Friday, February 4, 2022
Bill & Patti's, Fort Myers River District
As previously mentioned, the impetus for this trip to Florida - besides escaping the cold - was to visit Tom's brother Bill and his wife Patti in their new home, located in the balmy clime of Fort Myers. Ah, the life!
Fort Myers is about two and a half hours from Brooksville, but with our scenic slow-roll, we made it in just over four. Last year, we spent some time along the Gulf Coast near here, so today we drove a non-interstate inland route, on the lookout for anything eye-catching along the way.
Old Florida snack stand
Colossal roadkill - We didn't do it!
We arrived at Bill and Patti's just after 3:00, where Patti showed us to their guest cabana, which opens onto a big, screened-in lanai with a beautiful swimming pool. Very Florida and very awesome! They're probably not missing the Michigan winter too much right now...
Lovely lanai
After settling in, the four of us headed to the downtown Fort Myers River District for their First Friday Art Walk. We had an outstanding barbecue dinner at The Lodge before walking over to the Caloosahatchee River and then strolling along First Street, which was closed to traffic for the First Friday event.
The Lodge, downtown Fort Myers
Since we chose to eat before looking around, it was dark by the time we walked along the river, but we enjoyed the lively downtown street scene, with the various art displays, vendors, and buskers.
Nice neon
Dumpster Diver
We ended the evening with a nightcap on the roof of a restored former post office building which has been converted to an art museum. Hated the political art exhibit, but it was more than made up for by the rooftop view!
Downtown Fort Myers
Facing the waterfront
Lodging: Four nights at Bill and Patti's guest cabana in Fort Myers!
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