Fort Meyers and the Surrounding Area: May 2025
May 4–5: A Sleepless Start & Seafood by the Water 🌴
We took off late on May 4th at 10:15 pm, hoping we’d catch a little sleep on the flight. Spoiler alert: we didn’t. After what felt like a very long night, we landed in Florida around 5:40 am, running on barely any rest.
Thankfully, our luggage luck was strong — our bag was one of the first off the carousel. We headed straight outside to catch the shuttle to our rental car, but this is where the morning got a little chaotic.
I had used a new rental website this time, booking an off-site car, but when we got to the airport, the company’s name wasn’t listed anywhere on the shuttle signs. To make matters worse, the phone number they gave me wasn’t working — either disconnected or changed. Running on exhaustion, and already a little anxious since we came to Florida for a medical appointment, I gave up and booked another car through Ace.
Of course, when we got there, they didn’t have the car we reserved and tried to upsell us on something more expensive. We politely declined and opted to wait an hour for the car we originally booked.
When they finally brought it around, the agent gave us a warning — and I quote — “It’s really basic. No Apple CarPlay or anything.” They weren’t kidding. This car was old-school basic — so much so that you have to unlock it manually with an actual key and lock the doors before getting out. A little retro, but it got the job done.
First Stop: Seafood City 🦐🌊
Once we got on the road, our first stop was Seafood City in Everest City. The restaurant sits right on a channel that flows into both the Everglades and the ocean, giving it a laid-back, waterside vibe.
Since we arrived early, they were only serving breakfast until 10:30 am, so that’s what we went with. I ordered an egg and bacon bagel sandwich, which hit the spot after a long night of travel. The staff was friendly, the service was quick, and the atmosphere was relaxed.
The menu had tons of seafood options, and they have nice outdoor seating overlooking the water. We even got a little entertainment while we ate — a few tiny baby crabs scuttling around the deck kept us entertained while we sipped our coffee and enjoyed the morning breeze.
It was the perfect way to ease into our first day in Florida — simple, scenic, and peaceful after a sleepless night.
Exploring Koreshan State Park 🌿🏛️
After breakfast, we headed to Koreshan State Park, a fascinating stop that preserves the historic site of the Koreshan Unity — a utopian religious community founded in the late 19th century by Cyrus Teed.
Teed, who adopted the name “Koresh,” led his followers here in 1894 to establish a self-sustaining settlement along the Estero River. At its peak, the community had over 250 residents and included everything from a bakery and printing house to a general store and even a power plant.
What made the Koreshans stand out, though, was their unusual belief in “Cellular Cosmogony” — the idea that the Earth and the entire universe exist inside a concave sphere. In other words, they believed we’re all living inside the planet rather than on the outside. Definitely one of the more unique historical stops we’ve made!
The park has a $5 per car entrance fee and plenty of parking. There are two main areas:
One side leads to a picnic area and campsites — perfect for relaxing or spending the night.
The other takes you to the historical settlement, where multiple preserved buildings are open for exploration.
You can take a self-guided tour using a $1 handout map from the visitor center or simply read the detailed informational signs posted around the site. Walking through the grounds feels like stepping into a ghost town, complete with original structures and remnants of a once-thriving community.
Despite the eerie history, the park is peaceful, quiet, and well-shaded, making it a nice place to wander, learn, and take a break from the Florida heat. It’s definitely worth a stop if you’re in the area.
Sun Harvest Citrus 🍊🧃
After leaving Koreshan State Park, we headed north to Sun Harvest Citrus, a bright and bustling shop that’s part market, part gift store, and part Florida citrus experience. Inside, you’ll find a little bit of everything — local gifts, homemade snacks, fruit spreads, sauces, seasonal produce, and, of course, fresh-pressed juices.
One of the highlights here? Free juice samples. Let’s just say they did their job well — after tasting a few, I walked out with two extra pints I hadn’t planned on buying. The juices are refreshing, flavorful, and perfectly balanced, making it hard to resist grabbing a few to-go.
The staff was friendly and helpful, and while a few items leaned on the pricier side, it was still a fun, worthwhile stop. Whether you’re stocking up on snacks for the road, picking up souvenirs, or just want to sip on fresh Florida citrus juice, Sun Harvest Citrus is a great place to add to your itinerary.
Hotel Check-In & Dinner at Oar & Iron 🛎️🍴
Before settling in for the evening, we made a quick stop at Walmart to stock up on the essentials — water, caffeine, and sunscreen — because Florida’s heat and humidity demand preparation.
From there, we checked into our hotel, the Hyatt Place at the Forum, and were pleasantly surprised. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, featuring a small kitchenette, a cozy couch, a desk area, and plenty of space to unpack and relax. One of the highlights here is the free breakfast — not only is it actually good, but they rotate the menu daily, which keeps it fresh and interesting if you’re staying for more than a night or two.
After a quick rest and recharge, we headed out for dinner at Oar & Iron, which turned out to be a fantastic choice. The restaurant has a large outdoor seating area, a spacious rectangular bar, and a big dining room with a lively yet relaxed vibe. We opted to sit at the bar and ordered a mix of plates to share:
Ceviche shooters 🥒 — refreshing and full of flavor.
Hot honey chicken sandwich 🍯 — sweet, spicy, and perfectly crispy.
Grouper tacos 🐟 — light, fresh, and delicious.
The food was excellent across the board, but the service was truly outstanding — warm, attentive, and welcoming. By the end of the meal, the combination of good food, travel fatigue, and lack of sleep finally caught up with us. We headed back to the hotel and were completely out by 5:30 pm.
May 6: May 6 in Florida: From Medical Appointments to Sanibel’s Scenic Shores 🩺🌊 (balanced, includes the purpose of the trip + fun)
The day started bright and early — I woke up around 4:00 am, still feeling pretty tired from the long travel days and lack of sleep. We grabbed breakfast at the hotel right when it opened at 6:30 am and got on the road by 7:40 am to make my 8:30 am appointment at the Caring Medical Center.
Traffic here isn’t terrible, but the short traffic light cycles can cause a few slowdowns along the way. We made it on time, and most of the day was spent at the clinic. I had multiple tests done, followed by a detailed consultation with the doctor, and then a session focused on cervical curve correction for my neck issues.
By the time everything wrapped up, it was 2:30 pm and we were finally free for the day. We made a quick stop for lunch at Jimmy John’s before heading back, keeping it simple since the morning had already been a lot.
This was a quieter day overall, focused mostly on medical appointments, but having the afternoon free gave us a chance to rest and recharge for the days ahead.
Sanibel & Captiva Island Escape 🏝️🍦
After finishing up at the clinic and grabbing a quick lunch, we decided to make the most of the afternoon and take a scenic drive out to Sanibel Island and Captiva Island. The route itself is beautiful, lined with palm trees, water views, and stretches of quiet coastal roads that instantly make you feel like you’ve escaped the busier parts of Florida.
Our first stop was a small beach access point on Sanibel Island, where we walked out to take in our first ocean views of the trip. The water was calm, the breeze was perfect, and it was exactly the reset we needed after a long morning.
From there, we continued the drive across to Captiva Island to visit The Bubble Room — a quirky, colorful spot that’s famous for its ice cream, towering cakes, and over-the-top décor. I went with a scoop of cookie dough and Gator Trail ice cream, and my boyfriend ordered an affogato.
I’m not exaggerating when I say this was some of the best ice cream I’ve ever had — absolutely worth the 30-minute drive on the winding 35 mph roads to get there. The cakes on display were enormous and looked incredible, so if you’re a dessert lover, this place is a must-visit when exploring the islands.
Between the laid-back beaches, scenic views, and sweet treats, this little detour was one of the highlights of the day.
Sanibel Lighthouse & Ybel Point Park 🌊🌴
On our way back south, we made a stop at the Sanibel Lighthouse and Ybel Point Park, located at the eastern tip of Sanibel Island. Built in 1884, this historic lighthouse was one of the first beacons constructed on Florida’s Gulf Coast north of Key West. For decades, it guided ships safely into San Carlos Bay and toward the port of Punta Rassa, playing an important role in the area’s maritime history.
The park itself is peaceful and scenic, with views stretching out over the water and plenty of space to relax. We walked along the beachfront, which is beautiful but a little unique compared to typical sandy beaches. This area is known as a shell beach, meaning the sand is mixed with lots of shells — making it a great spot if you enjoy shell hunting, but just a heads-up if you’re planning to walk barefoot.
It was a nice way to slow down, take in the ocean views one last time, and enjoy the history and natural beauty of the island before heading back for the evening.
Ybel Point Brewery 🍺
After leaving Sanibel Island, we made one last stop at Ybel Point Brewery, a relaxed and welcoming spot that turned out to be a great way to wind down the day. The brewery has a nice selection of beers, ranging from crisp, light options to fuller-bodied brews, so there’s something for everyone.
The bar area itself is a decent size, featuring a mix of bench-style seating and traditional bar stools, giving it a comfortable, casual vibe. We were greeted by a friendly bartender who walked us through the options and made the visit even more enjoyable.
The coolest part? The brewery is on-site, so you can sip fresh pours right where the beer is made. It was the perfect last stop before heading back for the evening, ending the day on a relaxed, laid-back note.
Dinner at KJ’s Steakhouse 🥩🍷
We wrapped up the day with dinner at KJ’s Steakhouse, since I have spine injections scheduled tomorrow and needed to load up on protein. Tuesdays happen to be the perfect night to visit because they offer a three-course meal for two for just $45, which felt like a great deal.
We both started with fresh salads before moving on to our steaks. I ordered the Umami steak, while he went with a red wine sauce preparation. For sides, I had the twice-baked potato and he chose the loaded baked potato — both were hearty and flavorful.
For dessert, we split the bread pudding, which was warm, rich, and decadent. The portions were huge, though, so we ended up taking most of the dessert to go.
After dinner, we headed back to the hotel to get a good night’s sleep before tomorrow’s big day of procedures. It was the perfect way to end a day full of scenic drives, ocean views, sweet treats, and island exploring.
May 7: Procedure Day & Recovery 🩺🛌
We started the morning with breakfast at the hotel and relaxed for a bit before heading to my 9:45 am appointment. When we arrived, we walked over to the neck clinic next door, where I was taken back promptly — but then had a bit of a wait before things got started.
I’ll admit, I was anxious — partly because I’m not naturally patient and partly because I have vagus nerve involvement, which tends to amplify my anxiety. Thankfully, Cathy, the nurse, was incredible. She immediately picked up on how I was feeling and went above and beyond to help me relax:
She placed lavender essential oil on me
Let me lay down while waiting
Even brought me a blanket for comfort
The Procedure 💉
First up were the back injections. I opted for no sedation, so I felt everything — but honestly, it was tolerable, lasting only about five minutes. Some injections were definitely more painful than others, and while it wasn’t pleasant, it was manageable.
What really had me nervous was my neck injections, but once Dr. Hauser came in, it was over in just 4.5 minutes — and to my relief, it was far less painful than the back. The most unsettling part was hearing the needle striking bone, which was more mentally disturbing than physically painful.
Almost instantly, I had swelling around my neck, making my throat feel full and creating a slight difficulty swallowing. I noticed that a chin-tuck position made the sensation worse, while keeping my head slightly extended helped. The team quickly applied heat packs and helped me lie back to rest.
Post-Procedure Care 🌿
To reduce the risk of a vasovagal response (which I’m prone to), I had to lay flat for about five minutes. After that, I sat up, but I still felt a little off and weak at first — likely a mild response despite resting. Once I was moved to a chair with better back support, it passed quickly.
Cathy then helped me into a wheelchair — mandatory policy at the clinic — and I checked out about 25 minutes later. By that time, I had more stiffness and pain in my neck and only about 5–10 degrees of movement in any direction.
Back at the Hotel 🛏️
Once we got back to the hotel, I felt better swallowing-wise, which was a relief. I grabbed a heating pad and settled into bed to rest for the afternoon.
My boyfriend ran out and brought back McAlister’s Deli for lunch. Since opening my mouth wide was difficult, I went with soup and a loaded baked potato — soft, warm, and perfect.
The rest of the afternoon was all about taking it slow. Every couple of hours, I repositioned slightly, since the injection sites became tender after about two hours. The stiffness and limited range of motion stayed consistent most of the day, though by the evening, I gained about 5 extra degrees of movement in my neck — still very restricted, but slightly improved.
I showered about three hours after the injections, then spent the rest of the day resting in bed with my heating pad. By 8:00 pm, I called it a night and finally got some much-needed sleep.
This was a big day — mentally and physically — but everything went smoothly thanks to the caring staff and plenty of post-procedure rest. Tomorrow’s goal: take it easy and give my neck time to recover.
May 8: May 8: Manatee Park, Edison & Ford Estates, and Exploring Historic Fort Myers 🐇🌿
I woke up feeling a little better than yesterday, but my neck was still stiff and sore. I’d regained some flexion and rotation, which made turning my head slightly easier, but extension was still severely limited. Even though my mobility had improved, the soreness and stiffness lingered, and I still had some trouble opening my mouth fully to eat.
On top of that, my hearing felt muffled, but overall, I felt okay physically — enough that I didn’t want to just sit around the hotel all day. I actually found that standing felt better than sitting, so we decided to get outside and move around a bit.
We had breakfast at the hotel and then headed to Manatee Park to enjoy some fresh air and easy walking.
Manatee Park 🐿️🦎
Manatee Park is a quiet, nature-filled spot with walking trails, wildlife viewing, and access to the water. There’s a small entrance fee along with a nominal parking fee (about $1.50 per hour).
The park’s trails are short and easy to navigate, winding along shaded paths that take you along the water’s edge. While we didn’t spot any manatees on this visit, it was still a nice, relaxing stop. Instead, we saw plenty of rabbits, squirrels, and lizards along the way.
There’s also a small fishing dock where people were casting lines, and if you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, you can rent kayaks at a nearby location within the park. We stayed for about an hour, enjoying the sunshine and slow pace before heading out.
It was the perfect low-key outing — light activity, peaceful surroundings, and a chance to stretch my legs while still taking it easy on recovery day.
Edison & Ford Winter Estates 🏡💡🌿
After leaving Manatee Park, we headed to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, one of the most fascinating stops of the trip. This historic site offers a unique glimpse into the lives and legacies of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, and how their friendship helped shape innovation in America.
The estates have a large, free parking lot, and admission for the self-guided tour is $28 per person (guided tours are available for an additional fee). The self-guided option includes a QR code to download an app, which provides audio commentary at various stops along the tour.
The grounds are beautifully maintained, and the tour begins on the opposite side of the estate, taking you through the property’s historic homes and buildings. Each stop offers insight into the personal lives and groundbreaking work of Edison and Ford, and it’s fascinating to see the spaces where they spent their winters together.
Fun fact: Before founding the Ford Motor Company, Henry Ford worked for Thomas Edison. The two became close friends, and their connection is part of what makes this place so special.
In addition to the homes, the landscaping is stunning, with lush gardens and perfectly manicured lawns. There’s even a garden shop on-site, where you can purchase a variety of unique plants to take home.
One of the highlights for us was the museum. I knew Edison was an inventor, but I didn’t fully realize the sheer number of inventions credited to him — everything from the phonograph to an early voting machine. There’s also a fascinating display showing the many versions of the lightbulb throughout history and how it evolved into what we know today.
We spent quite a bit of time here, soaking in both the history and the scenery. Before leaving, we stopped by the gift shop, which had a fantastic selection of unique and thoughtful items. If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind gifts — especially for those hard-to-shop-for people — this is a perfect place to pick something up.
This stop was well worth the visit and a great way to combine Florida history, innovation, and beautiful surroundings all in one place.
Historic Downtown Fort Myers & Ford’s Garage 🍔🚗
After finishing up at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, we drove just a couple of miles over to the historic downtown Fort Myers area to walk around and explore. The streets are charming, lined with boutiques, cafés, and historic buildings, making it a fun spot to wander for a bit and take in the atmosphere.
While there, we stopped for lunch at Ford’s Garage, a restaurant fully themed around Ford Motors — and they’ve done an incredible job with the details. From the Model T perched above the bar to the carefully designed automotive décor, the theme runs throughout the restaurant but never feels overdone or tacky.
Of course, the highlight here is the burgers, and they did not disappoint. I ordered the Estate Burger, and it was absolutely delicious — perfectly cooked, flavorful, and exactly what I was craving. The menu had plenty of options, and the fun, unique vibe made it a great experience overall.
After lunch, we spent a little more time walking through the downtown area before heading back, soaking up the small-town charm and lively energy of the district.
Wrapping Up the Day 🛏️🌙
After exploring downtown Fort Myers and enjoying lunch at Ford’s Garage, we headed back to the hotel for a little downtime. Even though I didn’t feel bad, I still wasn’t quite at 100%, and the Florida humidity definitely had me feeling more drained than usual.
Later in the evening, we ventured out one last time for McAlister’s Deli — and yes, I ordered the baked chipotle chicken potato again because it was just that good (and easy on the neck and jaw while I’m still recovering). After dinner, we headed back to the hotel, called it an early night, and rested up for the next day.
It was a full but balanced day — starting slow, getting in some light activity, exploring historic sites, and ending with good food and relaxation. With more mobility returning to my neck and another Florida day ahead, this was the perfect mix of recovery and adventure.
May 9: May 9: Wildlife, Wine, and Wonderful Eats in Fort Myers🦦🌿
We woke up early, grabbed breakfast at the hotel, and headed out to explore the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. This beautiful nature preserve features a raised boardwalk that winds through the slough, passing several scenic ponds along the way.
The atmosphere here was incredibly peaceful, and the slow pace made it the perfect way to start the morning. Along the walk, we spotted plenty of wildlife — including birds, squirrels, lizards, bunnies, and even an otter playing near the water.
The boardwalk trail isn’t very long and has multiple benches along the way, making it a relaxing spot to take breaks and soak in the surroundings. There’s also plenty of shade, which kept it comfortable despite the Florida humidity.
We had brought along bug spray, expecting mosquitos, but it turned out to be unnecessary — we didn’t see any the entire time we were there.
It was a calm, refreshing start to the day and a great spot for anyone who enjoys nature, wildlife, or just a peaceful walk.
Miromar Outlet Mall, Wine Tasting & Lunch 🛍️🍷🥗
After leaving Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, we drove over to the Miromar Outlet Mall to do a little shopping. The mall is spacious, clean, and beautifully designed, with plenty of outlet shops mixed in with regular retail stores. The decor is charming, featuring small landscaped areas, fountains, and even a tiny pond where we spotted koi fish and turtles — a nice little surprise while wandering between shops.
While exploring, we stopped at the RAD Winery & Cidery Tasting Room, which ended up being one of the highlights of the mall. They offer a large selection of wines, plus four ciders, wine slushies, and mixed wine cocktails. The tasting is a great deal — five samples for $7 — and the bartender was fantastic, very friendly, knowledgeable, and interactive, which made the experience even better.
After shopping and sipping, we grabbed lunch at Rush Bar & Grill, located nearby. I ordered the taco salad served in a tortilla bowl, which was fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. When we first arrived, we were the only customers there, but it started to get busier while we were eating. The service was great, the atmosphere was relaxed, and the bar itself looked relatively new and modern.
It was the perfect mix of shopping, sipping, and snacking before continuing with the rest of our day.
Crazy Dingo Brewery 🍺🌿
Our next stop was Crazy Dingo Brewery, one of the more unique spots of the trip. This brewery is located on an actual working farm, complete with livestock, hydroponic veggies, and raised garden beds. As you walk in, you pass through a small farmers market where locals sell fresh produce and handmade goods, and just beyond that is the brewery itself.
Everything here is outdoors, so it’s a good idea to dress for the weather and be prepared for a relaxed, open-air vibe. I tried the Elderberry Cider, and it was absolutely incredible — light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced. My boyfriend opted for a beer flight to sample a few different brews; while none of them were his absolute favorite, we both agreed that the setting and atmosphere made this place worth the stop.
Crazy Dingo has a laid-back, farm-to-glass feel and is the kind of place where you can just kick back, sip a drink, and enjoy a little slice of local Florida charm.
Dinner at El Gaucho Inca 🥩🐟🍷
After leaving Crazy Dingo Brewery, we headed back to the hotel to get changed and ready for the evening. My dad was also spending the night at the hotel, so we planned to meet up and go out to dinner together.
We decided on El Gaucho Inca, a highly rated restaurant that blends Argentinian, Peruvian, and Italian influences into one incredible menu. The atmosphere struck the perfect balance of laid-back and elegant, making it ideal for both casual dining and special occasions.
The boys ordered steaks, while I went with a fish dish topped with seafood, and everything was absolutely delicious. The flavors were bold and fresh, the presentation was beautiful, and the service was top-notch from start to finish.
This was easily one of the best meals of the trip, and I would highly recommend El Gaucho Inca if you’re looking for a memorable dining experience in the area.
Wrapping Up the Day 🌙🛏️
After dinner, we headed back to the hotel and spent a little time chatting in the lobby before calling it a night. While my neck felt much better today, I was still dealing with limited range of motion, some muffled hearing, and just an overall run-down, tired feeling from the past few busy days.
We headed to bed early to rest and recharge before another day of exploring tomorrow. It was a full, fun day filled with nature walks, shopping, wine tasting, breweries, and a fantastic dinner — the perfect balance of activity and downtime while still giving my neck the recovery time it needed.
May 10: A Morning at Wonder Gardens Before Heading Home 🦜🌴
Our last day in Florida started off slow and relaxed. We had a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and spent a little time hanging out in the room before finally giving in to the urge to explore one more time. By 10:00 am, we were on the road, heading toward Naples with a plan to squeeze in one final adventure before our evening flight.
Our first stop was the Wonder Gardens, a charming, historic attraction that originally opened in the 1930s. Set on about 3 to 3.5 acres of lush, mature landscaping, the Wonder Gardens is home to a variety of rescued, rehabilitating, and non-releasable animals.
We took our time wandering the pathways, admiring the beautiful habitats thoughtfully designed for each species. There’s a strong focus on birds, and the variety here is impressive — vibrant parrots, graceful flamingos, and so many unique feathered residents.
Just as we made it to the final exhibit with the crocodiles, an announcement came over the speakers warning of lightning in the area. Guests were directed back to the gift shop for safety, and the staff began offering rain checks or refunds depending on when you arrived. We didn’t inquire about either, though — we had already thoroughly enjoyed our time there, and since the Wonder Gardens is a nonprofit organization, we were happy to support them regardless.
Before leaving, we browsed the gift shop, which had a fantastic selection of animal-themed souvenirs, cute décor, and even artwork created by the resident animals — such a unique touch.
If you’re in the area, Wonder Gardens is absolutely worth a stop. It’s charming, educational, and your admission supports ongoing rescue and rehabilitation efforts. If you’re interested in getting even closer to the animals, they also offer scheduled animal encounters, so be sure to check ahead for times.
Trail Cafe & Grille 🥪☕
After leaving the Wonder Gardens, we made a quick stop at Trail Cafe & Grille for lunch. The service was good and the food was decent, though nothing particularly memorable. It’s one of those places that’s reliable and convenient if you’re in the area and need a quick, solid meal — not a must-visit, but definitely a safe choice if you’re nearby.
Conservancy of Southwest Florida 🌿🦎🐢
From there, we continued on to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida in Naples, an incredible 21-acre property dedicated to protecting and preserving the environment. Established in the 1960s, the Conservancy combines education, conservation, and hands-on learning, making it a great stop for both adults and families.
Your admission ($17.95 per person) includes access to a mix of indoor and outdoor attractions:
Discovery Center — A large, interactive space with educational displays on topics like climate change, invasive species, the water crisis, and local ecosystems. There’s also a touch tank where you can get up close with sea life.
Live Animal Feedings & Volunteer Presentations — Knowledgeable volunteers provide extra insights about the wildlife and conservation efforts.
Trails & Outdoor Spaces — A short walking trail winds through the property, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Von Arx Wildlife Hospital — While the hospital itself isn’t open to the public, you can learn about how they care for injured and rescued wildlife and see where some of the animals are treated.
Little Explorers Zone — A dedicated building for kids, making this an especially family-friendly destination.
One of the best parts of the visit was the electric boat tour of the Gordon River, which is included with admission. The 40-minute ride is led by a volunteer captain who shares fascinating details about the surrounding wildlife, plants, and ecosystem. If you’re planning to take the boat tour, reserve your spot as soon as you pay admission — we only had to wait about 10 minutes, but it can book up quickly during busy times.
After the tour, we explored a few more of the buildings and stopped by the gift shop. Honestly, the shop was the least impressive of the ones we visited — it mainly had basic branded items and nothing particularly unique, but that didn’t take away from the overall experience.
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is absolutely worth a stop, especially if you enjoy wildlife, conservation, and learning about Florida’s ecosystems. Between the interactive exhibits, the river tour, and the chance to see firsthand how the organization protects local habitats, it’s both educational and enjoyable.
Riverside Market & Heading Home 🍺🌮✈️
After leaving the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, we made our way toward Fort Lauderdale for one final stop before heading to the airport — the Riverside Market. This spot is a hidden gem and one of the more unique beer bars we’ve visited.
Inside, there are multiple fridges stocked with an incredible selection of beers from all over. The setup is self-serve: you grab what you want, find a table, and enjoy. When you’re finished, you bring your empty cans to the counter, and they check you out based on what you drank — a simple, relaxed, and fun concept.
The food menu is surprisingly good, too. I had the fish tacos, which were fresh and flavorful, while my boyfriend tried a couple of different beers and enjoyed the laid-back vibe. It was the perfect way to end the trip — casual, unique, and full of character.
Afterward, we headed to the airport, returned the rental car, and waited for our evening flight.
Final Thoughts on the Trip 🌴☀️
This Florida trip was the perfect mix of medical appointments, relaxation, scenic stops, wildlife, good food, and unique finds. From Sanibel Island sunsets and Captiva ice cream to kayaks, wildlife preserves, wine tasting, and breweries, every day had its own memorable highlights.
We’ll be back in six weeks for my next round of injections, and I’m already excited to see what new places we’ll discover next time.