A Day in Paradise

     Florida offers a lot to the outdoorsman. Fishing. Boating. Walking and hiking trails. Running. Swimming. Anything you can do outdoors, you can do in Florida practically year round. But there is one thing in particular people in SWFL enjoy very much. It's kayaking. Single, sit in or sit on boats you paddle with an oar. They are wonderful workouts as well as giving you the ability to take a boat into an area a conventional motor boat or canoe will just not take you. Like the Estero River.
     The Estero River is a 6.4 mile long river that weaves through SWFL and into Estero Bay, an inlet of the Gulf of Mexico. It intricately weaves in and out of wooded areas and shrinks down to less than 100 feet wide in some areas, as well as less than 4 feet deep, making it perfect kayak territory. The Estero River also has a wide array of wildlife for you to enjoy. From beautiful Egrets and Blue Herons, to many fish varieties as well. It's a rare chance to enjoy the river sanctuary of the Calusa Indians from thousands of years ago.
     You can go to local sport shops and get yourself a kayak for less than $300 for a basic model. Many places all over SWFL will let you rent a kayak hourly or daily if you just want to experience it once or twice. It is a once in a lifetime experience to enjoy untouched nature preserve. Estero River Outfitters has been offering kayak tours and rentals for years and are located directly on an Estero River inlet. Go see them today to get started on a nature tour to remember!

     For those of us that live in Southwest Florida full time, we understand why tens of thousands of people choose to call this area home for the winter. We have beautiful weather from August to February, and nothing closes because of snow. Those of you used to freezing temperatures year round can still wear board shorts and flip flops on Christmas day. But did you know some of the most influential people of all time lived in SWFL for the winter months? Nestled on 21 acres of beautiful waterfront land was the winter palace of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. The man that gave us modern light and the man who rolled out the modern automobile held homes right here in SWFL, and they are open for you to tour today!
     The Edison's main home is now used as the central hub of the museum, including gardens, the Edison Botanical Research Laboratory, as well as both the Edison winter home and the Ford winter home. It is open to the public 7 days a week and at a cost of $20/person, its a fantastic bargain for a day of fun and historical sight seeing. Don't have the full day? The estate offers smaller packages to only tour certain pieces to get in there and check out the specific area you want.