American inventor Thomas Edison bought a plot of land in Fort Myers, Florida, in 1885 to build his winter home, a rural area he called Seminole Lodge. It was here that he grew plants that would play a role in future creations and where he had a laboratory. In 1916, Henry Ford purchased the house next door, called The Mangoes, to be close to his friend. They spent winters … [Read more...] about Visiting the Edison & Ford Winter Estates
Where to Find Street Art in Chattanooga
Often overlooked in favor of larger cities like Nashville, Chattanooga, Tennessee has a thriving street art and mural culture if you know where to look. There are many neighborhoods beyond the tourist district that have been revitalized with colorful paint. Most of these works are commissioned, rather than illegal "tags," and are by local artists rather than those brought … [Read more...] about Where to Find Street Art in Chattanooga
Snorkeling with Manatees in Crystal River
Crystal River, Florida, is known as the place to see manatees in the wild. The small community in central Florida, a short drive from Orlando and Gainesville, swells in the winter when over 800 of the West Indian manatees seek out the warm water of the natural springs that are found throughout the river. Going on a Manatee Snorkeling Tour Now a protected area, tours … [Read more...] about Snorkeling with Manatees in Crystal River
Southern Stays: Westin Cape Coral Resort At Marina Village
Just outside of Fort Myers, the Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village is the perfect Florida getaway. Overlooking the Caloosahatchee River, there are plenty of spaces to relax and play. There are a number of types of rooms, including traditional rooms with queen beds and river view suites. Rooms at the Westin Cape Coral Resort All come with screened-in balconies … [Read more...] about Southern Stays: Westin Cape Coral Resort At Marina Village
Literary South: Ernest Hemingway
This is a part of a series called Literary South, which highlights important literary landmarks and the writers and authors who made them known. Ernest Hemingway was born in Oak Park, Illinois, on July 21, 1899, to a physician and a musician. He grew up learning to play cello and spent summers hunting and fishing in rural Michigan. He took his first journalism … [Read more...] about Literary South: Ernest Hemingway