Ft.Myers - things to do, shopping
 

I am visiting Ft. Myers in March and am wondering what are "definite" things to do. I am thinking about Swampbuggy & Boat Cruises. I want to be busy everyday (am there for 10 days). I also love to shop and have been to the Edison Mall, The Outlet Malls & the Bell Harbour Shops. Any other suggestions on things to do and places to shop? I am not going to Sanibel b/c I understand the bridge is under construction. What are some great restaurants also? I loved the Chart House but heard that it is closed. I have been to the Verandah downtown.

Actually the bridge to Sanibel isn't &quot;under construction&quot; but efforts are being made to replace it as soon as possible after more major cracks were discovered this week. This is not a critical situation and only heavy trucks might be restricted for the time being. Although a temporary closing for partial repairs can happen at any time.<BR><BR>Peter's in downtown is probably my favorite restaurant in Ft. Myers, but haven't been there for awhile. <BR><BR>And I think for shopping you've pretty well named it, although the outlets at Estero have had another addition built in the last year I believe.

Sanibel causeway and bridges are open, traffic is just very slow as speed limit is reduced to 20. The final bridge to the island, not the drawbridge has been repaired but needs to be replaced.<BR><BR>Downtown area of Fort Myers has a few new restaurants. I really like Shannon, which is a wine bar and Bacchus, probably the best restaurant in town at this point. Peter's is gone and a new restaurant has replaced it but I can not comment. The Veranda is still going strong. <BR><BR>Retail centers are pretty much limited to Bell Tower which has several restaurants: D'Amicos, Bacchus, Bistro 41 and others. Different price ranges and all good for their class. I seldom go to Edison Mall. <BR><BR>March in Fort Myers means Spring Training for the Red Socks and Minnesota Twins. Try to catch a game if this is still going on. <BR><BR> You can always go to the Edison/Ford homes, I'd skip the homes and spend my time focusing on the gardens which are fascinating. Just the story of the extraordinary friendship of these two men and their hobbies while relaxing in Florida are amazing. The homes are museums are tragic in my opinion. The homes are in desperate need of repair. <BR><BR>This is my home town...a little broke down, not too flashy, a little old-floridy and I like it that way. That being said, I shop in Naples and Sarasota but I am, after all, LilMsFoodie.

We just ate at the FishMonger on San Carlos, just before the bridge to Ft. Myers beach, and the food was delicious and not too pricey. <BR>Do you like nature? There are several nature walks/preserves around Ft. Myers, and of course the &quot;Ding&quot; Darling preserve on Sanibel. Corkscrew Sanctuary near Naples is another good one, especially for bird watching.

If you like you can take the Key West Ferry over to Key West. It is a day trip, and a long one at that. 5 hours so I recall one way. You can also opt to stay overnight if you like. It leaves around 7 a.m. My husband and I did this last year while in Ft.Myers. It is $149.00 per person. It leaves with you 4-5 hours in Key West. It is LONG day.

Actually a couple weeks ago they were showing on TV the new &quot;fast ferry&quot; to Key West from Ft. Myers. I don't have any further details. Anyone else??

You could always do a Kayak tour. There are several available. Lover's Key is very interesting too. Also visit the Manatees, at Manatee Park. It is quite a sight! We just went to the opening game of Spring taining last night, and it was great fun. I like the intimate feel of spring traing games, better than regular season games. <BR>I think the fast shuttle is called &quot;Fast Cats&quot;, and the boat is called &quot;purrseverance&quot;.

Thank you everyone for all the responses! I will definitely try some of your ideas especially the Restaurant Bacchus.