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Modern Bonita Springs, named for a medicinal spring on the Shangri La Hotel property on U.S. 41, began life as the town of Survey. Next, the outpost was transformed first into a pineapple, banana and coconut plantation, then into a hunting and fishing destination. The arrival of developer Barron Collier’s Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) and

Bonita Beach

railroad brought a new wave of prosperity to the town, which incorporated for the first time in 1925, and again in the late 1990s.

Attractions such as Everglades Wonder Gardens and The Shell Factory & Nature Park (moved to North Fort Myers after a 1940s fire) brought the wonders of the natural world to the forefront. Nearby Bonita Beach on Hickory Island was called Fiddlerville because of the vast number of fiddler crabs on its shell-strewn shores. Visitors today enjoy boating the waterways and the amenities at Bonita Beach Park.

Further

Cottage at Koreshan State Historic Site

north, Estero was incorporated in 1904 by the Koreshans, a religious sect that at one time numbered near 10,000. The remains of their “New Jerusalem" on the banks of the Estero River can be seen at the settlement at Koreshan State Historic Site, which also encompasses Mound Key, a large, former Calusa Indian village and sacred site.

More recent attractions include great dining options, Germain Arena for live events and shopping emporia such as The Promenade, Miromar Outlets and Gulf Coast Town Center.

Last modified on Feb 22, 2008


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