Port of Call: Fort Myers, Florida

When you think of Fort Myers, what comes to mind? If you said pretty beaches, shrimp boats, the winter homes of Ford and Edison, or even Hurricane Ian, you'd be right.

Fort Myers has long been a quiet gem on Florida’s Gulf Coast, known for its laid-back vibe and historical significance. Sadly, Fort Myers Beach was devastated by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. The destruction left behind was heartbreaking, but the community has shown incredible resilience in rebuilding. 

Pictures of Fort Myers, taken in Jan, 2024

Below are some pictures we took in previous years, capturing the area before the storm changed its landscape.

Shrimp boats

Fort Myer's Beach

This past Sunday, CBS Sunday Morning ran a feature on Thomas Edison. With countless patents to his name, Edison’s work truly changed the world—and seeing where he spent his winters brings that history to life.

We had the opportunity to tour Edison's winter estate in Fort Myers, and it was like stepping back in time. After visiting one winter, Edison’s good friend Henry Ford loved it so much he bought the house right next door. Walking through their homes and labs, you get a real sense of what that era was like—full of big ideas, constant tinkering, and inventions that changed the world. We're talking light bulbs, phonographs, rubber experiments, early cars—things that didn’t just improve life, but totally transformed it.

One highlight was Mina Edison’s garden. She was passionate about horticulture, and her garden remains a beautifully maintained space filled with tropical plants, winding paths, and a calm, peaceful vibe. It’s the perfect contrast to all the innovation happening just steps away.

After our visit, I told a friend that the spirit of that era reminded me of the times we’re living in now: the rise of the internet, and more recently, artificial intelligence (AI). The sense of innovation, disruption, and boundless potential feels very much the same.

Here are some photos from our visits during past Christmas holidays.

Edison and Banyan trees

Edison's wife Mina in her lovely garden

Edison Main House "Seminole Lodge"

and furnishings

Moonlight Garden Reflection Pool

Edison's lab

The homes overlook the Caloosahatchee River

Ford's winter home "The Mangoes"

"Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration." That’s my favorite quote by Thomas Edison—simple, powerful, and so true.

What’s your favorite Edison quote? Have you ever been to Fort Myers or Fort Myers Beach? I’d love to hear your experiences or thoughts in the comments below!

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday.

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