Thomas Edison predicted Fort Myers current popularity almost a century ago, saying "There is only one Fort Myers, and 90 million people are going to find it out." True to his word, the city is gaining more and more fans with it's historic downtown and lively night scene revolving around hip clubs, coffee houses, and street performers. A professional repertory theater, a sophisticated performing arts hall, and several key historic attractions have made the city a popular haunt for culture seekers. The Edison and Ford Estates, and nearby Burroughs Mansion, as well as a handful of historical museums in the area give history buffs insight into the city's past...and an air-conditioned break from the subtropical heat. Baseball fans flock to the area to witness the Boston Red Sox's and Minnesota Twins in their spring training. Nature lovers enjoy the city's proximity to the Everglades, and local Caloosahatchee River outfitters have tapped into the renewed interest in the area's ecology by ferrying passengers upstream via kayak, canoe, pontoon boat and airboat, for eco-tours and "safari" day trips of the area.

Arcade Theater
2267 First Street, Fort Myers
(239) 332-4488
www.arcadetheatre.com

The hip Arcade is at the cornerstone of Fort Myers' burgeoning arts scene, bringing live theater, dance, and music to the downtown year-round. A renovated 393-seat Victorian playhouse built in 1908, it is now home to the acclaimed Florida Repertory Theatre, which gets exclusive regional first-rights to New York hit plays. Professional touring companies grace the stage with award-winning dramas, comedies, and musicals. Local and national recording artists dig the venue's state of the art sound and lighting.

Barbara Mann Performing Arts Hall
13350 Edison Parkway, Fort Myers
(800) 440-7469
www.bbmannpah.com

The city's premier venue for live performances modern facility boasts state of the art acoustics, and plush red seats. National recording artists and touring companies of Broadway musicals BB King, Bryan Adams, to national touring companies that bring Broadway to the city: Mamma Mia, The Producers, and HairSpray.

Major League Baseball Spring Training
www.springtrainingonline.com

In Baseball circles, Fort Myers has risen to fame as the spring training home to the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins. Fans of the "Grapefruit League" flock to the spring games, and enjoy more autograph opportunities, smaller crowds, and cheaper tickets than at the other "boys of summer" training hotspots in Orlando and Tampa. The Red Sox play at City of Palms Park, while the Twins play at the nearby William Hammond Stadium in the Lee County Sports Complex.

Florida Everblades Hockey
Germain Arena
11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero
(239) 948-7825
www.floridaeverblades.com

Who says ice hockey and tropical climates don't mix? Hockey fans can cool off while enjoying minor-league hockey action at Germain Arena, in nearby Estero. The season runs from October through March.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates
2350 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers
(239) 334-7419
www.efwefla.org

Even historical legends Thomas Edison and Henry Ford were drawn to Southwest Florida in the late 1800's. Visit their winter homes and enter a world unlike any you have ever seen - from antique furnishings to grand architecture and innovative genius, these gracious buildings are reminiscent of a bygone era.