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Estero is a village of about 37,000 people in Lee County on Florida's Gulf Coast, between Fort Myers and Bonita Springs. Incorporated in 2014, it is mostly a quiet residential community of golf neighborhoods and shopping centers, but it has an unusual and fascinating history.
In 1894 Cyrus Teed brought followers of his Koreshan Unity movement from Chicago to the banks of the Estero River, where they built a utopian settlement and taught that the earth is a hollow sphere with humanity living on its inner surface. Their restored buildings, including the Planetary Court and the Founder's House, are now the centerpiece of Koreshan State Park, which also offers camping, nature trails and paddling on the Estero River.
Estero Bay, one of Florida's first aquatic preserves, lies to the west, with mangrove islands and Mound Key, a former Calusa capital reached only by boat. Shoppers come for Coconut Point and Miromar Outlets, hockey fans for the Florida Everblades at Hertz Arena, and the beaches of Bonita Springs, Lovers Key and Fort Myers Beach are close by.
A state park on the Estero River with a shaded campground, picnic areas, nature trails and a boat ramp, surrounding the historic Koreshan settlement. Rent a canoe or kayak at the park to paddle the river toward Estero Bay. There is a vehicle entry fee, and winter campsites book up months ahead.
The restored village of the Koreshan Unity, a utopian community founded here in 1894 by Cyrus Teed, who taught that the earth is hollow. Walk among the Planetary Court, Founder's House, Art Hall and bakery in their tropical gardens. Ranger-led tours explain the group's unusual beliefs; check times at the entrance.
An island in Estero Bay built up from shell mounds by the Calusa people, believed to have been their capital, Calos, when the Spanish arrived in the 1500s. A short trail with signs crosses the mounds. It is reachable only by boat or kayak, so plan a guided paddle or charter and bring water.
A slow, winding blackwater river lined with mangroves, cabbage palms and oaks that flows through Estero to Estero Bay. Kayakers and canoeists paddle from Koreshan State Park or local outfitters, watching for manatees, wading birds and turtles. Go early to avoid heat and check the tide before heading downstream.
A large preserve protecting salt marshes, mangroves and pine flatwoods around Estero Bay, with trailheads near the village for hiking and birdwatching. Look for wading birds, ospreys and gopher tortoises along quiet sandy paths. There is little shade, so bring water, a hat and insect repellent.
An indoor arena of about 7,000 seats that is home to the Florida Everblades of the ECHL, one of the most successful teams in minor league hockey. It also hosts concerts and family shows. Games run from October to spring, and Friday and Saturday nights draw lively crowds.
A large open-air shopping center along U.S. 41 with department stores, boutiques, restaurants and a cinema, laid out around walkable streets and plazas. It is a pleasant place for an evening meal and stroll. Covered parking areas help in the summer heat.
An outdoor outlet mall near Interstate 75 and Corkscrew Road with well over a hundred brand-name stores, restaurants and covered walkways. It draws bargain hunters from across Southwest Florida. Visit on a weekday morning for easier parking and pick up the coupon book at the guest services desk.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: kitmasterbloke, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
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