November 15, 2016

Destination Fort Myers

Plan your visit to the Fort Myers Boat Show

This week, InterMarine is setting up shop in Fort Myers in anticipation of the Fort Myers Boat Show going on November 17 to 20. We invite you to join us and plan a weekend getaway to this beautiful city and see our Jeanneau yachts on display.

A little bit about Fort Myers

The area around Fort Myers entered the western civilization consciousness sometime in the 18th century. The actual fort in Fort Myers was built along the Caloosahatchee River in the 1800s as one of the first bases of operations during the Seminole Indian Wars (source). The fort was later abandoned, reoccupied during the Civil War, and then disassembled, and its materials used to construct what is known today as downtown Fort Myers.

Fort Myers was to remain a small little town until Thomas A. Edison and Henry Ford bought land and built their vacation homes there. Mr Edison especially had a real soft spot for Fort Myers and exercised tremendous influence in the development of the town.

Since the days of Edison, air force bases, northen tourism, and the real estate industry have continued to fuel the growth of Fort Myers and the surrounding area. The Fort Myers Boat Show has been held here since 1972 by the Southwest Florida Marine Indusry Association. It is expected that this year's show is the biggest one to date.

Now, for the fun part.... here is your Fort Myers Boat Show vacation plan.

To really enjoy this event, plan to make a whole weekend out of it. Here is an action plan.

1. Learn about the event.

The Fort Myers Boat Show is held on the Caloosahatchee River, in the heart of the historic “River District”. This couldn't be a more idyllic spot for the and the show promises to be... well, showstopping. Boats of every kind will be on display, from inflatables and personal watercrafts to the ultra cruisers from Jeanneau. These are the vessels that InterMarine will have on display, all from Jeanneau: NC (Merry Fisher) 855, NC (Merry Fisher) 755, NC11, NC14, Velasco 37F and the Leader 36.

The show takes place this November 17th – 20th, 2016 at the Harbourside Event Center & City Yacht Basin. Show tickets are $10; children under 16 get in free with paid adult admission. There are a number of seminars and additional things to see, so check out the official Fort Myers Boat Show website.

 2. Book your stay at the Hotel Indigo

Indigo is a charming boutique hotel located just minutes from the Harbourside Event Center. It is a 5-minute drive away from it, to be exact, or a 10-minute walk if you are inclined to get in your morning workout that way. The hotel boasts a rooftop bar and lounge, heated pool, and spa-inspired bedrooms and showers. In addition to the rooftop bar, the hotel offers a lobby bar and happy hour specials. Just outside the lobby you will find Ichiban Japanese and Chinese Restaurant, Rebel Coffee Roastery and Tea Lounge, and The Standard Restaurant.... so now dinner's covered as well.

3. Map out your journey

If you are in the central Fort Lauderdale area, you can follow these directions to the Fort Myers Boat Show. Adjust as needed.

4. Plan your evening

Fort Myer's River District has a bustling nightlife with plenty of choices to eat, drink, dance, and be merry. You may want to head back to Hotel Indigo after the show to freshen up and rest your feet, and then go back out just past First Street to enjoy the upbeat atmosphere of the River District. Even if you decide to dine at Ichiban or The Standard, we highly recommend you visit the area between Indigo and the Caloosahatchee River. One of our favorite night spots is Space 39, the coolest art bar in Fort Myers with art-lined walls and a live band that is awesome.

You can repeat this as fun process as many days as you wish to visit the show! The show is on from Thursday to Sunday. Please contact our Sales Desk to inquire about specific boat models you would like to see while you are there. We will be happy to send you spec sheets, links, and photos. 

See you at the Fort Myers Boat Show!

Disclaimer: InterMarine is not affiliated with Hotel Indigo or any of the other venues mentioned. We are ehibitors at the show. All opinions and ideas presented here are suggestions to help make your visit a little sweeter. Enjoy!

November 15, 2016