FAMILY TRAVEL FLORIDA
Naples
PresentedbyAve Maria
WEST Wander
A WEEKEND ADVENTURE AWAITS IN NAPLES
BY SUSAN ROSSER
It's all too easy to overlook the fact that we reside in a state driven by tourism. I've been accused of rarely venturing beyond a three-mile radius from my home. However, Florida offers abundant family travel opportunities beyond a certain world that revolves around a computer mouse. Naples is only about a two-hour drive from most of South Florida. Here are just a few options that await you on the opposite side of our state. Why not gather the family, load up the car, and head west to Florida's Paradise Coast?
Sunset Cruise
In case you forgot, the sun sets in the west, making the west coast of Florida an ideal spot to watch the sun sink beneath the horizon. Of course, you can watch from the beach, but witnessing the scene while on the water is an experience the kids will remember. Naples Princess Sunset Cruise offers a couple of different options including a Sunset Dinner Cruise and a More Than Hors D’oeuvres Cruise. For more information, call 239-649-2275 or visit www.naplesprincesscruises.com.
Segway Tour
Embark on an exciting Segway guided tour, one of the many adventures awaiting your family in Naples. Cruise along, enjoying the breeze, and discover points of interest, from misty oceans to rolling waves. The unique feature of a Segway tour is its access to places unreachable by conventional vehicles, including Naples Fishing Pier, Crayton Cove, Port Royal and other hidden gems. Explore local eateries guided by experienced experts who will share fascinating historical insights. Keep an eye out for playful dolphins during your journey.
Starting at the Tin City Shopping Center, your tour will lead you to the scenic neighborhood of Port Royal, exploring areas inaccessible to tour buses. Each participant will be equipped with a helmet and Segway for a novel and adventurous experience. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory, and Segway tours are subject to weather conditions. Trike Tours USA has tour options for all ages and experience levels. They are located at Tin City Waterfront Shops at 1200 Fifth Ave. S. in Naples. For more information, visit www.triketoursusa.com.
A Little Nature
For the nature lovers in your family, there is no shortage of kayak tours available of the mangrove mazes and tunnels around Marco Island. Discover the wildlife of Southwest Florida up close and personal. The scenic beauty of Southwest Florida is full of picturesque landscapes filled with lush vegetation. The area is also full of diverse ecosystems, including mangrove tunnels, estuaries and coastal waterways. Kayaking allows visitors to explore these environments and observe the rich biodiversity, including various species of birds, fish and marine life. The peaceful nature of kayaking also enhances the chances of encountering wildlife in their natural habitats.
There are also over 150 species of birds to see in the area, plus manatees and dolphins. It's a nature enthusiast's dream. Kayakers can get up so close and personal with the mangroves and be able to spot some of the tiniest creatures who call the mangroves home. It’s also perfect for budding nature photographers to practice their craft. And, of course, there are a plethora of shells to discover.
If you're looking for some nature education for the kids or yourself, many guides are quite knowledgeable and will share insights about the local flora and fauna. Expect to learn a good deal about Florida's mangrove habitats and the importance of conservation during a guided trek.
And, if you want to cover more ground faster, some tour companies offer Jet Ski tours of the 10,000 Islands. Zip past the tiny uninhabited islands that make up this pristine area of Florida.
Places to check out…
SHURR ADVENTURES
Marco Island Mangrove Maze Adventure 32016 Tamiami Trail East, Everglades City www.shurradventures.com
FLORIDA ADVENTURERS
Mangrove Tours
Isle of Capri Paddle Park 1295 Capri Blvd. Naples, www.floridaadventuresandrentals.com/ marco-island-mangrove-tours
MARCI ECO TOURS
291 Collier Blvd., Marco Island www.marcoecotours.com
FifthAvenue
At the heart of Naples is Fifth Avenue South. This iconic strip encapsulates the city's charm – offering a blend of sophistication and coastal living. Strolling down the avenue, visitors will find charming boutiques and a whole host of restaurant options, from fine dining to casual fare. At night, the avenue exudes energy as al fresco dining is popular. Beyond shopping and dining, Fifth Avenue South offers a bit of cultural enrichment. Art galleries dot the strip and showcase a vibrant display of local and international artwork. Sidewalk performances and live music contribute to the avenue's lively atmosphere. For a complete list of shops, restaurants, galleries and more, visit www.fifthavenuesouth.com.
LEARNING POWER PLAY
A BIG KIND OF SMALL TOWN
FOLLOWING A DIFFERENT BEAT.
Moving from Broward to Ave Maria puzzled Ariel and Juan’s family and friends. “We’ll give it a year,” they were told. “I wasn’t sure, either,” says Ariel. But a focus on finding a better place to raise a family led them here. “Both kids have so many friends. My son loves playing baseball, and he and I are taking drumming lessons,” says Ariel. As for the skeptics? “Her parents are moving a couple of blocks from here,” laughs Juan.
Following your own drum has its benefits. Especially when you follow it to Ave Maria, A Big Kind of Small Town.
AVE MARIA
A BIG KIND OF SMALL TOWN
Between Naples and Fort Lauderdale lies the balance you’ve been looking for. Nestled in the heart of Collier County, Ave Maria may be the biggest surprise of Southwest Florida.
BIG CONVENIENCES. SMALL TREASURES.
Ave Maria is a happy community where children ride their bikes to school, and everyone knows their neighbors. A welcoming town center, beautiful single-family homes and impressive recreational facilities are surrounded by parks, preserved open space and the world-class beaches of Naples, Florida. Put the top down on the convertible, and you’re at Vanderbilt Beach in under an hour. And in just over an hour, you can hit the bright lights and big city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
BIG TIMES. SMALL MOMENTS.
Living in a Big Kind of Small Town means not having to sacrifice in terms of choices or convenience. A self-sustained town, Ave Maria offers a wonderful array of amenities, and invigorating recreation. Active adults, young professionals, and families will find exactly what they’re looking for — from a water park, championship golf, and miles of paths to a variety of shopping and dining options, award-winning schools and more. Ave Maria has everything you need to enjoy life — and to celebrate every moment of it.
Come take a look around.
Ave Maria Activities Keep Family Members of All Ages Engaged
From cul-de-sac barbeques, water balloon fights in the front yard, weekly Friday movie nights and joy rides in the golf cart to Town Center, Ave Maria teens have found plenty of action when forming new bonds with neighborhood families.
Seventeen-year-old resident Sera Sanchez shares, despite being homeschooled, her and her siblings do not struggle with meeting other teenagers with the help of countless social opportunities the town offers.
“Ave Maria really has been a blessing when making new friendships. Everyone is like a family,” said Sanchez. “There’s a diverse network of people, young and old, who live in our community. I haven’t met one person who isn’t motivated to try something new or spontaneously join in on an activity taking place.”
With weekend farmers markets, large-scale festivals and a variety of clubs to join, the Sanchez fridge calendar gets quite colorful. Activities include days the kids will be at so-and-so’s house or when the first tailgate kicks off the Ave Maria University football season.
“Everyone is always saying it, but it’s really true, I’ve never felt so involved in a community as I do here in Ave Maria,” Sanchez said.
Sera’s friends share Ave Maria’s amenities and events have even benefitted their parents to connect with other residents. “My dad shares all the time that golfing at The National has been his outlet in meeting other fathers who live in Ave Maria. He now has a buddy to go to the town brewery with for bingo nights,” shared resident LaQuisha Jones, 19.
A childhood filled with memories has been an appreciated comfort by young adults like Sera and LaQuisha because nothing is better than good times with good people.
Growing and Celebrating Under One Roof
As Ave Maria continues to grow, so do the generations that make the town a place to call home.
Racquel Cervera-Arcaya immigrated from Mexico to Miami. Even though she adjusted to the busyness of the city, she felt there was something missing from her life. Traveling the backand-forth work commute of Alligator Alley, Cervera-Arcaya and her husband noticed billboards highlighting a bright lifestyle and tempting home prices and the headline, “A Big Kind of Small Town.” She thought to herself, “What does that even mean?” The pair say it was destiny. “After visiting just once, we fell in love with the area. Its affordability and in-between coasts location was a no-brainer,” said Cervera-Arcaya. They soon purchased a new home and their family followed shortly after.
Residing several houses and streets away are in-laws, grandparents, nieces, and nephews — all part of the “Arcaya Clan” who have weekly gatherings and regular home and block parties. They also collaborate with their community lifestyle director for neighborhood-wide clubhouse events.
Having longed for a calm place to settle where family bonds could thrive, Ave Maria’s small-town ambiance gave the family an ability to reconnect with their cultural roots, foster a stronger sense of community and rebalance their city lives, which were once so hectic.
“Having family who live so close happened because of the safety and opportunities in this town,” said Cervera-Arcaya. “We support each other, we care for each other, and we continue to grow as this place grows with us.”
PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Andy, Racquel, Andrea, Max & Franes Arcaya
(Courtesy Photo)
Entrepreneurs Find Ave
Maria the Perfect Place
to Plant Their Family
As entrepreneurs in the music industry, Winston and Nicole Thomas lived a busy lifestyle in Broward County, Florida. They were long time renters and as their family grew, they wanted to become homeowners. The search began but everything they saw in Broward within their budget was too small. They needed space for their family of five as well as two home offices to run their businesses. “We could not find what we wanted at a price we liked,” Nicole shared. “I remember thinking are we going to be renting forever?” Luckily the couple was introduced to Ave Maria through a good friend. “I remember driving into the entrance of Ave Maria saying, “Wow, this place feels like an oasis,” Winston shared. “I immediately felt a vibe, it felt a little too perfect… Is this too good to be true?”
Finding their new dream home was easy to come by because of the town’s reasonable pricing. Fast forward five years and they emersed themselves in the community. Winston works as a DJ at a restaurant/bar in the Town Center and Nicole continues creating custom baby clothes for clients near and far. They also just launched a new ‘Everything Ave Maria” business, educating residents of everything there is to do in Ave Maria. “We see this place as a goldmine for business and investment, we love the peacefulness and safety. We don’t have to worry so much about our kids,” said Winston.
“We saw a bunch of bikes scattered on the grass and sidewalks and were amazed they were unlocked. We were blown away by that,” Winston admitted. “What we love most about Ave Maria is the family-minded people. Our neighbors think family first, such as schools, environment, and safety. We wanted our kids to grow up in a better environment than what we grew up in. We found that and more in Ave Maria.”
AVE MARIA ENTREPRENEURS
PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: London, Nicole, Nyla, Winston & Aspen Thomas (Courtesy Photo)
Come Experience the Ave Maria Lifestyle at these Signature Events
TASTE OF AVE
Saturday, February 3
12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Sample a variety of eats from grills and restaurants, shop boutiques and a 60+ vendor farmers market, and experience what makes this Big Kind of Small Town the community everyone keeps talking about! Expect live music from hometown bands Steinbeck Way and the Back Country Boys, free-entry raffles, plus a variety of family-friendly activities, arts and crafts vendors, and small business booths.
BLUES, BREWS & BBQ FESTIVAL
Saturday, February 17 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Enjoy full sets by Southwest Florida’s biggest names in blues entertainment! The fun includes vintage and high-performance car exhibits, finger-licking good barbecue and a wide assortment of craft beers, plus a great selection of retail vendors, face painters, and kids’ activities. There’ll be plenty of laughs when challenging the mechanical bull ride!
MARGARITA & TACO FESTIVAL
Saturday, March 16
12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Ave Maria takes on a funfair atmosphere for this annual celebration! Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the afternoon with live music by local country bands, food trucks featuring Mexican specialties and desserts, plus a variety of refreshing margaritas! Anticipate Lucha Libre wrestling, farmers market and local vendors, car shows and exotic animal encounters, plus plenty more family-friendly activities.
TROLLEY TOURS & LIVE MUSIC
Tuesdays, January 16 – April 23
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Tour Collier County’s ‘Community of the Year,’ 9-years running, during a 1-hour narrated trolley tour and discover all that’s new! Explore the town, learn its history, and enjoy live music. After the tour, grab lunch, do a little shopping, and view 25+ model homes by premier builders CC Homes, Del Webb, Lennar, and Pulte Homes. Guests receive a complimentary trolley bag filled with swag items, coupons, and more! Tours are free and reservations are not required.
FARMERS MARKETS & LIVE MUSIC
Saturdays, Through April 27
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
A Town Center favorite, the Ave Maria Farmers Market, keeps growing every year! Browse locally sourced goods and handmade creations from a great mix of 60+ vendors! It’s fun to socialize with new friends when browsing locally grown produce, flowers, honey, specialty foods and baked goods, home décor and accessories, artisans and much more!
SARASOTA Sunn y
IT’S ALWAYS SUMMER IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
BY SHANNON PEASE-SEVERANCE
From its sugar-sand beaches and stunning sunsets to its vibrant art scene and engaging attractions, there’s a lot to love about Sarasota. Situated just south of Tampa, the city was once the winter home of the Ringling Brothers Circus. With such a rich mix of offerings and an easygoing atmosphere, there’s something for everyone on Florida’s Cultural Coast. Fortunately for us, our neighbor to the west is just a short drive away. So pack your bags, pile in the car, and head to Sarasota for a memorable trip with the family. Here we offer some suggestions to get your wheels turning.
Attractions
Siesta Key Beach
While the rest of the country weathers the winter chill, we have the benefit of strolling the beach barefoot – in January. People worldwide travel from afar to experience this award-winning beach for its silky-smooth white quartz sand and crystal blue water. The scenery is so beautiful that it ranked #2 in the U.S. in 2024 for Best Beach in the world by TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards and served as the set for the first four seasons of the MTV Siesta Key reality television series. Luckily for us locals, we get to bask in the beauty of Siesta Key Beach all year long.
The Ringling
Learn about art, culture and society as you tour a variety of collections ranging from art and circus to history and architecture. The experience gives insight into the vision of circus impresario John Ringling and his wife Mable to make Sarasota a world-class destination. The estate includes the Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, the 1920s mansion Ca’ d’Zan, the Historic Asolo Theatre and Bayfront Gardens. Special scheduled events feature family art making, story time and stroller tours designed specifically for families with infants and toddlers. The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art is located at 5401 Bay Shore Rd. in Sarasota. For more information, call 941-359-5700 or visit www.ringling.org.
Myakka River State Park
Visit one of Florida's oldest and largest parks with a beautiful backdrop of 58-square-miles of wildflower covered prairies and wild wetlands. Pack a picnic and make a day of it by bicycling, birdwatching or taking a guided boat ride. Bicycle, canoe and kayak rentals are also available. And, if your family is the outdoorsy type, forgo the hotel and rent a cabin or a primitive campsite where you can pitch your own tent. The park is open 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. The cost is $6 per vehicle (2-8 people) or $4 for a single-occupant vehicle. Myakka River State Park is located at 13208 State Road 72 in Sarasota. To learn more, call 941-361-6511 or visit www.floridastateparks.org.
Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary
Families can explore habitats (lions, and tigers, and bears!) and participate in unique activities like fox yoga and sunset safari tours at this animal haven. Yes, you read that right, fox yoga. Guest are guided through a yoga flow while two silver foxes, Stormy and Miko play freely and interact with yogis. There are other activities too, including lemur yoga, tiger yoga (outside the habitat!), and interactive experiences where you can connect with a wallaby or a capybara. Big Cat Habitat is at 7101 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota. To book a reservation, or for more information, call 941-371-6377 or visit www.bigcathabitat.org.
Calendar
SARASOTA SEAFOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL
Friday-Sunday, January 10-12
It’s a lip-smacking, toe-tapping good time at this festival featuring a wide variety of fresh seafood, meat and vegetarian options and a musical performances by talented artists. Festivities kick off Friday evening from 4:30 to 10 p.m., continue Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and culminate Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. In addition to fabulous food and music, there will be a marketplace with arts and crafts, gourmet food items and other specialty products. The lineup of entertainers and showtimes can be found at www.paragonfestivals.com/festival/ sarasota-shrimp-music-festival. Admission is free. The event takes place at the Sarasota Fairgrounds at 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota.
SARASOTA ANIME-FEST
Saturday, January 11
Anime fans and collectors can enjoy a day of all things anime, including anime candy, comic books and magazines, artwork sketches, video games, apparel, jewelry and more. The festival will also feature anime panels, anime trivia, a cosplay contest and a roster of industry professionals and fandom-related celebrities for fans to meet. All ages. $20/person. One child age 11 and under is free per one accompanying adult. 10am-5pm, Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, www.sarasotaanimefest.com
Hurricane Recovery Continues
At the time of publication, some area businesses like Mote Aquarium and Sarasota Jungle Gardens continued to be closed due to damage sustained from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. Please check the status of local attractions before setting off on your adventure. To assist with their recovery efforts, visit www.mote.org or www.sarasotajunglegardens.com. To learn more about storm recovery in the City of Sarasota, visit www.sarasotafl.gov.
FAMILY ART MAKING AT RINGLING MUSEUM
Saturday, January 18
Kids can make art inspired by objects in the museum’s collection and then explore the exhibit to see the actual object in person. Tickets are free, but they are required. A limited amount will be available online about 14 days prior to the program. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, www.ringling.org
ST. ARMANDS WINTER ART FESTIVAL & SIDEWALK SALE
Saturday-Sunday, January 25-26
Spend a day, or the weekend, perusing gallerystyle booths filled with fine art of every medium by national and local artists. Displays will include a mix of art including paintings, life-sized sculpture, fine jewelry, hand-crafted apparel, décor, glasswork and more. 10am-5pm, One St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, www.artfestival.com
SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES & CELTIC FESTIVAL
Saturday, February 1
Enjoy a full day of fun at this second annual event that includes piping and drumming, athletics, live music, vendors, food and more. $15-$30. 8:30am-6pm, Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, www.suncoastscots.com
Dining
Beach Bites
After spending a sun-drenched day on the beach, exploring the local art scene, or visiting an array of animals that call Sarasota home, you might need some sustenance. Here are a couple places that will help you recharge and fill the void.
The Old Salty Dog
Known for casual dining and a comfortable atmosphere, The Old Salty Dog serves up delectable dishes, cool drinks and even cooler kids meals that are plated on a frisbee. Menu choices range from handhelds like fresh fish sandwiches and island tacos to the namesake “Salty Dog” – a ¼ pound hot dog dipped in batter and fried to a golden brown. If you like it piled high, try the Fully Loaded Salty Dog – as seen on Travel Channel’s Man vs. Food. It comes topped with sauerkraut, bacon, grilled onion, mushrooms, and four different kinds of cheese – American, cheddar, pepper jack and Swiss. You will not leave hungry. At last check, the City Island location was temporarily closed and undergoing repairs due to hurricane damage, but both the Siesta Key and Venice Island locations are open for business. www.theoldsaltydog.com
Abel's Ice Cream
Satisfy your sweet tooth at this locally-owned ice cream shop featuring more than 40 flavors of Florida-made ice cream, dairy-free sorbets and plant based, non-dairy frozen desserts. The award-winning locale features a variety of classic flavors like chocolate chip, coffee and spumoni, and specialty flavors like chocolate raspberry truffle and butterscotch bomb. 1886 Stickney Point Rd., Sarasota, www.abelsicecream.com
ALL THAT GLITTERS
Winston and Nicole are just your normal parents of three kids. Except that he’s a Grammy-winning music producer—and she’s a former supermodel. They wanted a change of pace and a community that was a good fit for their family. Nicole was unaware of Ave Maria. “But when we pulled in, I was like, ‘oh wow,’” she laughs. “I called my mom and told her we were moving. I hadn’t expected to like small-town living, but we’re able to rest and relax here. We do bike rides, the water park, and all the festivals.” Winston nods and says, “Ave Maria’s a great place and constantly getting better.”
Glam and fam go hand-in-hand in Ave Maria— A Big Kind of Small Town.
AVE MARIA
A BIG KIND OF SMALL TOWN
Between Naples and Fort Lauderdale lies the balance you’ve been looking for. Nestled in the heart of Collier County, Ave Maria may be the biggest surprise of Southwest Florida. The slogan, “A Big Kind of Small Town” emphasizes Ave Maria having all the conveniences of a big town, but with small town connections. New homes from four premier builders start in the high $200s.
Whether it’s a family day at the water park, or a personal best on the morning run, it’s game on at Ave Maria. The fields, parks and recreation facilities, and golf clubs offer good times, good games, and heart-pumping activities for everyone.
Ave Maria was founded on the principles of education, family and community and it remains true today. Educational offerings within the community serve all age groups, from preschool through college and include Ave Maria University, the Rhodora J. Donahue Academy for grades K-12, and a preschool for ages 2-4 years old. A Collier County public elementary school is currently being constructed for the 2026-27 school year and will offer an A-rated quality education for 900 students.
Healthy living is another pillar of the Ave Maria familyfriendly culture. A certified Blue Zones community, Ave Maria residents themselves earned this prestigious designation given only to areas that provide healthy, community-focused lifestyle options to its residents.
A dedicated lifestyle staff, for example, organizes year-round activities. From swim lessons at the water park to festivals at North Park, residents find common ground to connect. South Park features softball fields, bocce ball courts, amphitheater, a dog park, and picnic pavilions. North Park offers soccer and baseball fields, basketball and tennis courts, a tot lot playground, disc golf, and concession stand. The Ave Maria Water Park includes an interactive aqua playground, two water slides, lap pool, water play area, beach volleyball, and CJ’s Water Park Café.
The community’s residents also find ways to gather at the centrally located Town Center, which features more than 60 businesses. All the conveniences of daily life are at the center of town and within walking distances for most residents, who enjoy a Publix grocery store, dining, retail shops, and healthcare services. This heart-of-the-community location is also home to a variety of free events held throughout the year, including Taste of Ave, Blues Brews & BBQ Festival, Margarita & Taco Festival, weekly Farmers Markets and more.
Another element of a healthy community is a focus on the environment. At Ave Maria, land conservation is a central tenet. More than 17,000 acres of nature preserves surround the community, which also offers more than 100 miles of walking, biking and hiking paths.
‘‘
Busy Having Fun
Sera is the oldest sibling in her family – leader of the pack and guide to all Ave Maria has to offer kids growing up. “There’s so much fun stuff to do,” she said. “So many places to go and friends to hang out with.” That often means loading up her brother and sisters, and an occasional neighbor kid or two, into the family golf cart for a day’s excursion. It might begin at the clubhouse pool or Ave Maria’s Water Park. Then a trip to the Town Center for a smoothie and a little shopping.
‘‘
Loving Little League
Kalel is living his best life. He joined Ave Maria Little League as a pitcher and first baseman. “I love that I get to play with all my friends, and we always have fun!” Kalel’s mom, Ariel agrees. “Our fields are beautiful, and the location of our parks are within walking distance for many Ave Maria residents, so our teams’ parents can efficiently plan practices and their dinner times, study hours and other family commitments. To have these parks in our town where anyone can walk or golf cart to is greatly beneficial.”
‘‘
Life with a Smile On
A few years ago, Jim’s brother brought him to Ave Maria to play golf at Panther Run Golf Club. “I was looking for a small town,” he said, “and the people are awesome.” In his spare time he’s a runner. “I’m known as the jogger with a smile on my face,” he said.
“A neighbor asked me why I was smiling all the time. I said, because we live in paradise.”
The Hernandez Family
Ariel and Juan Hernandez were seeking a fresh start for their family.
Having lived in Broward County –Juan in law enforcement and Ariel managing a thriving therapy practice – their lives were full and fulfilling. However, the congestion of city living had begun to wear on them, and they longed for a neighborhood with a more connected, community-oriented feel.
Juan began researching the best places to raise a family, and one of the first names that appeared on his list was Ave Maria, an awardwinning master-planned community located halfway between Broward County and Naples, with convenient access to Alligator Alley. Juan dug deeper into his research and became convinced Ave Maria was the right place for them.
“I was skeptical because I never heard of this place,” Ariel said. After some persuasion, she agreed to visit with her husband to tour the community, visit model homes and get a sense of what living there would be like. “I saw the homes and instantly fell in love with them,” she shared. “We drove through the neighborhood, and everyone was so friendly. We saw kids riding their bikes – something we hadn’t seen in forever.”
After that initial visit they decided to call Ave Maria home. Ariel’s family wasn’t so sure about the change. Her parents, Donna and Luis, were convinced the Hernandez family would be back within a year. However, after visiting they found Ave Maria was more than they had expected. “Donna and I were sad when they moved,” Luis shared, “but when we visited, we loved it so much, we decided to move here too.”
Soon Ariel’s sister-in-law, her niece then her sister followed suit as well. Now the entire Hernandez-Perez clan has established deep roots in the community. “We go to the parks, the pools, baseball and soccer games… And we all gather for big family meals,” Luis said. “It is so important for us to have these moments with our grandchildren. We get to do life together, and I couldn’t be happier.”
Now the Hernandez’s and their extended family are thriving in Ave Maria – A Big Kind of Small Town.
Embrace the Ave Maria Lifestyle at Family Fun Events
TASTE OF AVE
Saturday, February 1, 2025
• 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Sample a variety of eats from grills and restaurants, shop boutiques and a 60+ vendor farmers market, and experience what makes this Big Kind of Small Town the community everyone keeps talking about! Live music from hometown bands TreeHause and the Back Country Boys, free-entry raffles organized by the many town’s businesses, family-friendly activities, Biz Kidz Expo and inflatables, plus local artisans and small business booths.
BLUES, BREWS & BBQ FESTIVAL
Saturday, February 15, 2025
• 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Enjoy full sets by Southwest Florida’s biggest names in blues entertainment! The fun includes vintage and high-performance car exhibits, finger-licking good barbecue and a wide assortment of craft beers, plus a great selection of retail vendors. Also, a kids’ zone will have face painters and plenty of fun, kid’s activities.
SHAMROCK FESTIVAL
Saturday, March 15, 2025
• 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Immerse yourself in the lively spirit of Ireland at Ave Maria’s inaugural Shamrock Festival! On Saturday, March 15 from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m., the festivities kick off with energetic performances by The Crows, a local Irish band known for their traditional tunes. Enjoy a whiskey tasting and familyfriendly activities including a golf cart parade, petting zoo, Irish Soda Bread contest and performances by Kellyn Celtic Dance Academy.
MARGARITA & TACO FESTIVAL
Saturday, April 5, 2025
• 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Ave Maria takes on a funfair atmosphere for this annual celebration! Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the afternoon with bands TreeHause and Deb & The Dynamics, food trucks featuring Mexican specialties and desserts, and a variety of refreshing margaritas. The Town Center will be filled with a farmers market and local vendors, car shows, plus plenty more family-friendly activities.
FARMERS MARKETS & LIVE MUSIC
Saturdays through April 26
• 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
A Town Center favorite, the Ave Maria Farmers Market keeps growing every year! Featuring 60+ vendors showcasing hand-crafted and homegrown products, there’s a diverse mix to shop. Stroll through the market to discover a wide selection of organic produce, vibrant flowers, raw honey, specialty foods and freshly baked goods. You’ll also find unique home décor and accessories, beautifully crafted ceramics, artisanal items and much more. The Ave Maria Farmers Market is the perfect destination to support local artisans and enjoy a truly unique shopping experience.
TROLLEY TOURS & LIVE MUSIC
Tuesdays, January 14 – April 22
• 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Experience the charm of Collier County’s celebrated ‘Community of the Year’ for an impressive 10 consecutive years with a scenic, 1-hour narrated trolley tour. This engaging ride invites you to discover all the exciting new developments, explore the town, learn its history and enjoy live music. After the tour, grab lunch, do a little shopping and view 25+ model homes by premier builders CC Homes, Del Webb, Lennar and Pulte Homes. Guests receive a complimentary trolley bag filled with swag items, coupons and more! Tours are free and reservations are not required.