River District Renaissance

Contemporary Art & Culture

The River District also boasts a contemporary side, owed in big part to its vibrant arts scene. The much-anticipated Art of the Olympians museum opened in early 2010, located in a prime site along the Caloosahatchee River and displaying the works of athletes like Florence Griffith Joyner and its founder, the late Al Oerter.

A number of galleries have set up shop downtown, from the modern daas Gallery to the funky HOWL Gallery/Tattoo. Find exhibits of everything from sculptures and paintings to textiles and photographs at spots like Space 39, Arts for ACT Gallery and the Art League of Fort Myers.

There’s also lots to see on stage at venues like the Florida Repertory Theatre, which consistently scores rave reviews for its productions. Performances ranging from opera to cabaret take place at the new Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, housed in a restored neoclassical structure that once served as a post office and courthouse.

For more than a year, the River District’s arts and cultural institutions have banded together to host the popular Art Walk event, drawing people downtown for art and more on the first Friday evening of every month.

Natural Attractions

Flowing along the city’s northern edge, the Caloosahatchee River gave the River District its name. Learn about its importance on a cruise down the scenic waterway – Fort Myers Princess and J.C. Cruises both offer boat tours.

For another foray into downtown’s natural side, head to the new Butterfly Estates, where the winged creatures flutter inside a glass conservatory filled with tropical plants. Or learn about stingrays, sharks and other animals that call Southwest Florida home at the Imaginarium Hands-On Museum & Aquarium.

Boutiques & Antiques

Fashionistas can give their credit cards a workout at downtown boutiques like Agora on First, which stocks women’s clothing from names like Kensie and 575 Denim. Accessorize with baubles from Enjewel and the Potomac Bead Company, then head to Inspire…for Your Home to pick up monogrammed pillows and other cool accent pieces. Finish off your shopping spree with a treat from Daily Chocolate, which offers unusual flavor combinations like chocolate and green chile.

For a blast from the past, check out the wares at downtown’s antiques dealers. Recent finds at Main Street Antiques included colorful Fiestaware and a pair of Shaw-Walker desk chairs.

Diverse Dining

River District restaurants offer something for every taste. Sample crepes and quiche at French Connection Café, paninis and pasta at Delicious Things, or classic American fare at Morgan House Restaurant. Southern cuisine is the focus at The Veranda, a local institution housed in two historic homes and oozing with vintage charm.

End the day with a cocktail at Hotel Indigo’s fresh and modern rooftop bar, Phi in the Sky. It’s an ideal place for catching the sunset and taking in sweeping views of this city on the rise.