Thomas Edison and Henry Ford are famous for their innovations in electricity generation and automobiles respectively, but they were also at the forefront of a massively popular trend in Florida: Rich people from up north spending the cold winter months in the Sunshine State.

Edison first visited Fort Myers in 1885 after a doctor suggested spending time in Florida’s warmer climate for health reasons, and he built a house along the Caloosahatchee River the next year.

Ford made many visits to southwest Florida to see Edison and purchased the property next door in 1916. Southwest Florida became their vacation spot.

Edison's widow deeded his Florida property to the city of Fort Myers for public use in 1947 for $1, and it was opened for tours a short time later.

Visitors can explore a museum featuring some of Edison's 1,093 patents, including the phonograph and the incandescent light bulb, along with the research lab and gardens.

AP Video by Cody Jackson