home of the Ringling Brothers Circus. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is worthy of exploration; it features 31 galleries in a pink Renaissance-style palace. Don’t miss the lovely courtyard and gardens featuring sculptures made from casts of original antiquities. The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium introduces you to more than 100 marine species—most found in Florida waters—such as manatees, sharks, sea turtles and fish. When you want to get your relaxation on, Lido Beach and Siesta Key Beach are known for their fine, white sands. visitsarasota.com

VINTINO’S

PREMIUM CIGARS & SMOKING LOUNGE

Vintino’s Premium Cigars & Smoking Lounge is Naple’s premier cigar destination. With plenty of space, ample seating, and numerous TVs, every seat is the best seat in the house! Or if you prefer to enjoy the beautiful Florida weather we have our spacious covered outdoor lounge with seating for your largest party and several large screen TVs. Our walk-in humidor is one of SW Florida’s largest with nearly one hundred thousand cigars representing hundreds of brands. We stock a cigar for every palette including limited releases from Ashton, Liga Privada, Opus X, Padron, Rocky Patel, Tatuaje, and many, many more! Whether you are here to cheer for your favorite sports team, catch up with friends, or for a quiet escape, Vintino’s is Naples favorite spot to enjoy a cigar!

4424 Tamiami Trail E., Naples, FL 239.963.9410

www.vintinocigars.com