If you’ve traveled to southwestern Florida, you’re undoubtedly familiar with the ci
ty of Naples. If you haven’t; it’s high time you did.
Naples is a gem of a city located on the Gulf of Mexico. White sandy beaches line the shore, and the Naples pier is a landmark in itself. Old Naples; a portion of the city near shops and wonderful restaurants, features a taste of old Florida. The Spanish-inspired architecture lends itself to the elegant feel. Gorgeous homes grace the palm laden streets.
You’ll find plenty to do in Naples, whether you visit for a week or a day.
For first class Italian dining, be sure to visit Ristorante D’Angeli in downtown Naples. Open seven days a week, the atmosphere is rich and the cuisine even richer. If you’re bringing the kids, opt for the Early Bird menu that features reduced prices and fewer upscale diners.  For hours of operation and access to menus visit http://www.ristorantedangeli.com/menus.html.
One of my favorite stops in Naples is the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens. For years our family has stopped at the zoo for an afternoon adventure. Tour the gorgeous botanical gardens and take a boat ride around “Monkey Island†where you can observe a number of different species in the primate family. Check out the alligators and take a ride on an elephant all in the same afternoon. Wild animal shows are scheduled throughout the day, and picnic tables are available if you wish to bring a cooler. The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is especially suited to families with small children. The gift shop sells snacks, soft drinks and sundries like sunscreen, as well as a plethora of zoo-themed souvenirs. http://www.caribbeangardens.com/
The Naples beaches incorporate a ten-mile stretch of beautiful white sand. Including Vanderbilt Beach, Delnor-Wiggins Pass, Clam Pass, Lowdermilk Park and Lely Barefoot Beach; most beaches feature picnic tables and restroom facilities. All Naples beaches feature some of the most awe-inspiring sunsets in the entire United States.
Take in some shopping (or even just some window shopping—the sights are to die for) on a 2-block stretch of Third Street South in downtown Naples. Often referred to as the “Rodeo Drive†of southwest Florida, you’re sure to enjoy meandering through specialty stores for clothing, accessories, jewelry and more.  Nearby Fifth Avenue features more nationally-renown chains like a Starbucks; and an additional barrage of shops and stores.
While in Naples be sure to check out the exquisite wildlife. Naples is located near the northern-most tip of the Everglades, and many species of intriguing wild birds call its shores home; as do alligators! Take a tour that leaves Naples, driving guests to nearby Everglades City, where you can take an airboat ride through the mangroves. http://www.naplestours.us/?event=offer.detail&offerId=3410
Whether you’re visiting Naples solo, as a couple or with your family; you’ll fall in love with this west coast Florida haven. You’ll dine, shop, lounge on the beaches, and observe spectacular wildlife; all the while enthusiastically planning your return visit.
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friendly kitchen includes modern countertops, stainless steel appliances, & a breakfast bar. This property is very spacious, and is perfect for vacationing with friends or family. Briarwood is a well manicured community centrally located in beautiful Naples; it features a Clubhouse, two community pools, sports facilities, and is perfect for taking evening walks. Only 5 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and its pristine beaches. Close by shopping includes the Waterside shops, 5th Avenue areas and fine restaurants. For more information, Click Here
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Kimberly Ripley is a freelance writer and published author who spends winters in Fort Myers; just an hour from Naples, Florida.
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Comments: 55
Like Sarasota, and West Palm it is a town without a middle class. Lawyers, even Specialist Doctors, and other professionals, anyone who actually has to GO every day is considered bluer collar than anywhere I have ever been.
But it DOES have a lovely, if slightly yuppified Irish pub!
If you work in the Food & Beverage - you can consider yourself lucky if you come across the few tourists who tip you at least the 15% grat bracket. More often - they only tip a buck or two - especially those dang snow birds.
The hospitallity business is another tough place to work in. Our schools in Collier county are also nothing to brag about. My son who is in HS has been bullied almost on a daily basis for no reason other than being a different race and for not having the designer clothes. How sad is that? There is a large percentage of us who work 40-60 plus hrs a week and we still fall under 30K a year. How can this happen in such a rich, beautiful place? I don't know - you tell me. I work everyday, take care of my kids, pay my bills and I still can not see my future any better. How can living in a such a "paradise place" be so depressing?
Florida Free & Frugal
One hint I have about traveling is to create a budget and then to divide the money into envelopes. When our girls were younger they would have an envelope a day and could decide how to spend their budget. It was amazing how careful they were with their money!
We plan our money in advance. We allow for spending so much each day. We put that days money in an envelope so we have an envelope for each day of our vacation. We NEVER spend more than we allowed. If we do not spend the allowed amount, it goes into the Emergency envelope.
In the distant past, I have flown in and out of the state of Florida on my way to the Caribbean.
Never really having any interest in spending any length of time there. But in recent years I have become acquainted with a few people who have friends and/or family in Florida, who seem to really enjoy living there. If I ever do return to Florida, I would head right to Saint Augustine, to explore and experience their famous old world spanish architecture. This article seems to indicate that Old Naples has the same lovely ambiance.