Fort Myers is located on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River in Southwest Florida. As a gateway to the gulf of Mexico it is rich with ambiance and history. Fort Myers offers year-round pleasures to its visitors. From waterways, islands and sun-washed beaches to tropical gardens and palms, the area provides endless access to water sports, museums, historic tours, festivals, golf, theatre and nature walks. Called the "City of Palms" because of its palm-lined avenues, Fort Myers is a hub of activity. Shopping malls, restaurants and nightclubs offer respite from the nearby beaches and more than 100 coastal islands. Inventor Thomas Edison and his friend automobile-maker Henry Ford made their winter homes in Fort Myers. The two properties are separated by a fence, which both families named "The Friendship Gate," and today their estates, including Edison's laboratory, are open for tours. Other attractions in Fort Myers include the Southwest Florida Museum of History, cruises operating from the downtown yacht basin, the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, and the Shell Factory in North Fort Myers. For the sports-minded, public golf courses and tennis courts make this some of the best playing turf in the state.