More Than a Place to Stay. A Piece of Fort Myers History.
Welcome to Cracker Cow Cottages
The Story Behind the Name
Cracker Cow Cottages takes its name from Florida's Heritage Breed Cow, which is a smaller, more docile breed first brought to Florida from Spain in the 1800s.
The Cracker Cowboys would gather these cattle and drive them down what is now McGregor Boulevard to Punta Rassa for shipment to Cuba. The very streets you'll walk during your stay once echoed with the sound of those drives.
But don’t worry! There are no more cattle drives to dodge!
A Historic Air Force Officer's Home
When you stay at Cracker Cow Cottages you're not just renting a vacation home. You're stepping into a piece of Fort Myers history.
These cottages date back to the 1940s, originally built as Air Force officer housing — a chapter of Southwest Florida's past that shaped the neighborhood long before the River District became the vibrant destination it is today. Situated along what was once a notorious cattle run for the Heritage Breed Cracker Cows, the area carries a layered history that few places in Florida can match.
We've worked hard to preserve that history. The bones, the character, and the soul of these cottages remain intact — lovingly restored and thoughtfully modernized so you can enjoy every comfort without losing any of what makes them genuinely special.
Efforts to conserve the rich history of this neighborhood continue even as Fort Myers grows and evolves around it. We're proud to be part of that story.
Meet Your Hosts
Steve and Michelle Adkins have called Fort Myers home for more than 30 years. They know this city the way only long-time locals do — the best table at the right restaurant, the beach that doesn't show up on the tourist maps, the history behind the streets you're walking.
Steve works in construction with a focus on preserving the historic character of the area, which followed the same philosophy that guided the restoration of these very cottages. Michelle brings the warmth, the welcome basket, and the kind of hospitality that turns a vacation rental into something that actually feels like home.
Together, they created Cracker Cow Cottages not just as a place to stay, but as a place to belong, even if just for a few nights.
Our Cottages
Three restored cottages. One shared courtyard. All rooted in the same history.
