Naples on the Gulf 2025 by Palm Beach Media Group

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FLORIDA’S BEST PLACE TO LIVE, WORK, AND VISIT

NAPLES On the Gulf

BEACHES, BOATING, WILDLIFE, ECO-ADVENTURES

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Naples by Stock Residences

Caymas, Naples

Stock Luxury Homes

Hoffmann

FAMILY OF COMPANIES

Experience the finest Southwest Florida has to offer, from concerts and golf to hospitality, transportation, event planning, shopping, dining, and watersports—all brought to you by the Hoffmann Family of Companies.

A LEAGUE OF HER OWN

Barabara moved with her husband to Ave Maria, but lost him to cancer a little over a year ago. “He was the golfer. I’d just ride along and caddy. But I started to play, and then I started a league.” She is the leader of the Ladies Wednesday Golf League at Panther Run. “It started with four of us who wanted to play together. It’s grown to about 140. We really have a great time. You don’t have to have a handicap, just a good attitude. Everyone is very supportive.”

Getting out there with friends and making new ones is part of life in Ave Maria—A Big Kind of Small Town.

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Contents Naples on the Gulf

Who

Learn the secrets of success for four companies headquartered in Naples

50 “THE BEAUTIFUL GAME” COMES TO TOWN

Collier County’s ﬁrst professional team—FC Naples, a new member of the United Soccer League—takes the pitch in 2025 52

Naples has grown into the capital for the fastest-growing sport

Take home locally inspired and created treasures and souvenirs

President and CEO Proﬁle, Regular Events, and Innovation

Naples sparkles when the sun goes down

Dip a toe—or drop a line—into

Get to know your “wild” neighbors

ON THE COVER

Naples on the Gulf will feature two covers in 2025: LEFT: Gulfshore Playhouse’s state-of-the-art Baker Theatre & Education Center at 100 Goodlette-Frank S. Road opened in October 2024 with a professional production of Anything Goes

Schipper

DENNIS

Fly Safe, Fly Quiet

Our commitment to being a good neighbor is paramount, and we promote quiet hours between 10 pm and 7 am. Scan the QR code to learn more about our noise mitigation efforts.

2024-2025 Greater Naples Chamber Board of Directors

Chairs

BLAKE GABLE, Chair Barron Collier Companies

JASON HUNTER KORN, ESQ., Chair-Elect Dentons Cohen & Grigsby, PC

VICKI TRACY, Development Chair Gulf Coast International Properties

JULIE A. SCHMELZLE, Immediate Past Chair Bank of America

Vice Chairs

DERRICK AYERS OFDC Commercial Interiors

DAVID GORDLEY

First Horizon Bank

ANDY HILL

Andrew Hill Investment Advisors

JAN KANTOR Success Systems

MICK MOORE

Vanderbilt Beach Resort

MATTHEW MORINELLO BeneCard

HECTOR SANCHEZ Central Wire

JEANNE L. SEEWALD

Hahn Loeser & Parks, LLP

LISA VAN DIEN

London Bay Homes

CHRIS VERNON Vernon Litigation Group

Honorary Directors

BILL BARKER Barker Strategic Solutions

RUSSELL A. BUDD PBS Contractors

GARRETT RICHTER First Foundation Inc.

Ex-Officio

JAY BOODHESHWAR City of Naples

EILEEN CONNOLLY-KEESLER Collier Community Foundation

DUDLEY GOODLETTE Henderson Franklin, Starnes & Holt, PA

AMY PATTERSON Collier County Government

KEVIN RAMBOSK Collier County Sheriff's Office

ELOY RICARDO North Collier Fire Control & Rescue District

LESLIE RICCIARDELLI Collier County Public Schools

AYSEGUL TIMUR

Florida Gulf Coast University

MICHAEL A. WYNN

Sunshine Ace Hardware, Inc.

Directors

TED BILL Pelican Wire

JEFF BOOKSTEI Pulte Family Charitable Foundation

MICHELLE BORDERS

Naples Network Services

SCOTT BURGESS

David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health

JENNA BUZZACCO-FOERSTER

Gravina Smith Matte & Arnold

BRIAN COLLINS

Naples Beach Club

KRISTEN COURY

Gulfshore Playhouse

BRETT DIAMOND

DeAngelis Diamond

CARLO FASSI

TECO Peoples Gas

BILL GASTON BUILD, LLC

MARY BETH GEIER

Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation

CLARK HILL

Hilton Naples

PAUL HILTZ

NCH Healthcare System

COTRENIA HOOD

Steel Bleu

BUDDY HORNBECK III

Gallagher Lutgert Insurance

GREG JOHNSON

Conditioned Air

JENNIFER JOHNSON

True Fashionistas

CLAUDINE LEGER-WETZEL

Stock Development

CEE CEE MARINELLI

Barron Collier Companies

MARY MORTON

Moorings Park

PATRICK O'CONNOR

Premier Sotheby's International Realty

JANET POGAR Florida Blue

TIMOTHY REITER Fifth Third Bank

ADAM RYZENMAN First Citizens Bank

JOHN W. SCHMIEDING Arthrex, Inc.

PAUL SELVIDIO

Community School of Naples

CHRIS SIMONEAU

Lee Health

RANDY SMITH

Naples Transportation and Tours

ASIF SYED

21 Spices by Chef Asif

JAMIE ULMER

Healthcare Network

PATRICK UTTER

Collier Enterprises

DEANNA WALLIN

Naples Soap Company

MATTHEW ZWACK

Owen Ames Kimball

NAPLES On the Gulf

Publisher Liz Goodman

EDITORIAL

Editor Cathy Chestnut

Creative Director Olga M. Gustine

Senior Art Director Ashley Meyer

Digital Imaging Specialist Leonor Alvarez-Maza

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Phil Borchmann, Glenn Miller

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Samantha Bloom, Mila Bridger, Michael Caronchi, John Eder, Tim Gibbons Photography, Dennis Goodman, Nick Shirgio

ADVERTISING

Liz Goodman, 239-595-7269, egoodman@palmbeachmedia.com

Marketing Manager Rebecca Desir

PRODUCTION

Production Director Selene M. Ceballo

Production Manager Lourdes Linares

Digital Pre-Press Specialist George Davis

Senior Advertising Designer Jeffrey Rey

Advertising Design Coordinator Anaely J. Perez Vargas

Production Coordinator Ileana Caban

Digital Marketing Manager Tyler Sansone

OPERATIONS

Distribution Manager Judy Heflin

Logistics Manager Omar Morales

Circulation Manager Marjorie Leiva

Circulation Assistant Britney Stinson

Circulation Promotions Manager David Supple

Accounts Receivable Specialist Ana Coronel

IT Manager Omar Greene

Group Publisher Terry Duffy

Editorial Director Daphne Nikolopoulos

Chief Operating Officer Todd Schmidt

In Memoriam Ronald J. Woods (1935-2013)

HOUR MEDIA, LLC

CEO Stefan Wanczyk

President John Balardo

Le er from the President/CEO

O Welcome to Greater Naples!

n behalf of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, I am delighted to welcome you to our vibrant community! Whether you are visiting Naples or considering relocating here, we are excited to share what makes this area truly special. Our mission is to cultivate economic opportunity for all, and our vision is to make Collier County the best place in America to live, work, and play.

Naples boasts a strong economy characterized by a low unemployment rate and a diverse array of job opportunities. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a professional, or just starting your career, you'll ﬁnd an environment that supports growth and success. Our community is also home to excellent public and private schools, making it an ideal place to raise a family. With a low crime rate and a generous philanthropic spirit, Naples is a safe, caring, and vibrant place to call home. We encourage you to explore all that Naples oﬀers. From our relaxing beaches and pristine parks to a world-class arts scene and plenty of outdoor activities, there's something for everyone. While you are playing a round of golf under the Florida sun, a ending a community event, or simply enjoying the stunning natural beauty of the Paradise Coast, you’ll quickly see why Naples is considered one of the most desirable places to live.

At the Greater Naples Chamber, we are at the center of conversations and initiatives to ensure that our community remains one of the best in the nation. Naples was named, a er all, as the No. 1 "Best Places to Live" in 2024-2025 by U.S. News & World Report. We will continue to work hard to create a prosperous future for all who live, work, play, and invest here. Thank you for being part of our journey. Whether you are a current or prospective resident, we look forward to seeing how you will thrive and contribute to greater Naples' continued success.

Warm wishes,

KRISTINA PARK President & CEO

Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce

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NORTH NAPLES

2 blocks south of Wiggins Pass Road 13250 Tamiami Trail North 239.596.5959

Adntu awaits

#NaplesFlorida

Whoooo's learning about creatures great and small? @naples_zoo

Into the woods @corkscrewswamp

Gliding through the 'Glades #Wooten'sEvergladesAirboatTours

42nd Street jitterbugs @thenaplesplayers

Dining with a veiw @thebayhouse

"Art After Hours" at The Baker Museum @artisnaples

No. 1

“BEST PLACES TO LIVE” IN 2024-2025

(U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT)

COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISTRICT GRADE FOR 2017-2024 (FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION)

260

DELNOR-WIGGINS PASS STATE PARK RANKED INTERNATIONALLY BY DR. BEACH

25th +

ANNIVERSARY OF THE NAPLES WINTER WINE FESTIVAL, WHICH HAS RAISED ALMOST $302 MILLION TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF LOCAL UNDERSERVED CHILDREN

No.

LOCAL ART GALLERIES AND ARTIST STUDIOS

(U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT)

SQUARE MILES, THE LARGEST COUNTY IN FLORIDA BY LAND DAYS OF SUNSHINE (BEST PLACES) A

No. + “FASTEST GROWING PLACES IN THE U.S. IN 2023-2024”

2,305 Miles

LENGTH OF EVERGLADES WILDERNESS WATERWAY KAYAK AND CANOE TRAIL (NATIONAL PARK SERVICE)

A day  the

BEACH

Dip a toe—or drop a line—into local waters

The Naples area is home to 30 miles of shoreline, and each beach is its own unique slice of paradise. In the 1888 brochure promoting Naples as a new resort destination, “surf bathing” in the warm waters along the gently sloping shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico was touted as a “healthful” year-round pursuit.

(Note: Some beaches and amenities, including the iconic Naples Pier, were damaged in hurricanes and work continues on repairs and updgrades. For the latest status, check collierparks.com or naplesgov.com.)

Tigertail Beach

Tigertail Beach is the jewel among the smooth, wide beaches along Marco Island’s western shore. On the island’s north end, the pristine beach can be accessed by boardwalks though a mangrove forest. Across the tidal bay is Sand Dollar Island, a popular nesting area for a wide variety of birds. The beach is known for its abundance of shells and sand dollars, and as a bird migration superhighway. Parking fee: $8. (Location: 430 Hernando Drive, Marco Island)

Tigertail Beach

Naples Pier

WHERE TO PARK

All parking spaces require a payment or a valid beach parking permit. Full-time residents and property taxpayers can park for free with a city or county beach parking permit. (Any disability permit holder may park at any space without payment.) Without a permit, beachgoers should use metered parking spaces, pay stations (some are credit card only), and side streets.

Naples Pier

For more than 130 years, the Naples Pier has been the pulse of Naples Beach. This beach is an ideal place to stroll, lounge, ﬁsh, boogie-board, and wade. The pier was damaged in Hurricane Ian, and a portion of it is open as the city works on its redesign and renovation. Metered parking is located nearby, with additional parking and access points along Gulf Shore Boulevard. (Location: West end of 12th Avenue South, Naples)

Barefoot Beach Preserve

One of the last undeveloped barrier islands in Southwest Florida, Barefoot Beach is regularly rated among the country’s best beaches. The 342acre Barefoot Beach Preserve was damaged by hurricanes and work continues to restore amenities. However, parking lots 2 and 3 with beach access are open. Parking fee: $10. (Location: 505 Barefoot Beach Blvd., Bonita Springs)

Clam Pass Park

The three-quarter-mile boardwalk through the mangroves at Clam Pass is a nature-filled jaunt. The tidal ecosystem is home to various birds and other wildlife, and the mangrove roots provide important spawning grounds for fish and shellfish. Once you’ve made it through—on foot or on the courtesy tram—one of Naples’ most scenic beaches awaits. With nature guided walks, bike racks, equipment rentals, beach wheelchairs, and life jackets, spend the day exploring this 35acre gem. There are 171 parking spaces at this popular beach. Parking fee: $10. (Location: Corner of Crayton Road and Seagate Drive, Naples)

Clam Pass

Barefoot Beach

Brian Glaeser, Agent

3765 Airport Pulling Road N Suite 101

Naples, FL 34105

Bus: 239-774-0665

Fax: 239-774-5581

BrianGlaeser.com

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Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

Lowdermilk Park

Secluded and relaxing, the park boasts of one of the most unspoiled beaches in the United States. Get your cameras ready, because natural wildlife abounds: resident and migratory birds, tortoises, dolphins, and more. The 199-acre park suﬀered hurricane damage. It is open for limited day. A free beach shu le service to the park may be available at Conner Park (Bluebill Avenue and Gulfshore Drive), which as 158 spaces. Parking fee: $6. Check ﬂoridastateparks.org for the latest information. (Location: 11135 Gulfshore Drive, Naples)

Lowdermilk Park is a great place for the whole family. Spend the day at this premier beachfront park with a playground, picnic tables, sand volleyball courts, and two rentable gazebos. Convenient facilities include a concession stand, restrooms, and outdoor showers. There is ample on-site metered and street parking. Parking fee: $4 per hour. (Location: 1301 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., at the corner Banyan Boulevard, Naples)

Lowdermilk Park

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

North Gulfshore Beach

This beach is accessible at both the end of Seagate Drive and North Gulf Shore Boulevard via foot. There are 38 parking spaces at the end of Seagate Drive. There are no other amenities at this county beach. (Location: Gulf Shore Boulevard North, Naples)

South Marco Beach

South Marco Beach is one of only two public beaches on the island. There is public parking on Swallow Avenue, a short walk across South Collier Boulevard. The scenic walk to the beach is lined with sable palms and plush hotels. Parking fee: $8. (Location: 930 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island)

Vanderbilt Beach Park

This is one of the most popular beaches because of its natural beauty and amenities, which include beach wheelchairs and a parking garage. Snacks and water sports rentals are available at Vanderbilt Beach Resort. Parking fee: $10. (Location: West end of Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples)

South Marco Beach at JW Marriott

North Gulfshore Beach

Vanderbilt Beach Park

JEFF HERRON

WHERE TO FISH

Few places in North America oﬀer such a wide variety of ﬁshing options as Southwest Florida—the choices are limitless, depending on your target. Here are a few places to put on your radar.

Conner Park Beach

Conner Park is a short walk to North Naples beaches. The park has ample parking and a threequarter-mile hardscape trail that leads to a ﬁshing area under the Bluebill Avenue Bridge, where you can spot dolphin, manatee, and stingrays. It is located on 111th Avenue North at Bluebill Avenue and Gulfshore Drive.

Lake Traﬀord

Head to Immokalee for bass, bluegill, crappie, and shellcracker ﬁshing at the 1,500-acre freshwater lake. The headwaters of the historic Everglades watershed is home to a marina, pier, boat ramp, airboat excursions— and plentiful alligator and bird populations.

Ten Thousand Islands

Tigertail Beach

Fish in the tidal pools or wade across the lagoon to drop your line at Sand Dollar Beach.

Strike out from Everglades City on boat or kayak to explore the rich mangrove estuarine within this chain of islands. Hundreds of species of ﬁsh can be found here in salt, fresh, and brackish waters.

Ge ing Started

A license is required for freshwater and saltwater ﬁshing. Exceptions are for people younger than 16; Florida residents older than 65 or disabled; ﬁshing from a for-hire vessel or a licensed pier; or a Florida resident in the U.S. armed services. Nonresident freshwater or saltwater licenses are available for three days, seven days, or a year. Additional permits are needed for snook, lobster, and tarpon.

Licenses, issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC), are available at:

• Collier County Tax Collector oﬃces

• Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission: MyFWC.com or (888) FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356)

• Select bait and tackle shops

• Retailers including Walmart and Sunshine Ace Hardware Download a guide at MyFWC.com that shows ﬁsh species, when each is in season, legal sizes, and catch-number limits.

Grouper Fishing, Naples, FL

M the

Natives

GET TO KNOW SOME OF OUR “WILD” NEIGHBORS

BY CONSERVANCY OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Newcomers often wonder about the whimsical, pouch-billed birds perched on local ﬁshing piers or large nests teetering atop utility poles. The Sunshine State is literally teeming with terrestrial, aquatic, and avian wildlife. More than 130 native species of animals are threatened or endangered in Florida—and many make their home in Southwest Florida. Whether they’re outgoing or shy, get to know a few of your neighbors’ “cool factors.”

Florida Panther

Scientiﬁc name: Puma concolor coryi

Adult size: 7 to 8 feet from the nose to tail tip

Weight: 100 to 160 pounds

Lifespan: 12 to 15 years

Habitat: Conﬁned to Southwest Florida’s pinelands, hardwood hammocks, and mixed swamp forests

Diet: Deer, wild hogs, raccoons, armadillos, snakes, and even alligators

Status: Endangered, with an estimated 120 to 230 panthers in Florida

Cool factor: Panthers are good swimmers and have a keen sense of smell and 130-degree ﬁeld of vision.

Osprey

Scientiﬁc name: Pandion haliaetus

Adult size: 2 feet with a 6-foot wingspan

Weight: 3 to 4 pounds

Lifespan: 30 years

Habitat: Coastal marine habitats, lakes, rivers, and swamps

Cool factor: Ospreys usually mate for life. Their large stick-and-sod nests can be spotted in trees and on telephone poles, channel markers, and nesting platforms.

Diet: Saltwater catﬁsh, mullet, spotted trout, shad, crappie, and sunﬁsh

Status: Included in Florida’s Imperiled Species Management Plan

Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Scientiﬁc name: Caretta caretta

Adult size: 3 feet

Weight: 250 to 300 pounds

Lifespan: More than 50 years

Habitat: Temperate and tropical regions of the ocean

Diet: Fish, crustaceans, jellyﬁsh, and occasionally seagrass and algae

Status: Threatened

Cool factor: Mature sea turtles return to the same beaches where they hatched to lay their own eggs.

American Alligator

Scientific name: Alligator mississippienesis

Adult size: More than 11 feet

Weight: Up to nearly half a ton

Lifespan: 50 years

Habitat: Slow-moving freshwater rivers, swamps, marshes, and lakes

Diet: Fish, snails, and other invertebrates, as well as birds, frogs, and mammals that come to the water’s edge

Status: Threatened

Cool factor: As an alligator’s teeth are worn down, they are replaced. An alligator can go through 3,000 teeth in a lifetime.

Diet: Small fish that form schools near the surface of the water

Status: Included in Florida’s Imperiled

Species Management Plan

Cool factor: A foraging pelican dives headfirst from as high as 50 feet. Once a fish is captured, the pelican tips its head upward or to the side to drain the water from its bill pouch.

Brown Pelican

Scientific name: Pelecanus occidentalis

Adult size: 4 feet, with a 7-foot wingspan

Weight: 11 pounds

Lifespan: 10 to 25 years

Habitat: Estuaries and coastal marine habitats

River Otter

Scientific name: Lontra canadensis

Adult size: 3 to 5 feet

Weight: 11 to 31 pounds

Lifespan: 10 years

Gopher Tortoise

Be a good

Neighbor

WE ALL PLAY A PART IN MAKING SURE THESE NATIVES REMAIN HAPPY AND HEALTHY. WHETHER YOU ARE A LONG-TIME RESIDENT OR FIRST-TIME VISITOR, HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR.

Habitat: Rivers, creeks, lakes, ponds, and swamps

Diet: Fish, crayfish, and turtles

Status: Native

Cool factor: Otters can swim 8 miles per hour and dive to depths of 36 feet. They are mostly nocturnal and live in waterside burrows.

GET UP CLOSE

Scientific name: Gopherus polyphemus

Adult size: Up to 15 inches

Weight: 8 to 15 pounds

Lifespan: 40 to 60 years

Habitat: Well-drained, sandy soils found in habitats such as longleaf pine sandhills, oak hammocks, scrub, pine flatwoods, dry prairies, and coastal dunes

Diet: Low-growing plants, such as wiregrass, broadleaf grasses, gopher apple, and legumes

Status: Threatened

Cool factor: They spend up to 80 percent of their time in burrows that average 15 feet long and more than 6 feet deep. These burrows offer shelter for more than 350 other species.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a nonprofit environmental protection organization established in 1964. Learn about Southwest Florida’s ecosystems, plants, and wildlife, rent kayaks, visit the von Arx Wildlife Hospital, or take a boat tour. The Susan and William Dalton Discovery Center has undergone a $4.5 million renovation and expansion. Learn more at conservancy.org.

LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS. A major cause of harm to wildlife is plastic pollution. Bottle caps, ribbons, balloons, and monofilament fishing line kill or maim birds, sea turtles, and marine mammals. (More than 700 pelicans die each year in Florida from entanglement in fishing gear.) Use less plastic and clean up litter.

OBSERVE SAFE SPEEDS on the roads and on the water to avoid collisions with wildlife.

DON’T FEED WILDLIFE. This poses a threat to humans, domestic animals, and the wildlife being fed. Feeding pelicans is prohibited by law.

TAKE NOTHING BUT PICTURES.

Florida has strict laws that prohibit the capturing, harming, or harassment of Florida’s native species, including live shells, sea stars, urchins, and sand dollars.

2025

EVENTS CALENDAR OF

HIGHLIGHTS OF CULTURAL EVENTS ALONG FLORIDA’S PARADISE COAST

January

For more than three decades, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer has integrated art, science, architecture, and technology into his trailblazing participatory installations. “Rafael LozanoHemmer: Obra Sonora” at The Baker Museum is the ﬁrst to explore Lozano-Hemmer’s use of sound as a medium of expression and image-making. Through June 15 (artisnaples.org)

Contemporary art from 250 artists is on display in the New Year’s Art Fair in Cambier Park. January 4-5 (naplesart.org)

Find bird-themed activities, guided ﬁeld trips, and workshops during the

21st Annual Festival of Birds at the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. January 16-20 (rookerybay.org)

The Naples Boat Show—the largest premier recreational show in the Naples-Marco Island area—will be held at Sugden Regional Park and the Naples City Dock with complimentary shuttle service. January 23-26 (miasf.org/events)

The Naples Winter Wine Festival ranks as one of the world’s most prestigious charity wine auctions, raising money for the Naples Children & Education Foundation to beneﬁt local underprivileged

children. Guests enjoy world-class food and wine during intimate dinners in private homes and bid on once-in-a-lifetime food, wine, and travel experiences during a live auction at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón. (Ticket packages are $17,500-$40,000 per couple.) January 24-26 (napleswinefestival.com)

February

Explore artists’ creative processes— from sketches to fully realized works of art—through The Baker Museum’s permanent collection in “In the Making: Sketches, Studies, and Maquettes.” February 1 – Fall 2025 (artisnaples.org)

“Rafael Lozano-Hemmer: Obra Sonora”

Naples Winter Wine Festival

Festival of Birds

The Ferrari Club of Naples Annual Cars on Fifth Concours features hundreds of luxury vehicles—Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Maseratis Porsches, Corvettes, and more— along Fifth Avenue South. The event benefits St. Matthew’s House. February 9 (carsonfifth.com)

Each year, visitors converge on the historic fishing village of Everglades City to partake in three days of festivities. The three-day, family-friendly 55th Annual Everglades Seafood Festival includes live country music, carnival rides, arts, crafts, and an array of fresh seafood. February 7-9 (evergladesseafoodfestival.org)

The Chubb Classic—the longest-

standing PGA Tour Champions event featuring the top golf talent from each year’s tour—returns to The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón. February 10-16 ( chubbclassic.com )

Discover the meditative art of flower arrangement at the Annual Ikebana Exhibition at Naples Botanical Garden. Presented in partnership with Naples Ikebana International #160. February 14-16 (naplesgarden.org)

The Naples Orchid Society Annual Show & Sale celebrates the elegance of orchids with eye-catching displays, live demonstrations, and a selection of blooming plants for sale. Presented in partnership with the Naples Orchid Society. February 21-23 (naplesgarden.org)

Sample tasty craft beers from more than two dozen breweries, savor pairings from local restaurants, and enjoy live music at the Naples Craft Beer Festival. Proceeds benefit the Naples North Rotary Club Foundation. March 1 (naplescraftbeerfest.com)

The Naples Garden Club’s annual Naples Flower Show & Garden Market is one of the largest juried flower shows in Florida. In addition to the botanical arts, take in educational displays and demonstrations. March 14-15 (naplesgarden.org)

The 40-year-old Naples St Patrick’s Day Parade is the largest privately funded parade in the state. It draws tens of thousands of revelers to downtown Naples to celebrate Irish heritage and culture in America while raising funds for local high school bands and scholarships. March 15 (naplesparade.com)

The Collier County Fair is the premier family event with rides, games, shows, and fair food. March 20-30 (collierfair.com)

Contemporary art from 250 artists is on display during 37th Annual Downtown Art Fair in Cambier Park. March 22-23 (naplesart.org)

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Ferrari Club of Naples Annual Cars on Fifth Concours

Annual Ikebana Exhibition

NNaples Orchid Society Annual Show & Sale

SAMANTHA

BLOOM

GLENN CHRISTOPHER

April

Art in the Park is a world-class outdoor fair featuring original works by local, national, and international artists. April 5 (naplesart.org)

The Minto U.S. Open Pickleball Championships—the largest pickleball tournament in the world—takes place each year at the 64-court East Naples Community Park. Now in its ninth year, the event welcomes sports enthusiasts and players from around the world. Admission is free, but there is a parking fee. April 26–May 3 (usopenpickleballchampionship.com)

June

Festival of Great Organ Music

Members of the American Guild of Organists return to showcase the ethereal beauty of the grand fourmanual Casavant Frères in Hayes Hall for the 30th Annual Festival of Great Organ Music at Artis-Naples. June 15 (artisnaples.org)

July

Dazzling Fourth of July parade

floats start on Broad Avenue South at 10 a.m. and wind down Fifth Avenue South. Evening can be fireworks viewed from Naples beaches. July 4 (fifthavenuesouth.com)

Explore a variety of subtropical and tropical fruits and discover lesserknown fruiting plants during Taste of the Tropics. Join demonstrations, special tours, and themed programs; learn how to open a coconut or jackfruit or grow your own pineapple. July 5 (naplesgarden.org)

September

Sizzle Dining is a three-week-long community-driven event featuring 110 participating restaurants. The regional event offers pre-fixe, twocourse lunch and three-course dinner menus at discounted prices, as well as chef demonstrations and pop-up brunches. The event benefits the nonprofit Blessings in a Backpack. September 3-30 (sizzledining.com)

October

The weekend-long Stone Crab Festival tradition celebrates one of the region’s most famous delicacies. Sponsored by the Old Naples Waterfront Association, free water taxis will transport visitors to all participating waterfront locations. October 25 (stonecrabfestival.com)

The three-day Naples International Film Festival includes more than 50 ﬁlms—narrative features, documentaries, and short ﬁlms—from around the world. Filmmakers and actors participate in post-screening Q&A’s

and panel discussions. The festival, which has an outstanding reputation among ﬁlmmakers, is held in late October. Screenings and events are held in Hayes Hall or the Norris Garden on the Artis—Naples campus or Paragon Theaters–Pavilion. Dates TBA (artisnaples.org)

December

Christmas Boat Parade This seasonal community favorite features decorated boats of all sizes wending along the waterway, spreading a subtropical, festive cheer. The parade can be viewed from various restaurants on Naples Bay, Bayview Park, and Naples City Dock which is a $20 ticketed entry to beneﬁt the Ricky King Foundation and the Marine Industries Association of Collier County. December TBA (miacc.org/event)

Don your velvety red hat and head to Fifth Avenue South to welcome the holidays during the Christmas Walk and Tree Lighting Ceremony with alfresco dining along the avenue. The city’s exquisite tree in Sugden Plaza will be lit December 5. Events

include a live nativity scene, holiday market, live music, Santa Claus, and an ice skating rink. December 5-6 (ﬁfthavenuesouth.com)

The Tuba Christmas Concert is a fun evening in Sugden Plaza ﬁlled with music by sousaphone, euphonium, tuba, and baritone horn players from all over the country. December 12 (ﬁfthavenuesouth.com)

Head over to Venetian Village for Holiday on the Bay, featuring a snow show, Dickensenian carolers, and pictures with Santa. December 20 (venetianvillage.com)

(For admission prices and event details, be sure to visit each venue’s or organization’s website for the latest information.)

There’s more to do along the Paradise Coast. Find out here:

Festival of Great Organ Music

Christmas Walk and Tree Lighting Ceremony

Minto U.S. Open Pickleball Championships

The Third Street South Farmer’s Market overﬂows with fresh produce, ﬂowers, pastas, seafood, baked goods, prepared foods, jams, fresh-roasted coffee, and music. The pet-friendly market is open year-round each Saturday from 7:30-11:30 a.m. (thirdstreetsouth.com)

Shop from a curated collection of handmade creations from local artisans. Find baked goods, jewelry, pet accessories, empanadas, candles, ceramics, plants, and more at the Hand & Harvest Artisan Market. Enjoy live music and a Prosecco and mimosas Bubbles Bar, where sales proceeds beneﬁt Empty Bowls Naples. Open every second and fourth Saturday at Mercato, noon-4 p.m. (experiencemercato.com)

Local musicians take to the Naples Botanical Garden’s performance stage overlooking the Water Garden for Music in the Garden on select Saturday afternoons (2–4 p.m.) from October through May. The June concert is noon-2 p.m. January 11, February 8, March 8, April 12, May 10, June 14 (naplesgarden.org)

Enjoy free admission to The Baker Museum at Artis-Naples on the last Wednesday of each month from 6-9 p.m. during Art After Hours

Local musicians provide entertainment and audiences of all ages are welcome to view museum exhibitions and galleries. January 29, February 26, March 26, April 30, May 28, June 25, July 30 (artisnaples.org)

FIND OUT HOW LOCAL BUSINESSES SUCCEED LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY THROUGH PRODUCT INNOVATION AND EMPLOYEE CULTIVATION

Taking Care of Business International Success Story

Naples’ business community is diverse, with some homegrown family operations enjoying regional expansion, startups launching nationally, and global headquarters with a profound reach. Go behind the scenes of four companies to find out how they’ve earned success.

ARTHREX—A PIONEER IN THE FIELD OF ARTHROSCOPY—HAS FOCUSED ON ITS EMPLOYEES’ WELL-BEING WHILE GROWING ACROSS THE GLOBE

Arthrex, an orthopedic medical device inventor and manufacturer, is one of the biggest employers in Collier County with 3,700 employees who are content with strong wages and unique company benefits. How about a free chef-prepared lunch each day, on-site health care, and a financial contribution to your “trip of a lifetime?” Paid time off to volunteer in the community? Benefits like these have consistently earned

the company high rankings in national “best workplace” accolades and a range of awards for its health-conscious campus, commitment to education, environmental sustainability, workforce diversity, and philanthropy.

It’s global headquarters campus in Naples, which houses corporate operations, product development, research and medical education, is 41.32 acres with nine buildings totaling 1,345,234 square feet. The campus in-

ARTHREX, INC.

Arthrex corporate headquarters campus

cludes the Arthrex One Education and Conference Center with an outdoor pavilion and event lawn (which is available for third party events), and basketball and pickleball courts, and sports fields for employee use. Health care professionals from around the world who come to learn about new products and techniques through hands-on surgical skills training programs may stay at the Innovation hotel.

In addition, it also has Arthrex Manufacturing Inc. East located in the town of Ave Maria, 37 miles east of Naples, and the Arthrex Logistics Center in Lee County to the north. There is a total of 4,200 employees in the region.

So, what are the global giant’s secret ingredients for building a special workplace? Arthrex Senior Vice President of Human Resources Kathy Sparrow explains.

How many employees and facilities does Arthrex have internationally? Total global employees: 9,900, which includes the United States. Arthrex has regional headquarters in Munich, Germany and Singapore, and additional subsidi-

aries and locations throughout Latin America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

What are the top five special features of your workplace?

1. Arthrex Medical Center There are onsite medical clinics at each Southwest Florida location.

2. Arthrex Academy An onsite childcare center in Naples will be opening in spring 2025 and then at Arthrex Manufacturing Inc. East in spring 2026.

3. Lunch Program Employees receive free lunch prepared by an executive chef and in-house culinary team at each Southwest Florida location.

4. Wellness Center and Programs There is a two-story, 38,000-square-foot fitness facility located on the Naples campus, plus an array of classes, programs, and services to support employees’ physical and mental health are offered as part of a comprehensive wellness program.

5. Trip of a Lifetime For every five years

of service, Arthrex provides financial assistance toward a trip of a lifetime to a location of the employee’s choice.

Do some local employees upgrade their skills at iTech College or the local Center for Manufacturing Excellence? Are their courses paid for? Arthrex is committed to growing and developing employees to meet organizational needs and individual goals. As part of our core value of “making people better,” we offer a tuition-reimbursement program and technology development programs for employees, as well as several university and technical education center collaborations that help develop the necessary skills and experience for careers at Arthrex. Additionally, Arthrex University, managed internally by our Learning and Development team, empowers employees to achieve their full potential within the organization with a full course catalog of skill-development programs and services, a Leadership Academy, and individual development plans—at no cost to the employee.

I bet there are plenty of opportunities for advancement in the company? Yes. Arthrex consistently experiences double-digit growth annually and currently has a total of 675 open positions in the U.S., so there are plenty of opportunities for advancement in the company.

Does Arthrex typically pay higher than average wages? Arthrex is committed to providing a total compensation package that is competi-

ARTHREX, INC.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Employees engaging with health-care professionals in the Product Showcase area of the Medical Education Building; Employees touring the headquarters campus; Ave Maria Production Line; Arthrex Wellness Center.

tive for the various areas in which we do business. These levels are benchmarked against third party data on an annual basis to ensure they remain competitive. In addition to base pay, Arthrex provides an annual performance bonus and employer-paid health care, as well as many other benefits and perks that include full-time child care, 24-hour fitness facility on campus, and free lunches.

Why did founder Reinhold Schmieding establish the headquarters in Naples? In 1991, Arthrex chose Collier County for its headquarters because it serves as an attractive education environment for health care professionals around the world and because of the quality of life it provides employees and their families.

Arthrex has designed medical sales courses at Florida Gulf Coast University. What are some other local community partnerships? We partner with Collier County Public Schools and the School District of Lee County for educational programming and career exploration opportunities, including the annual Career Showcase at Arthrex global headquarters (January 8, 2025). We host the Greater Naples Chamber’s Leadership Collier Foundation programs (Leadership Collier, Associate Leadership Collier and Youth Leadership Collier) as well as STARability Trailblazer Academy participants, among many others.

Arthrex’s Volunteer PTO benefit allows employees eight hours of paid time off each year to volunteer. —Cathy Chestnut

About Arthrex

Arthrex President and Founder Reinhold Schmieding founded the company in 1981 on a drafting table in an apartment in the Olympic Village in Munich, Germany. It was then that Arthrex became a pioneer in the field of arthroscopy and sports medicine. Today, Arthrex is global medical device company and leader in multispecialty minimally invasive surgical technology, scientific research, manufacturing, and medical education. Since its inception more than 40 years ago, Arthrex has remained a privately held company focused solely on one mission: Helping Surgeons Treat Their Patients Better®, which allows for the rapid evaluation of new technologies and ideas, and the freedom to develop products and technology that truly make a difference in people’s lives. It develops more than 1,000 innovative products and procedures each year. (Source: Arthrex)

DPioneering Beauty & Wellness

NAPLES SOAP COMPANY IS BOUNDING TO NEW HEIGHTS WITH NASA’S 3D BIOMETRIC TECHNOLOGY

eanna Wallin started Naples Soap Company 15 years ago at a small shop in Tin City with a mission to improve the lives of people struggling with skin sensitivities. Today, her company has 13 Florida retail shops. The company creates 600 products, including therapeutic bath bombs, allergen-free parfum, loofah and eczema soaps, body scrubs, and shampoo and hair conditioner bars. In addition to bricks-and-mortar shops, they are also sold online and distributed to 300 wholesale clients, such as hotels and spas.

In 2024, she expanded with a new line called Grow Beautii for sale in major national retail chains. Specially formulated for users of all ages with sensitive skin conditions, Grow Beautii products include mild cleaners and soothing moisturizers. Formulas include premium, all-natural ingredients, including goat’s milk, coconut

oil, sea salt, witch hazel, and aloe vera.

This year, she is taking another leap for beauty and wellness by launching another new line incorporating 3D stem cell formulas utilizing technology developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for use in personal care products. The proprietary complex combines 33 different components to nourish the skin, such as hyaluronic acid, amino acids, and proteins including collagen and cytokines to stimulate cell growth and tissue repair.

“Naples Soap Company will use superior ingredients generated from 3D stem cells grown in a NASA-designed, zero-gravity bioreactor in Florida,” says Wallin. “We are beyond excited.”

Wallin grew up in Southwest Florida and was working as a registered nurse. Talking with friends one evening, she expressed the

Naples Soap Company Founder and CEO Deanna Wallin

desire to start her own company—and be her own boss. The “Eureka moment” to create products with natural and organic ingredients came when she explained to her friends that she was frustrated with her medicine cabinet full of ineffective ointments and lotions for her psoriasis and eczema.

Naples Soap Company stock is listed as NASO on the OTCQB Venture exchange, and she is

working on investment strategies to uplist the stock on a major national exchange. She is also focused on bringing on the right staff for the scaled-up operations. Naples Soap Company already has more than 60 employees (90 during the busy winter season). Some have been with the company for more than a decade.

“We try to create a positive work environment and culture. It’s important that the staff is

happy in their positions. There is opportunity for growth here and some have moved up quite successfully,” she says. “We try to provide opendoor policies for communication. If an employee needs help, as a small company we can be nimble.” A content, engaged workforce, she notes, “equates to positive customer experience which generates sales.”

Sustainability is also a company focus. None of the sustainably sourced products’ high-quality ingredients are tested on animals. Her team develops each of the products, which are handmade by manufacturers in the United States.

She is excited to report that the brand’s popular shampoo and conditioner bars prevent environmental waste. “We’ve sold over one million bars in the last five years—that would have been one million bottles,” she notes. “That’s zero waste, so that’s important.”

She appreciates the help she’s had along the way in building and expanding her business, including Grow Florida, the Greater Naples Chamber, where she serves on the board, and the Fifth Avenue South Business Improvement District, which supports merchants with marketing and coordinating community events that draw visitors to downtown Naples. —Cathy Chestnut

Wynning Strategy

SUNSHINE ACE HARDWARE’S CUSTOMER- AND EMPLOYEE-FRIENDLY PHILOSOPHY BOOSTS BUSINESS

The population of Naples during the 1950s surged 217.8 percent—from 1,465 to 4,656—creating a greater need for goods that often required a road trip to Fort Myers. Don Wynn, who already owned two grocery markets, believed a hardware store would be a great addition to the growing city, so he opened one. If the community appreciated the merchandise and services he had to offer, Sunshine Hardware would thrive. And it did.

“I credit my grandparents, who basically ran our businesses with a set of core values. My grandfather would basically say, ‘If you take care of your people, they will take care of your customers, and the business will take care of itself,’” says Michael Wynn, who became president in 2005.

The company supports that bottom-up philosophy in several ways. The roughly 500 employees of Sunshine Ace Hardware—it joined the Ace cooperative in 1964—are paid competitive wages and receive an array of benefits beyond

health insurance. “During Hurricane Irma [in 2017], we saw so many of our team members impacted, and we put together a foundation that helped our associates,” Wynn says. Staff can apply for grants up to $10,000 that don’t have to be paid back—“whether it’s medical expenses, dealing with cancer, or it could be an accident. We‘ve even added extreme housing burden to that list.” He estimates that the foundation has paid out nearly $500,000 since it was formed in 2017. Sunshine Ace also provides up to three hours of free legal advice from an attorney it has on retainer for civil matters.

The company has been honored for its success and internal practices. For example, it has been named a “Best Place to Work” by a national firm, awarded by the Ace corporation as a top performer, and recognized numerous

times for its philanthropy in the communities it serves.

Sunshine Ace Hardware, which has 16 stores in five counties, remains strong, despite the competition from big-box stores. Wynn credits the growth to its helpful employees and variety of merchandise, including specialty wares, such as fishing equipment. The smaller footprint of the hardware stores and attention to customer service mean that there’s less time wandering the aisles looking for help.

Wynn knows that Naples, with all it has to offer, holds a promising outlook for newcomers. “We’re having more and more young professionals come and I think they’re discovering what I was fortunate to kind of learn very on,” he says, “which is Naples is just a great place to live and work.” —Phil Borchmann

LEFT: Sunshine Ace Hardware President Michael Wynn carries on his grandfather’s philosophy that “if you take care of your people, they will take care of your customers.” BELOW: The grand opening of a new store at Founder’s Square in Naples. there are now 16 stores in the regional chain and three new ones expected to open in 2025.

Built to Order

PBS CONTRACTORS IS A SMALL COMPANY WITH A BIG HEART LED BY “28 FUNDAMENTALS” THAT STEER ITS SUCCESS

PBS Contractors calls itself “Naples’ only concierge builder,” a trademarked slogan meant to reflect the array of its custom work. Its projects range from visible landmark commercial buildings and luxury homes around the greater Naples area, as well as not-so-obvious jobs such as interior office and residential renovations. It’s a niche that has served the company well since its founding in 1986.

With that strategy came growth of the business and staff, yielding hundreds of projects under its belt and 25 employees, who, it turns out, are the stars in the company’s success.

“Our purpose statement is to build better lives for our team. We firmly believe if you take care of your people and you put your team first, then

that will carry over into how they serve our clients,” says PBS Contractors President and CEO Tim Dupre. “That allows us to build beautiful things that make our community a great place to live and work.”

Russell Budd founded PBS Contractors with a focus on the commercial market, but when those jobs dried up when the Great Recession began to take root in 2007, he switched to condominium and residential renovations. Eventually, the local construction market sparked up again, and PBS blossomed in both sectors.

Dupre attributes much of the company’s success to internal policies, such as its “28 Fundamentals” that Budd, who retired three years ago, introduced in 2016. The fundamentals call for staff to listen generously, celebrate success, honor commitments, check their ego at the door, embrace change, and practice blameless problem-solving, among others. These principles are also called “The PBS Way.“

ment [the fundamentals] throughout their daily interactions with each other, our clients, our trade partners,” Dupre says.

The company also provides plenty of motivation. “We strive to be at the top of the market when it comes to compensation,” Dupre says.

“If we hit our performance goals, our team gets an incentive bonus.”

“We expect our teammates to imple-

PBS contributes to nearly two dozen nonprofits and has received recognition through a variety of awards from industry counterparts, community organizations, and publications. “The real attraction of Naples is the tightness of the community. And this is one of the best places in the country to live. It’s important for us to be able to be a part of that,” Dupre says.

“We‘re able to pay our people well, and they‘re able to provide a great lifestyle for their family, and they‘re able to give back at a local level.”

—Phil Borchmann

Custom-built projects in the region.

PBS Contractors President and CEO Tim Dupre with company founder Russell Budd.

A fundraising barbecue hosted by Russell Budd.

The “Beautiful Game“

COMES TO TOWN

FC Naples CEO Roberto Moreno and Head Coach/Sporting Director Matthew “Gaffa” Poland stood in a suite gazing out a window of the Paradise Coast Sports Complex stadium on a mid-August afternoon. The seats were empty—there was no roar of the crowd or professional soccer players heading a ball.

That will change when Collier County’s first professional sports team—FC Naples—takes to the pitch as a member of the United Soccer League (USL) League One. Naples was one of six cities USL League One awarded expansion franchises in 2024.

The team moved closer to fruition in June,

EXCITEMENT IS IN THE AIR AS COLLIER COUNTY’S FIRST PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAM—FC NAPLES—TAKES TO THE PITCH

By Glenn Miller

when the team’s name, FC Naples, was unveiled, along with its colors—deep-water blue complemented with white and gold— and crest symbolizing Naples during a public event at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex, its home base.

The first open tryouts for 55 hopefuls from Florida, Georgia, and Texas filled within an hour and a half of their announcement—evidence of the overwhelming enthusiasm for a new local team. The team held a second tryout in October and scouted in Europe and South America for players.

Poland watched the candidates with the practiced eye of a man who played collegiate soccer

in the United States and professionally in Europe. (He earned his nickname, Gaffa, which is British slang for boss, while coaching in Europe.) He was “hoping we can find that hidden gem that can be part of the team” and was seeking all-round talented candidates with the “skillsets it takes to play at a professional level.”

Training camp is expected to begin in late January 2025. The team will take the pitch in March 2025. USL League One teams play 32 league games from March through October, followed by November playoffs. FC Naples will travel to compete with teams in California, Washington, Maine, Oregon, and several other states.

Paradise Coast Sports Complex

FC Naples CEO Roberto Moreno

Head Coach/Sporting Director Matthew “Gaffa” Poland

Photos Courtesy of FC Naples

#USLNAPLES

Home game field: Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples, FL, 34117

Home games: Start time planned to be Saturday between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

More information: fcnaples.com and playparadisecoast.com

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Soccer is a passion for both men building FC Naples. Moreno is a native of Colombia and played the game there as a boy and continued playing as a teen in Miami. He readily admits he wasn’t good enough to be a professional player but that does not diminish his love of the game.

Moreno was previously the chief financial officer of Zumba, and he sees parallels between what he did there and what he is trying to do with FC Naples. “Zumba is about building community,” says Moreno, who envisions FC Naples as a way to build community in Greater Naples.

Poland played soccer at Taylor University in Indiana, a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, and professionally in Finland. Although the sport has taken him many places, he has deep ties to Collier County. His grandparents moved to Marco Island in the 1960s, and he has had a home on the island for 13 years.

He’s coached adults and youth, at locales ranging from the Marco Island Academy and the National Premier Soccer League team Naples United FC, Sporting Kristina in Finland, and Chicago House Athletic Club. Now, he’s launching a pro soccer team in the county where his family has

had ties for more than half a century. He sees FC Naples as more than a sports team focused on wins and losses. His goal is to “build a team that truly cares about making a community impact” and bring on team members who are “good people as well as good players.”

The FC Naples job is attractive to Poland for reasons other than its location a short drive from his Marco Island home. Poland is doing something few coaches in any sport ever get the opportunity to attempt. “You’re doing it all with a blank canvas, which I think is exciting,” Poland says.

FC NAPLES TIMELINE

2024

JANUARY: Plans for team formation announced

JANUARY-JUNE: More than 1,000 people provided their suggestions in community sessions and fan surveys for the team name and logo

JUNE: Unveiling of team name and logo, Matt Poland named coach

SEPTEMBER: First round of tryouts

OCTOBER: Second round of tryouts

2025

JANUARY: Training camp begins

MARCH: Competition play expected to begin

ABOUT USL LEAGUE ONE

Founded in 1986, the United Soccer League (USL) is the largest pre-professional and professional soccer organization, and counts more than 200 clubs in the United States and Canada. It has seven leagues. In 2019, USL League One debuted with 10 teams and has since grown to 18 teams. In establishing League One, the USL “has targeted U.S. communities ranging in population from 150,000 to one million” and “has focused on launching new clubs in markets that possess strong local ownership groups, populations with broad-based diversity, a vibrant millennial and strong family base, established corporate support, and stadiums to properly showcase the sport for fans, partners, and the public,” according to the Tampa-based organization.

A Pickleball

PARADISE

NAPLES HAS ORGANICALLY GROWN INTO THE CAPITAL FOR THE FASTEST-GROWING SPORT | By Glenn Miller

Mike Dee’s sports management career in Major League Baseball and the National Football League included stints as the CEO of the San Diego Padres and Miami Dolphins. He was also at one time the chief operating oﬃcer of the Boston Red Sox, a franchise founded in 1903.

Now, he’s transitioned from one of the oldest American sports to one of the newest: pickleball. Invented in the 1960s, pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in history, says Dee, adding that it has a “ubiquitous appeal.”

As the sport has grown over the past decade, so too has Naples’ reputation as the “Pickleball Capital of the World.” A big reason for that is that pickleball’s pinnacle competition—the Minto U.S. Open Pickleball Championships—are played every spring at the East

Naples Community Park, which boasts 65 courts.

Pickleball translates into a major economic impact for Collier County. The Collier County Tourist Development Council (TDC) has estimated the economic impact for the 2024 event at $12.4 million. In August, the TDC unanimously approved spending $2 million from tourism tax funds to build six more covered courts at East Naples Community Park that will be used at future U.S. Pickleball Open tournaments.

The 2024 championships drew an estimated 50,000 a endees, with about 40 percent of the visitors—20,000—coming from outside Collier County, which means they also were shopping, dining, and lodging in local establishments. It a racted 3,000plus players from 31 countries and all 50 states.

As a long-time sports executive on the busi-

ness side of the biggest American professional sports leagues, Dee knows the dynamics of the sports business and its history. He says pickleball “appeals to many diﬀerent demographics.” Professional athletes from other sports, such as John McEnroe, Serena Williams, and Tom Brady play. People who never played competitive sports at all are also hooked, “a li le bit like running was in the ‘70s,” Dee says.

LOOKING AHEAD

Although runners can run just about anywhere, playing pickleball requires courts and that pickleball investment comes from both the public and private sectors.

Collier County has at least 85 courts at three county parks, and private, gated communities have been adding courts and modifying tennis courts for pickleball play at a rapid pace. The Pelican Bay Foundation is working with the county to develop a $20 million Racquets Center at Pelican Bay Community Park featuring eight Har-Tur tennis courts and 20 outdoor pickleball courts (10 designated for use by Pelican Bay members) along with a pro shop. The new courts

are expected to be ready in May 2025.

The Marco Island City Council also is working with Collier County to renovate its aging Racquet Center on San Marco Road by demolishing the existing pro shop and three tennis courts to make way for seven new pickleball courts, to be joined by an additional 17 courts in the next phase. The ﬁrst phase is expected to cost $5 million, and city oﬃcials are requesting TDC funds for the second phase.

Four years ago, Collier County invested deeply to add more courts, a Welcome Center, and a state-of-the art Naples Pickleball Center, in addition to expanding parking and upgrading infrastructure. The center oﬀers instruction through the Pickleball Academy of Southwest Florida.

A Naples resident, Dee got hooked on pickleball as a player for fun and exercise. Today, he is the chairman/CEO of Pickle4, the purveyor of Pickleball Den so ware, an automated, digital platform for organizing play for tournaments, clubs, leagues, and athletes which was used for the U.S. Open. He is planning to launch the U.S. Open Pickleball Academy at East Naples Community Park for pros and amateurs.

WHERE PICKLERS PLAY

Courts are open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Lights are shut off at 10 p.m. Learn more at collierparks.com

BIG CYPRESS ISLAND REGIONAL PARK

810 39th Ave. N.E., 6 courts (free)

EAST NAPLES COMMUNITY PARK

3500 Thomasson Drive, 59 courts and 6 championship courts ($50 annual membership, $5 drop-in fee)

VETERANS COMMUNITY PARK

1895 Veterans Park Drive, 14 courts ($50 annual membership, $5 drop-in fee with court rental options)

Naples is a signature pickleball destination the way the Boston Red Sox’s Fenway Park is in Boston: an alluring beacon of a sport and a catalyst for economic growth. “I’d stop short of saying it’s Fenway Park,” Dee says, “but in the realm of pickleball, it is a place where, if you’re an avid pickleball player, you’ve heard of East Naples Community Park, you’ve heard of the U.S. Open, and you want to play those courts.”

The 2025 tournament is projected to grow even bigger. Dee says the plan is to increase the number of players by about 10 percent.

Pickleball continues maturing as a sport and a business. “Sport is something that, at one time, started as a game, but turns into competitive leagues, tournaments,” Dee says, “and into a business.”

ARGOTOHPGNUEY@

Naples

Origa

JEWELRY

A JARON FINE JEWELRY

Amanda Jaron parlayed experience at major fashion houses into jewelry that gets noticed. Original designs from high-end to everyday funky created at her Bayshore Arts District studio have appeared in the pages of People, O, and The New York Times (ajaron.com)

CLEOPATRA’S BARGE NAPLES MEDALLION

The signature Naples Medallion celebrates the iconic Naples Pier and was designed by Marilyn Janss, who founded her downtown boutique in 1966 as the city’s ﬁrst ﬁne jewelry designer. The medallion is available in 14-karat gold or sterling silver and a variety of sizes, backgrounds, and frames. (cleopatrasbarge.com)

FLAVORS

CHOMPS

Made with 100-percent grass-fed beef, free-range turkey, and other “real ingredients,”

TAKE HOME LOCALLY INSPIRED AND CREATED TREASURES AND SOUVENIRS

Chomp’s zero-sugar, protein-packed jerkies are beloved as healthy Weight Watchers-, keto-, and paleo-friendly snack options. The local grassroots company’s jerkies are now sold nationally in 16,000 stores, including Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. (chomps.com)

EVERGLADES DISTILLERS

Collier County’s only distillery is a veteran- and family-owned business that handcra s vodka, whiskey, and moonshine from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. In addition to classic whiskey, the selection includes chocolate coffee, honey, and strawberry rose whiskeys, ready for sipping or mixing. The vodka selection includes a range of unique flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Unique vodka flavors include watermelon-pineapple, zesty orange-passionfruit, cucumber-lemon, and spicy jalapeño. The tasting room is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Tuesdays) for free tastings. The distillery is located in Immokalee and the spirits

are sold or served at 35 stores and restaurants in

are sold or served at 35 stores and restaurants in the region. (evergladesdistillers.com)

SOUTH NAPLES CITRUS GROVE

South Naples Citrus Grove sells sunshine. The farm stand, a mainstay since 1978, is the go-to for in-season, just-picked citrus — hello honeybell! — plus, fresh-squeezed OJ and grapefruit juice, Key lime pies, citrus candies, jams, and marmalades. Gi baskets and shipping let you share the sunshine. (naplescitrus.com)

Evreglades Distillers

Naples Soap Company

ABOVE: Dazzling earrings by A Jaron Fine Jewelry LEFT: Naples Pier Medallion from Cleopatra’s Barge

KRISTI’S KEY LIME COOKIES

Despite their vanilla cookie base, Kristi’s Key Lime Cookies’ handcra ed gourmet namesakes are anything but vanilla, thanks to the decadent, preservative-free Key lime topping. Baked to order, the kosher cookies are sold at local a ractions, resorts, and boutique food stores, including Seed to Table and Three60 Market. All new: the Key lime chocolate bar. (kristiskeylimecookies.com)

MITCH’S COOKIES

Crispy on the outside, cakey on the inside, Mitch’s fresh-baked cookies are a journey back to grandma’s kitchen. So, too, is the nostalgic Davis Boulevard soda fountain, where popular ﬂavors cover the complexities of cookiedom: not-sosimple sugar cookies, birthday cake, and ooey, gooey chocolate lava cake best paired with a malted milkshake. Or place a custom order to ship back north. (mitchscookies.com)

NORMAN LOVE CONFECTIONS

Chocolate connoisseurs know the Norman Love name. Lauded by a leading consumer ratings magazine for over a decade and ranked among the top 10 truﬄes nationwide by Forbes.com, Norman Love Confections is ﬁne chocolate perfection. Established and cra ed in Fort Myers since 2021, its Naples chocolate salon and pastry shop and café at Naples Whole Foods Market are pure nirvana. (normanloveconfections.com)

GATOR HAMMOCK SAUCES & RUBS

throughout Collier County. Taste of Immokalee partners with Lipman Produce to incorporate local, ﬁeld-grown tomatoes into its barbecue sauces, habanero and serrano hot sauces, and salsas. (tasteoﬁmmokalee.com)

If you like to crank up the heat, pick up one of Gator Hammock’s sauces, rubs, or mustards. The ﬁrst in the line of products, Gator Sauce, launched in 1989. The Felda-based company’s growing line of handmade, all-natural condiments have been applauded by the Fiery Food Industry and featured on the Food Network. Gator Sauce, a blend of peppers, garlic, vinegar, and other spices, is sold in local grocery stores and utilized at area restaurants. Other condiments include Cooter Rubb, Swamp Mustard, Swamp Gator, Bull Gator, Gator Sprinkle, Lethal Gator, and Sawgrass Boil. (gatorhammock.com)

TASTE OF IMMOKALEE

Immokalee High School students launched Taste of Immokalee as a social enterprise in 2014 to learn entrepreneurship and gain real-world skills. They developed family recipes spotlighting Immokalee’s crops and cultures, while learning about food science, marketing, ﬁnancing and accounting, operations, inventory control, and public speaking. Today, its line of products is sold at Publix stores and small, organic grocers

(tasteoﬁmmokalee.com)

COLDEST

Invented in Naples, Coldest water bo les are engineered for the ultimate coolness and roadtested against the industry’s 50 leading brands. This sustainable “last water bo le you’ll ever need” keeps beverages cool 36 to 100 hours. The company’s Coastland Mall ﬂagship showcases an expanded product line of linens, pillows, ice vests, and dog bowls and beds. (coldest.com)

NAPLES SOAP COMPANY

When Deanna Wallin struggled to ﬁnd reliable remedies for her eczema and psoriasis, she created her own all-natural, preservative-free solutions and founded Naples Soap Company in 2009. With more than a dozen Florida stores and retail partners throughout the country, the company’s expanded skin care collection includes therapeutic bath bombs, allergen-free parfum, loofah soaps, body scrubs, and novel shampoo and conditioner bars. (naplessoap.com)

Kristi’s Key Lime Cookies

Norman Love Confections

Coldest

VALENCIA SKY

55+ Living 5 Miles from Fifth Avenue

In real estate, location is everything. Now with the introduction of Valencia Sky, you can live GL Homes’ world-class 55+ lifestyle in a worldfamous location—just five miles from downtown Naples’ Fifth Avenue. Located just minutes from the heart of Naples, where Fifth Avenue is renowned for its upscale shopping, dining, and vibrant atmosphere, Valencia Sky offers a 55+ resort lifestyle that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

Imagine a community where every day feels like a vacation, and where luxury meets convenience at every turn. At the centerpiece of this active adult community is a stunning world-class clubhouse that’s packed with amenities designed for fun, fitness, and relaxation. Whether you’re lounging by one of the multiple resort-style pools, enjoying a match on the pickleball or tennis courts, or working out at the upscale fitness center, you’ll have everything you need to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

Valencia Sky also makes socializing easy, with its restaurant and bar providing the perfect setting for dining with friends or grabbing a drink. The spacious social hall hosts a variety of events and gatherings,

making it easy to meet new people and stay connected with neighbors. It’s not just the incredible amenities that set Valencia Sky apart; the homes here are designed to make life as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.

A collection of low-maintenance single-family homes is perfect for those 55 and better, gives you more time to do the things you love without worrying about upkeep. Each home is thoughtfully designed with contemporary finishes, energy-efficient features, and modern open floor plans that enhance comfort and livability. With prices ranging from the upper $600s to the $900s, there are plenty of options to choose from to suit your lifestyle and preferences.

At Valencia Sky, you’re not just purchasing a home; you’re investing in a lifestyle where luxury, convenience, and community come together in perfect harmony. Embrace the next chapter of your life in a place that offers more than just a beautiful home—it offers an extraordinary way of life in one of the world’s top locations. Call 239-262-4000 or visit ValenciaSkyNaples.com to learn more.

RIVERCREEK

Discover In-Style Living in Estero

GL Homes, known for its luxury and contemporary designs, is making waves with RiverCreek in Estero. This new community brings some of GL Homes’ most popular home designs to Florida’s west coast, raising the bar for upscale living. RiverCreek has quickly become one of Southwest Florida’s most sought-after new home communities, thanks to its stylish home designs and unmatched resort-style amenities.

RiverCreek offers a wide selection of contemporary floorplans, ranging from about 1,900 to over 4,300 square feet and packed with high-end features, including modern stone exteriors, luxurious tile flooring, impact-resistant windows, brick pavers, tile roofs, and more. With options for one- or two-story floor plans, these homes offer up to five bedrooms, gourmet kitchens with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances, spacious living areas, screened patios, and two- to three-car garages.

The heart of RiverCreek is its 12,000-total square-foot clubhouse, a social hub where residents can enjoy upscale amenities. The community features a stunning resort-style pool, tennis and pickleball courts, a fully equipped fitness center, and an indoor sports complex, catering

to a wide range of interests. For outdoor activities, residents can play tennis, pickleball, or bocce ball on the multiple sports courts, and families with children will appreciate the splash park and playground.

RiverCreek’s prime location in Estero enhances its appeal. Located off the popular Corkscrew Road corridor just east of I-75, residents are surrounded by plenty of shopping, dining, great schools, and entertainment—including Miromar Outlets, Florida Gulf Coast University, Lee Health Coconut Point, and more. It’s also only a short drive to Southwest Florida’s beautiful beaches and parks. With nearby cities like Naples and Fort Myers offering cultural events, gourmet dining, and recreational activities, RiverCreek residents are perfectly positioned to enjoy the best of the region and live close to it all.

Combining modern home designs with resort-style amenities and a convenient location, RiverCreek stands as a premier destination for luxury living. Now is the time to get in on Estero’s hottest new community and take advantage of incredible savings on early move-in homes while they last. Call 239-308-4600 or visit NewHomesatRiverCreek.com to learn more.

HUGE

Canyon - Build from: $635,900 3 Beds, 3 Baths, Den, 2-Car Garage, 2,135 a/c sq. ft.

Discover RiverCreek in Estero, where luxury living meets unbeatable savings! Move into one of our stunning, movein ready homes and save thousands. Experience the perfect blend of modern design, resort-style amenities, and a vibrant community nestled in a prime Estero location. These beautifully crafted homes offer spacious layouts, premium finishes, and high-end features, all ready for you to enjoy. Don’t miss this limited-time opportunity to save big and elevate your lifestyle at RiverCreek.

Cascade - Build from: $840,900

Biscayne - Build from: $710,900 3 Beds, 4 Baths, Den, Loft, 2-Car Garage, 3,004 a/c sq. ft.

Olympia - Build from: $785,900 4 Beds, 5 Baths, Den, Loft, 3-Car Garage, 3,694 a/c sq. ft.

Aqualine Sores

La Playa Beach & Golf Resort

Be Inspired

FROM COUNTRY JAMS AND BROADWAY SHOWS TO THOUGHT-PROVOKING ART EXHIBITS, THERE ARE PLENTY OF WAYS TO TICKLE YOUR MUSE

The Paradise Coast’s cultural scene offers diverse experiences that are sure to sate your desire for live music and theater, visual arts, film, and history. This cultural haven is brimming with more than 75 art galleries and artist studios, history museums, outdoor art festivals, and an array of stages for performing arts.

The area’s rich arts scene continues to expand at two local theaters.

Gulfshore Playhouse, a professional theater, unveiled its $72 million Baker Theatre & Education Center campus near downtown Naples in October.

The curtain has risen on The Naples Players’ $22 million expansion and renovation to its home, Sugden Community Theatre on Fifth Avenue South, in time for its 71st season.

In addition to this comprehensive list of venues and organizations, check out the Calendar of Events on page 36 for highlights of events and festivals celebrating the region’s heritage this year.

In Naples, you won’t miss a beat.

Cultural Guide

Artis—Naples The Baker Museum

Naples Philharmonic 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples (239) 597-1900 • artisnaples.org

Arts Bonita (239) 495-8989 artcenterbonita.org

Center for Performing Arts 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Center for Visual Arts 26100 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs

Arts Center Theatre at Marco Town Center 1089 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island (239) 394-4221 • marcoislandart.org

Big Cypress Gallery 52388 Tamiami Trail E., Ochopee (239) 695-2428 • clydebutcher.com

COCO Art Gallery Coastland Center 1758 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (239) 436-3530 cocoartgallery.com

Collier Museum at Government Center 3331 Tamiami Trail E., Naples (239) 252-8476 colliermuseums.com

Florida Gulf Coast University

10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers

Bower School of Music & the Arts (239) 590-7581 • fgcu.edu/concerts TheatreLab at FGCU (239) 590-7581 • fgcu.edu/theatrelab Wasmer Art Gallery at FGCU (239) 590-7199 • fgcu.edu/artgalleries

Gulfshore Playhouse Baker Theatre & Education Center

The Naples Players

Grand Piano Series

Throughout the community (469) 333-3231 • grandpianoseries.org

Gulfshore Opera

Throughout the community

3281 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples (239) 529-3925 • gulfshoreopera.org

Gulfshore Playhouse

Baker Theatre & Education Center

100 Goodlette-Frank Road S., Naples (239) 261-7529 gulfshoreplayhouse.org

Hertz Arena

11000 Everblades Pkwy., Estero (239) 948-7825 • hertzarena.com

Historic Palm Cottage

137 12th Ave. S., Naples (239) 261-8164 napleshistoricalsociety.org

Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center

975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd., Naples (239) 263-9200 • hmcec.org

Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch

1215 Roberts Ave. W., Immokalee (239) 252-2611 • colliermuseums.com

Koreshan State Historic Site

3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero (239) 992-0311 • floridastateparks.org

Marco Island Center for the Arts

1010 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island (239) 394-4221 • marcoislandart.org

Marco Island Historical Museum

180 S. Heathwood Drive, Marco Island (239) 252-1440 • colliermuseums.com

Museum of the Everglades

105 W. Broadway Ave., Everglades City (239) 252-5026 • colliermuseums.com

Naples Art District

Bordered by Trade Center Way, TaylorRoad, Pine Ridge Road, and Airport-Pulling Road, Naples • naplesartdistrict.com

Naples Art Institute

585 Park St., Naples (239) 262-6517 • naplesart.org

Naples Botanical Garden 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples (239) 643-7275 • naplesgarden.org

Naples Design District

Bordered by Fifth Avenue South, Seventh Avenue North, U.S. 41, and Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples naplesdesigndistrict.com

Naples Art Institute

The Naples Players Sugden Community Theatre

701 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (239) 263-7990 • naplesplayers.org

Norris Center at Cambier Park

755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples (239) 213-3058 • naplesgov.com

Opera Naples

Wang Opera Center 2408 Linwood Ave., Naples (239) 963-9050 • operanaples.org

Revs Institute

2500 S. Horseshoe Drive, Naples (239) 687-7387 • revsinstitute.org

Seminole Casino Hotel

506 S. First St., Immokalee (239) 658-1313 seminoleimmokaleecasino.com

The Studio Players

Golden Gate Community Center

4701 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples (239) 398-9192 • thestudioplayers.org

TheatreZone

Community School of Naples 13275 Livingston Road, Naples (888) 966-3352 • theatre.zone

Art Council of Southwest Florida artcouncilswf.com

Friends of the Library collier-friends.org

Gulf Coast Big Band gulfcoastbigband.com

Gulf Coast Orchid Alliance gulfcoastorchidalliance.org

Marco Island Historical Society themihs.info

Naples Artcrafters naplesartcrafters.com

Naples Ballet naplesballet.net

Naples Concert Band naplesconcertband.org

Naples Historical Society napleshistoricalsociety.org

Naples International Film Festival artisnaples.org

Naples Jazz Society naplesjazzsociety.com

Naples Performing Arts Center naplesperformingartscenter.com

Naples Porcelain Artists porcelainstudio.com Seraphic Fire seraphicfire.org

Southwest Florida Music Education Center swflmusic.org

Southwest Florida Pastel Society pastelsociety.org

Southwest Florida Watercolor Society sfwcs.weebly.com

Stardust Memories Big Band stardustmemoriesbigband.com

United Arts Collier unitedartscollier.org

Voices of Naples voicesofnaples.org

Naples Ballet

Gulfshore Playhouse Grand Akin Lobby

TheBaker Museum

DARRONRSILVA

FAMILY

A er hi ing the beach, the family may just be ready for other experiences. The good news: New memories are just around the corner. For more ways to experience the greater Naples area, check out the Calendar of Events on page 36 and “Be Inspired” on page 62. (Please contact the venue for the most up-to-date information.)

Baker Park

This popular park along the Gordon River includes a kayak launch, outdoor ﬁtness facility, sunrise terrace, pathways, picnic shelters, and public sculptures. (naplesgov.com)

Gordon River Greenway

The 140-acre Gordon River Greenway is an ecological corridor in the heart of Naples showcasing the area’s natural beauty. It invites all ages with 2.5 miles of trails, piers, bike racks, a kayak launch, restrooms, water fountains, a playground, and picnic pavilions. (gordonrivergreenway.org)

Golisano Children’s Museum OF Naples (CMON!)

Young visitors can become a weather forecaster, farmer, artist, chef, and much more through dozens of interactive exhibits. The gi shop has a wide selection of books, puzzles, and games. (cmon.org)

HeadPinz Naples

Take the family out for a night of pizza and bowling—and 40-plus arcade video games, virtual reality experiences, and laser tag, too. (headpinz.com)

Lovers Key State Park Welcome & Discovery Center

Florida’s second-most visited state park features an education center and paddlecra rentals, encompassing 1,616 acres and barrier islands. (friendsoﬂoverskey.org)

Naples Botanical Garden

This world-class, 170-acre garden consists of cultivated greenery and preservation land representing seven natural habitats and ecosystems. Daily interactive programs, activity kits, themed gardens, and outdoor sculpture installations provide unending, enriching adventures. There are also guided tours, evening events, and an on-site café. (naplesgarden.org)

Naples Trolley Tours

As it wends through downtown Naples, hop off and on this vintage trolley, which provides narrated tours highlighting more than 100 points of interest. (naplestrolleytours.com)

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

The Naples Zoo is a local landmark that was established as a botanical garden in 1919.

Today, it is a lush, 43-acre zoo with a focus on conservation and education. Spend the day feeding giraffes, meeting big cats and orangutans, embarking on a primate expedition cruise, and attending daily wildlife presentations. (napleszoo.org)

Revs Institute

This world-class, 80,000-square-foot museum features an exquisite collection of more than 100 rare automobiles dating to 1896 that blazed technical and aesthetic pathways. (revsinstitute.org)

Rookery Bay

Escape for the day to the 110,000-acre Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, where the family can begin at the Environmental Learning Center before striking out in a kayak, on a nature trail, or on a boat trip for shelling, sunset gazing, or a history tour. (rookerybay.org)

splash into fun! North Collier Regional Park and Big Corkscrew island regional park

Escape the Florida heat at Collier County’s water parks. Both regional parks offer waterslides, toddler pools, splash zones, and more. North Collier's Sun-N-Fun Lagoon is seasonal. Both parks are prime locations for families year-round. (napleswaterpark.com)

Sports Challenge America

This innovative facility brings together the most popular sports in one place—baseball, basketball, football, bowling, golf, and soccer—with challenges and tournaments. Test your abilities with simulators, virtual competition, and real-life fields and courts. (sportschallengeamerica.com)

Wonder Gardens

Established in 1936, Wonder Gardens is one of the few remaining, quintessential old Florida roadside attractions. It is home to a dazzling array of wildlife, including Florida alligators, flamingos, macaws, pythons, tortoises, peacocks, and pheasants, as well as a vibrant botanical collection. (wondergardens.org)

Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

Sun-N-Fun Lagoon

Naples Botanical Garden

Ey Eapes

ON THE WATER

What be er way to experience Naples on the gulf than on the water?

AIRBOATS & ALLIGATORS: Nature-based airboat, birding, fishing, and sightseeing tours on 1,500-acre Lake Trafford depart from the Lake Trafford Marina. (laketrafford.com)

DOLPHIN EXPLORER: Become acquainted with resident bottlenose dolphins on a 47-foot catamaran based on Marco Island which has led studies since 2006. (dolphin-study.com)

EVERGLADES ADVENTURE TOURS: Pole through the Everglades on a wooden skiﬀ—a mode of transportation dating back centuries—with a fourthgeneration Gladesman who also operates the wilderness Trail Lakes Campground in Ochopee. (evergladesadventuretours.net)

EVERGLADES OLD TIME CHARTERS: Take a sightseeing tour by pontoon boat through the Ten Thousand Islands and to historic Fakahatchee Island, which was settled in the 1800s—and be ready for wildlife watching galore. (evergladesoldtimecharters.com)

KEY WEST EXPRESS: Embark on a hassle-free, 3.5-hour ferry ride, complete with a full bar, to historic Key West. (keywestexpress.net)

Sweet Liberty

Dolphin Explorer

Ten Thousand Islands

MANATEES SIGHTSEEING & WILDLIFE ADVENTURES:

Meet gentle manatees, and a variety of other wildlife, on this 90-minute boat tour through the Faka Union Canal. (see-manatees.com)

NAPLES KAYAK COMPANY: Schedule to have a standup paddleboard, recreational or sea kayak, or surf ski delivered to you, or pick it up from your choice of locations. (napleskayakcompany.com)

NAPLES PRINCESS: Treat yourself to a lunch or

sunset buffet as you sail the waters of Naples Bay on the air-conditioned, luxury Naples Princess vessel. (naplesprincesscruises.com)

PURE FLORIDA: Deep-sea fishing, sunset cruising, jet boating, eco-shelling, and jet skiing are on Pure Florida’s menu for fun and adventure. (purefl.com)

SAND DOLLAR SHELLING: Go in search of rare shells, such as the junonia and alphabet cone, on boating adventures to barrier islands. Other interest-based

tours are offered. (sanddollarshelling.com)

SWEET LIBERTY: Climb aboard the largest and longest-running sailing catamaran in Naples. Choose from shelling, sunset, and sightseeing voyages. (sweetliberty.com)

WOOTEN’S EVERGLADES AIRBOAT TOURS: Tour the Everglades area on an airboat or swamp buggy, get up-close with alligators, and see panther, tigers, lions, and other wildlife. (wootenseverglades.com)

REVITALIZE YOUR FACE

HYDRAFACIAL MD & DERMAPLANE

BOTOX, DYSPORT & DERMAL FILLERS

SYLFIRM RF MICRONEDDLING

MEDICAL GRADE CHEMICAL PEELS

SCITON BBL, MOXI & HALO LASER

SECRET RF MICRONEEDLING

SCULPT YOUR BODY COOLSCULPTING LASER HAIR REMOVAL

REFRESH YOURSELF PERMANENT MAKEUP MASSAGE THERAPY

Naples Princess

Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tours

Game Time

PARADISE COAST SPORTS COMPLEX

Sports and recreation are in high demand in Collier County for adults and youth alike, so county oﬃcials are working aggressively to create more facilities. One of these gems is the $100 million Paradise Coast Sports Complex—a world-class facility designed to fulﬁll the needs of local and out-of-town

athletes, with plenty of amenities to please the non-sporty types, too.

New phases are continually opening at the 180-acre complex in East Naples. It will ultimately feature 21 turf fields: 10 Olympic fields for soccer, football, and lacrosse, and six baseball and five so ball/youth baseball diamonds. “It’s The Ritz-Carlton of sports

venues. We also focus on guest experiences, kind of like going to Disney,” says Paradise Coast Sports Complex Business Development Manager Jeff Walters. “I have to pry peoples’ jaws off the floors when they visit for the first time.” The final Olympic field is expected to be complete by mid-2024.

The complex features a stadium, great lawn, amphitheater with a double-sided Jumobtron, and The Cove Beer & Wine Bar. The Cove hosts regular community events including Sunset Saturdays, Tuesday Poker Nights, concerts, and drive-in movies.

Fitness buffs and athletes enjoy the multiuse athletic fields, lake trail with fitness bump-outs, membership Factory fitness pavilion, and sand volleyball courts.

“It’s a gem for Collier County because it provides a place for locals and traveling sports teams to play tournaments and as a premier event venue for Southwest Florida,” says Walters.

For more information or to book an event: playparadisecoast.com

Paradise Coast Sports Complex

LARGEST LOCAL PLAYGROUND & MORE: BIG CORKSCREW ISLAND REGIONAL PARK

Bring the kids to this 150-acre park that opened in 2023—home to Collier County’s largest playground. The hand-built playground includes slides, cable bridges, zip lines, monkey bars, climbing stations, ramps, and therapeutic swings. Visitors also enjoy shaded solar-powered charging stations.

Get competitive on its pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts or softball and multi-purpose fields. Take your fitness journey outdoors at the innovative National Fitness Campaign Court, where a range of invigorating workouts can be tracked with an accompanying app.

When you’ve worked up a sweat, make a splash at the 8,686 square-foot aquatic complex.

This newest gem is located at 810 39th Ave. N.E. in East Naples. (collier parks.com)

Ways to Play

With 75-plus golf courses, Collier County has long been known as the “Golf Capital of the World.”

It boasts three annual professional golf tournaments and challenging holes set against panoramic scenery.

It’s known as the “Pickleball Capital of the World,” too.

At public facilities and private clubhouses in gated communities, tennis facilities have been speedily renovated to incorporate pickleball play in response to its surge as the fastest-growing sport in the nation. East Naples Community Park— which has hosted the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships annually since its 2016 inception—is the hotspot. In recent years, an ambitious renovation expanded its pickleball courts to 64 and added a 3,500-seat stadium, 1,000 parking spots, and welcome center with locker rooms and a pro shop to create the Naples Pickleball Center. The championships draw thousands of visitors each April.

Find your athletic bliss at Collier County’s 35 neighborhood, community, and regional parks (collierparks. com), which offer a wide range of recreational options, wellness programs, summer camps, and family-friendly playgrounds and picnic pavilions. These are some of the main draws:

East Naples Community Park: In addition to pickleball, it offers basketball, tennis, racquetball, softball, and soccer, and a jogging trail

Golden Gate Community Park: Youth softball and baseball, tennis, soccer/football, basketball, shuffleboard, bocce, fitness and nature trails, swimming pools

North Collier Regional Park: Tournament soccer and softball, lacrosse, basketball, RecPlex Fitness Complex, 2.5-mile walking trail, Sun-N-Fun Lagoon

Sugden Regional Park: Sailing, skiing, and swimming on the 60-acre lake, open play area and playground, amphitheater, pavilions

Veterans Community Park: Softball and youth baseball, bocce, tennis, and racquetball, soccer/ football, sand volleyball, covered rink, and Rover

Run Dog Park

Vineyards Community Park: Lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, basketball, racquetball, walking trail, children’s splash zone

Wheels Skate/BMX Park: An annex of the Golden Gate Community Center, Wheels features a pro shop with skate clinics, band shell, skate park, National Bicycle League-sanctioned BMX track, and a game room (naplesbmx.com)

Wheels Skate/BMX Park

Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park

North Collier Regional Park

Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park

Guiding

COLLABORATION

GREATER NAPLES CHAMBER PRESIDENT & CEO KRISTINA PARK IS FOCUSED ON SPARKING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND CURATING CONSENSUS

Shortly after taking the helm of the Greater Naples Chamber in January 2024, Kristina Park went on a seven-month “listening tour” of thousands of business owners, politicians, government and school officials, civic leaders, and many others at events large and small.

As she gained in-depth insight into the community, her professional philosophy—“Lead Collaboration. Curate Consensus. Inspire Engagement”—guided her.

“I wanted to understand how Naples has gotten here, what’s important to individuals in this community, and where we’re headed,” she says. “It’s our job to lead collaboration and consensus, and to drive that vision forward.”

Park was handed a newly minted five-year strategic plan to lead the organization through 2027—a blueprint of goals to execute with her team. “I was very grateful to walk into a fantastically supportive board,” she says.

Naples’ 2024 population of 19,894 has grown almost 4 percent since 2020, according to U.S. Census estimates, while Collier County’s has grown almost 9 percent to 411,104. “We’re hoping to preserve what makes Naples special while preparing for the growth that’s coming,” she says. “How do we preserve our culture and grow the way we want to grow?”

She oversees the chamber’s operations, partnerships, and leadership development programs. In addition to community partnerships and leadership programs, the chamber focuses on economic development, talent and innovation, public policy, and member services, which includes connecting members with each other. It’s involved with local government and regional initiatives, serving as the main contact for businesses looking to expand in, or relocate to, Collier County.

“The chamber plays a critical role alongside government” in shaping Collier County’s future economy, growth, and quality of life, she says. Chambers “have become community impact organizations—which is far removed from the historical notion of what they do.”

Originally from High Point, North Carolina, Park has more than a decade of experience in chamber leadership roles in the Sunshine

“CHAMBERS HAVE BECOME COMMUNITY IMPACT ORGANIZATIONS—WHICH IS FAR REMOVED FROM THE HISTORICAL NOTION OF WHAT THEY DO."

-Kristina Park

State. After being recruited to Naples, she relocated with her husband and young son with high hopes. “We fell in love with Naples right away. There is a signature warmth and hospitality. Everyone is incredibly welcoming. I was hoping that would permeate everyday life—and that’s happened.”

The chamber fosters local talent and leadership to ensure that businesses—today and in the future—can tap into a well-trained workforce so they can succeed and grow and to attract businesses that bring highwage and high-demand jobs.

Naples Chamber

Kristina Park

Just three blocks from Gulf beaches. Complimentary beach package with beach shuttle, towels, chairs and bottled water. Convenient to golf courses, shopping, art galleries and all attractions. Services provided to guests at no charge include Wi-Fi, garage parking, fitness center and bicycles. Home to Shula’s Steak House, voted best steak house in Southwest Florida. Plus no resort fees. It all adds up to happiness poolside. Always get the lowest price only when you book direct at hiltonnaples.com or call 1 800 HILTONS.

Shula’s Steak House is the epitome of

Connecting with

COMMUNITIES

THE GREATER NAPLES CHAMBER IS COMMITTED TO HELPING THE NAPLES AREA ADAPT TO FUTURE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES AND PROMOTING A SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT ECONOMY

By Danielle O’Conner, Director of Talent Initiatives

In Collier County, the Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) in Immokalee, Golden Gate, and Bayshore are key drivers of revitalization and economic development. These CRAs are focused on addressing unique challenges in each neighborhood, leveraging targeted investments to foster sustainable growth, enhance infrastructure, and improve quality of life. The Greater Naples Chamber plays a significant role in supporting these efforts, providing leadership, advocacy, and strategic partnerships to ensure that the community benefits from these redevelopment initiatives.

community empowerment.

The Immokalee CRA, for instance, has concentrated on transforming this rural community by promoting economic diversification, enhancing public spaces, and improving housing options. Investments in infrastructure, such as the beautification of downtown Immokalee and the development of affordable housing, are attracting new businesses and creating job opportunities. The CRA’s efforts have also included supporting local entrepreneurs, which has strengthened the community’s economic resilience.

The Golden Gate CRA focuses on upgrading infrastructure and promoting business growth in this historically underserved area. Initiatives include enhancing streetscapes, adding public amenities, and creating new economic opportunities. These improvements are designed to attract private investment, increase property values, and ultimately improve residents' quality of life. The Golden Gate CRA’s work has also involved collaborating with local organizations such as Grace Place for Children and Families to provide English-language classes and educational programs, which are crucial for long-term

The Bayshore CRA, along the waterfront, has revitalized an area with immense potential for tourism and recreation. By improving public access to the waterfront, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the area’s aesthetic appeal, the Bayshore CRA is turning this community into a vibrant destination for both residents and visitors. The redevelopment efforts here also aim to preserve the area’s unique character while promoting sustainable growth.

The Greater Naples Chamber plays a crucial role in supporting these CRAs by advocating for business-friendly policies that foster economic growth and retention, facilitating connections between businesses and redevelopment projects, and promoting the areas as attractive locations for investment. The chamber's involvement ensures that these agencies’ initiatives align with broader economic strategies, benefiting not only the targeted communities but also the entire region.

Through these collaborative efforts, the CRAs in Immokalee, Golden Gate, and Bayshore are transforming their communities, making them more vibrant, economically stable, and poised for a prosperous future.

Bayshore

LET’S NETWORK!

MEET LONG-ESTABLISHED BUSINESS OWNERS AND NEWCOMERS WHILE HAVING A LITTLE FUN IN INTERESTING LOCALES

REGULAR EVENTS

COFFEE AND CONVERSATION

This new event in 2025 is a unique opportunity to engage in an intimate and insightful discussion with Greater Naples Chamber President and CEO Kristina Park about pressing topics that impact our business community. Dive deep into the current business climate, local economic trends, and business challenges. Each session will have an open forum discussion.

WAKE UP NAPLES

This breakfast event is designed to provide important civic information on contemporary issues that impact our community, hosted by leaders in relevant industries.

BUSINESS AFTER 5

This casual networking event invites business professionals to share lively ideas, create connections, and build relationships. Hosted at diﬀerent member venues, Business A er 5 includes food, beverages, and dynamic entertainment.

ACCELERATED NETWORKING LUNCH

This popular luncheon is an energetic,

lead-producing session for chamber members hosted by a member business. A endees enjoy a fast-paced program to exchange ideas, contacts, and referrals.

MEMBER VIRTUAL MEET & GREET

These virtual gatherings are limited to 25 members to introduce themselves and connect with other members and staﬀ.

ANNUAL EVENTS

ANNUAL MEETING GATHERING

This signature annual event is an opportunity to celebrate successes, raise funds for the chamber’s initiatives, and present awards to outstanding individuals and businesses.

CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC

The annual golf tournament is a longstanding tradition that members and nonmembers have enjoyed for more than 25 years. This popular event ﬁlled with camaraderie, networking, and competitive fun is a business community favorite.

DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE AWARDS

Established in 2003, the Distinguished Pub-

lic Service Awards are presented annually by the Greater Naples Chamber to recognize and honor individual or teams of ﬁrst responders for dedicating their careers to the well-being of Collier County. The awards selection is in partnership with the Collier County 100 Club.

BUSINESS MEMBER SHOWCASE

A endees learn about the products and services available from chamber members while networking with other area business professionals, while enjoying food and beverages and strolling through the exhibition booths.

GET INVOLVED COLLIER! VOLUNTEER EXPO

The Leadership Collier Foundation in partnership with Greater Naples Leadership hosts the annual Volunteer Expo event. This free event connects residents with opportunities to volunteer and serve in community leadership roles. Participants are invited to network with representatives and volunteers from local nonproﬁt organizations about their needs, learn more about their mission, and discover ideal volunteer and board opportunities.

YOUTH BUSINESS FAIR

Young entrepreneurs, grades K-12, showcase and sell their unique products or services to the general public. Participants gain hands-on experience in the free market and reap the rewards of their inventiveness. Proceeds beneﬁt the Leadership Collier Foundation’s workbased learning programs for local students.

Chamber Golf Classic

Accelerated Networking Lunch

Youth Business Fair

Business After 5 Member Showcase

Wake Up Naples

Palm

SETTING THE STANDARD

TheatreZone is Naples’ Premier Professional Musical Theater Company

Mark Danni and Karen Molnar Danni are household names Southwest Florida’s theater world. Mark, a director, conductor and percussionist, and Karen, an actress and choreographer, established TheatreZone in 2005 as the first professional Equity theatre in Naples. They are celebrating the twentieth season of the theater company in 2025. The Dannis brought passion and fire to Naples with TheatreZone and have drawn musical theater luminaries to its stage from the outset. The twentieth season musical lineup continues the Dannis’ flair for selecting a bold and vibrant mix of a big Broadway splash (Jersey Boys) and three edgier gems—Once (a Tony Award-winning best musical), Kander & Ebbs The Rink, and Ghost: The Musical, based on the hit movie.

NAPLES

After Dark

ON THE WATER

As sunset’s spectacle fades into night, be sure to capture Naples’ sparkle at night—from the glow of twinkling sky and city lights glancing off the water.

Local resorts welcome the public to their cosmopolitan dining rooms and lounges with gorgeous gulf and bayfront settings. The new Champagne Bar in The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, lobby celebrates the best of bubbly with master sommelier-designed tastings, while sushi at Dusk and eclectic offerings at Gumbo Limbo are

THE NAPLES AREA IS ABUZZ WITH NIGHTLIFE AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUES FOR DANCING THE NIGHT AWAY, TASTING CRAFT COCKTAILS, AND LISTENING TO LIVE MUSIC. HERE ARE A FEW UNIQUE WAYS TO FIND MAGIC WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN.

accompanied by scenic gulf views. (ritzcarlton.com)

Rhode’s End at Naples Grande Beach Resort serves casual fare and sunset cocktails (naplesgrande.com) along the gulf. At Kane Tiki Bar & Grill at J.W. Marriott Marco, enjoy toes-in-thesand Indonesian-inspired dining, rum flights, and gulf panoramas. (marriott.com)

The Bay House is off the beaten path, immersed in mangroves along the Cocohatchee River. It draws fans of its ceviche, oysters, Crescent City beignets, and live music. (bayhousenaples.com) T-Michaels Steak & Lobster House’s large lounge is a favorite see-and-be-seen venue for cocktails and 40-by-the-glass wines overlooking Venetian Bay. (t-michaels.com)

Or leave terra firma behind and cruise into a unique on-the-water excursion. BYOB aboard

the Naples CycleBoat, where your pedaling prowess (and a motor) powers the paddlewheel as you tour Naples Bay. (naplescyleboats.com)

Cruisin’ Tikis Naples combines the area’s love of boating and tiki bars with captain-piloted adult tours of Naples Bay on its six-passenger boats— floating tiki bars you stock with your favorite libations. (cruisintikisnaples.com) Set sail for sunsets on the Sweet Liberty catamaran (sweetliberty.com) or partake in sunset and dinner cruises aboard the Naples Princess. (naplesprincesscruises.com)

Nightlife

Kane Tiki Bar & Grill

The Bay House

THE BAY HOUSE

Cruisin’ Tikis

JEFF HERRON

Local mixologists have a flair for crafting over-the-top cocktails while some venues boast impressives lists of wine and spirits. Here are a few of these venues that recall glamourous speakeasies of the past as well as modern havens with gourmet bites and vibrant atmospheres.

THE OYSTER SOCIETY Roaring Twentiesand Art Deco-inspired decor, live jazz, and the Sazerac, lend a speakeasy ambiance to this Marco Island restaurant which emphasizes fresh, eco-conscious seafood. (theoystersociety.com)

REBECCA’S Create your own chartucerie board or choose from the best local cavier options at this hip destination offering hundreds of wines to enjoy with your noshes or to take home. Happy hour and dinner menus, too. (rebeccasnaples.com)

ROUGE CLANDESTINE STEAK The 18-seat lounge channels Prohibition-era establishments with a backdoor entry off Fifth Avenue South, dimly lit interiors, and a regal dinner menu. Text or call to make a reservation. (239-315-3368)

SIDEBAR This cocktail den, in a hidden alley at 505 Fifth Ave. S., has tufted-leather sofas, a white onyx bar, and a selection of 80-plus bourbons and whiskeys. No for-

HOPPY TRAILS TO YOU

Homegrown and independently owned craft breweries elevate suds to an artform best enjoyed from the tap—with tasting rooms, beer gardens, and patios welcoming the entire family and pets.

Ankrolab Brewing Company

3555 Bayshore Drive, Naples (ankrolab.com)

Bone Hook Brewing Company 514 Immokalee Road, Naples (bonehookbrewing.com)

Hopsized Brewing Co.

9201 Cockleshell Cour t, Unit 13, Bonita Springs (hopsizedbrewing.com)

Oil Well Craft Beer

5334 Ave Maria Blvd., Unit 500, Ave Maria (oilwellcraftbeer.com)

Riptide Brewing Company 987 Third Ave. N., Naples (riptidebrewingcompany.com)

DESTINATION: NIGHTLIFE

mal restaurant, phone number, or website elevates its intrigue.

THE VINE ROOM This Fifth Avenue South venue delivers a true speakeasy experience with a door hidden behind its ivy-covered portal. Serving light fare and classic cocktails, reservations are highly recommended. (vineroom.com)

WARREN AMERICAN WHISKEY KITCHEN Explore an enticing collection of cocktails, wines, beers, and hundreds of whiskeys during daily happy hours, along with an indulgent menu offering caviar, wagyu, seafood, and more. (warrennaples.com)

MERCATO Mercato is a popular spot for one-stop nightlife—whether chilling out with a stogie and snifter at Burn by Rocky Patel or enjoying live entertainment at restaurants that transform into after-hour nightclubs, like Blue Martini and Cavo Lounge. Game nights, bingo, and pub quizzes liven happy hours at The Hampton Social, Burntwood Tavern, and The 239 Local. (experiencemercato.com)

DOWNTOWN NAPLES Third Street South is always abuzz with wine tastings, special events, and prime peoplewatching patios. Late-evening revelers flock to The Bevy for creative cocktails and latenight small plates and to the

big-city ambiance and live jazz at The Clubroom at Campiello Ristorante. (thirdstreetsouth. com) Fifth Avenue South has a bounty of bars and lounges and the monthly Evening on Fifth features outdoor entertainment and live music. (fifthavenuesouth.com)

FOUNDERS SQUARE This restaurant hub is also home to South Street City Oven, Bar, and Music, which regularly hosts well-known tribute bands. (founderssquare. southstreetnaples.com)

OFF THE HOOK COMEDY CLUB This restaurant-club delivers yucks for a few bucks with cable comedy headliners Thursday through Sunday. (offthehookcomedy.com)

IF VARIETY IS WHAT YOU SEEK, SOME LOCALES OFFER A WIDE VARIETY OF ENTERTAINMENT, DANCING, AND CHILLING IN THE SAME SPOT.

Neighborhoods in Naples

IN THE SUN Fd Yr ace

Take a tour of unique communities

Neighborhood Guide

For many visitors to Naples, it’s o en love at first sight. Palm trees, white-sand beaches, the dazzling Gulf of Mexico, and the promise of a tropical lifestyle weave their magic. Family vacations, business conferences, and winter getaways become homebuying missions. For a year-round or seasonal nest, real estate opportunities are seemingly endless: gated communities with amenities rivaling plush resorts; beachfront mansions and co ages; low- and high-rise towers; historic neighborhoods; and even a new city. Whether you are a first-time buyer, relocating from a bustling metropolis, or looking to upgrade because of an expanding family or income, there are a range of home styles to fit your needs and budget. The question is: where? Get to know some of the area’s established communities.

AQUALANE SHORES

A community of 350 single-family homes the majority with water views—Aqualane Shores is nestled along Naples Bay with easy access to the Gulf of Mexico. A long-established neighborhood, it has mature landscaping, tree-shaded streets, and proximity to shopping, dining, and entertainment on neighboring Third Street South.

AVE MARIA

This new town, established in 2005, sprawls across 5,000 acres centered around Ave Maria University, a Catholic institution founded by Domino’s Pizza tycoon Tom Monaghan. Ave Maria has single-and multifamily homes, a golf course, a downtown area with retail and restaurants, a water park, and recreational ﬁelds, with plans for a hospital and additional amenities.

Bayshore

Park Sore

Aqualane Shores

MICHAEL CARONCHI

BAREFOOT BEACH

With the 342-acre Barefoot Beach Preserve as its southern-most boundary, Barefoot Beach oﬀers waterfront homes with views of Li le Hickory Bay and the gulf. Many of its low-rise condos, villas, and three- and four-story homes, ranging from Mediterranean to coastal contemporary, are on the crushed-shell beach.

BAYSHORE

Anchored by the Naples Botanical Garden, this 1,800-acre area south of U.S. 41, east of Naples is undergoing a revitalization centered on creating a walkable neighborhood arts district with cottages and condominiums as well as recreational

and cultural facilities. Many new businesses are opening and new homes are going up.

COQUINA SANDS

Winding streets lined with mature banyan and palm trees tell the story of Coquina Sands as the ﬁrst community to develop beyond the borders of Old Naples. Encompassing the beachfront Lowdermilk Park, many of Coquina Sands’ original Old Florida-style, single-family homes and condominiums are being transformed, much like

its neighbor, the site of the historic Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, which is being redeveloped into the Naples Beach Club.

EAST NAPLES

The eastern corridor along U.S. 41 features a wide range of suburban neighborhoods and master-planned communities including golfcentric TPC Treviso Bay and the sprawling, ﬁvemile Lely Resort.

EVERGLADES CITY

Far ﬂung from any mall or high-rise, Everglades City is a slice of natural Florida recognized as the “gateway to the Ten Thousand Islands.” The onesquare-mile incorporated city with a population of 400 is an ideal outpost for those seeking rural, small-town-America charm, game ﬁshing, and water pursuits.

Everglades City

TPC Treviso Bay

Coquina Sands

Neighborhoods in Naples

GOLDEN GATE ESTATES

A rural area of about 41,000 rambling acres, Golden Gate Estates’ acre-plus properties provide space between neighboring homes, the opportunity to own horses, and a serene se ing with wooded areas. A major growth center, the population continues to swell.

IMMOKALEE

Se led in the 1870s by hunters, traders, and ranchers, Immokalee maintains its agrarian roots. Its farms yield the majority of America’s tomato crop and the University of Florida’s Southwest Florida Research and Education Center is located here. The Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee draws national entertainment throughout the year.

LAKE PARK

Lake Park is made up of 450 homes, with an average construction date of 1970, on canopied streets with bike pathways. Small enclaves have their own distinct names; Lake Manor, Lake Forrest, and Lake Park uniﬁed as a homeowner’s association long ago. Proximity to schools, businesses, and ﬁve parks make this a family-friendly neighborhood.

MARCO ISLAND

At 24 square miles, Marco is the largest barrier island of the Everglades’ mangrovetangled Ten Thousand Islands. With 100 miles of waterways, the island a racts those who want a boat in the backyard and

the convenience of shopping, restaurants, and on-island health care. Many of its single-family homes and condominiums are located on the gulf, canals, or bays.

THE MOORINGS

North of downtown Naples along the gulf, the Moorings is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods with tree-lined streets, mature landscaping, and mostly single-family homes on large lots. At 1,300 acres, it’s the city of Naples’ largest subdivision and is not gated, yet oﬀers the amenities of a gated community, including a private country club and beach. Homes on Doctor’s Bay enjoy mile-long views to Village Shops on Venetian Bay and gulf access via Doctor’s Pass.

Marco Island

Lake Park

The Moorings

JOHN EDER JOHN EDER

NAPLES PARK

Once a working-class neighborhood, this onesquare-mile community has come into its own as a new wave of buyers discovers its proximity to the gulf, shopping, dining, and entertainment, including Mercato. Many of Naples Park’s original 1970s-era homes are being torn down to make way for pricier single-family homes.

NAPLES SQUARE/BAYFRONT

Ambitious revitalization has brought an era of change to the area east of Old Naples bounded by U.S. 41 and the Gordon River. Mid-rise condominiums oﬀer on-site amenities and locations easily walkable to Fi h Av-

OLD NAPLES

enue South, Tin City, and the Naples Design District. On the east side of Goodle e-Frank Road are riverfront parks and conservation areas, the new single-family Mangrove Bay with boat slips, and the commercial-residential Bayfront.

Naples’ ﬁrst neighborhood, Old Naples is highly desired for its proximity to downtown, the beach, and the Naples Pier. Its architecturally diverse homes include original 1900s co ages, mid-rise condominiums, and multimillion-dollar mansions along the Gulf and Naples Bay.

Featuring wide streets, beachside parks, lush green spaces, and plentiful gulf and bay views, Park Shore is sought out by young families, professionals, and retirees. With the picturesque Village Shops on Venetian Bay as a landmark, there is a range of choices: singlefamily homes, low- and mid-rise condos, and waterfront high-rise towers.

PELICAN BAY

This sprawling community of more than 2,100 acres stretches from the gulf to U.S. 41, oﬀering at least 65 individual neighborhoods, high-rise condominiums, and a wide variety of housing options and prices—from the triple-gated The Strand to smaller villas and condo units. Amenities for residents include a private beach club, 27 holes of golf, ﬁtness, tennis, and onsite restaurants. Artis—Naples and Waterside Shops are close by.

PARK SHORE

Park Shore

Old Naples

Naples Park

NAPLES AREA STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

JOHN EDER

Neighborhoods in Naples

PINE RIDGE

This rambling neighborhood of new and 1970s-era single-family homes along the east side of U.S. 41 south of Vanderbilt Beach Road encompasses more than what initially meets the eye. Within its boundaries are seven lakes and large estate lots accommodating spacious homes with stables, riding arenas, tennis courts, and guesthouses.

PORT ROYAL

Naples’ most exclusive address is home to a who’s who of business magnates, philanthropists, and jet-se ers. Located at the city’s southernmost point, Port Royal’s sprawling beachfront and bayside estates are hidden behind towering hedges and lush landscaping. The members-only Port Royal Club offers beach access, tennis, dining, and other amenities.

ROYAL HARBOR

Located on Naples Bay across from Port Royal, Royal Harbor is a boater’s paradise. All of its new and older homes enjoy waterfront lots along canals and the bay with gulf access.

SEAGATE

At the northern border of the City of Naples, abu ing the Pelican Bay neighborhood, Seagate is a quiet community with 90 homes, many of them waterfront with gulf access. Residents enjoy a private, gulf-front beach and clubhouse. It is located oﬀ Seagate Drive between Naples Cay and Crayton Road.

VANDERBILT BEACH

South of Barefoot Beach, this neighborhood oﬀers a multitude of new and older singlefamily homes on canals, bays, and the beach, and a mix of gulf-front, low- to high-rise condos, including the new, luxury Mystique. Vanderbilt Beach is an idyllic spot for boaters and nature lovers.

JOHN EDER

Vanderbilt Beach

Port Royal

Flavorsof Naples

Dining Guide

NAMBA RAMEN & SUSHI

8847 Tamiami Trail N. 592-4992 nambanaples.com

ZEN ASIAN BBQ

10823 Tamiami Trail N. 260-7037 eatatzen.com

BAKERIES AND SWEETS

GRACE & SHELLY’S CUPCAKES 537 Fifth Ave. S. * 263-9990 graceandshellyscupcakes.com

MENCHIE’S FROZEN YOGURT

6355 Naples Blvd., Ste. 4-B 572-8936 menchies.com

Naples is a popular foodie destination for its gastronomical excellence and diversity.

Here is a select list of Naples restaurants in the (239) area code—unless otherwise noted— to get you started. For additional recommendations, reviews, and more, visit naplesillustrated.com or the Greater Naples Chamber directory at napleschamber.org.

NOTHING BUNDT CAKES 1410 Pine Ridge Road, Unit 9 294-2484

nothingbundtcakes.com

TONY’S OFF THIRD

1300 Third St. S. 262-7999 * tonysoffthird.com

CASUAL

BAMBU TROPICAL BAR & GRILLE

Bayfront Inn 1221 Fifth Ave. S. * 649-5800 bayfrontinnnaples.com

COMPASS BY MARGARITAVILLE

4805 Tamiami Trail N. 659-3500 * compasshotel.com

COSMOS RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA

536 Tamiami Trail N. * 262-8181 cosmospizzanaples.com

THE CRUST

8004 Trail Blvd. * 244-8488 thecrustpizza.net

DYLAN’S DRAFT HOUSE

1258 Airport-Pulling Road N. 300-0192 * dylansdrafthouse.com

EJ’S BAYFRONT CAFE

469 Bayfront Place * 353-4444 3375 Pine Ridge Road 438-1186 * ejsbayfrontcafe.com

FIRST WATCH

Five locations in Collier County firstwatch.com

THE HANGOUT BY TWO GUYS

2360 Pine Ridge Road

384-9072 hangoutnaples.com

LAKE PARK DINER

3944 Seventh Ave. N. * 228-6351

8856 Founders Square Drive * 5291559 * thelakeparkdiner.com

THE LOCAL 5323 Airport-Pulling Road 596-3276 * thelocalnaples.com

NARRATIVE COFFEE ROASTERS

Mercato, 9106 Strada Place, Ste. 4105 * 218-7316 1103 Central Ave. * 234-6496 narrativecoffeeroasters.com

OAK & STONE

Logan Landings 2270 Logan Blvd. * 384-6764 oakandstone.com

REBECCA’S

2955 Bayshore Drive * 799-1801 rebeccasnaples.com

RIVERWALK AT TIN CITY

1200 Fifth Ave. S. * 263-2734 riverwalktincity.com

Norman Love Confections

Keewaydin’s on Fifth

True Food Kitchen

MICHAEL CARONCHI

THE ROOSTER

600 Goodlette Road N., Ste. 101 228-5973 * theroosternaples.com

SAM SNEAD’S TAVERN AT LELY RESORT

8004 Lely Resort Blvd. 793-6623 * samsneadslely.com

SUNBURST CAFÉ

Pine Ridge Crossing 2340 Pine Ridge Road 263-3123 * sunburstnaples.com

TRUE FOOD KITCHEN

Waterside Shops

5375 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 15 431-4580 * truefoodkitchen.com

TWISTED SHEEP

PIZZA & BREW

3802 Tamiami Trail E. * 919-3287 twistedsheeppizza.com

YARD HOUSE Park Shore Plaza 4251 Tamiami Trail N. 263-3773 * yardhouse.com

AMERICAN

ALEXANDER’S GARDEN

RESTAURANT 4077 Tamiami Trail N. 262-4999 alexandersnaples.com

THE 239 NAPLES Mercato, 9108 Strada Place, Ste. 14110 * 631-1902 the239naples.com

THE BEVY 360 12th Ave S. 228-4220 naplesbevy.com

BLUE MARTINI Mercato 9114 Strada Place, #12105 591-2583 * bluemartini.com

BRICKTOP’S

Waterside Shops 5555 Tamiami Trail N. * 596-9112 bricktops.com/naples

COOPER’S HAWK WINERY

RESTAURANT 11905 Tamiami Trail N. * 449-1700 chwinery.com

THE HAMPTON SOCIAL Mercato, 9114 Strada Place, #12110 202-2038 thehamptonsocial.com

J. ALEXANDER’S RESTAURANT 8860 Tamiami Trail N. * 778-9095 jalexanders.com

KC AMERICAN BISTRO

Pavilion Shopping Center 885 Vanderbilt Beach Road 566-2371 * kcamericanbistro.com

KELLY’S ROAST BEEF Founders Square, 8900 Founders Square Drive * 387-1988 kellysroastbeef.com

RIDGWAY BAR & GRILL

1300 Third St. S. * 262-5500 ridgwaybarandgrill.com

SEASONS 52

8930 Tamiami Trail N. 594-8852 seasons52.com

TOMMY BAHAMA

1220 Third St. S. * 643-6889 tommybahama.com

WARREN AMERICAN WHISKEY KITCHEN 111 10th St. S. * 330-2611 warrennaples.com

Chops City Grill

The Hampton Social

THE HAMPTON SOCIAL

Rouge Clandestine Steak

Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood & Crab

TRULUCK’S NICK SHIRGIO

MICHAEL

Eat in Naples

CUBAN

FERNANDEZ THE BULL

CUBAN CAFE

3375 Pine Ridge Road * 653-9097 1201 Piper Blvd., Unit 10 * 254-9855 fernandezthebull.com

RUMBA CUBAN CAFÉ

1265 Airport-Pulling Road S. 659-2996 * rumbacubancafe.com

SANDY’S CUBAN CAFE

1383 Airport-Pulling Road 331-8204 sandyscubancafenaples.com

FRENCH

BLEU PROVENCE

1234 Eighth St. S.* 261-8239 bleuprovencenaples.com

CHEZ BOËT

755 12th Ave. S. * 643-6177 chezboetnaples.com

CÔTE D’AZUR

Riverchase Plaza 11224 Tamiami Trail N.

597-8867 cotedazurrestaurant.com

ESCARGOT 41

Park Shore PLaza

4351 Tamiami Trail N. 793-5000 escargot41.com

THE FRENCH BRASSERIE RUSTIQUE

365 Fifth Ave. S. * 315-4019 thefrenchnaples.com

GLOBAL

BHA! BHA! PERSIAN BISTRO 865 Fifth Ave. S. * 594-5557 bhabhabistro.com

DEL MAR

494 Fifth Ave. S. * 350-0134 delmarmediterranean.com

KAREEM’S LEBANESE KITCHEN

4270 Tamiami Trail E. * 315-4167 kareemskitchen.com

LAMORAGA INTERNATIONAL CUISINE & TAPAS

3936 Tamiami Trail N. 331-3669 lamoragarestaurant.com

LE COLONIAL

457 Fifth Ave. S. * 372-9700 lecolonial.com/naples

LOLA 41 560 Ninth St. S. * 399-3300 lola41.com

HYDE N CHIC 923 Creech Road 404-3065 hydenchicrestaurant.com

JANE’S CAFÉ ON THIRD 1209 Third St. S.

261-2253 janesgardencafe.com

OLD VINES Mercato 9105 Strada Place, Ste. 3125 910–5351 * oldvines.net

UNIDOS LATIN

KITCHEN & BAR 1 Ninth St. * 331-3668 unidosrestauran

GREEK

MYKONOS KUZINA 13510 Tamiami Trail N. 325-8502 mykonoskuzina.com

PELAGOS CAFE 4951 Tamiami Trail N. 263-299

INDIAN

21 SPICES BY CHEF ASIF

4270 Tamiami Trail E., Ste. 21 919-8830 21spicesdining.com

LE INDYA

975 Pine Ridge Road 591-5156 * leindya.com

PASSAGE TO INDIA

975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd., Bonita Springs * 513-0024 thetasteofbangladesh.com

Le Colonial

Del Mar

CHRIS CASELLA

JANE’S CAFE ON THIRD

Jane’s Cafe on Third

ITALIAN

ALDOS ITALIAN TABLE & BAR

Kings Lake Square 4820 Davis Blvd. 659-2536 aldosnaples.com

AMORE RISTORANTE Neapolitan Way

4681 Ninth St. N. * 643-2201 amoreristorante.com

BAR TULIA

462 Fifth Ave. S. * 228-7606 Mercato, 9118 Strada Place, Ste. 8150 * 438-1031 bartulia.com

BARBATELLA

1290 Third St. S. * 263-1955

aielligroup.com

BICE RISTORANTE

300 Fifth Ave. S. * 262-4044 bice-naples.com

BRIO ITALIAN GRILLE

Waterside Shops

5505 Tamiami Trail N. 593-5319 brioitalian.com

CAMPIELLO

1177 Third St. S. * 435-1166 campiellonaples.com

DEROMO’S GOURMET

MARKET & RESTAURANT

Promenade at Bonita Bay 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs 325-3583 * deromos.com

LIMONCELLO

13800 Tamiami Trail N. 260-7478 limoncellonaples.com

MINO

Shoppes at Dockside 1100 Sixth Ave. S., Ste. 1 302-5990 * minofl.com

MIRAMARE RISTORANTE

Village Shoppes on Venetian Bay 4236 Gulf Shore Blvd. N. 430-6273 * miramarenaples.com

OSTERIA TULIA

466 Fifth Ave. S. * 213-2073 osteriatulia.com

PARMESAN PETE’S ITALIAN KITCHEN

7935 Airport-Pulling Road 992-3663 parmesanpetes.com

PAZZO! CUCINA ITALIANO

853 Fifth Ave. S. * 434-8494 pazzoitaliancafe.com

VERGINA

700 Fifth Ave. S. * 659-7008 verginarestaurant.com

MEXICAN

BUBBAKOO’S BURRITOS NAPLES

6345 Naples Blvd. * 880-1874 bubbakoos.com

MICHAEL

OWEN

Pazzo! Cucina Italiano

FELIPE’S MEXICAN TAQUERIA

Park Shore Plaza

4255 Tamiami Trail N. * 302-1444 Logan Landings 2220 Logan Blvd. N. 323-6619 * felipestaqueria.com

K-RICO MEXICAN GRILL

Bayfront of Naples

475 Bayfront Place 316-7662 * kricomexicangrill.com

ROCCO’S TACOS AND TEQUILA BAR

Mercato, 9123 Strada Place, #7135 500-8226

roccostacos.com

THE BOATHOUSE ON NAPLES BAY 990 Broad Ave. S. * 643-2235 boathouseonnaplesbay.com

KEEWAYDIN’S ON FIFTH 711 Fifth Ave. S. * 262-5787 phelanfamilybrands.com

TACOS & TEQUILA CANTINA

Three locations in Collier County tacosandtequilanaples.com

SEAFOOD

THE BAY HOUSE 799 Walkerbilt Road 591-3837 bayhousenaples.com

BAYSIDE SEAFOOD GRILL & BAR

The Village Shops on Venetian Bay 4270 Gulf Shore Blvd. N. 649-5552 baysideseafoodgrillandbar.com

THE CLAW BAR

221 Ninth St. S. * 231-3912 theclawbar.com

DEEP LAGOON 8777 Tamiami Trail N. * 880-3337

760 N. Collier Blvd., Ste. 105, Marco Island 235-7497 * deeplagoon.com

THE DOCK AT CRAYTON COVE

845 12th Ave. S. * 263-9940 dockcraytoncove.com

HOGFISH HARRY’S 600 Neapolitan Way * 776-7623 hogfishharrys.com

LA PESCHERIA

474 Fifth Ave. S. * 316-7322 lapescherianaples.com

M WATERFRONT GRILLE

The Village Shops on Venetian Bay 4300 Gulf Shore Blvd. N. * 263-4421 mwaterfrontgrille.com

OAR & IRON

Founders Square, 8850 Founders Square Drive * 427-3335 * oarandiron.com

PINCHERS CRAB SHACK

1200 Fifth Ave. S. * 434-6616

591 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island 970-5391 * pinchersusa.com

Hogfish Harry’s

Eat in Naples

Tacos & Tequila Cantina

The Bay House

Deep Lagoon

Eat in Naples

REAL SEAFOOD CO.

Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt 8960 Fontana Del Sol Way 591-3523 * realseafoodconaples.com

SEA SALT

1186 Third St. S. * 434-7258 aielligroup.com

SWAN RIVER SEAFOOD

3741 Tamiami Trail N. * 403-7000 swanriverseafood.com

TRULUCK’S OCEAN’S FINEST

SEAFOOD & CRAB

698 Fourth Ave. S. * 530-3131 trulucks.com

THE TURTLE CLUB

9225 Gulf Shore Drve * 592-6557 turtleclubnaples.com

USS NEMO RESTAURANT 3745 Tamiami Trail N. * 261-6366 ussnemorestaurant.com

STEAKHOUSES

ANDRE’S STEAKHOUSE 2800 Tamiami Trail N. * 263-5851 andressteakhouse.com

THE CAPITAL GRILLE

Mercato, 9005 Mercato Drive 254-0640 thecapitalgrille.com

CHOPS CITY GRILL

837 Fifth Ave. S. * 262-4677 chopscitygrill.com

THE CONTINENTAL AMERICAN PROVISIONS & CRAFT BAR 1205 Third St. S.

659-0007 damicoscontinental.com

DORONA 2110 Ninth St. N. * 529-2819 aielligroup.com

FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR

8985 Tamiami Trail N. 598-2424 flemingssteakhouse.com

OCEAN PRIME 699 Fifth Ave. S. * 430-0404 ocean-prime.com

ROUGE CLANDESTINE STEAK

365 Fifth Ave. S. 315.3368 campagnahospitalitygroup.com

SHULA’S STEAK HOUSE 5111 Tamiami Trail N. 430-4999 * shulasnaples.com

Ocean Prime

Sea Salt

Chops City Grill

A Shopper's

PARADISE

FROM THE DOCK TO THE DANCE FLOOR, FIND WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE ANY OCCASION SPARKLE AT NAPLES’ WIDE SELECTION OF SHOPPING DESTINATIONS

Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt

A Mediterranean-style setting provides a relaxing ambiance at Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt, where visitors discover unique stores like Zazou, Naples Wine Collection, Kathryn’s Collection, and Pop Toy Company, plus upscale consignment shops True Fashionistas and Designer Divas. Grab a bite at Flaco’s or Mystic

Lobster Roll Company. If you seek local honey, baked goods, and flowers, the Shoppes host a year-round farmer’s market. (Vanderbilt Beach Road at AirportPulling Road, shopvanderbilt.com)

Mercato

Mercato is home to perennial fashion favorites such as Tommy Bahama, Jos. A. Bank, and Nordstrom Rack, and unique

Shopping in Naples

Mercato

finds like Lu Lu Belle of Naples children’s boutique. This lifestyle center also holds Cariloha Bamboo, an eco-friendly home store, Whole Foods, East West Fine Art, Sur La Table, and Zen Aveda Salon. Mercato has a dozen places to eat, drink, or indulge in a treat. (U.S. 41 north of Vanderbilt Beach Road, mercatoshops.com)

Waterside Shops

At the south end of Pelican Bay, Waterside Shops has 60 shops and restaurants—anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue—which draw affluent shoppers to Hermès, Carolina Herrera, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Rolex, L’Occitane, and Johnny Was. Many other popular stores offer something for everyone in the family, including

Anthropologie, Apple, Beach House of Naples, Pottery Barn, Lilly Pulitzer, La Maison Yamron, and Tesla. (U.S. 41 at Seagate Drive, watersideshops.com)

Village Shops on Venetian Bay

More than 45 upscale shops and restaurants are set in the old-world ambience of this waterfront shopping destination. Meander through A Horse of a Different Color, Wildflower, Teruzzi menswear, Sara Campbell, Wm. Phelps Custom Jewelers, Casanova Venetian Glass & Art, and Sukie’s Wine Shop. You’ll also find big names such as J. McLaughlin, Sperry, and Tommy Bahama. (Gulf Shore Boulevard North at Park Shore, venetianvillage.com)

Coastland Center

Coastland Center, Naples’ only indoor shopping mall, lets you beat the heat or rain while perusing goods at Dillard’s, Macy’s, Aéropostale, Hollister, and Hallmark, or relaxing in an oversized, reclining leather seat at CMX CinéBistro Coastland. (1900 Tamiami Trail N., coastlandcenter.com)

Tin City

Tin City—a kitschy, fun-filled destination for your northern visitors—is a collection of tin-roofed old Florida buildings on the Gordon River. A former oyster- and clam-processing plant, it offers more than 40 locally owned shops, restaurants, and waterbased adventures and boat rides. (Fifth Avenue South and 12th Street South, tincityofnaples.com)

KIM SENG

Waterside Shops

Village Shops on Venetian Bay

Tin City

Shopping

Third Street South

Head to downtown’s Third Street South for fashions from the renowned luxury boutique for men and women—Marissa Collections. From surfer threads to classic looks, there are endless options along the promenade, including Maus & Hoffman, John Craig Clothier, and C. Orrico, a Lilly Pulitzer boutique. This sophisticated destination for art, antiques, home and garden decor, gourmet food and wine, and jewelry boasts award-winning dining at Campiello Ristorante & Bar, Sea Salt, Jane’s Café on 3rd, Ridgway Bar & Grill, and The Continental. (thirdstreetsouth.com)

Fifth Avenue South

Nearby Fifth Avenue South, Naples’ historic business district, encompasses three dozen restaurants and cafés, as well as a dazzling collection of galleries, jewelry, and clothing boutiques, and health, beauty, and wellness offerings. You’ll discover Alice Simone, Arabesque of Naples stationer, Giggle Moon children’s wear, Aldo Castillo Gallery, Lovejoy Antiques, Provident Jewelry, Marilyn's European hat emporium, and Bluemercury. Hungry shoppers don’t need to leave the avenue. Delectable

dining choices include Sails, Brambles English Tearoom, The French Brasserie Rustique, Pazzo! Italian Café, BiCE Ristorante, and a whole lot more. (fifthavenuesouth.com)

Marco Island

Beach Daisy, on the south end of the island at Marco Walk Plaza, is a favorite for women’s clothing and accessories. Island Style Clothing—on the northern tip—is a go-to for resort wear and shoes. The Esplanade Shoppes on Smokehouse Bay includes multifamily residences and a marina, as well as Island Cheese Company, Butterfly Beach, and a yoga studio. (esplanadeshoppesatmarcoisland.com)

Coconut Point

Coconut Point is a picturesque outdoor mall featuring 110 stores including Dillard’s, Apple, Michael Kors, J. Jill, Sephora, Tervis, and Barnes & Noble, as well as restaurants surrounding

several acres of lakes with a boardwalk. You’ll also discover little gems like Laura Jacob’s Bridal and Naples Soap Company. Before a show at the 16-screen Regal Coconut Point, indulge at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, South Fork Grille, or Tony Sacco’s pizzeria, or Amfora Mediterranean Restaurant. (Estero, Fashion Drive off U.S. 41, simon. com/mall/coconut-point)

Miromar Outlets

Miromar Outlets’ store directory is music to discount shoppers’ ears: Columbia Sportswear, Talbots, Reebok, Vans, Vineyard Vines, Levi’s, Guess, and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th. There are more than 140 designer and brand-name outlets for the home and everyone in the family. Sweetslovers also make regular treks to patronize Norman Love Confections and Le Macaron French Pastries. There are 16 rock climbing FunWalls at the award-winning Playland. (Estero, Corkscrew Road, miromaroutlets.com)

in Naples

Coconut Point

Fifth Avenue South

Stay in Naples

Awhile ay

Naples has accommodations to meet every traveler’s needs. Whether you have your heart set on a beachside bungalow, high-rise suite, all-inclusive resort, or a spot in the middle of all of the action, you will ﬁnd it here, in a range of prices to ﬁt your budget. Find out more at the Greater Naples Chamber accommodations directory at napleschamber.org.

Hotel Guide

BAYFRONT INN 5TH AVE

92 Rooms

1221 Fifth Ave. S., Naples, FL 34102 (239) 649-5800 | bayfrontinnnaples.com

BELLASERA HOTEL

100 Rooms

221 Ninth St. S., Naples, FL 34102 (844) 652-7290 | bellaseranaples.com

BEST WESTERN INN & SUITES

110 Rooms

2329 Ninth St. N., Naples, FL 34103 (239) 261-1148 | bestwestern.com

THE CAPRI INN

59 Rooms

955 Seventh Ave. S., Naples, FL 34102 (239) 435-9600 | opalcollection.com

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT-NAPLES

102 Rooms 3250 Tamiami Trail N., Naples, FL 34103 (239) 434-8700 | marriott.com

EDGEWATER BEACH HOTEL

125 Rooms

1901 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples, FL 34102 (239) 403-2000 | edgewaternaples.com

FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES BY MARRIOTT

190 Rooms 3808 White Lake Blvd., Naples, FL 34117 (239) 530-3355 | marriott.com

THE GONDOLIER INN

9 Rooms

407 Eighth Ave. S., Naples, FL 34102 (239) 262-4858 gondolierinn.com

GREENLINKS GOLF VILLAS AT LELY RESORT

1 10 Rooms

7995 Mahogany Run Lane, Naples, FL 34113 (239) 732-9920 greenlinksnaples.com

LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort

LAPLAYA BEACH & GOLF RESORT

Bellasera Hotel

BELLASERA HOTEL

GULFCOAST INN NAPLES

87 Rooms

2555 Ninth St. N., Naples, FL 34103 (239) 261-6046 gulfcoastinnnaples.com

HAMPTON INN BY HILTON-BONITA SPRINGS/NAPLES NORTH

92 Rooms

27900 Crown Lake Blvd., Bonita Springs, FL 34135 (239) 947-9393 hilton.com/en/hampton

HAMPTON INN BY HILTONNAPLES I-75

91 Rooms

2630 Northbrooke Plaza Drive, Naples, FL 34119 (239) 596-1299 hilton.com/en/Hampton

HAWTHORN SUITES OF NAPLES

82 Rooms

3557 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34109 (239) 593-1300 hawthornnaples.com

HILTON NAPLES

199 Rooms

5111 Tamiami Trail N., Naples, FL 34103 (239) 430-4900 hiltonnaples.com

HILTON MARCO ISLAND BEACH RESORT & SPA

310 Rooms

560 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island, FL 34145 (239) 394-5000 hiltonmarcoisland.com

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES NAPLES DOWNTOWN FIFTH AVENUE

124 Rooms 1785 Fifth Ave. S., Naples, FL 34102 (239) 261-3500 ihg.com/holidayinnexpress

Edgewater Beach Hotel

Holiday

Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa

Stay in Naples

HOME 2 SUITES BY HILTON

99 Rooms

3685 Kramer Drive, Naples, FL 3410 (239) 598-2222

hilton.com/en/hotels

HYATT HOUSE NAPLES/FIFTH AVENUE

83 Rooms

1345 Fifth Ave. S., Naples, FL 34102 (239) 775-1000 hyatt.com

INN AT PELICAN BAY

99 Rooms

800 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, FL 34108 (239) 597-8777 innatpelicanbay.com

INN OF NAPLES

99 Rooms

4055 Tamiami Trail N., Naples, FL 34103 (239) 649-5500 hilton.com

INN ON FIFTH

87 Rooms

699 Fifth Ave. S., Naples, FL 34102 (239) 403-8777 | (888) 403-8778 innonﬁfth.com

LA QUINTA INN & SUITESNAPLES DOWNTOWN

104 Rooms

1555 Fifth Ave. S., Naples, FL 34102 (239) 793-4646 (800) 753-3757 wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta

LA QUINTA INN & SUITES EAST/I-75

103 Rooms

185 Bedzel Circle, Naples, FL 34104 (239) 352-8400| (800) 753-3757 wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta

LAPLAYA BEACH & GOLF RESORT

189 Rooms

9891 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples, FL 34108 (239) 597-3123 (800) 237-6683 laplayaresort.com

MARCO BEACH OCEAN RESORT

100 Rooms

480 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island, FL 34145 (239) 235-9035 marcobeachocean.com

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples

Hyatt House Naples/Fifth Avenue

The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón THE

the Ritz-Carlton, CHRISTOPHER CYPERT

NAPLES BAY RESORT & MARINA

85 Rooms

1500 Fifth Ave. S., Naples, FL 34102 (239) 530-1199 (866) 605-1199

naplesbayresort.com

NAPLES GRANDE

BEACH RESORT

474 Rooms

475 Seagate Drive, Naples, FL 34103 (239) 227 2182 (844) 993-9576 naplesgrande.com

PARK SHORE RESORT 60 Rooms

600 Neapolitan Way, Naples, FL 34103 (855) 923-8197 parkshoreﬂ .com

RED ROOF INN AND SUITES-NAPLES

157 Rooms 1925 Davis Blvd., Naples, FL 34104 (239) 774-3117 redroof.com

RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT

120 Rooms

4075 Tamiami Trail N., Naples, FL 34103 (239) 659-1300 (888) 236-2427 marriott.com

THE RITZ-CARLTON, NAPLES

474 Rooms

280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, FL 34109 (239) 598-3300 | (800) 241-3333 ritzcarlton.com

THE RITZ-CARLTON NAPLES, TIBURÓN

295 Rooms

2600 Tiburon Drive, Naples, FL 34108 (239) 593-2000 (800) 542-8680 ritzcarlton.com

SHANGRI-LA SPRINGS

1 Room, 2 Suites 27750 Old 41 Road., Bonita Springs, FL 34135 (239) 949-0749 shangrilasprings.co m

SPRINGHILL SUITES BY MARRIOTT 102 Suites 3798 White Lake Blvd., Naples, FL 34117 (239) 352-2234 marriott.com

STAYBRIDGE SUITES

NAPLES-GULF COAST

122 Suites

4805 Tamiami Trail N., Naples, FL 34103 (239) 643-8002 (877) 238-8889 ihg.com/staybridge

STAYBRIDGE SUITES-NAPLES/ MARCO ISLAND

103 Rooms

9401 Triangle Blvd., Naples, FL 34113 (239) 774-1200 | (877) 238-8889 ihg.com/Staybridge

TOWNEPLACE SUITES BY MARRIOTT NAPLES

131 Suites

5425 Juliet Blvd., Naples, FL 34109 (239) 213-3334 | marriott.com

VANDERBILT BEACH RESORT

34 Rooms 9225 Gulfshore Drive N.,

Naples, FL 34108 (239) 597-3144 (800) 243-9076 vanderbiltbeachresort.com

WOODSPRING SUITES NAPLES

123 Rooms

3786 White Lake Blvd., Naples, FL 34117 (239) 351-2299 woodspring.com

WOODSPRING SUITES NAPLES WEST

123 Rooms

2600 Tamiami Trail E., Naples, FL 34112 (239) 676-0483 woodspring.com

Naples Grande Beach Resort

Vanderbilt Beach Resort

VANDERBILT

Ritz-Carlton, Naples

CAMBIER Park

A TREASURED COMMUNITY ASSET FOR GENERATIONS OF RESIDENTS AND VISITORS

For more than 75 years, Cambier Park in downtown Naples has drawn generations of sporty types, concert-goers, playground rompers, and residents and visitors drawn to art festivals and community events.

Created on land donated by a local civic leader and hotelier, the 12-acre park was dedicated in 1948 and named for longtime city engineer William Cambier. It began modestly with a softball ﬁeld and stands before a tennis court was added. In the ‘60s, the “Candy Cane City” playground was a landmark that made way in the 1990s for a modern one. That playground is being replaced in 2025.

grants went toward building the Cambier Park Bandshell to enrich the community— which it has done ever since staging its ﬁrst concert in 1987.

2025

CAMBIER PARK BANDSHELL CONCERTS

These concerts are free although a $5 donation per person is suggested.

SUNDAY SOUNDS: Stroll over to Cambier Park in downtown Naples on select Sundays, 2 to 4 p.m. Bands include the Gulf Coast Big Band, Naples Concert Band, Naples Dixieland Jazz Band, and Naples Jazz Society.

Dates: January 26, February 2, 9, 16, March 2, 9, 16, 30, April 6, 13, 20 They start again in October. (naplesgov.com)

MONDAY JAZZ: The Stardust Memories Big Band is comprised of some of South Florida’s ﬁnest jazz professionals who’ve played with jazz greats and in bands including the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Duke Ellington Orchestra, and Buddy Rich Orchestra. Shows are from 7 to 9 p.m.

In 1959, generous benefactors Lester J. and Dellora A. Norris donated funding for a community center—named The Norris Center in their honor in 1987. The Norris Center has an auditorium with a stage, dance studio, art gallery, conference rooms, and an amphitheater. The center offers cultural and recreational classes, as well as concerts, holiday performances, and camp programs.

After the Collier Community Foundation was founded in July 1985, one of its ﬁrst

Cambier Park—located at 755 Eighth Ave. S.—is a destination that draws a diverse range of people because it hosts annual events year-round, including outdoor art fairs, free concerts, and more. It is, as one oldtimer called it, “the jewel of the city park system.”

Please see the concert schedule at right for a highlight of the ways you can experience the park.

BY CATHY CHESTNUT

Dates: January 27, February 10 and 24, March 10 and 24, April 7 (stardustmemoriesbigband.com)