Quaint Stops In and Around Fort Myers

I spoke with a couple who was visiting Southwest Florida and was interested in the quaint little stops we might have in the area. As I was sharing a few ideas with them, I realized that it’s very common today for people to seek out these charming towns or boroughs. For many people who are on the hunt for real estate in the area and throughout the state, it’s all about finding those places that offer character. In a way, it’s just as much about local amenities like non-big-box restaurants and craft beer bars as it is a way to connect to the area. So I knew, as your source for all the inside secrets to owning a home in Southwest Florida, I had to share a handful of these stops with you.

Periwinkle Way on Sanibel

For many visitors, Sanibel Island and its sister Captiva Island offer a chance to experience several of the best beaches in the world. Plus, the real estate on Sanibel includes many wonderful properties that you have to see to believe. But when you visit, Periwinkle Way acts as a sort of main strip for anyone looking for shopping, food, and of course, shells to buy. Probably two of my favorite stops are the Island Cow and the Lazy Flamingo.

Downtown Cape Coral

I may be a bit bias since our Southwest Florida real estate office is located in the downtown area of Cape Coral, but there’s a few reasons to like this stop. In addition to retaining a lot of its local flavor, the area has a few restaurants worth stopping at. First, there’s Ford’s Garage Cape Coral. This local favorite has dishes that are out of this world. At the same time, the streets are fairly walkable and have plenty more dining options.

Fort Myers Beach

For this stop, my favorite part is that, unlike many of the other bigger beaches in Florida, the area has maintained its charm. But the beaches are just as wonderful too. I recommend checking out Yo! Taco, but also the local drinking holes along Estero Blvd. Many of them define the laidback beach lifestyle you’ve probably heard about when it comes to living in a paradise like Southwest Florida.

Matlacha Island

This one too often flies under the radar in Southwest Florida. Think of it like its own hidden little version of Key West. As a tiny artists’ community, it almost feels like something out of a storybook. The island itself is a small town on the way to Pine Island where you can stay in a quaint motel, check out local art, and eat some of the freshest fish in the entire world.

Downtown Fort Myers

And finally, another stop that I can’t get enough of: In recent years, Downtown Fort Myers has really come into its own as a Southwest Florida place to visit. Ford’s Garage, Los Cabos, and many more. There’s also the Florida Repertory Theater with lots to see and the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. Walkable, right on the water, and plenty of fun.

Terry Records