Fort Myers Outlying - Fort Myers, FL Area Guide

The Fort Myers area had its birth in the 1800s during the American Indian Wars. Fort Myers was the post-colonial bastion erected along the Caloosahatchee River to protect Florida settlers from the Seminole Indians. After the conflicts between the settlers and natives tapered off, Fort Myers incorporated in 1885 with slightly more than 300 residents.

Residential development officially began in 1881 when industrialist Hamilton Disston began to drain the Florida Everglades for the expansion of what was to become a vibrant gulf-side community. Tourists began to arrive in 1898, subsequent to the construction of the Royal Palm Hotel and the opening of an Atlantic Coast Railroad Line to Fort Myers.

Today, Fort Myers stands home to the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, the Imaginarium Science Center and a crowd-drawing waterfront entertainment district in the historic downtown area that features the Art of the Olympians Museum and Gallery and monthly art walks.

Due to the suburban characteristics of this district of the city, clubs, pubs, and restaurants aren't abundant. However, the neighborhood features a mix of multi-ethnic eateries, pubs, and evening entertainment spots.

If you feel up to trying some awesome Peruvian eats, check out Aji Limon Peruvian Restaurant. Dig into the steamed seafood soup (sudado especial de mariscos), some fresh raw shrimp cooked in lime juice and spices (ceviche), or the luscious cilantro beef stew (seco de res combinado). This family-owned bistro uses the freshest seafood in its dishes and prices everything very moderately.

Asian food lovers rejoice. Siam Thai and Sushi Restaurant on North Cleveland Avenue serves up delicately cooked Japanese and Thai cuisine. Treat yourself to some rice noodles, broccoli, egg, and vegetables (Pad See Aw) or the famous "Money Bags" (crabmeat, cream cheese, scallions, and secret sauce). This establishment's Japanese cuisine includes sushi and sashimi prepared from the most tender, gulf-caught fish on the southwest coast of Florida.

After dinner, unwind with a little country and western entertainment at the Dixie Roadhouse located at 1023 SE 47th Terrace. On Wednesday, ladies enter free of charge and drink for free until midnight. On weekends, put on your walking (or dancing) boots. The Roadhouse offers free dance lessons aspiring line-dancers.

Most of the residents in this area of the coastal community rely on personal vehicles for transportation. Taxis may be encountered in tourist-frequented areas, but they rarely enter the suburban sprawl which typifies the periphery of Fort Myers. Uber serves the area, but costs run high. Businesses, restaurants and clubs usually provide free parking outside their establishments.

The neighborhood's 1.8-mile proximity to I-75 facilitates highway access on the busiest of days, allowing for reasonably quick trips to the beach and city center. The residential areas of this part of Fort Myers provide for peaceful walking and cycling, even though this part of the city has no designated bike lanes.

Park-lovers in this part of Florida have no room to complain. The Fort Myers area features numerous choices for outdoor venues. Waterside Cape Coral Four Freedoms Park on Tarpon Court hosts an annual boat parade, child-care options, children's dance camp, free Wi-Fi and a great playground for the kids. Some fees are charged for chaperoned youth activities.

If Fido comprises part of your family, he can complete his sniff, bark and personal business regimen at Rotary Park on Rose Garden Road. Fitness buffs should take a stroll (or jog) over to Joe Stonis Park, which houses fitness trails, exercise stations and exercise equipment — with posted instructions for athletes of all levels.

The cost of living in this part of the city is slightly below the median, with the average rental rate of a one-bedroom residence at $834 per month. You can grab a bus into the city for less than $3 and can expect to pay around $6 for a frosty glass of your favorite brew at the local pub. However, what you save in the bar, you'll spend at the pump as gas runs at approximately 11 percent above the national average.

Downtown Fort Myers features an abundance of high-end stores and boutiques, but you can encounter shopping hot-spots up and down the coast due to the heavy tourist traffic. One such hot-spot is the Razzle Dazzle Boutique at 1335 Cape Coral Parkway East. Careful ladies This shop prices its clothing so moderately you'll be tempted to buy everything in sight. Razzle Dazzle, run by a husband-wife team since 1991, carries an assortment of jeans, leggings, tops, skirts and dresses. It also partners up with clients to host fashion shows.

Is your big day just around the corner? If so, check out Jeannine's Bridal and Formalwear at 1311 Del Prado Boulevard. This shop stocks large quantities of the latest fashions at prices ranging from moderate to nail-biting. Jeannine's specializes in one-on-one service and can also help out the groom and his boys with finely-tailored rental-tuxedos. They also fit children. Jeannine's Bridal prides itself on being a family-oriented business with top-notch name brands.

Many of the local residents utilize the Publix Supermarket at the Orange Grove Center for their weekly needs. If you prefer organic and ultra-fresh food, make a beeline for the Cape Coral Farmers Market at the junction of SE 47th Terrace and SE 10th Place Club Square every Saturday.