Naples Illustrated October 2024

DESIGNER SUMMER THORNTON USES PRINTS AND PATTERNS TO PERFECTION IN COLOR

A HOW-TO GUIDE FOR HOUSEPLANTS, HERBS, AND MORE

HOME & GARDEN

ANYWHERE, ANYTIME. FOPE PHOTOGRAPHED BY THOMAS

LOHR

Your Home’s

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DOWNTOWN NAPLES

Half mile north of 5th Avenue South 670 Ninth Street North

239.220.3535

NORTH NAPLES

2 blocks south of Wiggins Pass Road 13250 Tamiami Trail North

239.596.5959

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Moran Wealth Management, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. For additional information about Moran Wealth Management, LLC, including its services and fees, request the firm’s disclosure brochure using the contact information above or visit adviserinfo.sec.gov. Visit https://moranwm.com/disclosures/ to access the complete list of methodologies and disclosures for the referenced financial accolades. Moran Wealth Management, LLC is a separate entity and not affiliated with any other entity or practice that uses the same name.

As an icon rises along the Vanderbilt Beach skyline, it represents a rare expression of perfection—the only Ritz-Carlton-branded residences in Naples, recently named the best place to live in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report . It’s a marriage that brings together masterfully crafted residences, 50,000 square feet of sublime amenities, the endless charms of Naples, and the thoughtful service of The Ritz-Carlton.

Occupancy Early 2026

FEATURES

100 THE FINE PRINT

Summer Thornton adds intimacy to a Port Royal manse through fearless designs and a maximalist aesthetic

By Michele Meyer

108 BEHIND THE LENS

Photographic interpretations of the season’s must-have accessories

Photography by Carmel Brantley, Nathan Coe, Chris Leidy, and Nick Mele

116 NATURAL TRANSFORMATIONS

Cocoon Gallery’s founder and a skilled team of artisans realize luxury furniture, art, and decor from nature’s exotic bounty

By Jane E. Enos

122 THE POWER OF PLANTS

A look at the myriad ways to reap the well-being rewards of houseplants

By Abigail Duffy

DEPARTMENTS

26 OUR ADVISORY BOARD

28 FROM THE EDITOR

32 RSVP

Soirees from the social scene

INSIDER

45 SPOTLIGHT

Design West’s Glenn Midnet on the company’s new downtown Naples showroom

46 AROUND TOWN

The new Mouratoglou Tennis Center at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples; events from The Housing Alliance; and photographer Gareth Rockliffe’s new project

50 WORTH IT

A primer on appraisals

STYLE

55 IT LIST

Coffee-table books with design in mind

56 THE LOOK

An au courant spin on florals

58 THE EDIT

Boo-tiful decor for the table and beyond

60 BIJOUX

Brooches are the ultimate finishing touch

62 BEAUTY

Home accessories that make scents RESIDE

67 AT HOME WITH...

Rufino Hernandez and Gregory Sari, Marco Island residents

70 SHOWCASE

Mediterranean marries modern flair in a reinvigorating vacation home renovation in Bay Colony

76 INSPIRED LIVING

Two global garden styles to try in SWFL

80 ELEMENTS

Putting an English accent on home decor

82 DESIGNER DEFERENCE

How horticulturist Jim Bixler curates and cares for the vegetation found at Third Street South

JOURNEYS

89 WANDERLUST

Exploring the Galápagos by yacht

92 QUICK TRIPS

The London art scene thrives in these icnonic neighborhoods

94 FLORIDIANA

The timeless allure of The Belleview Inn

96 HIGH ROAD

BMW’s all-electric 5 series is in a category all its own

98 HIGH SEAS

Four Winns’ TH36 is double the fun

EAT + DRINK

133 HAPPENINGS

Where to sink your claws into stone crab this season

134 LOCAL BITES

Italian and Argentinean flavors combine at El Gaucho Trattoria, culinary gifts for Jewish holidays, and sweets at the new Great Wolf Lodge

140 MINDFUL MIXOLOGIST

Why we’re sipping sake all month long

BALANCE

143 PREVENTION

Breast health basics from the Breast Center of Naples

144 HEALTH & FITNESS

VR transports seniors to the past, simple solutions for shoulder problems, where to find fresh produce, and more

146 TRENDING

Healthy candy swaps

SCENE

155 TOP BILLING

The Naples Players’ revamped theater

156 CALENDAR

What to see and do this month

LAST WORD

160 REAL TALK WITH...

Designer Ashley McCormick

HARBOR SPRINGS | ROCHESTER | TRAVERSE CITY | NAPLES

Naples Showroom Opening Fall 2024

Welcome home to the protected shores of Estero Bay, Florida’s first aquatic preserve. Just north of well known. Where curated living meets unspoiled nature. Walk to your private lagoon for cocktails or the marina for a fishing excursion. To extraordinary golf or a nature preserve. But whatever the day brings, Ritz-Carlton hospitality will make it even better. From the $3 millions. Secure your home now at the Sales Gallery.

Publisher Meegan Wyatt

Editor in Chief Jane E. Enos

Creative Director Olga M. Gustine Executive Editor Mary Murray

Managing Editor Allison Wolfe Reckson

Senior Editor Gaylene Salomons

Copy Editors Kelley Marcellus, Kat Smith

Dining Editor Karen Feldman Libations Editor Jules Aron

Fashion Editor Katherine Lande

Automotive Editor Howard Walker Travel Editor Paul Rubio

Web Editor Abigail Duffy

DESIGN

Senior Art Director Ashley Meyer

Art Directors Airielle Farley, Jenny Fernandez-Prieto

Digital Imaging Specialist Leonor Alvarez-Maza

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sebastian Clarke, Michael Drapkin, Erika Klein, Kristen Desmond LeFevre, Michele Meyer, Liza Grant Smith, Katherine van Dell, Mary Thurman Yuhas

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Carmel Brantley, Nathan Coe, Chris Leidy, Nick Mele, Annie Schlechter, Nick Shirghio, SPM Photography, Michelle Tricca

SOCIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS

Charlie McDonald Photography, Sea Terri Photography, Helen Werner, Tony Zollo

ADVERTISING

Account Managers

Kathleen Beuttel, 239-298-7506, kbeuttel@naplesillustrated.com; Jennifer Dardano, 561-472-1905, jdardano@palmbeachmedia.com; Dina Turner, 561-472-2201, dturner@palmbeachmedia.com

National Sales Director Deidre Wade, 561-472-1902, dwade@palmbeachmedia.com

Digital Account Manager Ryan Hollihan, 561-472-2208, rhollihan@palmbeachmedia.com

Advertising Services Coordinator Elizabeth Hackney

Marketing Manager Rebecca Desir

PRODUCTION

Production Director Selene M. Ceballo

Production Manager Lourdes Linares

Digital Pre-Press Specialist George Davis

Senior Designer Jeffrey Rey

Advertising Design Coordinator Anaely J. Perez Vargas

Production Coordinator Ileana Caban

Digital Marketing Manager Tyler Sansone

OPERATIONS

Accounting Specialist Mary Beth Cook

Accounts Receivable Specialist Ana Coronel

Distribution Manager Judy Heflin

Logistics Manager Omar Morales

Circulation Manager Marjorie Leiva

Circulation Assistants Cathy Hart, Britney Stinson

Circulation Promotions Manager David Supple

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

PUBLISHERS OF:

Palm Beach Illustrated • Naples Illustrated • Palm Beach Charity Register • Naples Charity Register • Florida Design Florida Design Naples • Florida Design Miami • Florida Design Sarasota • Florida Design Sourcebook • Palm Beach Relocation Guide Southwest Florida Relocation Guide • Fifth Avenue South • Naples 100 • Pinnacle: Jupiter Medical Center Foundation Art & Culture: Cultural Council for Palm Beach County • Waypoints: Naples Yacht Club • Naples on the Gulf: Greater Naples Chamber Jupiter • Stuart • Aventura • Vero Beach Magazine • Community Report: Collier Community Foundation Advances: Tampa General Hospital • Naples Realtor: Naples Area Board of REALTORS • Annual Report: Woods Charitable Trust

Naples Illustrated

3066 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 102, Naples, FL 34103 • 239-434-6966 • Fax: 239-435-0409

Naples Illustrated is a registered trademark of Palm Beach Media Group North, LLC

Corporate Headquarters: P.O. Box 3344, Palm Beach, FL 33480 naplesillustrated.com | Subscriptions 800-308-7346

OUR ADVISORY BOARD

CHAIRWOMAN,

Naples Illustrated Advisory Board

Johnsonville Foods, president/co-owner

UBS Private Wealth Management, executive team assistant

Method & Concept, creative director, managing partner

NCH Healthcare, marketing and communications director

Aurora Investment Managers LLC, partner and portfolio manager

CLAUDINE LEGER-WETZEL

Stock Development, vice president, sales and marketing

Naples Botanical Garden, president and CEO

NCEF,

SHELLY STAYER

DONNA MCGINNIS

MICHAEL WYNN

Sunshine Ace Hardware, president

CHAD JENSEN

VICKI BAKER

BRENDA MELTON Celebrity Martini Glass Auction, founder

ASHLEY GERRY

trustee; CMON, board member

SHAWN MCCONNELL

ASHLEY SMITH

KARL ROUWHORST

FROM THE EDITOR

AT HOME IN PARADISE

One of my favorite things to do—outside of writing—is listening to music, whether it’s recorded or live. To me, it’s like poetry—an art form often worthy of deep consideration and contemplation. Recently, I stopped to ponder how many songs revolve around the idea of home. I’m not suggesting this number is unquantifiable; however, it’s large. And why shouldn’t it be? Our homes are important. They are sanctuaries—safe spaces where we can be ourselves uninhibitedly and unabashedly.

This issue of Naples Illustrated celebrates homes (and gardens). On our cover is a vibrant living room from a Port Royal home designed by Chicago-based designer Summer Thornton and her team. In addition to our pages, you can find Thornton’s frequently lauded work in well-known national design publications like Traditional Home, Veranda, and House Beautiful. Maximalist in nature, Thornton’s creations often mix prints and patterns, and certainly, she does not shy away from color. With so many “airy” coastal contemporary homes in our area, Thornton’s work contributes a unique aesthetic, one that seeks to introduce intimacy to spaces. To see more of this Port Royal home and learn more about Thornton, including why the homeowners selected her to redesign their residence, flip to page 100.

A family makes a house a home. But, let’s face it, interior design, art, and decor can assist in this area, too. If you’re looking for high-end natural pieces to include in your abode, Cocoon Gallery is worthy of a long look. Founder Mitchell Siegel has a rich history in sourcing natural elements—including exotic woods, roots, vines, and geodes— from the far corners of the globe and turning them into functional and decorative pieces, from live-edge tables to sculptures and more. Transforming the raw into the polished requires a long and arduous process, as evidenced by the work Cocoon’s artisans do at the company’s 25,000-square-foot woodshop, which is where we photographed Siegel and his team. Turn to page 116 for this story.

For more of the natural, refer to page 122, where writer Abigail Duffy has assembled some useful advice on houseplants and herbs. From growing tips to information on ideal species to an array of helpful plant-focused products, this feature imparts practical knowledge and guidance for effective plant parenting. For additional content on plants, see page 82. Here, horticulturalist Jim Bixler discusses the flora found at Third Street South in downtown Naples. Bixler is the custodian of these gardens, which belong to the American Public Gardens Association, and provides meticulous care year-round.

In the autumn months ahead, many part-time Neapolitans will return to our city to enjoy their residences with family and friends. Here’s hoping this issue offers some inspiration for your home and gardenesque areas as our busy season approaches.

Jane E. Enos jenos@naplesillustrated.com

Watch for our new Antonia Collection, coming in November!

RSVP

LAST CALL

WHO: Gulfshore Playhouse

WHAT: A post-show reception with the cast and crew of She Loves Me WHERE: Norris Center, Naples DETAILS: Theatergoers and actors celebrated the final opening night at the Norris Center before Gulfshore Playhouse moves to the new Baker Theatre and Education Center, which will open in the coming weeks.

MEDIA SPONSOR: Naples Illustrated

Ben Sears, Patrick Martin, Jack Mastrianni 4. Anthony and Mackenzie Caraballo, Allison Winkel 5. Jim Dallas, Rachel Applegate, Joe Salemme, Lisa Halsey, Kristen Coury 6. Meegan Wyatt, Michael Wynn, Kristen Coury 7. Shannon Bizga, Ben Fankhauser 8. Hana Culbreath, Lee Harrington, Kate Marilley, Adriana Milbrath, Olivia Gjurich 9. Kerry Edwards, Jessica Schneider

CHARLIE MCDONALD

1. Erica Mansfield, Dan Dunn 2. Caryn and Scott Hamblen 3. Ben Fankhauser,

CRAFTED WITH BRILLIANCE

Elevate

BAY COLONY SHORES

349 COLONY DRIVE

Architect: Stofft Cooney Architects

Interiors by Beasley & Henley

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PINE RIDGE ESTATES

317 WEST STREET

Architect: Stofft Cooney Architects

Soco Interiors

BAY COLONY SHORES

Architect: Stofft Cooney Architects

Available October 2024

MAKING WISHES COME TRUE

3

WHO: Make-A-Wish Southern Florida WHAT: Night of 1,000 Wishes WHERE: An exclusive private club, Naples DETAILS: This signature event hosted 220 guests and raised more than $700,000 to grant life-changing wishes to kids in Southwest Florida.

MEDIA SPONSOR: Naples Illustrated

7.

8.

1. Harry Dorsey, Susan Beauvois, Jerry and Pam Blackwell, Lee and Joan Weeks 2. Kathy and Jeff Beuttel, Lynne Bermel, Hugh Fisher, Meegan and Jason Wyatt 3. Hugh Fisher, Lynne Bermel

4. Lou and Karen Bryda, Jacoby Young, Ever Young, Elizabeth and JimmyYoung 5. Sally and George King 6. Cathy Multerer

Dan Kowal, Lauren Maxwell

Nick and Courtney Cintron, Lianne and Jeff Caruso 9. Adam Kaufman

CELEBRATING LEADERSHIP, SERVICE, AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

WHO: Boys & Girls Club of Collier County WHAT: Youth of the Year WHERE: An exclusive private club, Naples DETAILS: Ten outstanding young individuals were recognized at the thirteenth annual evening event that raises funds to support 3,500 youth in Collier County. MEDIA SPONSOR: Naples Illustrated

1. Peggy Neils, Phillip Loiacano, Joe Pignatano, Michael Schneider 2. Sarah L., Youth of the Year winner 3. Tasheekia Harris, Josue Charles 4. Kristy Pollard, Jessica Pollard 5. Daniel and Cari Jones, Julie Pedretti, Rick Swider 6. Sam Semaan, Joel Lipman, Jessica and Max Press 7. Kevin and Lisa Hall, Jennifer and Scott O'Dell 8. Carol Georgieff, Mary Osborn, Greg Georgieff 9. Tyler and Ashley Smith, Athina and Dean Mourselas 10. Lea Smith, Kathy and Jim Cooper

OLD DOMINION

DECEMBER 14th, 2024

Goo goo Dolls Lauren Alaina

❘ 5 - 10 PM

TIBURÓN GOLF CLUB AT THE RITZ-CARLTON NAPLES , TIBURÓN

FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE

WHO: Youth Haven WHAT: Starry Nights Gala WHERE: The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón

DETAILS: Almost $2 million was raised in an evening celebrating an organization that provides home, hope, and healing to abused and neglected children and teens in Southwest Florida.

1. Lisa Spiller, Jennifer O'Dell, Laura Donovan, Donna Issenmann, Ann Horton, Cara Martin 2. Beverly Fanning, Brenda Melton, Rufino Hernandez, Ingrid Aielli, Courtney Hansen 3. Tom and Sandi Moran 4. Deborah and Ryan Houk 5. Cindy and Taylor

Canada 6. Corey Lazar, Linda Goldfield, Ingrid Aielli 7. Dave Ostrander, Jennifer McCurry 8. Vince and Ann McMullin, Stacie Mullin, Cindy Lieber, Todd LePage 9. Philippe Martin, Marie Christine St. Pierre, Hanya Kizemchuk

FASHIONABLE FUN

WHO: The Shelter for Abused Women & Children

WHAT: Bags & Bow Ties

WHERE: The Ritz-Carlton, Naples DETAILS: It was the shelter’s first-ever black-tie gala featuring dinner, dancing, and a silent auction that included 125 new and pristine previously loved handbags.

MEDIA SPONSOR: Naples Illustrated

1. Kim Shand, Ilkay Turk, Corey Lazar, Rasit Turk, Greg Shand 2. Linda Meak, Diane McCaw 3. Chad Oliver 4. Dan Bennewitz, Rick Dudley 5. Kevin and Pat Rambosk, Linda Oberhaus, Bill Barnett

6. John and Barbara Jordan 7. Kathy Beuttel, Sandy Cotter, Amy West, Tanya Cutrone 8. Nancy White, Roz Travis

9. PJ White, Linda and Frank Meak

10. Jeff Babka, Seth Cohen, Lou Berneman, Mike Leary

At NCH, we’re advancing premier, comprehensive care for our community.

Schedule an appointment with one of our providers at NCHMD. org

Pictured from left to right:

Dr. David Lindner

Pulmonary Medicine

Dr. Mazen AbuAwad

Dr. David Backstein

HSS at NCH, Orthopedics

Dr. Doug Harrington

Wingard Stroke Institute

Dr. Robert Cubeddu

Rooney Heart Institute

Judith & Marvin Herb Family

Simulation Center

Leading with more firsts, bests, and onlys.

THE INSIDE TRACK TO NEAPOLITAN LIVING

DESIGNING IN DOWNTOWN

In the early ’80s, Glenn Midnet moved to Southwest Florida from New York City. It turned out to be the right place at the right time. The west coast of Florida was blossoming. Although Midnet recalls Naples as a charming and quaint little town, luxury condos and housing developments were sprouting up and down the coast.

Armed with a business degree and a robust interest in architecture and fashion (“high-end interior design is like fashion for the home,” he believes), Midnet started a business creating interiors—from Captiva to Marco Island. “It was just me and an assistant. We offered shop-at-home appointments. There was no luxury showroom.”

Fast-forward 40 years and Midnet sits at the helm of Design West, serving as founder and CEO of the award-winning interior design firm. This past spring, Midnet opened a state-of-the-art, 7,200-square-foot showroom and design studio that spans two levels on Fifth Avenue South in Naples.

Entering the main door is like walking into a home. “I set it up with

specific room vignettes,” he explains. Upstairs, in a large, light-and-bright design studio amid thousands of samples from various manufacturers, his team creates one-of-a-kind designs. Across the hallway, there is a large client lounge, two conference rooms, and outdoor spaces with views over both Fourth and Fifth avenues.

We had a few questions for Midnet about doing what he loves. Turn the page for more. (dwest.com) –Gaylene Salomons

From inset: a rendering of the rooftop lounge at Design West’s new showroom; the first floor of the new facility is light and airy.

INSIDER

DESIGNING IN DOWNTOWN (cont.)

NI: How many people work at Design West?

Midnet: I have 50 dedicated professionals, from architectural drafters to custom cabinetry makers to interior designers. How did you get to where you are today?

From the beginning, I developed an organized and precise business system that delivered consistent results. I grew my company through

hard work and dedication, delivering on time and on budget. I had a vision to continue growing. I also credit my PHD—my pig-headed determination.

What do you consider your firm’s strength? We offer an in-depth computer design profile. We sit down with our clients and ask every question imaginable—what makes them tick, how they live, and what they like to do. We figure out how the space can best tell their story, striving for a sophisticated and current look. Every story is different, and we weave that into each home. Ultimately, we let our clients drive the design. This personal attention to detail ensures no two designs are ever the same. How do you remain unique and relevant in the market?

Our presentations are very visual. We provide lifelike comprehensive renderings to scale, helping our clients visualize the space before completion.

What style of home do you live in and why did you choose this particular aesthetic?

I like diversity and experimenting with different looks. My homes have changed over the years. I’ve had over-the-top, black-and-white, elegant, and [I] am currently in the process of building a new home in a modern farmhouse style. What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love the entire journey, but the best part would be the super successful, kind, and positive people I meet and work with. I love learning about them and helping them realize their design dreams. They are my biggest inspiration. —G.S.

A WINNING MATCH

Patrick Mouratoglou, a recognizable personality in the tennis world, has partnered with The RitzCarlton Naples, Tiburón, to officially open the first Mouratoglou Tennis Center in Florida.

When unable to pursue a professional tennis career, Mouratoglou instead turned to coaching others, including such greats as Serena Williams (from 2012 to 2022) and Coco Gauff. He has established himself as a world-renowned tennis coach, with the players he’s worked with accumulating 10 Grand Slam titles and two Olympic medals. To date, more than 40 players under his instruction have ranked in the top 100.

Mouratoglou founded his first academy in southern France in 1996. He has opened six other academies worldwide. Florida is the seventh location; in 2027, Australia will be added to the list.

The center in Naples will feature four outdoor tennis courts and an array of programs, including summer tennis camps, children’s programming, and private and group lessons, as well as exclusive offerings for guests and members of The Ritz-Carlton.

“Florida is, for me, one of the best tennis destinations,” says Mouratoglou. “Florida’s passion for tennis and its status as a sports hub … make it the perfect place for our expansion.”

(mouratoglou-naples.com) —G.S.

From left: Glenn Midnet; a rendering of a secondfloor lounge space at Design West.

Patrick Mouratoglou

BLAINE JOHNATHAN

NEW HOUSING HELP FOR COLLIER COUNTY

The Housing Alliance, a new nonprofit organization formed to provide information, education, and advocacy for accessing and developing attainable housing solutions in Collier County, recently received a $200,000 community leadership grant from Collier Community Foundation (CFF).

The new entity merged from two organizations and one committee. With the vision of becoming the go-to resource for housing within the community, it will focus on workforce, lower-income, and senior housing. Laura Simmelink, vice president of grant making at CCF, reports that the foundation supported the merger, which was primarily done to help reduce duplication and provide easier and greater access for those in need. “It is exactly the role a community foundation should be playing,” says Simmelink.

The alliance brings together aspiring

homeowners, renters, property developers, local government, funders, donors, and the community-at-large to make much-needed housing a reality within Collier County. “It’s like a one-stop shop” says Simmelink. “With increased exposure and brand recognition, the organization will be able to more effectively help meet the housing affordability challenges in our community.”

According to the 2023 Collier County Community Needs Assessment, sponsored by CCF and the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, affordable and workforce housing were cited as the county’s No. 1 priority. CCF President and CEO Eileen Connolly-Keesler notes that a collective response is needed on the issue. She believes that CCF is “uniquely qualified to play a leadership role in finding solutions to housing affordability.” (thehousingalliance.org) —G.S.

X

IMPACT

Connectivity Through Film

Naples-based photographer

Gareth Rockliffe has been in love with photography since he was a teenager. Over the decades, he has taken thousands of peaceful and soulful images throughout the world. The act of creating a picture of the natural world, he relays, requires him to be present in the moment, establishing a connection with nature. It is his hope that others experience that connection—one that transcends the noise of daily life—when viewing his work.

His most recent creative expressions include a series of short films he calls Contemplations. In each, Rockliffe narrates some of his deepest thoughts and writings and pairs them with his photography; he then sets them to music, producing a fiveminute video. He believes the films to be the best work he has produced so far. “They represent the full spectrum of my creative skills,” he says.

Over 18 months, Rockliffe created 13 short films, and a fourteenth is now in the works. Many of the films have been officially selected as finalists by various national and international film festivals. His most successful contemplation, “Dirt and Wreckage,” was awarded Best Inspirational Film at The Magic of Cinema in Barcelona, Spain, in 2023. All completed short films are available for viewing on Rockliffe’s YouTube channel, One Soul Cinema. (garethrockliffe.com) –G.S.

The alliance’s soft launch

Stephen Hruby, board chair for The Housing Alliance

VALUE VS. VALUE

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN LOOKING TO APPRAISE A BELOVED BELONGING

BY SEBASTIAN CLARKE AND KATHERINE VAN DELL

As the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. While this may be true, determining the value of beautiful things tends to be less subjective.

Understanding the true value of your possessions—whether they be seemingly insignifi cant trinkets or treasured family heirlooms—can be tricky. Oftentimes, you must call upon a professional appraiser. And when those situations arise, the fi rst and perhaps most important question you must ask yourself is, “Why do I want to fi nd out what this is worth?”

The purpose of an appraisal actually informs the approach and methodology of the appraisal and the ultimate ascribed value.

The two main appraisal categories in question are “retail replacement value” and “fair market value.”

Retail replacement value is important for insurance purposes and denotes the highest value needed to replace an item in a short period of time should it be lost, stolen, or damaged. For example, if a lost watch can only be replaced quickly by an authorized dealer, this is when a retail replacement value is applicable.

Fair market value, on the other hand, is often considerably less than retail replacement value as it reflects the price at which an object would change hands between a willing and informed buyer and seller without pressure or duress. The most appropriate time to apply fair market value is when establishing a value for estate tax purposes, selling an item at auction, or providing equitable distribution between individuals.

Once you’ve determined the purpose of

an appraisal, you’ll need to find a professional to do the appraising. While there is no license required to be an appraiser, there are important certifications and trade association affiliations that a qualified appraiser should have in order to provide a valuation. Appraisers should be compliant with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), which outline necessary ethical and performance guidelines that help to ensure the appraiser can be objective, consistent, and neutral. Appraisers should always disclose any potential conflicts of interest. If you are considering selling a piece to or with the help of an appraiser, their intentions should be clear from the start.

Any appraiser should also have some level of accreditation from an appraisers’ association, such as the Appraisers Association of America, the International Society of Appraisers, or the American Society of Appraisers. In some categories, additional accreditation within the area of specialty might also be necessary.

Provided you ask the right questions and work with a qualified professional, you should be able to surmise an objective fi gure for your object or collection. Then, it’ll be up to you to surprise your family with a larger-than-anticipated appraisal—or break the news of a less-than-stellar valuation. «

DANIELFORTUNE

BOOK CLUB

Fine art photographer Gray Malin unleashes his creativity in Gray Malin: Dogs (Abrams Books, $45), a whimsical photography collection depicting chic canines posing, prancing, and relaxing in some of the world’s most luxe locales. (graymalin.com)

Regarded as the master of tropical interior design, Amanda Lindroth showcases her signature style in Island Dreaming: Amanda Lindroth Design (Vendome Press, $75). From the Bahamas to Manhattan and Palm Beach, Lindroth shares a wealth of eye candy— rich in rattan and bold colors—to please decor devotees. (amandalindroth.com) 2 1

BY KATHERINE LANDE

Prior to her passing earlier this year, fashion icon Iris Apfel penned Iris Apfel: Colorful (Abrams Books, $50). Her “legacy book,” as she called it, pairs 300 of her personal photographs with her musings on life, design, and everything in between. (abrams books.com) 3

4

Renowned designer and tastemaker Mark D. Sikes chronicles a year of stunning interiors inspired by nature in Forever Beautiful (Rizzoli, $45). The third entry in Sikes’ Beautiful series, this tome spans 12 chapters—with a home reflecting each month of the year—and includes Sikes’ professional insights and personal thoughts on design. (markdsikes.com)

(Vendome Press,

The Young Man and the Tree: Fernando Wong Landscape Design $75) pulls the curtain back on the private gardens crafted by lauded landscape designer Fernando Wong. A foreword by none other than Martha Stewart gives way to imagery of verdant gardens and their unique structures—all the result of Wong’s award-winning expertise. (vendomepress.com)

LOOK

CHINTZ PRINTS THE

GRANNY CHIC GETS AN AVANT-GARDE REVAMP WITH A FRESH TAKE ON FLORAL PRINTS

BY KATHERINE LANDE

DARLING BUDS

Cleo bag ($4,000), prada.com

Prada,

IN BLOOM

Floral leather bag ($2,250), Givenchy, givenchy.com

LOEWE FALL/ WINTER 2024

Classic chintz meets modern cool with a cutaway printed jersey dress.

SKY HIGH

Blue patent leather high heels ($1,890), Gucci, Naples, gucci.com

STYLE NOTES

DRESSY DECOR:

TIE THE KNOT

Printed silk neck scarf ($250), Zimmermann, Naples, zimmer mann.com

Lean into patterns that are reminiscent of vintage flower wallpaper.

TO THE MAX:

Embrace print-on-print for an impactful look.

MIXED BOUQUET:

Accessorize with a solid color for a tame approach to the trend.

POWER Pink Camellia earrings with rose quartz and aquamarine set in 18-karat gold ($23,520), Irene Lummertz Jewelry, irene lummertz.com

BED OF ROSES

PINK PANTHER

Fall/Winter 2025 handbag (price upon request), Chanel, Saks Fifth Avenue, Naples, chanel.com

Hangisi 70 white and red satin pumps with jewel buckles ($1,225), Manolo Blahnik, manolo blahnik.com

WILD AND FREE

Beaded leather Squeeze mini floral bag in soft white ($7,400), Loewe, loewe.com

THE EDIT

Spooky Style

LEADING LIGHT

LED Trick or Treat wall art ($199), Pottery Barn, potterybarn.com

Let the neighborhood know that you’re open for business and the candy is flowing this Halloween with glowing “Trick or Treat” wall art. Affix it to your front door, an entryway wall, or a window to get the festive message out there. Let the trick-or-treating begin!

—Abigail Duffy,

web editor

GET INTO THE SPIRIT OF HALLOWEEN WITH THESE HAUNTED HOUSE MUST-HAVES

WITCHING HOUR

Spooky Soiree salad plates ($60 for set of four), Williams Sonoma, williams-sonoma.com

With their delicate flowers on the perimeter, these salad plates quickly change tone as food disappears, revealing a bewitching surprise to those finishing their greens. —Jane E. Enos, editor in chief

FRIGHTFULLY FASHIONABLE

Butterfly McQueen wreath ($169), Grandin Road, grandinroad.com

Go grim and glam when you deck your Halloween halls with this wreath featuring two iconic motifs that pay homage to the dearly departed fashion designer Alexander McQueen. —Kristen Desmond LeFevre, contributing editor

GOURD-GEOUS

HEAD CASE

Everleigh skull ($150), Olivia Riegel, bloomingdales.com

No bones about it: skulls are de rigueur for Halloween decor. I like mine to look more stylish than creepy, which is why I have my eye on this floral-textured pewter skull box. Insert a votive candle, turn down the lights, and boom: instant spookiness. —Daphne Nikolopoulos, editorial director

Pumpkin Trio with a Twist ($565), Simon Pearce, simonpearce.com

Pick a trio of clear glass pumpkins with twisted stems from Simon Pearce to enhance your seasonal tablescape. Appropriate for the perennially popular October holiday, they remain relevant through Thanksgiving—with zero tending or fuss.

—Gaylene Salomons, senior editor

SPIRITED SIPS

Counter Couture

Spooky whiskey glasses ($48 for set of four), West Elm, westelm.com

What better way to serve up batches of brew than this Spooky set of screenprinted glasses? The motifs are ideal for Halloween high jinks as well as other goth gatherings throughout the year. —Allison Wolfe Reckson, managing editor

BIJOUX

Put a Pin In It

SPRUCE UP ANY ENSEMBLE WITH ONE OF THESE BEAUTIFUL BROOCHES

BY MARY MURRAY

4

1. PETAL PUSHER Modern Moghul Maitry brooch with diamonds, sapphires, topaz, and tsavorites set in rhodium-plated sterling silver lined with gold vermeil, $4,000. (modernmoghul.com)

2. SO MUCH LIGHTER Lugano Diamonds diamond feather brooch with mixed colored diamonds set in 18-karat gold, price upon request. (lugano diamonds.com)

6

3. FIRE STARTER Yvel Ethiopian Treasure one-of-akind brooch with an Ethiopian opal and diamonds set in white gold, price upon request. (yvel.com)

4. EARLY BIRD Jewelmer Quetzal brooch with a Baroque gold cultured South Sea pearl and diamonds set in 18-karat gold, price upon request. (jewelmer.com)

5. SHINE BRIGHT Tiffany & Co. Blue Book 2024 Tiffany Céleste Shooting Star amethyst brooch with an amethyst and diamonds set in 18-karat gold, price upon request. Tiffany & Co., Naples (tiffany.com)

6. SNAKE PIT Picchiotti coiled serpent brooch with black, white, and cognac diamonds and a fancy yellow-brown diamond set in 18-karat white gold, price upon request. Bigham Jewelers, Naples (bighamjewelers.com)

a fancy yellow-brown diamond set in 18-karat (bighamjewelers.com)

7. AT SEA Assael NatureScapes brooch with dendritic agate, natural pearl, Sardinian coral, and garnet set in 18-karat gold, price upon request. Marissa Collections, Naples (marissacollections.com)

Cleef & Arpels, Naples (vancleefarpels.com)

8. DANCE CARD Van Cleef & Arpels Arabesque ballerina clip with diamonds set in 18-karat white gold, rose gold, and platinum, $208,000. Van Cleef & Arpels, Naples (vancleefarpels.com)

9. EAST MEETS WEST Mish Fine Jewelry Chinoiserie brooch with a peridot, diamond briolettes, brown diamonds, a Tahitian cultured pearl, and pink sapphire pavé set in 18-karat gold, price upon request. (mishfinejewelry.com)

TEAK & TITANIUM

Sculptural SCENTS

For aromas as impeccably curated as the spaces they fill, incorporate these exquisite feats of design that boast equally sophisticated fragrances to intoxicate the senses: L’Objet Atlas Incense Holder, crafted from fine porcelain and hand-painted in gold ($325, l-objet.com ); Grace de Monaco Porcelain Fragrance Diffuser, a stunning ceramic rendition of a vase of flowers ($280) and Promenade Sur Le Rocher Diffuser Fragrance Oil, a floral pairing blooming with notes of rose, jasmine, and bergamot ($60, gdmonaco.com ); Cartier Les Écrins Parfumés Cartier Canopée, a scented candle that brims with botanical, woody, and vibrant aromas to capture the fresh air among the treetops ($200, cartier.com ); Diptyque Roses Home Fragrance Hourglass Diffuser, an elegant aromatic objet d’art that steadily fills the air with a heady fragrance ($215, diptyqueparis.com ); and Cire Trudon Abd El Kader scented long matches ($28, viacoquina.com ). —Abigail Duffy

Celebrating 40 Years of Membership

Custom Rugs for Unique Spaces

RESIDE

DESIGN AND DECOR FOR LUXURIOUS LIVING IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Rufino Hernandez and Gregory Sari

A LONGTIME NAPLES COUPLE FINDS A HOME ON MARCO ISLAND BEFITTING THEIR PENCHANT FOR ENTERTAINING

BY GAYLENE SALOMONS PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK SHIRGHIO

When they decided to buy a home together, partners Rufino Hernandez and Gregory Sari ventured to Marco Island. Located 30 miles south of Naples, the barrier island, linked to Southwest Florida by the 55-foot-high S.S. Jolley Bridge, is home to more than 16,000 people. It was 2020 and Sari recalls, “We thought we could get more bang for our buck on Marco.” (He does not necessarily believe this to be true today.)

Hernandez knew he would be leaving Naples kicking and screaming and was adamant he would only relocate for a very special property. He describes the house they ultimately found as “everything that every other house was not”

and recalls an “oh-my-gosh moment” upon first setting foot in the place. When he saw the wood-burning fireplace, Sari, who grew up in the Northeast, was smitten. “I’m in,” he announced.

An architect from Jacksonville originally built the two-story, Key West–style home (which is situated on an oversize corner lot with long views of a canal and western exposure) for his family in 1995. At 2,800 square feet, the main residence is not huge. And, with a blue steel roof, white siding, and a wraparound porch, it is decidedly not Mediterranean in appearance—a style that prevails on the island. Guest quarters sit above the garage, separated from the main house by

a large square pool at the center of the property. A modernized boat dock meant the pair could move their boat out of dry storage. “We no longer have an easy excuse to not take the boat out,” adds Hernandez.

The two-story home features abundant natural light, wood floors, French and pocket doors to the pool and patio, and numerous seating options. (Their dining table now lives outside year-round.) The home also boasts a refurbished kitchen. Hernandez and Sari asked local architect John Dyehouse to add a grill room—one matching the vintage aesthetic of the existing outside space—between what the couple christened Ibis Lodge (the main residence) and Heron Cottage (the guest quarters for those who don’t want to trek home following a night of good food and drink).

Hernandez, who is originally from Naples, took over his family’s business—Golden Gate Nursery—in 2004. Eventually, he combined his passion for event planning and floral design and opened the Garden District, becoming the go-to guy for personalized home and garden design, as well as over-the-top decor for special events, including those for local charities. Sari, who previously worked in finance in New York City, moved to Naples from New Jersey in 2009. Three years later, he joined Hernandez at the Garden District, which is now located in the Naples Design District.

Hernandez and Sari are quick to admit that they don’t agree on much in terms of interior decor. When it came time to decorate their new home, the choices came together out of necessity. “If we need something for a party, we make eleventh-hour decisions,” explains Hernandez. He cites, for example, the time Sari ordered new cushions for their

Clockwise from far left:

The home offers plenty of outdoor seating options, including a dining table with water views, bar seating in the grill room, and poolside chaise lounges.

A cement chimney, part of the working fireplace, is intricately decorated with shells.

four outdoor chaise lounges. Not to his liking, Hernandez was tempted to return them. However, they were quickly put to good use, forcing him to accept the matching set as part of their permanent collection.

The couple, who each work hard six days a week, find serenity and peace in their home after hours and on holidays. Experts at planning and hosting events for others, they also love to throw their own parties. Sari takes care of the cooking (he boasts a repertoire of great Italian food), while Hernandez focuses on the logistics. He compares party planning to cooking: “There are certain ingredients that must be put together for the best results.” Hernandez believes it is the guest list, however, that is the deal-maker (or deal-breaker) at the end of the night. For this, he offers a few seasoned tips.

“Include tried-and-true friends but also some new ones to keep the friendship circle

growing,” he suggests. “Ask if your guests will play well together—are they like-minded? Don’t be afraid to throw in a wild card. Invite someone unexpected—it will keep things interesting. Also, seat couples separately; this creates a more interesting dynamic and can

lead to stimulating conversation.”

Most importantly, “Don’t overthink a party,” advises Hernandez. “You can plan all you want, but ultimately, things pan out the way they will, and you just have to be alright with that.” «

SHOWCASE

MEDITERRANEAN CHIC

A VACATION HOME BECOMES MORE LIVABLE WITH A REFRESHING UPDATE

BY MARY THURMAN YUHAS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SPM PHOTOGRAPHY

It’s no wonder Connecticut residents Maura and Mike Chapey fell in love with Bay Colony’s Vizcaya neighborhood when searching for a vacation home in Southwest Florida. With spades of oldworld elegance, including cobblestone walkways and European-style streetlights, the community is wrapped within a mangrove forest, offering a stunning coastal

landscape. Membership to a private beach club, tennis amenities, and a private walkway to The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, were the cherries on top.

“We love our little neighborhood and the access to amenities,” says Maura. As lovely as the setting is, the couple’s approximately 3,700-square-foot lakeside home lacked modern sensibilities. While

it did have four bedrooms, the house was dark, fragmented by angled rooms, and heavily embellished with columns and ornamentation.

Kelley McAndrew, senior designer at W Design Interiors, recalls meeting the Chapeys.

“They found our office and wanted to talk to someone about their project,” she explains.

“They had been following our social media, and that’s how they found us. Our team was grateful to bring their vision to life.”

“We couldn’t change the exterior, so we decided to bring the Mediterranean theme— with a modern flair—to the whole house,” relates Maura.

For Principal Designer Wendy Berry, who owns W Design Interiors, getting the architecture right was a priority. “It wasn’t a complete

gut, but every room was touched and redone,” she explains. “We embraced the Mediterranean feel with a fresh approach that felt current to make it more livable and updated. To do that, we needed to move a couple of walls and straighten angles.”

Today, the Naples home is comfortable and alive with natural light, exuding a joyful aesthetic. In the foyer, visitors are welcomed into a clean, open space via the white oak flooring and the soaring barrel ceiling from which a large chandelier hangs. “We removed two of the columns in the adjacent dining room, paneled all foyer walls, and brightened the former dark stairway,” explains McAndrew, who served as lead designer for the project. The design team was able to create an office with a

As the exterior of the Bay Colony home could not be changed, the homeowners asked the team at W Design Interiors to infuse a Mediterranean theme—with modern flair—throughout the home’s interior.

glass door on the oversize stairway landing.

All furniture in the home is new. “The Chapeys wanted something special, functional, and livable that fit with their family,” says McAndrew. To that end, the design team brought in cushy, textured furnishings wrapped in creams, browns, and blues to retain the Mediterranean flavor and to allude to the beach. Fun art adds punches of color.

Formerly a sofa room, the dining room was created by straightening an angled wall and stealing four feet from the living room. The custom built-in (which boasts an icemaker, a full-size wine refrigerator, and a bar counter) provides storage and serving space with panache.

The modern kitchen includes a large is-

All the furniture in the home is new. Wrapped in a variety of cream, light blue, and brown hues, the pieces are functional, comfortable, and livable. Wicker pendant lighting and sisal rugs add texture and allude to the coastal location of the residence.

land, a dinette area, and a seating space featuring a beamed ceiling, a builtin bar, and a 60-inch hyacinth-shaped chandelier. Fourteen-foot ceilings in the now-open living room work well with the custom accent wall, while a soft sisal rug underfoot helps to anchor the space. Plush furnishings complement the architectural features while a painting from artist Pamela Campe contributes additional visual interest.

Just for fun, the glamorous, monochromatic powder room was swathed in Phillip

Jeffries Palm Paradise wallpaper. “We nailed it with an amazing floating marble and bleached walnut cabinet; it is so special and pretty,” adds Berry.

For a calming aura, the design team added a stained tongue-and-groove

ceiling, a juxtaposition to the soft textural wall in the primary bedroom suite. In the primary bath, walls were squared, which allowed room for a water closet, while a 10-inch-thick marble apron on the vanity enhances the space’s casual yet luxurious feel.

For the celebratory reveal party, “we had a charcuterie board, wine, flowers all around, sandwiches, and fresh fruit,” recalls Berry. “We wanted the couple to feel they could come home and stay for a long while.” «

Visit our vibrant Art District for a one-of-a-kind experience, where you can meet over 100 of our artists in person while strolling through their galleries and watching them work in their studios, each of them creating original fine art that is as unique as the District itself.

Every Thursday and Saturday 1-5 PM November through April

The refurbished home is now filled with natural light, exuding a cheerful aesthetic. Fun art, like that in the guest room (far left), adds a burst of color.

INSPIRED LIVING

Destination Landscaping

TIPS FOR TAILORING INTERNATIONAL GARDEN STYLES TO SUIT OUR SUBTROPICAL CONDITIONS

BY LIZA GRANT SMITH

INSPIRATION: AN ENGLISH GARDEN

The Vibe

Blending tradition and elegance with a dash of whimsy, English gardens delight with a lush variety of plants and flowers. Common characteristics include meandering paths, iron gates and fencing, curved borders, meadowlike flowers with an organic feel, seating, and water features.

The Tenets

1. More is more. Fill in spaces with plants of various shapes, colors, and textures. You are looking for exponential variety in every category (height, hues, species), but be wary of coming across as messy or overcrowded.

2. Think vertically. Consider the y-axis, both in terms of plant height and the use of vines, ivy, and flowers that run up walls or over trellises. You can also achieve this with planted containers, with each boasting flowers of differing colors and heights, including some cascading down the side.

3. Have a focal point. A thoughtfully located water feature, garden ball, birdbath, or seat will provide visitors an attractive visual entry point that will then subtly direct their gaze to the surrounding environs.

The Southwest Florida Pivot

1. Accept seasonality. To achieve an English garden in the tropics, embrace the seasonality of different flowers (especially cool-season flowers) and be willing to plant certain varieties that will only bloom for three to four months, like sweet alyssum and snapdragons.

2. Create movement. Traditional Southwest Florida landscaping is rife with large-leaved, dense tropical plants, resulting in a harder, more masculine look. One of the best ways to achieve a softer English garden is by creating movement. Choose bushes and plants that offer a wispy or more open texture, such as blue plumbago, pentas, and blue salvia.

3. Play with variation on theme. While Southwest Florida’s climate can’t support all plants and flowers, some are not without hope. Take roses. Certain varieties, such as the perfectly pink Belinda’s Dream, are well-suited for our region. Want to learn more? Check out 100 Roses for the South Florida Garden by Victor Lazzari.

INSPIRATION: A JAPANESE GARDEN

The Vibe

Japanese gardens invite feelings of tranquility, renewal, and exploration by highlighting the natural landscape, avoiding artificial ornamentation, and prioritizing minimalism. Many of the primary elements carry their own symbolism: rocks or stones generally represent stability and often symbolize natural elements such as mountains; still water (like a pond) signifies a reflection of life, while flowing water (like a fountain) represents continuity; and plants express the fragility of existence.

The Tenets

1. Take note of six key attributes. These include spaciousness or openness; waterways; secluded areas; artifice of human artistry (like stones, bridges, paths) to enhance the landscape; the antiquity of reflecting traditional Japanese gardening principles; and panoramic views that

change from different vantage points.

2. Orchestrate a balance. Japanese gardens are understated, with most plantings in shades of green and brown, and landscape features in proportion to their surroundings. Think of your garden as having positive and negative space and give voice to both in your final design.

3. Create vignettes that gradually reveal themselves. Use winding paths to beckon visitors to explore. Each vignette should be a unique experience, designed with captivating plants, rock arrangements, or ornamental elements.

4. Don’t make it perfect. The Japanese aesthetic embraces “wabi-sabi,” or imperfection. Try arranging plants and other garden components

in odd numbers or place a rock carelessly in an otherwise orderly arrangement.

The Southwest Florida Pivot

1. Be open to alternatives. Just as with the English garden, find Southwest Florida substitutions for Japanese favorites. Instead of azaleas, try vireya rhododendrons, a relative that is native to areas in Southeast Asia. The Japanese privet is an evergreen shrub that thrives here; it can be manicured in the bonsai aesthetic.

2. Create hills. Except for Zen rock gardens, most Japanese gardens feature hills. Consider creating artificial hills by adding mounds of packed dirt to your land and then covering them with grass.

3. Be fish friendly. Warm water doesn’t hold as much oxygen for fish. To combat this, provide shade to a koi pond by filling up to one half with aquatic plants (like tropical water lilies). Also be sure to change the water frequently and keep it circulating with filters, aerators, or waterfalls. Additionally, a deeper pond will take longer to warm and help to protect koi from the sun.

Christmas Gala at

Historic Palm Cottage

Attend the Society’s black-tie fundraiser to kick-off the holiday season!

Cocktails in Naples oldest house, followed by exquisite dining under a gorgeous tent in The Norris Gardens at Palm Cottage.

Friday, December 6, 2024, 6:30pm Best Christmas party in town!

$550/pp and $6,500/Angel Table of Eight or $8,500/Partner Table of Ten 137 12th Avenue South 239-261-8164

BLAKE BECKER President

ELEMENTS

English Cottage CHARM

COZY UP WITH DECOR THAT EXUDES FAIRY-TALE ENCHANTMENT

BY LIZA GRANT SMITH

BUDDING ROMANCE

Fall in love with MacKenzie-Childs’

Rosy English Garden enamel dinner plates ($65 each) and their countrychic design. Zazou, Naples (zazou.me)

FANCY FLORALS

SWEET DREAMS

Florals and foliage adorn this truly dreamy Pomegranate linen quilt ($800 for king) by Matouk Gattle’s, Naples (gattles.com)

Invite Kim Seybert’s Dahlia napkin rings ($96 for set of four) to make a flowery impression on your

flowery next tablescape. A Mano, Naples (amano.bz)

A SOFT TOUCH

For this design, Melissa Allen of Romanza Interior Design successfully married serenity and creativity. “Our client desired a feminine, soft, and serene retreat,” she explains. “This room, located in its own private wing, diverges from the rest of the house. We crafted a traditional, timeless elegance with fine furniture in rich, sophisticated finishes and fabrics, detailed with exquisite fringing, cords, and distinctive trims.” Naples (romanza.com)

WHITE OUT

The Alice porcelain flower lamp ($938) by Regina Andrew will add a delicate touch to a feminine space. Naples Lamp Shop, Naples (napleslampshop.com)

POURING REIGN

A lovely decorative accent in winsome robin’s-egg blue, this pitcher ($72) from Casafina offers a refreshing taste of Cottagecore style. Arabesque, Naples (arabesqueofnaples.com)

NIGHTSTAND

AND DELIVER Elegant flora pulls and an eggshell wood finish give this Silhouette nightstand ($1,379) by Bernhardt a light feel. Baer’s, Naples (baers.com)

SITTING PRETTY

Be queen of your castle in this Victorian-style wicker peacock chair ($1,240) from Made Goods Traditions, Naples (traditions.com)

DESIGNER DEFERENCE

Setting the SCENE

JIM BIXLER DESIGNS AND MAINTAINS THE IDYLLIC AND MEMORABLE PUBLIC SPACES THROUGHOUT THE NAPLES HISTORIC DISTRICT

BY GAYLENE SALOMONS

A mere two blocks from the Gulf of Mexico, perpendicular to the Naples Pier, Third Street South sits at the center of an historic area comprising 500 acres, 65 historic homes, two historic commercial buildings, and an eclectic collection of retail shops and restaurants. In existence since 1887, the district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Joan Tobin, of Neapolitan Enterprises, a majority property owner in the area, has long been concerned with trying to preserve the

unique environment and, at the same time, grow it to be the best it can be. Her vision embraces colorful flowers and plants, along with statues, to emulate a European garden, creating “a welcoming space that transports visitors to a different time and place,” a location where they can “feel good about the world.”

A transplant from New York, horticulturist Jim Bixler has worked with Tobin for nearly 20 years to realize this vision. Year-round, every day, he and his team plant, cultivate, and tend to the various flower beds in courtyards and bordering fountains, the more than 200 container gardens, and the some 60 hanging baskets that have become an intrinsic part of the iconic atmosphere.

For inspiration, Bixler says that he uses Instagram to look at gardens all over the world “without actually visiting them.” He then sources similar looking flowers and plants that are more heat tolerant and that last longer. He mixes and blends the various plants, textures, and colors, carefully coordinating all elements.

The gardens are on display year-round, but they command the most engaged audiences from November to May, when outdoor temperatures are most pleasant. “We scale back in the summer with the intense heat and rain,” he says. “We are constantly sourcing and planning though.”

The gardens of Third Street South are a

Horticulturist Jim Bixler (left) chooses flora that complements the fountains and architecture found on Third Street South.

MICHELLETRICCA

member of the American Public Gardens Association, an organization that champions public gardens and advocates for the conservation and appreciation of plants. Public gardens come with their own set of challenges, like people, dogs, and traffic. Bixler prioritizes finding people- and pet-friendly materials and uses organic methods to maintain a pest-free, safe atmosphere. “Many plants are not native and require extra tender loving care to survive in our semitropical climate,” he notes. The vignettes change regularly. This season Bixler is focusing on a pink and lavender palette, mostly found in ivy geraniums. He uses plants and floral arrangements to soften angles, concrete corners, brick surroundings, and the pavement. His aim is to

tantalize the senses. “We want to create a walkable environment where visitors feel they can sit, relax, and enjoy the sounds, as well as the flowers and the scents, such as jasmine, almond, and Tahitian gardenia.”

For an element of surprise, he likes to hang orchids and bromeliads, noting that when these are in bloom “visitors who look upward or around and see something new in the environment get excited.”

Bixler, who is immersed in the gardens every day, values the feedback from the individuals who visit. He especially wants guests to remember the place as special and sensory—a location where they can relax or take photos. Most importantly, he hopes they return—again and again. (thirdstreetsouth.com) «

The public gardens in the Naples Historic District delight the senses with their colors, textures, and pleasant aromas all year round.

COURTESY OF THIRD STREET SOUTH

SEASON SPONSOR:

MORAN MAINSTAGE STRUTHERS STUDIO

368 SEATS | BROADWAY-SIZED STAGE 125

Anything Goes

November 1 - November 24, 2024

Previews: October 27, 29, 30, & 31

Music & Lyrics by Cole Porter

Original Book by P.G. Wodehouse & Guy Bolton

and Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse

New Book by Timothy Crouse & John Weidman

Directed by Kristen Coury

A splashy, classic American musical comedy.

Dial M for Murder

January 16 - February 2, 2025

Previews: January 12, 14, & 15

Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher

From the original by Frederick Knott

Directed by Jackson Gay

A fresh take on the edge-of-your-seat mystery.

Noises Off

February 27 - March 16, 2025

Previews: February 23, 25, & 26

By Michael Frayn

Directed by Peter Amster

An evening of rib-aching laughter and feel-good entertainment from start to finish.

Sweet Charity

April 10 - May 4, 2025

Previews: April 6, 8, & 9

Book by Neil Simon

Music by Cy Coleman

Lyrics by Dorothy Fields

Directed and Choreographed by Dann Dunn

A sparkling Tony®-winning musical comedy about finding love in the Big Apple.

Every Brilliant Thing

November 14 - December 15, 2024

Previews: November 10, 12, & 13

By Duncan MacMillan

Directed by Risa Brainin

Starring Jeffrey Binder

A poignant and unforgettable, immersive theatrical experience.

The Lehman Trilogy

January 30 - March 2, 2025

Previews: January 26, 28, & 29

By Stefano Massini

Adapted by Ben Power

Directed by Jeffrey Binder

A Tony Award®-winning epic play about a moment that changed the world.

Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill

March 20 - April 19, 2025

Previews: March 16, 18, & 19

By Lainie Robertson

Directed by Marshall Jones III

An unforgettable play about jazz singer Billie Holiday’s ability to mine humor from hardship DON’T MISS OUT! SCAN HERE TO BUY TICKETS!

JOURNEYS

YOUR PASSPORT TO THE MOST FASCINATING CORNERS OF THE GLOBE

Voyage of Discovery

BY PAUL RUBIO

Even in an era when travel enthusiasts are constantly seeking out the next “it” destination, a voyage to the remote Galápagos Islands remains a quintessential rite of passage for world explorers. Situated in the Pacific Ocean more than 500 nautical miles west of Ecuador, this ecologically diverse and visually stunning archipelago of 13 large volcanic islands and 42 islets serves as a living museum of natural history. It’s an awe-inspiring, alien landscape where plants and animals have evolved over millions of years, both before and alongside humanity. The surrounding waters teem with marine life of all sizes, telling their own tales of natural selection. While the inherent allure of

the Galápagos lies in its natural splendor, the experience is further elevated by Aqua Mare, a 50-meter, 16-passenger Italian superyacht now navigating the iconic sights and wildlife-rich environs of this bucket-list destination.

Aqua Mare stands out among the new wave of luxury cruises in the Galápagos, setting the bar for expedition-ship elegance. It’s the latest plot point by award-winning outfit Aqua Expeditions, which has already made waves through the Amazon, Mekong, and Indonesia with its one-of-a-kind itineraries and collection of tricked-out water toys. Aqua’s newest yacht features seven Francois Zuretti–designed suites and an array of walnut-paneled common areas, from a living room–style panoramic lounge on Deck 3 to a formal dining room below. The fourth and top deck is replete with premium outdoor amenities, including a Jacuzzi, a fitness area, a barbecue grill, sun loungers, and more, complemented by an alfresco seating area at the aft on three where most meals are enjoyed.

Embarking on seven-night voyages weekly, Aqua Mare presents action-packed days exploring the diverse species and landscapes

that captivated Charles Darwin and cemented the archipelago as one of Earth’s greatest wonders. Each hour is a sensory feast, with multiple stops spanning different islands and the breathtaking marine worlds in between.

On a recent East Galápagos Expedition Cruise aboard Aqua Mare, I was privy to a new echelon of such wonders. (This was my fourth visit to the Galápagos Islands, a testament to their enduring magic.) Early in the trip, I deemed our day on Genovesa Island unbeatable. During two separate hikes—one in the morning along Darwin Bay and another in the afternoon on the cliffs of El Barranco—we wandered among redfooted boobies, Nazca boobies, great frigate birds, and short-eared owls, all at close range. Genovesa lived up to its “Bird Island” nickname, with thousands of fearless, feathered residents

at every turn. However, later in the voyage, Española Island surpassed the birding bliss of Genovesa, with colonies of waved Galápagos albatrosses courting, cavorting, and taking off from the cliffs of Punta Suárez.

A mid-morning snorkel at Santiago Island provided more pinch-me moments, with penguins darting through the water past whitetip reef sharks, schools of tropical fish, and playful sea lion pups. This adventure fell on a day packed with four—yes, four—activities,

Sublime scenes from the Aqua Mare superyacht, clockwise from above: aerial view of the ship at sea; the breezy seating area at the aft where most meals are shared; the comfy and cozy panoramic lounge; a premium cabin suite.

starting with an early morning hike across the craggy, lava-hewn coastline of Sullivan Bay, followed by another deep-water snorkel and a cliffside zodiac ride to observe penguins and sea lions on solid ground. Even on my repeat visit to Bartolomé Island, I savored every moment en route to the summit, less focused on capturing perfect photos and more enthralled by the geological majesty of Pinnacle Rock, the symbol of the Galápagos.

These were just a few standouts from a week brimming with them, and I can only imagine Aqua Mare’s west itinerary is equally riveting. (It is possible to combine both the east and west journeys for a 14-day sojourn.) Every sailing promises unparalleled encounters with the Galápagos’ diverse wildlife and surreal natural formations—plus fabulous photos to prove it. At all times, Mare’s team of naturalists guides guests through the greatest hits in island biogeography, ensuring an enriching experience.

Aqua Mare accents daily excursions with exceptional meals that introduce passengers to Ecuadorian cuisine and the gastronomy of

neighboring Peru, with items curated by celebrity chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Breakfasts unfold as family-style feasts, featuring familiar favorites like crepes, waffles, and eggs alongside regional delights like humitas (steamed corn cakes), yuca bread, tree tomato juice, and local Islander Coffee (roasted on Santa Cruz Island). Highlights from the multicourse lunches and dinners on my voyage included tangy ceviche with day-caught scorpion fish, grilled Galápagos lobster, and fish maito (prepared in banana leaves with peppers and onions).

A dedicated pastry chef crafts two decadent desserts daily, both of which are worth saving room for. Suffice to say, you’ll never go hungry on Aqua Mare and may find yourself seeking out Ecuadorian fare once back home.

Between excursions and meals, Aqua Mare’s meticulously planned itineraries facilitate a maximum Galápagos experience. However, there’s no harm in taking a breather, balancing active pursuits with leisurely ones. I skipped two snorkeling trips to enjoy serene moments on the yacht’s top

deck, drink in hand, watching boobies dive for food and marveling at the dramatic landscapes around me. I also passed on a scheduled cooking class for more time alone in my thoughts. It was then, while tempering my type-A tendencies and reflecting on the Galápagos’ splendor, that I was able to grasp and appreciate the true essence of Aqua Mare: the ship opens one of Earth’s greatest destinations to a new generation of travelers seeking a harmonious blend of nature and luxury, allowing them to experience the best of both worlds at their own pace. (aquaexpeditions. com/destinations/galapagos-cruise) «

Clockwise from top left: The east itinerary includes a hike to Pinnacle Rock on Bartolomé Island, kayaking at Genovesa Island, combing the shoreline for sea lions, and bird-watching on Genovesa and Española islands, home to short-eared owls and waved albatrosses. COURTESY

PAUL RUBIO

PAUL RUBIO

PAUL RUBIO

LONDON TWO WAYS

HEADING TO LONDON FOR THE ART SHOWS? EXPLORE TWO OF THE CITY’S MOST BELOVED ART-CENTRIC NEIGHBORHOODS. QUICK TRIPS

BY DAPHNE NIKOLOPOULOS

South Kensington

MODEL MODE

The Royal Borough of South Kensington has a long tradition of art and design, with dozens of galleries, art studios, and museums. The giant among the latter, the Victoria & Albert Museum, features the uber-popular (and often sold out) “Naomi in Fashion” exhibition through April 6. The retrospective of Naomi Campbell’s life in fashion spotlights the dresses and accessories the supermodel made famous, including the 12-inch platforms that caused her to trip on the Vivienne Westwood catwalk. (vam.ac.uk)

V PEEK INSIDE

THE NAOMI EXHIBITION WITH OUR VIDEO: NAPLES ILLUSTRATED.COM/ NAOMI

HEART OF SOUTH KEN

London hotels don’t come more classic than The Kensington—or more central to the city’s top attractions. Located on the Queen’s Gate within a short amble of the Royal Albert Hall, the V&A, Kensington Palace, and the Natural History Museum, the boutique hotel is charmingly British down to the period fireplaces lit year-round.

LE FILM

ART HOUSE CINEMA LOVERS FLOCK TO CINÉ LUMIÈRE AT THE INSTITUT FRANÇAIS FOR THOUGHTPROVOKING FRENCH AND GLOBAL FILMS BOTH NEW AND CLASSIC, AS WELL AS CULTURAL EVENTS AROUND LITERATURE AND WORLD AFFAIRS. IT MAKES FOR A WONDERFUL EVENING OF ENTERTAINMENT AND ENRICHMENT. (INSTITUT-FRANCAIS.ORG.UK)

Rooms and suites are cozy cocoons of comfort—beautifully scaled and elegant in every way. Traditional decor (think: toile fabrics, fourposter beds with gilded accents, and marble baths) lends a definitive sense of heritage yet is anything but old-fashioned. Appointed with residential-quality furnishings and art, suites feel like proper London apartments with balconies, floorto-ceiling windows, and that most coveted of city amenities—space.

Tradition meets modernity at Town House, a Regency-inspired, sun-washed restaurant offering creative British dining all day. This is the place for The Kensington’s famous afternoon tea in homage to the world’s top artists. The iconic service begins with cocktails (we recommend the Girl with Balloon) and proceeds to a menu of sweets and savories accompanied by rare teas like Jasmine Silver Tip and Single Estate English Breakfast from Malawi. It’s a treat to linger over and a fortifier before an afternoon on the museum circuit. (doylecollection.com)

DAPHNE NIKOLOPOULOS

Mayfair

FARM TO FEAST

THE SLOW-FOOD MOVEMENT HAS FOUND ITS SPIRITUAL HOME IN FARM SHOP, A DELI AND WINE BAR FEATURING GOODS GROWN ON A 1,000-ACRE FARM IN SOMERSET. THE IN-HOUSE FORAGER CURATES A BOUNTY OF “WILD FOOD” AND LOCALLY GROWN PRODUCTS LIKE CIDER AND HONEY, AND INVENTS RECIPES FOR SMALL-BATCH PICKLES AND CONDIMENTS (TRY THE EXCELLENT BIRCH SAP AND TOMATO RELISH) THAT MAKE LOVELY SOUVENIRS. THE WINE BAR IS AN EXPERIENCE IN ITS OWN RIGHT. LOCATED IN A BASEMENT SPACE BENEATH FARM SHOP, IT SERVES HANDCRAFTED WINE AS WELL AS HERITAGE CHEESES AND CHARCUTERIE, ALL PRODUCED LOCALLY. TRY THEM ON A SHARING BOARD AND LINGER OVER A GLASS (OR THREE) OF SPARKLING ROSÉ. THOUGH IT’S IN THE HEART OF MAYFAIR, FARM SHOP TRANSPORTS YOU TO BRITAIN’S BUCOLIC COUNTRYSIDE. (FARMSHOP.CO.UK)

BEST OF BRITISH

There are many reasons to visit Claridge’s, but the most delicious is found behind glamorous Art Deco doors. The entranceway speaks to the hotel’s history as a Jazz Age London institution beloved by the most fashionable members of European society and sets the stage for an elevated dining experience. Amid marble surfaces, leather banquettes, and golden flourishes, servers present contemporary English cuisine reflecting the quintessential flavors but none of the heaviness.

Don’t miss Sunday lunch, that most British of traditions. The service includes two or three courses of specialties like roasted Herefordshire sirloin, pea velouté with quail egg, and Norfolk Black Leg chicken with truffle stuffing. Claridge’s Chocolate, which you break with a mini hammer to reveal a brownie and chocolate mousse, is a must even if you don’t think you can manage another bite. Take your time and make an afternoon of it; isn’t that what Sundays are for? (claridges.co.uk)

When your black cab pulls up to The Beaumont, you’ll likely notice the steel appendage on the hotel’s facade, a cubist aberration on an otherwise classic structure. What’s that about? The short answer is: art.

The sculpture, the work of British provocateur Antony Gormley, is the exterior of ROOM, Gormley’s ode to darkness. ROOM is, well, a room fully clad in dark oak and decorated with nothing but one simple bed. This is functional art at its best, a sculpture you can inhabit. Though the cave-like space feels austere, it’s meant to invite a meditative pause and a confrontation of self without the distraction of worldly possessions. It’s a beautiful intention, though the claustrophobic may not agree.

Gormley’s masterpiece is the crown jewel of The Beaumont’s remarkably curated art collection, which includes original works by Robert Motherwell, Alexander Calder, Terry Frost, Cornelia Parker, and scores of others. The one that stands out for most guests is Le Maître d’École by Belgian artist René Magritte, since it’s front and center at the Le Magritte Bar. From the lobby to the bathrooms, there is no part of The Beaumont that is not graced by art.

Thanks to a recent renovation, the hotel has unveiled a new wing with 29 rooms and two new private dining rooms. The existing rooms and restaurants have been refurbished with custom furniture and art appointments that enhance the hotel’s storied Art Deco design. Accommodations feel spacious, bespoke, and truly residential, a rarity in London and an asset to glamorous Mayfair. (thebeaumont.com)

From top: the exterior of Antony Gormley’s ROOM; the living room of the five-bedroom Roosevelt Suite; René Magritte’s Le Maître d’École at the chic Le Magritte Bar.

HELEN CATHCART

STEPHEN WHITE / COURTESY OF THE BEAUMONT

FLORIDIANA

Gilded Age Glam

TIMELESS MEETS CONTEMPORARY AT THIS HISTORIC INN JUST A SHORT DRIVE FROM CLEARWATER’S WHITESAND BEACHES

BY KRISTEN DESMOND LEFEVRE

A few miles south of Clearwater Beach, you’ll find the bucolic town of Belleair, home to the charming Belleview Inn. But the inn didn’t start its storied life in this exact spot.

In the late 1800s, railroad and steamship magnate Henry B. Plant was developing his Orange Belt Railway through the wilderness of western Florida. He soon realized that the travelers he was trying to attract would need a suitable place to sleep at the end of their journey. Not one to do anything small, Plant built a 400,000-square-foot hotel known as The Hotel Belleview (the largest wooden structure in the state at the time) on a 35-foot-high bluff overlooking what is now Clearwater Bay.

One hundred years of guests included industry and society scions like the Vanderbilts and the DuPonts, plus celebrities like Babe Ruth and Thomas Edison. The hotel even housed members of the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. But by the 1980s, the Queen Anne–style building began to fall into disrepair. To save it from the wrecking ball, a St. Petersburg–area property developer hatched an outlandish plan: in 2018, the original building was loaded onto flatbed trucks and moved to its current location, where it was restored (preserving nearly all of its original architectural features) and relaunched as The Belleview Inn.

Today, the gingerbread-like hotel—with its peaked gables, overhanging shingled roofs, and wide verandas—is part of the Historic Hotels of America, offering a rare glimpse into the charms of yesteryear plus all the amenities that modern travelers expect. For an extra dose of glam, book the Iolanda Suite (named after a turn-of-the-century steam yacht built

for Plant’s son, Morton) and soak your cares away in the restored clawfoot tub. Retrieve the complimentary breakfast basket

of freshly baked goods and juice delivered to your door every morning and head downstairs for coffee at Maisie’s Pantry, a quaint marketplace with an array of noshes and sips. Or stop in later for a bottle of wine and a charcuterie board to enjoy as you watch the sunset from a rocking chair on the back veranda that overlooks the pool and the Gulf beyond.

When you’ve had your fill of porch-sitting and pool-dipping, head out to one of the more modern amenities accessible to guests: the beach at the Sandpearl Resort (The Belleview Inn’s sister location), or the Belleair Country Club and its two elite golf courses (one of which claims the distinction of being Florida’s first golf course). No matter your pastime, a stay at The Belleview Inn is a glamorous way to relive the past while making some history of your own. (opalcollection. com/belleview-inn) «

Relax in grand style on The Belleview Inn’s back veranda, overlooking a game lawn and the property’s pool beyond. The inn’s lobby and guest rooms are appointed t0 evoke Old Florida glam with the luxury of modern amenities.

Rising above the shores of the Caloosahatchee River is Vista Cay, a collection of sophisticated waterfront residences featuring awe-inspiring vistas. For a limited time, future residents can choose their views and enjoy Shell Point’s resort amenities and award-winning lifecare while building is underway. This rare opportunity to select a new construction residence in Shell Point’s most renowned neighborhood won’t last long. Take a virtual tour, register for a seminar, or request an appointment by visiting MeetVistaCay.org.

HIGH ROAD

ELECTRA GLIDE

DOES BMW’S NEW ALL-ELECTRIC 5 SERIES LIVE UP TO “THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE” MANTRA?

BY HOWARD WALKER

There’s no guarantee that if you splash the cash for one of BMW’s all-new, allelectric i5 sedans that you’ll start talkin’ like Walken. But it’s possible.

If you watched this year’s Super Bowl LVIII, you may recall that the ad for the new i5 featured the slightly grizzled, 81-year-old thespian Christopher Walken. It followed his daily encounters with ordinary folk who, with hilarious effect, tried to mimic his nasally Queens accent. It wrapped up with the inspired sign-off: “There’s only one Christopher Walken, there’s only one Ultimate Driving Machine.”

While it intentionally didn’t focus on the ad-

vanced features of this electrified 5 Series, it left the message that even though a bunch of Duracells are motivating this new i5, it still shares the DNA of a true ultimate-driving BMW.

After a week behind the wheel of an entry i5 eDrive40 (base price $67,995), I can attest that, while it may not be the ultimate-driving i5, it is arguably the most appealing. That’s because of the three i5 variants on offer—including the rock-out-of-a-catapult M60 xDrive with its towering 593 horsepower—it’s the eDrive40 that can go the distance with its 295-mile range. Think 240 with the $84,100 M60. Range, with less anxiety, is good, right?

Not that the eDrive40 is lacking in the pow-

er department. With a meaty 335 hp on tap from its single rear-mounted electric motor, it can whiz away from the stoplight and hit 60 mph in a zippy 5.7 seconds. And like any good electric car, it delivers that initial tummychurning thrust guaranteed to have passengers squealing like they’re riding Sheikra at Busch Gardens.

I know, I know: there have been plenty of reports of major pushback on EVs here in the United States. A recent survey from the consulting firm McKinsey & Co. showed that 46 percent of EV owners are thinking about returning to gas power. Consider that along with our diminishing love affair with four-door sedans in favor of more versatile SUVs and one might surmise that the i5 is doomed.

Time will tell. But I think the 5 Series is in a category all its own, largely because of its evergreen appeal among driving enthusiasts, long lineage, and reputation for feisty performance, dynamic handling, and fine build quality.

For 2024, this eighth-generation 5 Series got a serious makeover. While evolution not revo-

lution is the name of the game here, the new design is significant. BMW resisted the urge to slap the same oversize swollen-kidney grille to the 5’s nose that blights pretty much every other model in the lineup. (Yes, I’m talking about you, i7.) And while it doesn’t have anywhere near the visual shock-and-awe appeal of, say, a Lucid Air, Porsche Taycan, or Mercedes EQE, it trades drama for restrained elegance, poise, and good, old-fashioned class.

Same with the cabin, which benefits spatially from the new 5 being longer, taller, and broader than its predecessor. The dash will be familiar to BMW aficionados, thanks to the lovely, wide-screen, curved-glass display. Buyers can opt for real leather or a vegan pleather that BMW has dubbed Veganza.

Press the start button and revel in the total silence that’s electrification. Well, not quite. There’s a muted Tron-like soundtrack (created for BMW by composer Hans Zimmer) that

sounds slightly weird. Don’t fret: you can turn it off.

With the i5’s hefty 84.3-kW lithium-ion battery pack mounted low beneath the floor, the car’s center of gravity is somewhere near Sydney, Australia. That keeps it firmly planted through the curves, aided and abetted by grippy 21-inch Rubberware at each corner. Add to all this laser-precise steering, with the optional

POWER FILE

PRICE: $67,995 FOR I5

EDRIVE40 MOTOR: SINGLE

ELECTRIC POWER: 335 HP

TORQUE: 295 LB-FT

0-60: 5.7 SECONDS TOP SPEED:

120 MPH RANGE: 295 MILES

LENGTH/WIDTH: 199/75 INCHES

WEIGHT: 4,900 POUNDS WHY WE LOVE IT: BECAUSE IT’S A 5 SERIES BMW THAT IS BETTER FOR BEING ELECTRIC.

M-tuned suspension on our test car—part of a $3,000 M Sport package—delivering superresponsive handling coupled with a firm yet supple ride.

For 5 Series lovers, this electrified i5 will not disappoint. Its excellent range, effervescent performance, and hushed refinement not only make it a five-star EV but a five-star BMW. Mr. Walken would approve. «

HIGH SEAS

TWO FOR THE MONEY

TWIN-HULLED POWER CATAMARANS LIKE FOUR WINNS’ NEW TH36 OFFER PACE WITH SPACE

BY HOWARD WALKER

Two are better than one, right? Simon and Garfunkel, Sonny and Cher, Hall and Oates. Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger in that cinematic masterpiece Twins? Maybe not so much.

It’s arguably the same in the boating world. The latest breed of twin-hulled power catamarans tends to be light-years ahead of comparable monohulls when it comes to deck and interior space, fuel efficiency, stability, and performance.

While some earlier efforts at power cat design have produced mile-wide craft with the visual appeal of a floating shipping container, that’s all changing. The next gen of slenderbeamed cats offers space and pace with a heavy helping of grace. Dare we add sexy?

Case in point, the new TH36 from Cadillac, Michigan–based Four Winns, now part of the burgeoning Groupe Beneteau empire that includes Jeanneau, Prestige, Lagoon, Wellcraft, Scarab, and, yes, Beneteau. This new twinhulled 36-footer (it’s actually 38 feet, 5 inches overall), with its slip-friendly 14-foot girth, is guaranteed to spin heads gliding up to any waterfront eatery.

It’s what happens when you commission a famed Italian studio, in this case Garroni Design, to pen the lines. With the TH36 (TH stands for twin hull) it starts with the axe-

shaped bows and flows backward across the raked windshield, swoopy hardtop, and deep, windowed hull.

I took a tour of this new Four Winns at this year’s Palm Beach International Boat Show and would have signed on the dotted line had I the $730,000 base—or $845,000 with a boatload of options—burning a hole in my Helly Hansen shorts.

What the TH offers is space, and an abundance of it. For a sunset cruise around the bay, there is seating for up to 15. That huge forward cockpit—think of this Four Winns as an XXL bowrider—can comfortably accommodate at least eight. Two L-shaped sofas glide on hidden tracks to either come together for alfresco dining for six or slide apart to create two stretch-out sun pads.

Steps away, under that oversize, sun-

shading hardtop, there’s an outdoor galley that would make Martha Stewart giggle with joy. It features either a hot plate or grill, sink, fridge, and icemaker. I love all the stainlesssteel handrails scattered around to keep the chef from rocking and rolling.

Protected by that sleek, raked-back windshield, the helm station has more electronics than a Best Buy, with the wafer-thin instrument panel featuring two big Garmin screens. The single helm seat could have come out of a Porsche. And for socializing, there’s a comfy, protected-from-the-wind, two-crew bench opposite the helm.

And yet, where the TH36 really impresses is its below-deck accommodations, with each hull featuring a fully en-suite double cabin.

With a typical 36-foot monohull cruiser, guests tend to get relegated to a no-headroom, under-cockpit slot with a curtain for privacy, and they must—heaven forbid— share a head with the owners. In the Four

Winns, owners and guests are completely separated, with their own narrow but doable double, a full-headroom toilet, and a proper glass-enclosed shower. This means anyone on board can savor an air-conditioned nap and a refreshing spritz afterward.

Standard power is a pair of 300-hp Mercury Verado V8 outboards, with the option of twin 350-hp V10 Verados. With the 350s, expect a top speed of around 32 knots and an easy, head-to-the-Bahamas cruising speed of 21.

Of course, the beauty of those slimline hulls is

POWER FILE

PRICE: FROM $730,000 LENGTH:

38 FEET, 5 INCHES BEAM: 14 FEET,

7 INCHES ENGINES: 2 X 300-HP

MERCURY VERADO V8 TOP SPEED:

32 KNOTS WITH 2 X 350 HP WHY

WE LOVE IT: BECAUSE HAVING TWO HULLS MEANS BIG SPACE AND STANDOUT PERFORMANCE.

improved fuel efficiency, a smoother and more level ride, and terrific maneuverability at the dock. The twin Mercs are about 10 feet apart, so you can put one in forward gear, the other in reverse, and the cat will spin on a dime, with joystick control for added confidence. And with the outboards well separated, there’s space in between for a swim platform and boarding ladder.

All this makes this rakish Four Winns a bit of a groundbreaker, providing a new way to enjoy family boating. It’s one Twin that really works. Sorry, Arnold. «

BY JOHN CARIANI

Dick and Marcia Larson commissioned Summer Thornton Design to reimagine their Port Royal home. Thornton used a variety of patterns and prints in the living room and incorporated a unique rosecolored banister.

THE FINE PRINT

INTERIOR DESIGNER SUMMER THORNTON PLIES PROWESS WITH PATTERNS TO EXQUISITE EFFECT IN A ONE-OF-A-KIND NAPLES ABODE

BY MICHELE MEYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNIE SCHLECHTER

Although she had not previously heard of the lauded Chicago-based maximalist interior designer and author of Wonderland: Adventures in Decorating, part-time Wisconsinite Marcia Larson knew she had found a kindred spirit in Summer Thornton when introduced to her work. It was Marcia’s daughter who first spotted the designer’s redo of an Old Naples residence in a magazine. “She thought it was my kind of style—and she was right,” says Marcia.

“All the homes Thornton does are spectacular. And none of them are alike.”

After wintering for 25 seasons on Sanibel Island, Marcia landed her dream home in the waterfront community of Port Royal: a newly built, 6,000-square-foot residence a block from the beach and within easy distance to Old Naples. She and her husband, Dick, had long fantasized about the move. “Naples is the happiest place on Earth,” she says of the

Above and right: Thornton created a sitting area off the kitchen that embraces rosy-brown and green hues, echoing similar tones used in the kitchen. Below: Cabinetry in an apple green color and veined travertine countertops are balanced by wicker selections and a wallpapered ceiling.

city, where the couple had often shopped, dined, and attended social events. “People are so friendly, and there’s so much to do.”

The ultracontemporary home, tucked next to a lake, was the perfect setting for hosting family and friends. Though she had found her home, Dick needed convincing. “He couldn’t handle all the white,” says Marcia of the original decor. She agreed. “We needed to jazz it up, add color, and make it our own.”

Go Bold

The Larsons commissioned Thornton and Whitney Mersman, Summer Thornton Design’s senior designer, to pump up the pizzazz and turn the neutral space into a bright, welcoming Southwest Florida home.

“We love exuberance, and our designs are playful, colorful, and fearless,” says Thornton, who mixed and matched patterned fabrics and wallpaper swatches into design mash-ups. “It’s similar

to great cooking—there’s no specific recipe.”

By covering all surfaces from ceiling to floor with patterns and textures (even wallpapering some doors), the designers transformed cool and spacious neutrality into coziness, creating a home to be lived in and enjoyed—and that is fit for entertaining.

Though at first thrown by the idea of packing in so many prints, Marcia quickly realized from their conversations that the

designers deeply understood the couple. “Besides,” she says, “life’s too short to micromanage.”

Each space has its own identity, yet patterns and pigments flow throughout the home, not hewing to any one hue. Inspired by flamingos, palms, and wicker, Thornton assembled a color palette of apple green, seagrass, rosy browns, and terra-cotta. “They love color, and we love color, but we used a lot of neutrals,” says Thornton. The results

The formal dining room exudes elements of a jungle and boasts handpainted Eden wallpaper from de Gournay. The matching sheer curtains cover a window, allowing light in without sacrificing continuity.

are bold yet not brash.

“Most of our challenges were having too much space and bringing it in to be more intimate,” details the designer. “Originally, the kitchen was so big and so white you could get lost in it.” A floor-toceiling, glassed-in wine room was converted into a butler’s pantry with rosy travertine counters and custom brass globe pendants.

Let it Flow

A Persian-inspired wallpaper from Iksel Decorative Arts extends through the kitchen, family

room, and breakfast room. This is thanks to Rich Bauer, one of the talented artisans who works with Thornton. Bauer, owner of PaperFace in Boulder, Colorado, installs wallpaper and fabrics anywhere—coffered ceilings, walls, valances, curtains, and shelves—with no visible seams. Detail-oriented like Thornton, Bauer even covered the family room’s media cabinet and bookcase—including the inside shelves—with a dark green textured paper. “He’s truly an artist,” says Marcia.

Thornton explains that noticeable elements help to define each space. In the kitchen, for example, veins of forest green and gold run through the travertine countertops that rest upon apple green cabinets, while two wicker pendant lights—resembling traditional hats worn by boaters in Thailand—hang high over the island. The breakfast room features an oversize chandelier (composed of multiple metal palm fronds) that anchors the space. Even though Thornton ran many selections past the Larsons, the couple

was blown away by the results. They were especially enraptured by the prints and textures that extended to the ceilings.

The formal dining room complements the home’s diverse color palette. It features handpainted Eden wallpaper in a colorful jungle print by United Kingdom–based de Gournay; sheer curtains covering the adjacent window match the exact print seamlessly, extending the wall while infusing light into the space. Thornton flaunted her fearlessness in this room with

To create an inviting primary bedroom suite, Thornton selected wallpaper by Iksel in a wisteria pattern, once again bringing the outdoors in.

Though color is profuse in the home, naturalbased tones, textures, and furnishings work to ensure a balanced aesthetic. According to Thornton, most challenges involved making spaces more intimate.

what she calls a “kooky” Laura Gonzalez console table boasting a ketchup-colored top and mustard legs. An opaque milk glass chandelier from Jean-Marc Fray French Antiques of Austin, Texas, hangs overhead. “They both have the scale and drama to stand out against the paper,” says Thornton. Marcia is thrilled with the new dining room, which comfortably fits a custom table large enough to seat 12 people.

The Larsons chose to shed nearly all their furniture, save for two coffee tables, a Tony Duquette console, and Dick’s massive desk. They made no pretense of being art collectors, which would have limited the

“We love exuberance, and our designs are playful, colorful, and fearless.”

—Summer Thornton

stands, Thornton placed large marble-top chests—in the style of Maison Jansen, a famed Paris decorator from the late 1800s—on either side of the bed.

Something from Nothing

The main hallway in the home was a “nothing space” that Thornton transformed using natural textures and elements, such as grass cloth on the walls and a console table formed of stiff rope.

Fitting Dick’s burl wood and stainless steel Mezzaluna (halfmoon) desk, a vintage piece from the Pace Collection by Leon Rosen, into the office space was a worthwhile challenge for the designer. Marcia’s beloved print from photographer Slim Aarons, Palm Beach Idyll, hangs outside

designers’ vision. The two unmatched coffee tables are “the stars of the living room,” declares Thornton. Here, a vibrant pink railing in a crisscross pattern, a fun and unexpected design element, outlines the staircase. This replaced a simple glass railing.

To make the ground floor’s primary bedroom suite more intimate, Thornton chose dreamy wisteria-pattern wallpaper from Iksel. Again, Bauer extended the paper to the ceiling and was able to hide the automated blinds behind matching valances. Hand-painted wood and upholstery and other decorative features adorn the four-poster bed by Porte Italia. Instead of night-

No detail was spared in the outdoor living area, which includes lantern pendant lights, a tiled wall, and rosy-hued cabinetry, as well as prints and furniture that complement the surrounding natural landscape.

the formal powder room, where hand-painted de Gournay paper shimmers, as does a Murano glass-trimmed mirror.

Outside, the pool bath became “one of my favorite rooms—a special garden moment,” says Thornton. “I love the terra-cotta

trellis walls, owing to Marcia loving a trellis room she saw elsewhere.” Custom made by Sunbeam Jackie, the outdoor umbrellas are lined with a palm frond print that matches the fabric found on the chaise lounges and chairs. The lanai’s outdoor spaces

include a kitchen, dining area, shaded lounge pool, and numerous seating options, including a few counter stools.

Last December, the Larsons moved into their refurbished residence, where they will live for more than half of each year.

“That will increase more and more,” Marcia says. “We are so happy with everything.” Marcia relays how multiple friends have commented how Thornton really understood and nailed her personality. “Really,” she says, “it was a match made in heaven.” «

THEBEHINDLENS

FOUR FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHERS CREATE VISUAL WONDERMENT WITH FALL’S MOST COVETED ACCESSORIES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS LEIDY Shot in Palm Beach

CRYSTAL ACCENTS

jimmychoo.com

Opposite page: GILDED

D-Idole pumps ($1,790), Dior, dior.com

Fashion editor: Katherine Lande

Bon Bon latte satin bag with crystal hearts ($4,350), Jimmy Choo,

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHAN COE

Shot in Nantucket, Massachusetts

FEATHERS

Hug feather bag ($3,500), feather pumps ($2,400), Ferragamo, Naples, ferragamo.com

Opposite page: LEOPARD PRINT

Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello Le 5 À 7 Bea bag ($5,100), Saint Laurent, ysl.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARMEL BRANTLEY

Shot in West Palm Beach

VANITY CASE HANDBAG Vanity chain pouch ($3,250), Louis Vuitton, Naples, us.louisvuitton.com

Opposite page: FLORAL Medium Squeeze beaded leather lettuce bag in dark burgundy ($11,100), Loewe, loewe.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK MELE

WESTERN WEAR

Viv’ Choc studded fringe mini bag ($5,295), Roger Vivier, rogervivier.com; Kennywood boots in Version Rodeo ($3,490), Christian Louboutin, christian louboutin.com

Opposite page: BLACK AND WHITE

Miss Dior bag ($3,800), Dior, dior.com; I Love Vivier Optical pumps ($1,195), Roger Vivier, rogervivier.com

Shot in Newport, Rhode Island

TRANSFORMATIONS Natural

ELEMENTS FROM NATURE FIND NEW FORM AND FUNCTION AT COCOON GALLERY, THANKS TO FOUNDER MITCHELL SIEGEL AND A SKILLED TEAM OF ARTISANS

By JANE E. ENOS

Cocoon Gallery had been rooted in Greenwich, Connecticut, for approximately 20 years before its founder, Mitchell Siegel, thought about visiting Naples. It was a business partner who urged Siegel to tour Fifth Avenue South initially, suggesting it could be a fecund location for his high-end furniture, art, and decor business.

After visiting, it didn’t take long for Siegel to relocate. In 2020, he set up shop here, closing the Greenwich location in 2021. After opening a showroom on Fifth Avenue South, he later established a large woodshop nearby, an atelier of sorts, where sustainably harvested elements from Mother Nature (think:

Photography by MICHELLE TRICCA

Shot on location at Cocoon Gallery Woodshop, Naples

Cocoon Gallery’s pieces are often crafted from exotic woods from Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. After a long process of fumigating and drying at Cocoon’s woodshop, talented artisans apply their finishing skills, carving, sanding, and polishing until the pieces are considered perfect.

From above: Raul Allegre, one of the gifted artisans at Cocoon, puts the finishing touches on a table that incorporates vibrant blue tones; a broad array of pieces are displayed in Cocoon Gallery’s showroom, located on Fifth Avenue South in Naples.

Opposite page: Ben Molina, a woodworkng professional employed at Cocoon for more than 10 years, carves the company’s logo on the underside of a table.

“ JUST LIKE IN TEXTILES AND FASHION, WE MUST HAVE AN EYE FOR TRENDS AND DESIGNS AND KEEP COMING UP WITH THE NEW AND DIFFERENT.”

—Mitchell Siegel

exotic timber, roots, vines, leaves, etc.) are transformed into extraordinary, one-of-akind pieces. Thus far, the change of venue has proven to be a solid business move. In fact, Cocoon’s success in Naples has allowed Siegel to expand; he opened a Palm Beach–based branch earlier this year.

Fueling Cocoon’s prosperity—at least partly—is Siegel’s multifold contacts, which he has developed and maintained across decades. These allow him to directly source exotic and unique woods and other natural materials from off-thegrid locations spanning multiple continents. For example, much of the wood Cocoon uses for sculptures, tables, and table bases hails from Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, while sparkling geodes, often incorporated into furniture or art pieces, call Brazil home.

“If I had to take a bus 15 hours up a mountain with no toilet, I would do it before I would stay at the bottom of the hill and save time buying from a secondary source,” Siegel explains, “because I want to get the full scope of everything. And I want to get the best quality.”

How Siegel developed his invaluable international contacts requires a peek into the past. Originally from New York, he grew up in a family whose livelihood was defined by fabric. His grandmother and mother operated a sewing shop, and his father bought and sold textiles. As small textile shops met competition from larger retailers (such as department stores like Sears), Siegel’s father formed

a business that leveraged the collective buying power of about 1,000 fabric stores across the nation. “I worked with my father, and this was my first real job,” relays Siegel. “At this point, textiles were still being made in the United States.”

In the early ’80s, Siegel says he and a friend “stumbled into spandex Lycra.” With generous lines of credit made possible by his father, Siegel and his partner started a textile import company, a business they built to $10 million in the first year. This company flourished for several years until countries like Mexico and China started sinking more teeth into manufacturing and exportation. Siegel (and his father) anticipated this shift but “didn’t know it would change so quickly,”

he says. “By 1990, our business was annihilated.”

From here, Siegel moved to the Philippines, working as an independent contractor, doing spandex production work for Rustan’s, a popular department store there.

He made the most of his time in Southeast Asia, often exploring nearby islands as time allowed.

“I was able to see how [cultures] used different natural materials

“

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WE DO IS PROCESSING ... WE CARE ABOUT THE INTEGRITY OF THE NATURAL WOOD.”

—Frank Bentivegna

for things,” he says. “There was a sense of usefulness, and I liked the look.”

A few years later, Siegel—alongside another friend and business partner—approached shopping mall mammoth Simon about opening Cocoon stores. They established four retail shops together, not selling superluxury items but rather various sundries, including tabletop ceramics, aromatherapy products, rice soaps, and soy candles. The enterprise struggled. “Malls weren’t the right place— except from December 18 to December 24,” expounds Siegel. “The business failed miserably.”

Still determined, Siegel opened Cocoon Gallery in Greenwich. And about eight years ago, the company started making and selling high-end products exclusively. This upmarket shift has only accelerated with the Naples relocation. “We have wood, and this gives us endless options; we have the raw materials,” he notes. “Just like in

textiles and fashion, we must have an eye for trends and designs and keep coming up with the new and different. We have the talent for this type of creativity.”

Indeed, Cocoon does have the talent, including a cadre of gifted artisans who have mastered woodworking and perfected sophisticated finishing processes, such as sanding, bleaching, staining, dyeing, and others.

When the wood arrives at Cocoon’s woodshop, it has been cut but retains an organic shape. It’s stored outside, where it is fumigated. After, it goes into a large kiln for drying. It is then fumigated once again and brought into the woodshop for finishing. Cocoon’s artisans flatten, cut, sand, and shape the material as required. “This is a long process of hard work, but the time spent shows in the pieces,” says Siegel.

“The most important thing we do is the processing, which keeps the integrity of the wood,” says Frank Bentivegna, a Cocoon artisan. “The processing takes many steps. … We care about the integrity of the natural wood. We don’t paint it; we keep our wood natural-looking.”

Inspiration for Cocoon’s pieces stems from multiple sources, including Cocoon’s team. Siegel believes everybody has something to contribute. “Everyone here is very important,” explains Siegel. “We listen to everyone.”

Alternatively, if a customer comes with an idea, Siegel says they can usually make it happen. “A lot of time, we end up designing and creating for specific spaces—for instance, an area in someone’s home.”

And speaking of home, Siegel says Naples is his now. “I love living here,” he says. “Everything about Naples is top-notch, and that’s no longer a secret. If I didn’t travel for work, I would never leave or go on an airplane again.” «

From left: Mitchell Siegel has a rich background in textiles, which helps to inform the day-to-day operations at Cocoon; a view of the showroom in downtown Naples. Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Preston Kent cuts a piece of metal for a future Cocoon piece; Dave Copeland scrapes a live-edge tabletop infused with red hues; Frank Bentivenga sands what will become a wooden table base.

The Power of

Plants

Our guide to tips and tools for starting a collection of your own

By Abigail Duffy

ready to CARE TIPS Grow

SOUTH FLORIDA–BASED PLANT EXPERT STEPHANIE AMARO OFFERS SEASONED TIPS FOR SELECTING HOUSEPLANTS, AS WELL AS SOME PRACTICAL ADVICE ON HOW TO CARE FOR THEM. (INSTAGRAM.COM/GARDENGIRLWPB)

DIEFFENBACHIA

According to Amaro, dieffenbachias, or dumb canes, are a “big bang for your buck,” as they grow large and boast colorful foliage. There are more than a dozen commonly available varieties to choose from for the home.

ANTHURIUM

Most plant people have a story of heartbreak that involves an anthurium (or two). Amaro is first to defend them against their finnicky reputation. “Anthuriums are probably my favorite plant,” she says.

“They look unreal.” Amaro notes that anthuriums appreciate cooler temperatures and thicker soil that stays moist.

PHILODENDRON BRASIL

This heartleaf philodendron variety is a fast grower that is easy to care for.

“You really can’t kill it,” Amaro assures. It drapes beautifully and offers color variation thanks to lightgreen variegation on most leaves.

RHIPSALIS

Also called mistletoe cactus, rhipsalis are similar to cacti but they can tolerate low light.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Peek into any plant parent’s collection and you’re sure to find ZZ plants, snake plants, and spider plants, all renowned for being hardy and supremely easy to care for.

Watering

If plants are indoors, Amaro advocates for watering once per week. Water lightly but consistently. Remember: underwatering is better than overwatering.

LighTIng

Most houseplants thrive in bright but not direct light. Amaro shies away from the term “indirect light” because it can mean different things. For example, some think indirect means low light, which is not ideal for any plant. If natural light is an issue, Amaro recommends grow lights. “Click the light on, let it hit your plants, and shut it off at night.”

FerTILizer and Pest Treatments

“I fertilize every month,” says Amaro, who opts for Miracle-Gro or fish fertilizer. While she goes heavier on the mix, Amaro recommends that beginners follow the instructions on the bottle. Two weeks after fertilizing, she’ll do a pest treatment, watering her plants with a dose of horticultural oil.

Soil

Amaro’s secret to a balanced soil mix? Cocoa husk. It absorbs moisture and allows for airflow, which prevents root rot (a consequence of overwatering). Try mixing cocoa husk with regular potting soil. Additional options include nutrient-rich additives like worm castings or antibacterial ones like horticultural charcoal.

Herb's

THE WORD

SMALL BUT MIGHTY, HERBS PACK A DELICIOUS AND NUTRITIOUS PUNCH. HERE ARE FIVE UNIQUE OPTIONS FOR A COUNTERTOP HERB GARDEN.

1

Bay laurel

How to Grow: Leaves from this Mediterranean broadleaf evergreen tree are usually dried and packaged as bay leaves. Grow your own by planting bay laurel in a container with well-draining potting mix for edible plants and place in a spot that receives at least five to six hours of bright light through a window.

Best In: Everything. From chicken soup to tomato sauce, stews, and roasted meats, bay leaves lend depth to whatever you toss them into.

Main Benefits: Bay leaves contain immune-boosting vitamins C and E, as well as carotenoids that can help lower cholesterol.

DILL

3

How to Grow: Plant dill seedlings in a deep pot with well-draining, slightly acidic soil for edible plants. Place in a window that receives five to six hours of sunlight per day, or under a grow light for 12 to 14 hours.

Best In: Homemade pickles, salmon dishes, and yogurtbased sauces, like tzatziki

Main Benefits: Dill is a good source of vitamins C and A, as well as manganese.

MINT

How to Grow: Take mint cuttings and plant them in a deep pot with soil for edible plants that allows for water retention, but with enough air space to prevent sogginess. Place in a window that receives five to six hours of sunlight per day, or under a grow light for 12 to 14 hours. Mint grows best in milder temperatures, so keep indoor temps between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Best In: Tea, watermelon salad, chutneys, ice cream, and, of course, mojitos

Main Benefits: Mint can help relieve indigestion. Derivative menthol can also alleviate cold symptoms, like congestion.

4

2

Chervil

How to Grow: This parsley relative is essential in French fines herbes and can be grown from seeds in a large, deep container filled with well-draining soil for edible plants, watering regularly. Chervil enjoys cooler temperatures and shadier conditions, so consider keeping it away from harsh sun and maintain indoor temps of between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Some people even recommend growing it in a wine fridge.

Best In: Béarnaise sauce, vinaigrettes, salads, and poultry, egg, and fish dishes

Main Benefits: Chervil contains calcium and potassium, and is also rich in dietary fiber.

lemongrass

5

How to Grow: Lemongrass crops are easy to start from propagations. Place leftover stalks in a glass with 3 inches of water and move to a window that receives five to six hours of sunlight per day. Replenish water if levels drop. Once roots sprout, plant the stalks in welldraining potting mix for edible plants, ensuring that the crown is covered by soil.

Best In: Tea, stir-fries, and marinades

Main Benefits: Lemongrass contains quercetin, a flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can slow cancer cell growth, lower cholesterol, and reduce one’s risk of heart disease.

GET MESSY

Repotting is dirty work, but someone has to do it. Keep your indoor space tidy with Arber’s large, eco-friendly, easy-to-clean, and reusable repotting mat ($30) that packs up in a snap. (growarber.com)

Goods GReen

NOW THAT YOU’RE ARMED WITH SOME HELPFUL INFO, IT’S TIME TO GET GROWING. PREP YOUR INDOOR GARDEN WITH THESE CHIC ESSENTIALS

CLUED IN

MAY FLOWERS

The Williams Sonoma mini copper water can ($50) is perfectly proportioned for watering a variety of indoor plants, from trailing philodendrons to countertop herbs. Williams Sonoma, Naples (williamssonoma.com)

Take the guesswork out of plant parenting with the moisture-, light-, temperature-, and nutrientdetecting smart plant water meter and health sensor ($77) by Sage & Sill, complete with a Bluetooth-connected app and access to the Cloud Plant Database’s expert care tips. (sageandsill.com)

SUSTAINABLE STYLE

Give little starter plants a biodegradable home with the Kanso Designs coffee bean husk mini planter ($6.50). Measuring 2 inches tall, the planter is made from discarded coffee bean husks and a nontoxic resin that is free of formaldehyde, so it’s better for you, too. (kansodesigns.co)

HIGH RISE

Your plants deserve the best. Upgrade them to the finest seats in the house while clustering them together for maximum humidity with the Story Planter ($495), designed by Afteroom for Design Within Reach (dwr.com)

YES, CHEF! Never run out of herbs mid-recipe again. The Click and Grow Smart Garden 9 ($230) brings the outdoor garden inside with automatic watering, grow lights, and capacity for nine plant pods. Select from more than 50 pre-seeded pods of organic herbs, fruits, salad lettuces, and flowers. (clickandgrow.com)

LIGHT BRIGHT

Sleek and

sophisticated, the energy-efficient, pendant-style Aspect LED grow light ($200 for 40 watts) by Soltech delivers full-spectrum 3000K color and 97 CRI (color rendering index) value for lower light areas. (soltech.com)

SPACES

NI’S RESOURCE GUIDE FOR THE TOP INTERIOR DESIGNERS, ARCHITECTS, SPACE PLANNERS, AND HOME PRODUCTS IN THE NAPLES AREA.

SPACES

BETHANY O’NEIL

BETHANY O’NEIL INTERIOR DESIGN

Q: WHAT IS YOUR DESIGN INSPIRATION?

A: My inspiration is ever-changing and typically comes from traveling. I love to explore other cultures and observe the lifestyles that come from these cultures and their climates. Even observing past eras is enough to influence my design in many ways depending on the project. When designing a home, I don’t feel that everything needs to be brand new. In fact, I prefer that it isn’t. I’ve always thought that rooms should be designed with meaning and soul, and most importantly a reflection of their owners’ personalities. Even in modern settings, a vintage or antique piece can add that certain je ne sais quoi that separates a room from all others, making it really special.

Q: WHAT ARE THE LATEST TRENDS IN YOUR INDUSTRY?

A: Designers are enjoying another year in the spotlight of accent walls. I typically try to avoid trends, but I couldn’t resist creating a room around this mural. The outcome is a refreshing organic modern cottage vibe. A neutral color

scheme will last forever, but our mix of textural fabrics and earthly elements such as wood, and reflective stone surfaces create a dynamic duo of personality in this room. Working around this existing mural, I built layers of light and dark fabrics, creating a house equally dramatic at night as it is during the day. The outcome is a richly appointed room filled with serious curation. Not only is everything comfortable to the touch, but it is also lavish in quality.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR AREA OF SPECIALIZATION?

A: I specialize in high-end residential, whether it’s new construction, a remodel, or simply a complete refurnish. My design philosophy is boutique in style. Clients call on me when they are looking for something different and special. I’ve been told that my attention to detail and my ability to design in many layers is my one of my best attributes. I create homes for those that are passionate about their surroundings.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR DESIGN INSPIRATION?

A: I think as designers we draw inspiration from so many different outlets. It’s easy to draw color inspiration from our gorgeous surroundings here in Naples, as well as magazines, and scrolling through the never-ending inspiration social media has to offer. Being able to see what designers are doing across the country, and even across world, is so inspiring. This project inspiration was a mix of refined coastal features with contemporary elements for that perfect combination.

Q: WHAT ARE THE LATEST TRENDS IN YOUR INDUSTRY?

A: We are starting to see a shift away from the historically coastal schemes, and into a more natural and textural

based design with timeless elements. This room is a nod to those key features with a warm wood ceiling detail and wide plank wood flooring mixed with white box beams, classic hotel bedding, and crystal elements to give just a hint of formality. The grass cloth that adorns all the walls is that additional layer of texture.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR AREA OF SPECIALIZATION?

A: At Calusa Bay Design, we think of ourselves as a concierge interior design firm. Our design team is made up of talented designers with backgrounds in textiles, furnishings, interior architecture, and project management. Our mission is to create a shared vision of the perfect home and bring that vision to life for our clients.

LIZ BROWN CALUSA BAY DESIGN

EAT+DRINK

BOLD FLAVORS, COOL COCKTAILS, AND LOCAL FAVORITES

HAPPENINGS

GRAB A CRAB

Signs of fall are subtle in these parts, but they exist if you know what to look for. One delicious way to tell that cooler temperatures aren’t far off is the return of stone crab claws to dinner tables. As it does every year, stone crab season commences October 15 and runs to May 1.

The opening night is traditionally a big one for restaurants serving this delicacy, and devotees cannot wait to sate their cravings. It’s not just that they are local and fresh; these marvelous creatures produce deeply succulent, sweet claw meat and—comparatively speaking—there’s less work and more gratification involved in eating them than with most crab species.

What’s more, these crustaceans are a renewable resource. The majority are harvested in local coastal waters. Crabbers take one or both claws, depending on size, and then return the crab to the water alive so it can grow new claws.

Among the Naples-area restaurants that have dedicated crabbing fleets are Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood & Crab (trulucks.com) and some Phelan Family Brands locations, including Pinchers (pinchersusa. com) and Deep Lagoon Seafood (deeplagoon.com).

Celebrate the luscious shellfish October 25-27, when Pinchers in Tin City hosts the fourteenth annual Stone Crab Festival along the waterfront. The festival features claws, other treats, live music, and more. (stonecrabfestival. com) –Karen Feldman

WHAT’S NEW

BUON APPETITO!

Restaurateurs Rocio Navarrete and Mariano Maldonado return to Naples with their latest venture, El Gaucho Trattoria, which taps into chef Maldonado’s Italian heritage. The “Italian-with-an-Argentinean-twist” concept offers a variation on the theme of the married couple’s El Gaucho Inca in Fort Myers and Estero, as well as El Gaucho Deli Café in Estero. (Neapolitans may recall a Naples branch of the restaurant, which closed a few years ago.)

The North Naples trattoria brings the chef’s Italian roots and repertoire front and center, adding a sprinkling of Argentinean (and Peruvian) flavors to the lineup. Navarrete says they felt ready to start something new and, given the popularity of Italian food, decided to highlight her spouse’s house-made pastas, pizzas, and other beloved Italian dishes. She adds that her husband’s grandparents emigrated from Italy to Argentina, bringing with them their love of cooking.

“They taught Mariano how to make pasta, pizza, so many dishes,” Navarrete says.

The extensive menu includes appetiz-

ers, such as rice balls, mussels with wine, calamari, and manicotti. A dozen pizza variations include toppings such as prosciutto, shrimp, and bacon. Entrées include clams in white wine sauce, as well as chicken, beef, or veal prepared in five Milanese variations. Pasta dishes include puttanesca, carbonara, piccata, marsala, and ravioli, to name a few. The pair’s South American heritage remains evident in dishes like pasta a lo macho, featuring seafood in a zesty sauce, and a centercut filet al Gaucho topped with seafood and spicy sauce.

Navarrete says the carbonara has quickly become a customer favorite. “We had people from Italy here and the man told us it was the best carbonara he’d had in his life,” she says. (elgauchotrattoria.com) –K.F.

OPENINGS

A TASTE FOR

ADVENTURE

A day of thrills in the indoor water and amusement park at the newly launched Great Wolf Lodge in Naples really whets the appetite. A special dessert menu available through the end of the year provides sweet relief for those hunger pangs. The treats include individual slices of cakes and pies from Derek Kaplan’s award-winning Miamibased store, Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop. Selections include chocolate birthday cake, guava cheesecake, and Kaplan’s signature key lime pie. Individual servings retail for $12. And, talk about sweet, $5 from each sale will benefit the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Foundation. Those funds will go toward scholarships for aspiring emergency medical technicians in Collier and Miami-Dade counties. The special dessert menu will be offered exclusively at the lodge’s upscale, full-service restaurant, Fireside. (greatwolf.com) –K.F.

Argentinean flavors accent Italian dishes at El Gaucho Trattoria.

GIFTING 101

All four Jewish high holidays take place in October this year, starting with the big two: Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, October 2-4, and Yom Kippur, the day of atonement, October 11-12. Sukkot, the harvest festival, falls October 16-18, and Simchat Torah, which celebrates the Torah, occurs October 23-25. Elaborate meals generally take place for Rosh Hashanah and, as the sun sets on Yom Kippur, family and friends gather to break their daylong fast with a bountiful feast. If you are Jewish or have Jewish friends, you may be invited to one of these festive gatherings. Here are a few suggestions for an appropriate gift for the host.

Candy symbolizes the desire that the year be sweet, not bitter. Check out Olde Naples Chocolate (oldenapleschocolate.com) for a grand assortment of confections. Fruit is also a good choice. Apples with honey signify a sweet start to the year, while pomegranates, with their abundance of seeds, symbolize a year that will be rich with blessings. For honey, check out

Grand Central Honey (naplesfloridahoney. com), which sells more than 100 varieties; Naples Honey Company (napleshoneycompany. com), producers of pure local honey; and Wynn’s Market (wynnsmarket.com) in Naples.

Though few people keep kosher these days, bringing kosher wine is a thoughtful gesture, nonetheless. For a bottle that’s out of the ordinary, check Natural Wine Naples (natnatnaples.com) for selections. —K.F.

NI ’s curated dining guide for Greater NAPLES Celebrate in Good Taste

THE LISTINGS

The Naples area is packed with an abundance of great eateries, serving up food and drinks to satisfy every palate. Naples Illustrated has rounded up details on can’tmiss places for dining delights.

AMERICAN

ALEXANDER’S GARDEN RESTAURANT The tastes of farm-to-table American and European cuisine commingle at this fine dining establishment that offers an intimate courtyard dining option. 4077 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (alexandersnaples.com)

BALEEN AT LAPLAYA BEACH & GOLF RESORT Dine amid elegant tropical surroundings indoors or on the tiered terrace to soak up the exquisite beachside views. 9891 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples (laplayaresort. com)

BICYCLETTE COOKSHOP Chef/partner Kayla Pfeiffer’s imaginative style melds modern decor and attentive service with a menu of small plates, shareables, and a few larger options. 819 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples (bicyclettecookshop.com)

BISTRO 821 An Old Naples favorite and the longest running restaurant on Fifth Avenue South, thanks to a diverse menu that fuses Asian, European, and domestic flavors. 821 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (bistro821.com)

THE CAVE BISTRO & WINE BAR With stellar food, a unique setting, and a wine list to satisfy even the most discerning of oenophiles, this creative eatery offers an unique dining experience not to be missed. 2343 Vanderbilt Beach Road #604, Naples (thecavenaples.com)

THE HANGOUT BY TWO GUYS Brothers Peter and Larry Falisi dish out a relaxing vibe with Italian dishes based on family recipes and “secret ingredients,” along with a mix of tacos, quesadillas, sliders, and vegan entrées. 2360 Pine Ridge Road, Naples (hangoutnaples.com)

M WATERFRONT GRILLE Contemporary decor, fine cuisine, and views of Venetian Bay from every seat in the dining room. 4300 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples (mwaterfrontgrille.com)

OLD VINES MERCATO Offering lunch, dinner, late-night bites, and more substantive fare in addition to a wellchosen wine list and creative cocktail selection. 9105 Strada Place, Ste. 3125, Naples (oldvinesnaples.com)

SEVENTH SOUTH With two locations, owner Barry Larkin and chef Jay Schrednitz offer a locally and globally sustainable seafood program, hand-cut steaks, house-made pastas, and reimagined cocktails, along with a Sunday brunch. 849 Seventh Ave. S.; 2891 Bayview Drive, Naples (seventhsouth.com)

TWISTED SHEEP PIZZA & BREW Artisanal specialty and custom pizzas and inventive hand-helds and small bites, local brews, and “stubborn soda” in flavors such as citrus-hibiscus orange. 3802 Tamiami Trail E., Naples (twistedsheeppizza.com)

THE VILLAGE PUB The nautical vibe and waterfront location blend well with a menu brimming with seafood, including the catch of the day, pan-seared crab cakes, mango mahi-mahi, and other selections. 4360 Gulf Shore Blvd., Naples (villagepubnaples. com)

WARREN AMERICAN WHISKEY KITCHEN Whiskey devotees adore the selections here, but there is more, such as seafood towers, steaks, burgers, and lobster rolls. 111 Tenth St. N., Naples (warrennaples.com)

Z’S MUSIC KITCHEN Listen to live country, rock, and rhythm and blues while enjoying a plate of Nashvillestyle hot chicken or cornmeal-encrusted grouper. 12655 Tamiami Trail E., Naples (zsmusickitchen.com)

EAT+DRINK

WINE DOWN

VINEYARD HOPPING IN GERMANY

BY MICHAEL DRAPKIN

When I chat with clients about their wine travels, the refrain is very similar across the board: Napa Valley, Bordeaux, Champagne, Tuscany, etc. While we love wines from these benchmark regions, those looking for a more personal experience should consider visiting the overlooked underdogs of the wine world. In addition to providing incredible hospitality with an intimate, grateful touch, the small growers from these regions craft wines that can sit at the same table with the best.

In April, I visited Germany’s Mosel region, where vintners have been making wine for more than 2,000 years. In this bucolic setting of insanely steep, terraced vineyards perched above the Mosel River, you will find a diverse rainbow of wines from both red and white grape varieties. Don’t miss the Moselsteig Trail, which winds through vineyards and connects the adorable medieval towns that dot this region. Here, I spotlight a few of Mosel’s finest.

SEAFOOD

THE BAY HOUSE Overlooking the Cocohatchee River, this eatery features a beautiful dining room plus Southern-inspired seafood. 799 Walkerbilt Road, Naples (bayhousenaples.com)

BAYSIDE SEAFOOD GRILL & BAR This Venetian Bay favorite boasts grand water views, prime grilled meats, and seafood specialties. 4270 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples (baysideseafoodgrillandbar. com)

THE CLAW BAR Located a short walk from Fifth Avenue South, this eatery offers a sophisticated blend of Southern traditions and high-quality ingredients. 221 Ninth St. S., Naples (theclawbar.com)

THE DOCK AT CRAYTON COVE An open-air restaurant serving fresh catches prepared with Caribbean and Latin influences. 845 12th Ave. S., Naples (dockcraytoncove.com)

FISH RESTAURANT Fabulous views of Venetian Bay complement the outstanding seafood. 4360 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples (fishrestaurantnaples.com)

2

2023 Weiser-Künstler Dry Riesling. This micro winery is run by a husband and wife who have a magical touch with Riesling. Their wine is sparrowlike, angelic, and the perfect aperitif to open an alfresco meal. When visiting their winery in the river town of Traben-Trarbach, don’t miss the nearby wine bar and shop Die Mosel.

LA PESCHERIA A creative, stellar eatery that honors the culture of Italian fish markets. 474 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (lapescherianaples.com)

MR. BIG FISH This family-friendly eatery specializes in chowders and locally caught seafood dishes. 754 Neapolitan Way, Naples (mrbigfish.com)

PINCHERS CRAB SHACK Pinchers serves fresh, local seafood in a casual, family-friendly setting. 1200 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; 591 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island; 28580 Bonita Crossing Blvd., Bonita Springs (pinchersusa.com)

RIVERWALK AT TIN CITY The menu brims with innovative interpretations of salads, sandwiches, pastas, and steaks, as well as seafood entrées. 1200 Fifth Ave. S. Ste. 45, Naples (riverwalktincity.com)

SAILS This bona fide “pescatarian’s haven” features exquisitely fresh seafood prepared to perfection. 301 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (sailsrestaurants.com)

SEA SALT Chef Fabrizio Aielli is a master at marrying organic local produce, wild-caught fish, naturally raised meat, and poultry with modern cooking techniques. 1186 Third St. S., Naples (seasaltnaples.com)

1

2023 Ulli Stein Rosé. In the charming town of Alf lives Ulli Stein, a talented farmer and cellar master, not to mention a passionate rabble-rouser and gracious host. He crafts this energetic, dry rosé using Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a great pairing for fresh sushi.

3 Cabernet for sushi.

2020 Daniel Twardowski Pinot Noir. Yes, German Pinot Noir is a thing. With temperatures getting warmer, Pinot Noir is now a feasible enterprise in Mosel, and Daniel Twardowski is making benchmark examples (that are a wonderful marriage with an autumnal beef stew) from near the village of Piesport.

SWAN RIVER SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Seafood— Southern and Northern varieties—stars at this longtime favorite, while its fish market is popular with home chefs. 3741 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (swanriverseafood.com)

SYREN OYSTER & COCKTAIL BAR The youngest sibling of The Claw Bar and the Bellasera Hotel, this venue boasts a menu that highlights seafood. 909 Tenth St. S., Naples (syrenoysterbar.com)

TRULUCK’S SEAFOOD, STEAK & CRAB HOUSE

Truluck’s owns local fisheries, so the catch is always fresh in this fine-dining restaurant. 698 Fourth Ave. S., Naples (trulucks.com)

THE TURTLE CLUB Fresh seafood, fine steaks, and chops are nearly overshadowed by the spectacular beachfront setting with stunning views of the Gulf. 9225 Gulf Shore Drive N., Naples (turtleclubnaples. com)

USS NEMO UNDERSEA CUISINE & ADVENTURES

Everything is a cut above, but the signature misobroiled sea bass is a must. 3745 Tamiami Trail N., Naples(ussnemorestaurant.com)

STEAK

CHOPS CITY GRILL A modern take on the traditional, with prime aged steaks, local seafood, and more than 100 whiskey selections. 837 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; 8200 Health Center Blvd. Ste. 100, Bonita Springs (chopscitygrill.com)

THE CONTINENTAL This D’Amico restaurant is a stylish steak house and gastropub. 1205 Third St. S., Naples (damicoscontinental.com)

DORONA Fabrizio and Ingrid Aielli have excelled again with this modern Italian steak house. 2110 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (doronanaples.com)

JIMMY P’S CHARRED The popular butcher shop’s steaks and other fine foods are served in the restaurant next door. 1833 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (jimmypscharred.com)

SHULA’S STEAK HOUSE In the winning tradition of late NFL coaching icon Don Shula, the “Shula Cut” is one of the best steaks in town. 5111 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (shulasnaples.com)

FRENCH

BISTRO LA BAGUETTE This traditional French bistro serves classic combinations like coq au vin and chateaubriand and offers cooking classes. 3560 Tamiami Trail E., Naples (bistrolabaguette.com)

BLEU PROVENCE Authentic dishes from the South of France are paired with wines from the vast, award-winning selection. 1234 Eighth St. S., Naples (bleuprovencenaples.com)

CÔTE D’AZUR Intimate bistro in the style of Provence serves standouts like Maine lobster roasted in a clay pot. 11224 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (cotedazurrestaurant.com)

THE FRENCH BRASSERIE RUSTIQUE Rustic French cuisine and lighter fare with desserts prepared by an in-house pastry chef. 365 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (thefrenchnaples.com)

TARTINE & TARTELETTE Homemade French cuisine with wine pairings as sweet as the name. 11121 Health Park Blvd., Naples (tartinetartelette.com)

MEXICAN

FELIPE’S MEXICAN TAQUERIA A casual eatery serving fresh classics plus handcrafted cocktails. 4255 Tamiami Trail N.; 2220 Logan Blvd. N. Ste. 810, Naples (felipestaqueria.com)

FLACO’S This restaurant and steakhouse in the Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt has been a Naples staple since 1996, offering a wide range of triedand-true Mexican favorites. 2371 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Napes (flacosrestaurant.com)

TACOS & TEQUILA CANTINA The many varieties of tacos are made with fresh, local products and handmade tortillas. 4834 Davis Blvd.; 8971 Tamiami Trail N., Naples; 10952 Eagle Village Drive, Fort Myers (tacosandtequilanaples.com)

UNCLE JULIO’S Guacamole is made to order and intriguing menu options delight, including watermelon margaritas, crab and shrimp enchiladas, roasted mushroom tacos, and more. 2096 Ninth St. N., Naples (unclejulios.com)

EAT+DRINK

ITALIAN

ALBERTO’S ON FIFTH Chef Alberto Varetto cooks fine dishes in his elegant restaurant. 868 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (albertosonfifth.com)

BARBATELLA Pizzas and pastas are delish, but don’t overlook offerings like the grilled salmon. Save room for the signature Nutella pizza. 1290 Third St. S., Naples (barbatellanaples.com)

BICE This restaurant offers an upscale Italian experience and favorites that include slow-braised Bolognese, veal osso buco, and black truffle risotto with jumbo scallops. 824 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (bice-naples.com)

CAFFÉ MILANO Featuring a laid-back ambience with rustic-style Italian fare inclusive of beef carpaccio, house-made pappardelle with braised short ribs ragu, and traditional lasagna. 800 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (caffemilano.com)

CAMPIELLO RISTORANTE & BAR This mainstay on Third Street South is a perennial gathering place for great food and people-watching. 1177 Third St. S., Naples (campiellonaples.com)

DOLCE & SALATO Eat indoors or within the courtyard setting at this self-described Italian food boutique offering breakfast and lunch options. 300 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (dolcesalatousa.com)

GIOVANNI RISTORANTE AND BAR ITALIANO Serving diners for more than 25 years and boasting Italian specialties for both lunch and dinner. 5975 Pine Ridge Road, Naples (giovanniofnaples.com)

GRAPPINO This latest venture from Ingrid and Fabrizio Aielli celebrates Fabrizio’s Venetian roots and houses one of the country’s most comprehensive grappa bars. 90 Ninth St. N., Naples (grappinonaples.com)

LIMONCELLO House-made pastas, rack of lamb, cioppino, and pizzas give a hint to the range of dishes available at this North Naples spot. 13800 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (limoncellonaples.com)

MINO This casual eatery specializes in pizza and trattoria dishes, including freshly made pastas and appetizers like the ever-popular arancini. 1100 Sixth Ave. S., Naples (minofl.com)

MOLTO TRATTORIA The homemade pasta, sauces, pizza Napoletana, and home-style cuisine are all topnotch. 368 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (moltonaples.com)

OSTERIA TULIA Chef Vincenzo Betulia’s authentically rustic venue and “peasant” cuisine are delizioso. 466 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (osteriatulia.com)

VERGINA Italian and Mediterranean dishes with a modern flair. Vergina is also a popular spot for gathering with friends and listening to live music. 700 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (verginarestaurant.com)

ASIAN

21 SPICES BY CHEF ASIF Chef Asif R. Syed offers contemporary Indian cuisine created with his special collection of spices. 4270 Tamiami Trail E. #21, Naples (21spicesdining.com)

ICHI TOGARASHI Exemplary dim sum, ramen, and seafood in a small but mighty Asian-fusion restaurant; the menu lists some two dozen ramen varieties. 800 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (togarashinaples.com)

I LOVE CURRY Mumbai native “Chef Di” shares his professional skill and passion for traditional, authentic Indian cuisine through a popular food truck, restaurant, and catering operation. 2740 Bayshore Drive Unit #11, Naples (ilovecurry124.com)

LE INDYA Having grown up on India’s southern coast, chef Suman Chaniyil creates authentic classics rich with flavor and finesse. 975 Pine Ridge Road, Naples (leindya.com)

PJK NEIGHBORHOOD CHINESE RESTAURANT Naples residents and restaurateurs Paul Fleming and Jody Goodenough-Fleming serve a coastal Chinese menu with locally sourced seafood, plus dim sum and craft cocktails. 835 Fourth Ave. S., Naples (pjkchinese.com)

TONG YIN From the imaginative creators of Ichi Togarashi, this spot is another Asian-fusion establishment, giving a nod to Thai flavors. (tongyinnaples.com)

A selection from Sofra, a vegetable-friendly eatery offering healthy options

GLOBAL

BHA! BHA! PERSIAN BISTRO Michael Mir’s popular restaurant serves up savory lamb dishes and a wide choice of colorful and delicious Persian specialties. 865 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (bhabhabistro.com)

KEEWAYDIN’S ON FIFTH It’s always island time at this vibrant downtown spot that boasts bold Caribbean flavors paired with sweet tropical ingredients. 711 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (keewaydins.com)

LE COLONIAL Discover the French-tinged flavors of Vietnam at this chic outpost that marries Parisian sultriness with tropical modernity. 457 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (naples.lecolonial.com)

LOLA 41 This bistro and sushi bar takes its name by shortening “longitude” and “latitude.” The result? Global cuisine galore. 560 Ninth St. S., Naples (lola41.com)

THE MED Traditional and contemporary Mediterranean cuisine meet at The Med, an indoor/outdoor artisan eatery in the Bayshore Arts District. Pizza, rotisserie chicken, and lots of plates to share. 3929 Bayshore Drive, Naples (themednaples.com)

VERANDA E The signature restaurant at Escalante hotel offers an eclectic fusion of Asian and Frenchinfluenced flavors in a romantic tropical setting. 290 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (hotelescalante.com)

MINDFUL MIXOLOGIST

Kanpai to SAKE!

RAISE A GLASS TO WORLD SAKE DAY ALL MONTH LONG

BY JULES ARON

FRANCESCACOVIELLO

orld Sake Day is celebrated each year on October 1 to honor the rich tradition and craftsmanship of Japanese sake. Although the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association designated the holiday in 1978, the day dates to the Nara period (710 to 784), when sake brewers crafted their elixirs in shrines or temples and made sake offerings to the Shinto gods for a successful brewing season. While often mistaken for wine, sake is a brewed beverage made by fermenting four ingredients: rice, water, yeast, and koji (a fungus that converts the starches found in rice into sugar). This easy, refreshing sipper uses a cloudy nigori sake but is guaranteed to brighten up any celebration.

For more low-proof sake recipes, refer to Aron’s book, The Low-Proof Happy Hour X

Breakfast in Tokyo

Ingredients

1 oz. nigori sake

1 oz. Pomp & Whimsy Gin Liqueur

1 oz. fresh-pressed cucumber juice

A cucumber slice and an edible flower for garnish

Add the sake, liqueur, and cucumber juice to a mixing glass with ice and shake until chilled. Strain into a glass and garnish with a fresh cucumber slice and an edible flower.

BALANCE

YOUR BEST SELF: FITNESS, NUTRITION, MINDFULNESS, WELL-BEING

NUTRITION, MINDFULNESS, WELL-BEING

BREAST HEALTH VIGILANCE

Around 13.1 percent of women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, according to the National Cancer Institute. Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place in October and seeks to promote prevention, education, and research around the disease. The effort is vital “because it really brings to the forefront the importance of early detection through routine mammograms, physical exams, and genetic testing (when indicated),” notes Dr. Krystal Smith, founder of the Breast Center of Naples, who is fellowship-trained in breast imaging. The American College of Radiology generally recommends women

begin annual mammograms at age 40, but Smith points out many don’t because they have no family history of breast cancer. Yet, it’s still essential.

“The truth is, most women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history,” Smith explains. She encourages women to get screenings, complete monthly self-exams, and have an annual breast exam by their doctor. “Early detection is the key,” she emphasizes. “The earlier the cancer can be found and treated before it spreads to lymph nodes or other parts of the body, the easier it is to treat and the longer women will live.” (breastcenterofnaples.com) –Erika Klein

BALANCE

A NEW WAY TO TRAVEL FOR SENIORS

Almost 22 percent of Americans aged 65 and above are socially isolated, according to a 2020 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Vi at Bentley Village , a senior living community in Naples, is using virtual reality programs from immersive technology company Rendever to help combat this issue.

Many of the community’s residents can

no longer travel, but the technology offers virtual travel experiences, notes Keri Gallagher, lifestyle manager for Vi at Bentley Village. During weekly sessions, she says, residents “travel” to new locations, including areas they’ve always wanted to visit or places they grew up. “These experiences often prompt them to share stories about their old homes and what life was like in their neighborhoods,” says Gallagher.

IShe adds that the virtual trips have brought the residents closer to one another. “They have shared experiences and discuss ‘visiting places’ together,” she explains. Gallagher says she looks forward to continuing to use the VR technology to enhance residents’ lives. “I enjoy listening to them as they recall and share stories of when they visited certain areas or lived in different locations.” (rendever.com) –E.K.

f you don’t have the time or ability to see a therapist in person, you can still access mental health treatment through telehealth. Counseling Associates of America, which has an office in Naples, first added telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic. While life has largely returned to normal, the office “has been getting a lot of calls recently where people aren’t sure if [telehealth] is something they can still access,” notes Clinical Director Stephanie Roque. “It is still something we offer just as much as in-person services.”

Roque says telehealth therapy appointments may be particularly helpful for people with kids, older adults who can no longer drive, and those with busy work schedules. More research needs to be done, but a 2021 study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found no significant differences in symptom reduction for in-person care versus telehealth groups.

Anecdotally, Roque says telehealth may be even more effective in some ways. “Being able to see our clients in their environment [through a video call] … helps us to create the best strategies for them,” she explains. Roque adds that people may open up more if they feel comfortable at home. The important thing is making it easier for people to access care.

“Being able to make an appointment where you don’t really have to go anywhere really relieves a lot of the effort and the stress,” Roque says. “We don’t want therapy to cause people more stress than they already have.” (americascounselors.com) —E.K.

MOBILITY

SIMPLE EXERCISES FOR SHOULDER HEALTH

«

Feeling shoulder tightness or pain when reaching up to a high shelf could be one indicator of a shoulder mobility issue. Shane Smith, owner of Naples Premier Physical Therapy and a licensed physical therapist, explains that the problem tends to worsen with age and can result from our techfocused, hunched lifestyle. To treat shoulder mobility issues or help prevent resulting injuries, Smith recommends a few simple movements.

1. Perform underwater arm circles in the pool.

2. Practice the pendulum exercise, in which you bend forward at the waist and let your injured or painful arm hang down at a 90-degree angle from your body. Next, gently rock your torso, allowing your arm to relax and swing slowly like a pendulum.

3. Use a simple pulley system (you can make one or buy it online) that anchors at the top of a closed door and translates the motion of one arm pulling down to bring the other (the injured or painful arm) passively up.

“The old saying ‘if you don’t use it, you lose it’ is very true for shoulder

mobility, too,” Smith says. He adds that it’s important to establish a routine. “You never want [it] to be a burden on you. It should be something just like brushing your teeth.”

(naplespremierpt.com) –E.K.

IN SEASON

FARM Fresh at Seed to Table

If you’re not picking your vegetables yourself, shopping at Seed to Table might be the next best thing. The Naples market has its own farm in Immokalee that provides about 40 percent of the store’s produce from around October to February, according to Donovan Jackson, the market’s produce director. “When we’re in season, we get deliveries every day from our farm,” he explains.

Even for products it doesn’t grow, Seed to Table focuses on fresh produce sourced locally, notes Jackson. “It’s always better—if you can—to buy local,” he says, adding that the store aims to support farmers in the area while ensuring a fresher product rather than one shipped over several days (or more) from an outside region.

Starting around October, he recommends looking for a variety of produce grown on their farm, including strawberries, squash, watermelons, tomatoes, and other selections.

“You’re literally getting produce that’s all of 24 hours old,” Jackson says. “It’s something that we take a lot of pride in.” (seedtotablemarket.com) —E.K.

CANDY CRUSH

SWEET NEWS FOR THOSE TIRED OF FIGHTING CANDY CRAVINGS: THE GROWING POPULARITY OF FUNCTIONAL CANDY MEANS YOUR VICE VILLAIN MAY NOW BE YOUR WELLNESS SUPERHERO

BY LIZA GRANT SMITH TRENDING

DITCH DUM-DUMS

BACKED BY SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE AND FORMER FDA NUTRITIONIST DR. PAULA TRUMBO, SUPER GREENS LOLLIPOPS ($16) BY 8GREENS DELIVER EIGHT REAL GREENS AND ARE HIGH IN VITAMINS B12, B6, AND B5. THESE SUCKERS STRENGTHEN IMMUNITY, BRAIN FUNCTION, AND FOCUS—ALL WITH A DELICIOUS TROPICAL CITRUS FLAVOR. (8GREENS.COM)

HIT THE ROAD HERSHEY’S PLAYING OFF CHOCOLATE’S INHERENT ABILITY TO MAKE YOU HAPPY, THESE BE HAPPY CHOCOLATE BARS ($10) FROM EAT GOLD ORGANICS RAMP UP THE FEEL-GOOD VIBES BY ADDING GOJI BERRIES (A VETERAN PLAYER IN CHINESE MEDICINE FOR MOOD AND ENERGY), ADAPTOGENRICH LION’S MANE MUSHROOMS, AND TYROSINE (WHICH HELPS THE BODY PRODUCE THE MOODINFLUENCING CHEMICAL DOPAMINE). INDULGE IN FOUR-PLUS SQUARES DAILY TO HELP LIVE YOUR LIFE IN FULL COLOR. (EATGOLDORGANICS.COM)

GOODBYE GUMMY BEARS

Plant People’s best-selling WonderDay Mushroom Gummies ($30) help support mood, stress, energy, and immunity. Each two-gummy serving contains at least eight functional mushrooms—including chaga and agaricus blazei to help stimulate the immune system and cellular well-being; reishi to support a healthy stress response; lion’s mane and cordyceps to help boost energy, mental, and physical performance; and turkey tail and maitake to encourage healthy digestion. These lab-tested chews come in low-sugar and zero-sugar options. (plantpeople.co)

JETTISON JOLLY RANCHERS

Crafted with real botanicals like sweet orange for joy and positivity, lavender for relaxation and calm, ashwagandha root for mood balance, and skullcap for inner calm, Essential Candy ’s Uplifting Blend Functional Hard Candies ($15) are perfect for a delicious and mindful break. The gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, and soy-free candies are also free of artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, and preservatives. They’re individually wrapped to support your emotional balance and calm in a natural way when you’re on the go. (essentialcandy.com)

MOVE OVER M&M’S

Sourse’s supplements are nutrient-infused chocolates crafted with plant-based ingredients to revitalize how you look and feel. The Saffron Mood Bites (visit website for pricing) may naturally reduce stress and balance mood in two weeks thanks to premium saffron extract that boosts serotonin and lessens cortisol. In addition, vitamin D supports a healthy brain and immune system and targets receptors in the brain responsible for mood and behavior. (trysourse.com)

LUXURY PREVIEW

13077515PelicanBayBlvd#4D-3+Den,2½Baths:$2.175M ChesapeakeAve#3-A-2Bed,2Baths:$2.395M 13408CoronadoDr-2+Den,2Baths:$795,000 1115CentralAve#443-2+Den,2½Baths:$2.750M

7805thAveS#305:$3.400M 15167BrolioLn:$4.999M

THE VALUE OF A REALTOR®

Local Expertise

Objective Opinions

Targeted Marketing

Experienced Negotiator

Analyzes Pricing

Reviews MLS Daily

Prepares Competitive Offers

Schedules Home Tours

Explains Contingencies

Coordinates Inspections

Builds Relationships

Works with Lenders

Recommends List Price

Identifies Hidden Costs

Understands Financing

Works with Title Company

Recommends Insurers

Negotiates Repairs

Assists with Documents

Represents Buyer

Advocates for Seller

Manages Timelines

Attends Final Walkthrough

Prepares Forms

Keeps Parties Informed

Reviews Closing Documents

Post Closing Support AND MORE!

Dear Neapolitans,

If you’ve seen the news or been on social media recently, you’ve likely heard about commission related lawsuits and resulting settlement agreements involving the National Association of REALTORS®. You might have even heard it will change how REALTORS® discuss and negotiate with sellers and buyers their compensation. Unfortunately, all this noise has created confusion, which we hope to clear up.

As a local organization run by active REALTORS®, the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®) feels it’s time to set the record straight and speak directly to you because we know a thing or two about the sale of real estate. Yes, there will be a few changes to the process of listing and selling residential real estate with the professional assistance of a REALTOR®, but Naples REALTORS® know how to adapt to changing market realities. We’ve had plenty of experience during hurricanes, economic crisis, and a pandemic.

Here are the facts: The two major changes resulting from litigation are 1) Properties listed in our Southwest Florida Multiple Listing Service (MLS) database will no longer include offers of compensation; and 2) Homebuyers who want to work with, and be represented by, a REALTOR® in their search for a home that they will eventually offer to purchase, will be required to sign a written agreement with that REALTOR® and its brokerage prior to touring any home. The agreement must outline the REALTOR’S® scope of work, and how much and by whom the REALTOR® will be compensated. Another requirement is that REALTORS®– both as listing and buyer broker and agent – must inform their customers that their compensation is not set by law and is fully negotiable. This always has been the case in Naples but our updated forms further underscore that point.

NABOR® has modified its buyer representation form to reflect the changes. Fortunately, these changes could be made easily to our existing forms, which have been available and used frequently since 1999. So, while the mandatory implementation of customer representation agreements from this settlement may be new, their existence and how to use them by many REALTORS® in Naples is not — and this will ease our agent training and onboarding efforts.

As Naples real estate experts, we understand all facets of the real estate transaction. But the truth is, real estate transactions can be complicated. That’s why we must be well-versed in myriad of financial and legal requirements. It enables our REALTOR® members to guide customers through innumerable steps and provide clarity during what can be a very stressful time.

That’s why we can say, without hesitation, that we are confident every REALTOR® in Naples will have access to the right tools, information and forms they need to work under this new approach. As we’ve done for decades, we will stand by our customers, serve our communities, and continue to do what we do best: work to create a future than enables homeownership for all who want it.

Sincerely,

2024 President Naples Area Board of REALTORS®

HADINGER FLOORING

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SCENE

THE HOTTEST CULTURE AND COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

BIGGER AND BETTER

Founded in 1953, The Naples Players (TNP), a nonprofit community theater, performed plays in various locations throughout Naples for the first 22 years of its existence. In 1998, the Sugden Community Theatre opened on Fifth Avenue South and became TNP’s home. Twenty-six years later, the theater underwent an extensive $21 million dollar renovation and reopened in July for its seventy-first season.

Under the leadership of Bryce Alexander, CEO and executive artistic director, the theater is nationally recognized as a model for maximizing engagement with the community. As for the renovation, “accessibility was a priority,”

says Alexander. The new facilities include a private sensory-friendly room and hearing-assistance technologies, as well as increased seating through additional venues and extra classrooms for educational programming.

A separate library housing 70 years’ worth of play scripts and a costume shop were added. “There is even a new volunteer lounge for the more than 700 annual volunteers who contribute over 65,000 volunteer hours,” says Alexander. The only LEED-certified theater in the state (for energy efficiency and environmental design) is surrounded by foliage-lined walkways

and contains a community atrium with public access, enhancing the downtown streetscape.

The company will stage Almost, Maine, a collection of tales celebrating the extraordinary moments that transform ordinary lives, in the Price Studio Theater October 16 to November 10. (naplesplayers.org) –Gaylene Salomons

Clockwise from inset: performers at the grand reopening celebration of the newly renovated theater for The Naples Players; the 450seat Kizzie Theater with balcony; CEO Bryce Alexander addresses community members and special guests.

OCTOBER 2024

ARTS & EVENTS

GOINGS ON & PERFORMANCES

1 Birding in the Garden, take a morning walk through the 90-acre preserve, Naples Botanical Garden, also Oct. 8, 15, 22, and 29, included with regular garden admission. (naplesgarden.org)

4 Adam Ray, laugh the night away at Off the Hook Comedy Club, Naples, to Oct. 6, tickets start at $25. (offthehookcomedy. com)

Haunted Corn Maze, Farmer Mike’s, Bonita Springs, Friday and Saturday nights, to Oct. 26 children 2 and under free, visit the website for additional ticket information. (farmermikesupick.com)

5 Forest Bathing, guided sensory experience in nature, Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, Naples, ages 18 and up, $50. (rookerybay.org)

Third Street South Farmers Market, stroll the parking lot behind Tommy Bahama to find flowers, fresh produce, baked goods, and other locally made items, Naples, free. (thirdstreetsouth.com)

6 Everyone’s a Kid, Bonita Springs residents enjoy reduced admission, Bonita Wonder Gardens, Bonita Springs, $10. (wondergardens.org)

8 Corkscrew Early Birding Tour, naturalist-guided tour on the boardwalk, Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples, also Oct. 22, $30. (corkscrew. audubon.org)

Clockwise from top left: supermoon on Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s boardwalk; Italy Stroll by Svetlana Kukueva at East West Fine Art; Post Meridian by Alex Katz and The Dutch House by Becky Suss, both on display at The Baker Museum; chamber music at Artis—Naples.

Corkscrew Night Tour, experience the swamp after dark, Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples, ages 12 to 16 must be accompanied by an adult, also Oct. 23, $40. (corkscrew.audubon.org)

10 Evening on Fifth, live musical performances along Fifth Avenue South, Naples, also Oct. 26, free. (fifthavenuesouth.com)

Tammy Pescatelli, enjoy an evening of laughs at Off the Hook Comedy Club, Naples, to Oct. 13, tickets start at $25. (offthehookcomedy.com)

11 Birding with Biologists, for the beginning birder, Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park, Naples, $30. (rookerybay. org)

12 Hand & Harvest Artisan Market, shop a curated collection of handmade creations, suite 3135 at Mercato, Naples, also Oct. 26, free. (experiencemercato.com)

13 Cars and Coffee 239: Halloween Edition, enjoy cool cars, a pumpkin patch, trunk-or-treating, and live music, Mercato, Naples, free. (experiencemercato.com)

A REEL FESTIVAL

Film lovers and filmmakers will converge in Southwest Florida the last weekend in October to celebrate the art of film at the sixteenth annual Naples International Film Festival, which showcases a curated program of domestic and international narratives, documentaries, and short works. Opening night is October 24 at the Kimberly K. Querrey and Louis A. Simpson Cultural Campus at Artis—Naples. Competition films will be screened throughout the weekend at a partner theater in Naples, as well as under the stars in the Norris Gardens. View Tim Burton’s iconic Batman (1989) movie in concert on closing night, October 27, at Hayes Hall. (artisnaples.org) –G.S.

2

PICKS

IT’S AN ALIEN INVASION AT FARMER MIKE’S HAUNTED CORN MAZE ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHTS THROUGH OCTOBER. VISIT THE BONITA SPRINGS LOCATION AND PREPARE TO BE VERY SCARED AS YOU MEANDER THROUGH ACRES OF CORN STALKS IN THE DARK OF THE NIGHT. THE HAUNTED MAZE IS PART OF THE TENTH ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL THAT INCLUDES HAYRIDES, A PUMPKIN PATCH, FOOD, AND FUN. (FARMERMIKES UPICK.COM)

THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIG CYPRESS NATIONAL PRESERVE IS OCTOBER 19. SWAMP CELEBRATION 2024 INCLUDES A MEET AND GREET WITH CLYDE AND NIKI BUTCHER AND WALKING TOURS OF THE ECOSYSTEM. ORGANIZED BY THE ALLIANCE FOR FLORIDA’S NATIONAL PARKS, THE EVENT WILL BENEFIT THE SWAMP WATER AND ME PROGRAM FOR SIXTH GRADERS IN COLLIER COUNTY. (PARADISECOAST.COM) G.S.

Supercars and Espresso, sports car enthusiasts come together to share their passion for exotic cars, Lamborghini Naples, free, reservations required. (lamborghininaples.com)

15 Onslow and Farrenc, Naples Philharmonic Sypert Salon Series, Daniels Pavilion, Artis—Naples, also Oct. 20, $324 for a series of six. (artisnaples.org)

16 All That Jazz, with John Allred on trombone, Daniels Pavilion, Artis—Naples, $392 for a series of eight. (arisnaples.org)

Almost, Maine, The Naples Players, Price Studio Theater, Naples, to Nov. 10, tickets start at $50. (naplesplayers.org)

17 Brass Transit, The Musical Legacy of Chicago, Hayes Hall, Artis—Naples, tickets start at $59. (artisnaples.org)

Corkscrew Family Night Tour, experience the swamp after dark, Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, youth must be accompanied by an adult, $30. (corkscrew.audubon.org)

19 Aqua Ball, Florida Drowning Prevention Foundation’s evening fundraiser, Vineyards Country Club, Naples, $125. (fldpf.com)

Artist Talk, Becky Suss discusses her paintings inspired by Ann Patchett’s 2019 novel, The Dutch House, Ubben Signature Event Space, The Baker Museum, Artis—Naples, $30, includes museum admission. (artisnaples.org)

THESE EVENT DETAILS ARE CURRENT AS OF PRESS TIME, BUT PLEASE CONTACT THE VENUE OR PRESENTER FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION.

Enjoy the Halloween happenings in our area this month.

SCENE

Essentials of Digital Photography Workshop, Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, Naples, $55. (rookerybay.org)

Meet the Artist, join artist Ran Adler to explore and ask questions about his installation, Kapnick Hall, Naples Botanical Garden, included with regular admission. (naplesgarden.org)

Swamp Celebration 2024, meet and greet with Clyde and Niki Butcher on the fiftieth anniversary of the Big Cypress National Preserve, Clyde Butcher Gallery, Ochopee, $15. (paradisecoast.com)

21 Sunset Stroll, Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples, ages 12 to 16 must be accompanied by an adult, $40. (corkscrew.audubon.org)

23 Ryan Goodcase, Off the Hook Comedy Club, Naples, tickets start at $25. (offthehookcomedy.com)

24 Naples International Film Festival, the annual regional film festival returns, Artis—Naples, to Oct. 27, call 239-597-1900 for ticket prices. (artis naples.org)

25 Stone Crab Festival, an annual Naples weekend tradition celebrating the stone crab, to Oct. 27, free. (stonecrabfestival.com)

26 Halloween Spooktacular, a costume contest, games, music, dancing, and more in celebration of Halloween, Cambier Park, Naples, free. (fifthavenuesouth.com)

Connecting Color WITH SOUND

Music is the inspiration for Karen Gozzo Nolan’s art. Labeled an abstract expressionist, Nolan describes her paintings as emotionally vibrant and her creative process as private, exhilarating, and exhausting. First, she selects music for each piece, allowing the emotion of the music to dictate the palette. Her work is currently on display at the Visual Arts Center, Arts Bonita , in an exhibition entitled “Symphony of Color: The Art of Karen Gozzo Nolan, ” to October 24. (artsbonita.org) –G.S.

27 Anything Goes, Moran Mainstage, Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples, to Nov. 24, tickets start at $39. (gulfshoreplayhouse.com)

Batman (1989) in Concert, the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra performs the score to the movie, Hayes Hall, Artis—Naples, tickets start at $38. (artisnaples.org)

28 Fairways to the Future, Youth Haven’s annual golf tournament and reception, Grey Oaks Country Club, Naples, $600 per player, $2,500 per foursome. (youthhavenswfl.org)

30 Art After Hours, an evening of fun and entertainment for all ages, The Baker Museum, Artis— Naples, free. (artisnaples.org)

VISUAL ARTS & GALLERIES

Arts Bonita. “Black and White Exhibition 2024,” artwork from all media emphasizing texture, line, and composition in the Main Gallery, Visual Arts Center, to Oct. 24; “Symphony of Color: The Art of Karen Gozzo Nolan,” Tranovich Gallery, Visual Arts Center, to Oct. 24. (artsbonita.org)

The Baker Museum at Artis—Naples.  “As We Rise: Photography from the Black Atlantic, Se-

lections from the Wedge Collection” and “Deep Cuts from the Ahmet Ertegün Collection,” both to Oct. 13; “Becky Suss: The Dutch House,” to Jan. 5; “Alex Katz: Theater and Dance,” to Feb. 2; “Florida Contemporary 2024-25,” to June 29. (artis naples.org)

East West Fine Art, Naples. “O Sole Mio,” exhibit of sunny Italian motifs by three impressionists: Svetlana Kukueva, Mikhail Shapovalenko, and Natalia Litosova, to Oct. 15. (eastwestfineart.com)

Marco Island Historical Museum. “Key Marco Cat Smithsonian Exhibition,” through April 2026. (themihs.org)

Naples Airport. “Skyview,” two-dimensional works by Dario Campanile examining that which is upwards, general terminal, to Nov. 1. (unitedartscollier.org)

Naples Botanical Garden. “Internalizing the External: A New Perspective on Nature,” assemblages by Ran Adler, Kapnick Hall and Fogg Café, to Oct. 27. (naplesgarden.org)

Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center Art Gallery, Naples. “United Nation’s Ocean Decade Art Exhibit” raises awareness of the importance of the ocean, to Oct. 31. (rookerybay.org)

Paintings on display at the Visual Arts Center, Arts Bonita, include Control-Zoe Wees (left) and Prism (above), both by abstract expressionist Karen Gozzo Nolan.

COURTESY

LAST WORD

How did you launch your brand?

I launched my brand while I was an art history student at Georgetown studying abroad in Paris my junior year. I was taking art history classes at La Sorbonne, absorbing the beauty and inspiration of the city, and began working with a goldsmith near Place Vendôme. I had a chance meeting with the head of fine jewelry for Chanel who connected me with an atelier, and I began casting my first jewelry pieces. Nearly 20 years later, Asha (a nickname my Cuban grandparents gave me) has become a niche lifestyle brand featuring fine and fashion jewelry, handbags, and resort wear.

Where do you find inspiration?

Travel, art, and culture. I’m inspired by the classics with a fresh take.

Dream job if you weren’t designing fashion and jewelry?

I love the world of interiors, textiles, and architecture, so maybe I would design spaces. I also love the art of storytelling, so making films would be a dream.

Favorite travel destination?

Paris, St. Barths, and Marrakech— couldn’t choose one. I’m a Francophile at heart.

REAL TALK WITH...

Ashley McCormick

The woman behind Asha by Ashley McCormick reflects on life, design, and more

BY KATHERINE LANDE

What’s a personal cause you’re passionate about?

I’m passionate about inspiring young women to follow their own passions and carve out careers that inspire and create independence. I’ve partnered with my alma mater, Greenwich Academy, to create an internship program with high schoolers and grads, and I have also donated to several organizations like Dress for Success. The Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich and the Alzheimer’s Association are also near to my heart.

The Asha by Ashley McCormick brand includes jewelry, resort wear, and more.

JOSE M. HORAK, DMD

PATRICK J. CARRIGAN, DMD

KURTIS P. HUSSEY, DMD

KATIE N. RODRIGUEZ, DMD, MS

EDWARD A. SCHERDER, DMD, JD

ROBERT C. HEDGEPATH, DMD