Where the Crowds Aren’t in June: Fort Myers, Florida
After the Red Sox fans and spring breakers have left and before the weather gets uncomfortably hot, you can enjoy quiet beaches, adorable wildlife, and locally-owned breweries.
Courtesy photo
GETTING THERE
It’s about a three-hour direct flight from Logan on either JetBlue or Delta to Southwest Florida International Airport, a bright and airy gateway to the city
STAYING THERE
Rest your head at the Pink Shell Beach Resort, tucked away from the crowds on a private strip of the beach. Rent a Chickee Hut, where you can curl up in the shade with a perfect view of the crystal blue waters ahead. There are also several swimming pools, including a splash pad for the little ones.
A.M.
Grab a canoe or kayak to cruise the Great Calusa Blueway, a 190-mile stretch fit for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike. Keep your eyes open for creatures around every turn, ranging from 1200-pound manatees to great blue heron. Refuel at beloved Greek spot Marko’s Diner, where lunch dishes like cheeseburgers and grilled gyros will come in at under $10 each. Next, get a dose of history at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, the tropical getaways of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. The stunning properties are filled with many of the original furnishings belonging to the families, and the surrounding palatial gardens are in full bloom with everything from jasmine to hibiscus.
P.M.
With over 33 locally-owned breweries and distilleries along Florida’s Gulf Coast, the area has become huge for brewery hopping. Pop by hotspots like Point Ybel Brewery, the first in Florida to infuse its ales with CBD, from Thursday through Saturday to catch some live music as you sip your brew. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, go behind the scenes for a tour at Fort Myers Brewing Co, the first microbrewery in Lee County, which has since gone on to claim the title of Best Brewery in the state. Don’t forget to check their schedule of food trucks, so you can fuel up as you drink one down. For a more leisurely dinner and a great glass of wine, head to the Twisted Vine Bistro and enjoy truffle fries and mussels with chopped tomatoes, garlic and shallots, along with a crisp white from their award-winning list. For southern cooking, try the Farmer’s Market Restaurant, which has been dishing up fried chicken with all the fixings for close to seventy years.
