*** Green Tea nears 10000! *** And another milestone for the Premium Bonds review at over 32,000. W...
*** Green Tea nears 10000! *** And another milestone for the Premium Bonds review at over 32,000. What next? Bronze? Current projects: the works of Offenbach; hotels; personal health items.
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As an Englishman I would like to explain why I have come to love South West Florida. I stayed overnight once in 1980. I came back again eighteen years later looking for somewhere to take extended vacations and possibly eventually to retire. I think I have found that spot in Naples.
The town originates from the late 1800s. It is in the corner of Florida where the Tamiami trail (US19 from Tampa to Miami turns from the South to the East). It is a clean, well maintained place that has a plethora of subtropical plants and trees with little urban sprawl. It sits on the Gulf of Mexico adjacent to the 1000 barrier islands and is on the edge of the Everglades. It is said to have the highest number of golf courses per head of population in the US. It is a magnet for ‘snow birds’ – winter residents from more northerly climes escaping the harsh winters.
Our party has consisted on three adults (one senior) and two pre-teenagers. With this mix did we find enough to fill a two week vacation (let alone return for more!)? There are no theme parks close by and little ‘partying’ night life to concern us. However we have all felt refreshed, entertained and fulfilled by our visits - always looking forward to a return.
The weather tends to be hot with intermittent heavy rain most of the year. However (Andrew excepted) hurricanes do appear to leave the area alone.
What, then, does Naples have to offer. Without sounding like the local tourist officer, I will
note the following:
THE SIGHTS:
Tin City: A visit is mandatory for every tourist here. This is in the old converted cannery sheds. It is full of the expected tacky souvenir, gift and T-shirt shops but has atmosphere and is friendly and unhurried. There are two reasonable eateries within that overlook the river.
Naples Trolley Tour: A two hour, get on and get off as you please, guided and narrated tour of Naples and the neighbouring areas. Each driver has his own brand of local insights, statistics and jokes. (Did you know Tom Cruise has a house on the beach – or is it his mother?) The Trolley’s base is near Tin City but you can board at any of the stops.
Lee County Museum: In the centre of Naples. Well worth the visit. Recounts the history of the local area from prehistoric times.
Teddy Bear Museum: Just how many types, designs, postures and dresses can you imagine for the Bear folk? Our daughter was captivated. For the younger ones this is the place for the birthday party.
Florida Conservancy: It is quite amazing what treasures of nature are to be found even in the middle of town. Hidden behind the dense vegetation, bounded by the highway and the river and across the street from the mall is a facility for treating injured birds and animals. It is staffed by volunteers who are keen to pass on their interests to their visitors. The visit includes a boat ride onto the Gordon River.
The Corkscrew Sanctuary: Just north of Naples is another part of the dwindling Florida wilderness and consists of the largest remaining section of standing Cypress saved from development by the Audubon Society in the 1950s. There is a circular boardwalk along which the whole range of plants, animals and insects can be seen. The self guided instruction sheet is superb in identifying the species. We can now differentiate an anhinga from a cormorant.
Jungle Larry’s Caribbean Gardens: Back in Naples again is another nature reserve. Small by Busch Gardens standards it is nevertheless well maintained, well stocked with animals, birds and plants and has good hands on facilities.
THE ACTIVITIES:
The Golf Courses: More than twenty, many of them public. Despite my alma mater being the University of St Andrews I do not play golf and so cannot comment further!!!! The kids enjoyed the mini golf at the Pirate’s Cove site on South Tamiami Trail.
The Beach: Public access to silver sands with gently sloping warm Gulf sea. There is also the famed Naples pier which is an excellent site for fishing, strolling or taking the air. There is close by parking in all areas near the beach (25c for 20 minutes on a meter). But beware the beach patrols are quite efficient for handing out tickets: I got one last visit – I can only assume for parking facing the wrong way in a one way street.
Cruises: There are many boats that ply their trade from the Gordon River around Tin City and in the Naples Harbour. Cruises wend their way around the waterways and out into the Gulf: watching for dolphins and manatees, hunting for shells on the barrier islands and watching the sun sink below the horizon. We can recommend the Sweet Liberty catamaran cruise from The’s Waterfront restaurant.
There is a daily high speed hover ferry service to Key West.
A little further afield there is Fort Myers (35 miles) and Everglade City.
SHOPPING:
Fifth Avenue South: Olde Naples boasts some of the world’s leading stores in miniature form in this refined street. Ideal for strolling and window shopping – it comes alive with lights as the sun goes down.
Third Street South: The other area of Old Naples with art galleries and boutiques. It also boasts a branch of the Mole Hole – a store that will satisfy most souvenir, object d’arte or gift requirement.
Venetian Village: A relatively new development of up market boutiques and stores built on a stretch of the Gordon River. The kids clamour to visit as it is the home of a branch of Ben and Jerry’s.
Coastlands Mall: Quite small by Mall standards but conventional and unhurried.
EATERIES:
Cloyd’s: Venetian Village: Great steaks, sea food. Exceptional French onion soup (-reviewed by our son!) Good wine list. Great views over the water. We felt this restaurant catered for the somewhat older community. Reservations required.
Maxwell’s: Also Venetian Village: Nouvelle Cuisine. Inventive menu. Great for the adults when the kids are not in tow.
Da-Ru-Ma: across from the Ritz Carlton Hotel. We always have at least one Japanese meal when we come to Florida (it’s a treat we find only rarely in the UK). This must be one of the best (Hibatchi and sushi). Prices perhaps a little on the high side for the set menus.
Tony’s off Third: Just around the corner from the Mole Hole. For that snack or mid afternoon treat, a coffee shop with delightful sandwiches and delicious cakes.
Kelly’s Fish House: Opposite Tin City: Great, fresh sea food. They have the largest shrimp in their appetisers. Their Stone Crab claws (only in season) were a dream.
HOW TO GET THERE:
By car it’s south down the I75 from Tampa or Fort Myers or East from Miami. We travelled down the byways of central Florida on one occasion from Orlando. Slow but peaceful and very little traffic.
By air Miami is probably the principal destination but there are also flights into the South West Regional airport at Fort Myers. On our next trip we are taking the shuttle into Naples Municipal Airport.
WHERE TO STAY?
Accommodation prices are generally somewhat higher than in other major tourist areas of Florida. There are hotels, motels and condominiums to suite all tastes and pockets. The winter season is busy with longer rentals and places get booked up quickly the closer you get to the beach. The summer season is also becoming noticeably busier as the area becomes more noticed and popular with a peak in July, August and September when the Brits and Europeans (German is a common language in the area) arrive, often as part of their two center vacation.
To get a further insight you could do worse than look at the Naples Daily News web site (www.NaplesNews.com)
Where did we stay? We liked the place so much we decided to buy. If you are interested I could put you in touch with our management company! Just write me a comment on this review or drop me an e-mail.
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