Naples, Florida

[KellyD]

DH and I are leaving on Saturday for a week in Naples (mandatory week long shut down at Compaq...). I have visited family there in the past, and it is gorgeous and quaint, but we've never really explored much. Anyone out there have any recommendations???

[Leanne]

I go there all the time - my folks go there for the winter. I always just sit back & relax on the gorgeous beaches. Naples is definitely my break away from the rest of the world.

Old naples has cute shopping & antiquing. Then there's things like the zoo or gardens - I don't remember the names, it's been 20 years since I did those things, but there are billboards up for them. Golf is pretty prominent too if you like to play.

My main activity is sitting on the beach & walking to the closest place to get a drink/meal on the beach at sunset. Sailing is usually nice too.

There are concerts and plays, but you're going in the off-season, so they probably will not be going on.

If you have any specific questions, I may be able to guide you better.

[Laura]

I have only been there 2x but both times went to Captiva and loved it. I was there off season so it wasn't terribly crowded. Of course I went to the Bubble Room and ate way too much of their bread as we waited 2 hours for dinner. The bread was better than the dinner but we had lots of fun.

[KellyD]

I've heard alot about the Bubble Room - but don't want to drive up there. Any other dining recommendations? Sunday brunch??

[Leanne]

OK - let's see if I can remember some names. We always do brunch at a place called First Watch (casual, but decent food, in a mall-like area - it's a regular spot for my mom). Two really good dinner places (very fancy) are Maximo's & Margaux's - YUM. I HIGHLY recommend Margaux's for a nice night out. Cork's has good steak on 5th Ave - my step dad recommended this - I haven't been. Kelly's fish house is good for seafood - not super fancy. Other less fancy places are along 5th Ave - so many are really good. Check them out while you shop down there one day.

HB's Sunset Grill at the Naples Beach Hotel is good & casual for the most part. It overlooks the ocean. There's also super-casual outdoor dining at the Beach Hotel.

I would bet that the Ritz has some pretty fabulous dining overlooking the ocean - I have not been, however.

Most things that I recommended are all in our area - very near or in Old Naples. We also do alot of dining at the club we belong to, or ones that our friends belong to - so that's where we do the big, nice Sunday brunches. That's where I would call the Ritz if I were you.



[This message has been edited by Leanne (edited 06-25-2001).]

[carolynne]

My husband I were just there for business in February and had a blast on the airboat tour. the water was a bit low but it was great. I would highly recommend it. We went to Joe's Crabshack and the food was pretty good for being a chain. Enjoy the trip.

[Julie O]

Ooooh..I am so jealous. My husband & I stayed at the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Resort (don't know if that's exactly the name). Loved all of the food there. Huge Sunday brunch. One of the best buffet-style brunches I've been to. Great sunset view at some of their restaurants. Have lots of fun & take plenty of Ziploc bags for your shells.

[Leanne]

Originally posted by Julie O:
Ooooh..I am so jealous. My husband & I stayed at the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Resort.

That's where my DH & I had our wedding recetion & rehearsal dinner. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[ABB]

I'm so glad to see all this. It is possible that my DH and I will be moving there and I have been wondering what it is like. Of course, how bad can any place in FL be?

[djoygirl]

KellyD, my DH and I are planning a trip to the Naples area for our 5th anniv. in August. Please update us when you get back. I would love any tips on hotels and restaurants, too. Have a wonderful time!

[KellyD]

ABB - Naples is a really beautiful little town - but it is also a typical "snowbird" destination. During the season (winter) it is full of part timers, and then the rest of the year it's a pretty sleepy town. I've spent a lot of time there through the years because my grandparents have wintered there for years. I'm looking forward to seeing what it's like off-season. So we'll let you know!

djoygirl - I'll post the scoop when we get back!