Edison & Ford Winter Estates sees visitor surge

A stretch of cooler weather is changing how people spend their day across Southwest Florida, pushing many away from the beach and toward indoor attractions, museums and local businesses.

At the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, staff say they are seeing an uptick in visitors as people look for alternatives to outdoor activities.

“We are always busier when it’s cold,” said Lisa Wilson, Marketing and PR Director at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. “I think it’s too cold to be at the beach, and so a lot of tourists that come down here to spend the day at the beach, when it’s cold, they come here instead.”

Visitors from out of state echoed that sentiment. Jeff Brown, visiting from Illinois, said while Florida’s cold doesn’t compare to what he’s used to back home, it’s still enough to change plans.

“It’s about twelve degrees at home, so I’ll call this warm,” Brown said. “But we’re probably not going to the beach today or swimming in the pool. It’s a nice day just to get out, get some exercise and fresh air.”

Others traveling from the Midwest said they came to Florida expecting beach weather, but quickly adjusted once they felt the cooler mornings and evenings.

“Nobody really wants to be out on the beaches when it’s this cold,” said Doug Johnson, visiting from Minnesota. “So it gives them something to do.”

For some first-time visitors, the estates offered a surprise escape from the wind and chill.

“It’s just a nice little spot,” said Gail, visiting from Minnesota. “We weren’t expecting it. It’s nice in here because it’s not windy, and it feels much warmer.”

Wilson said the mix of outdoor gardens and indoor exhibits makes the estates an appealing option during cooler stretches. Visitors can explore historic homes, walk the grounds, or step inside the museum to warm up. On busy days, she said the estates can see hundreds of visitors, sometimes nearing a thousand, a boost for the nonprofit organization.

That shift indoors isn’t limited to museums.

In downtown Fort Myers, coffee shops and restaurants are also seeing changes in how people spend their time. At Chocolattés, which recently opened, outdoor seating sat mostly empty while customers filled tables inside.

Neighbors say the cooler weather is pushing them to choose indoor spots where they can stay comfortable longer.

“In the mornings, it’s kind of rough getting up early when the sun’s not out at all, it’s pretty brutal,” said Fort Myers resident Caleb Seneca. “So today felt like the perfect day to stay inside.”

Seneca said the atmosphere also plays a role.

“I like having a view when I study,” he said. “I really enjoy this place over a typical coffee shop. The mood here is really good.”

With cooler conditions expected to continue, both visitors and locals say they’re likely to keep choosing indoor dining, museums, and quick shopping runs. Trading beach time for places where they can stay warm and still get out of the house.