The Estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford
While Florida is mostly known for Disney World or its beaches, the state is also home to some of America’s most historical sites. For example, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, located in Fort Meyers, are the old vacation spots of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.Edison’s property, “Seminole Lodge,” dates back to 1886, while Ford began staying at “the Mangoes” from 1915. With such a history, the two estates showcase the personal touches of both inventors. Whether it’s the furniture, the dcor, or the vintage automobile garage, you’ll really get a feel for the way these inventors lived.But there’s more history than just the homes at Winter Estates. Another exhibit is the Botanic Research Laboratory, where Edison came up with many of his inventions. The lab is in the same condition Edison left it, with all his scientific artifacts on display to the public. Yet, the most memorabilia from Edison and Ford can be found in the museum. The Estates Museum includes eleven different collections, ranging from The Inventions of Edison to The Ford Gallery. The exhibits give tourists the chance to see a 1937 Ford Coupe as well as Edison’s telephones and telegraphs.Take the time to tour the beautiful estate gardens, too. From orchids, to Bamboo and Cycads, there’s plenty of plant life to admire.The house is open from 9am-5:30pm all week. Pricing varies depending on when you visit and what you want to see. To visit the entire vicinity, it’s 20 for adults and 11 for children. However, there are options to visit just the garden, or just the laboratory and Museum. For the garden it costs 24 for adults and 10 for children. If you visit the Lab and Museum, tickets are 12 for adults and 5 for children.