Naples - low key sophistication
With the attraction that Naples enjoys with America's more favored citizens, shopping, the arts, yachting and golf have all made a name for themselves. If you golf, there are more courses here per capita than anywhere else.
Three distinct affluent shopping areas plus a few factory outlet malls will help you part with your money.
Restaurants
The Turtle Club
While there are many beachside restaurants in Florida, very few of them offer decent food. The Turtle Club is an exception. Sitting outside you can let your feet play in the beach sand while you eat and drink. Sitting inside at the bar offers nice views of the beach and Gulf. 9225 Gulfshore Drive - just north of Vanderbilt Beach Drive.
USS Nemo Undersea Cuisine & Adventures
While the decor of this unique restaurant is akin to that of a submarine, the food is anything but what they serve in the Navy. Fine seafood cuisine in an atmosphere that you won't find anywhere else. 3745 Tamiami Trail - near Pine Ridge Road.
Yaba Island Grill
Prime location on 5th Avenue and equally delightful cuisine of Caribbean influence. Well-trained staff decked in island wear. Open for dinner only. 711 5th Avenue.
Vergina
A popular spot with dining options inside or out. Outside tables within the cozy street side courtyard offer good vantage points for 5th Avenue comings and goings. Inside in well-appointed and romantic setting. Classic Italian with specialties favoring local, fresh seafood. 700 5th Avenue.
Places to Stay
Naples Grande
This high-rise property of 18 stories and almost 500 units has some of the best views of the water. It's not situated directly on the beach, it is adjacent to it and separated only by mangrove. The boardwalk to the beach serves the hotel and a public park. A complimentary tram runs from the hotel to the beach throughout the day. 475 Seagate Drive - at the Gulf end of Pine Ridge Road.
The Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club
A fixture of Naples for generations, this resort hotel sits right on the beach and features a backyard with an 18-hole championship course. Easy access to Fifth Avenue and Downtown Naples, a perfect location that is close to all. 851 Gulf Shore Boulevard.
Bayfront Inn on 5th Avenue
This chic boutique hotel faces famous 5th Avenue and is central to the 5th Avenue restaurants and shopping. Tropical feel with dining and bar on-site. 1221 5th Avenue.
Bellasera Hotel
Thoughtfully designed, decorated and appointed, this Tuscan themed jewel blends well with the Naples ideal of elegance and sophistication. Accommodations range from standard studio to three-bedroom suites and kitchens - ah, but why cook when there's fabulous room service and fine restaurants on and off-site just steps from the door? 221 9th Street South in Old Naples.
Attractions
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
This 13,000 acre Audubon sanctuary rescued the last virgin bald cypress environment from harvest. It also served as a refuge for endangered birds who were driven to near-extinction for their feathers as fashion accessories. A two plus mile boardwalk offers a leisurely trek through habitat that once covered most of Southwest Florida. 375 Sanctuary Road off of Immokalee Road.
Naples Museum of Art
Sharing space with the Naples Philharmonic, the Naples Museum of Art features a collection that highlights American and modern Mexican art and sculpture. Also on display are several glass works by Dale Chihuly. 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd.
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
Located near the downtown area of Naples, this 42 acre Zoo features numerous animal exhibits, walking tours and a 20 minute boat tour where you can view monkeys, zebras, giraffes and other exotic animals. 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road.
Local Resources
Naples, Marco Island and Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau
Win a name like that, how would you like to be one answering the phone? 3050 North Horseshoe Drive in Naples.
Naples Visitors Information Center
2390 Tamiami Trail North (US 41), Suite 210 in Naples - (239) 262-6141.
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