Fort Myers, Florida

Known as The City of Palms, Fort Myers has come a long way from its early Cowtown days. Now a popular resort destination, the city offers residents the opportunity to feel like they're on permanent vacation.

Fort Myers first gained distinction in 1915 when Henry Ford and Thomas Edison made it their "special winter retreat." The original 15-acre (six-hectare) riverside getaway is now open as a museum devoted to these two American inventors. Additionally, in honor of Edison, who holds a special place in the hearts of residents, the city puts on the two-week Festival of Lights extravaganza each February.

Most visitors to the city, which is famous for its long stretches of pristine white sand, head straight to the beach. The only complaint you're likely to hear from these parts is about toasted toes – that sand sure heats up your feet, as you're making the run to the ocean.

But this is not the only beach in the area. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are a short drive over the bridge from Fort Myers and, with more variety of shells than anywhere else, are the "undisputed shelling capital of the Western World." In fact, the two islands are actually made out of shells! The east-west torque of Sanibel's south end acts like a shovel scooping up all the seashells that the Gulf imports from the Caribbean and other southern seas. Every March, enthusiasts gather to compare and appreciate shell collections and shell art at the annual Sanibel Shell Fair & Show.

If watching sports is more your thing, you'll appreciate the fact that Fort Myers is the only city in Florida to host two Major League Baseball spring training camps simultaneously. The Boston Red Sox have their Grapefruit League home at City of Palms Park while the Minnesota Twins have set up shop at the Lee County Sports Complex.

Fort Myers ... all this and T-shirt weather year-round. In my book, the only thing better than taking a vacation to Fort Myers is living here.

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