One of the most remarkable parts of any vacation is getting the chance to experience something out of the ordinary. While hotel experiences are largely forgettable and beaches and theme parks can all start to seem the same, there are some destinations that simply stand out in the memory. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates is definitely just that type of destination.

Comprised of the winter home of Thomas Alva Edison and the winter retreat for Henry Ford and his family, here lies a site that is truly unlike any other. This destination is where Edison and Ford spent many winters together working, inventing, and just relaxing. The architecture of the buildings themselves is nothing short of magnificent, and yet somehow this is only the beginning of a truly unforgettable experience.

Visitors will be delighted with the botanical gardens onsite. This garden was an experiment started by Edison when he wanted to understand the products and byproducts offered by plants. His wife later added many plants to the garden, including beautiful roses and orchids. The garden is simply stunning and offers over 300 varieties of plants, including palms from six different continents.

After a visit to the gardens, visitors are encouraged to take a trip to the Botanic Research Lab. Here, visitors will find the site where Edison discovered that goldenrod was a natural source of rubber. Teaming up with Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone, Edison helped prove that goldenrod could be hybridized to make natural rubber for tires, which proved to help stop the inflation of rubber prices in the late 1920’s.

The last main stop on the tour is the Estates Museum. Here, visitors will get to see some of the most remarkable inventions made by Edison and Ford. The Inventions of Edison exhibit displays samples of many of his inventions, ranging from the x-ray machine and the stock ticker to the telephone, the telegraph, and the various incarnations of the earliest light bulbs. Here, visitors will also find Henry Ford’s custom 1918 Model T.

The museum also features inventions made by Edison as a child as well as his additions to the world of movie making such as projectors and cameras. The Ford Gallery in the museums offers a look at the life of Henry Ford, his relationship with Edison, and the boats and cars that he created.

In short, there is certainly something special about the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. If you are looking to take a step back into time and to gain a glimpse into two of the most creative minds in history, this is certainly the destination for you. There is much to see and do at the museum and property, and it is an experience that you are not likely to soon forget.