For a Carefree and Quiet getaway, Go To Naples
by Christina Tourigny
Early mornings, the beach appears as it did a half century ago with
its electric blue water and wind-sculpted dunes. There are no
footprints, except the tiny trail left by a sandpiper. Walk down the
Naples Pier and view the beach from above the Gulf of Mexico. It's a
resting spot for pelicans and snowy white egrets just waiting for a
friendly fisherman's handout. Occasionally there's even dolphins
frolicking offshore.
This southwestern stretch of Florida features miles of powder soft
sand inviting visitors to dig for seashells or lazily lie about and
work on their tan. The wind whisks them off on Hobie cats and wind
surfers. Maybe try a cruise to Key West aboard a 92-foot catamaran or
hitch a ride aboard an air boat and skim along the water of the
Everglades.
Beach front accommodations range from moderate to upscale five-star
resorts, including the Ritz Carlton and the Registry Resort, which
sits on 19.2 acres of beach. Special occasions packages and
alternative daytime expeditions into wildlife sanctuaries, such as
Corkscrew Swamp, are available.
On the northern end of Naples lies the Caribbean-style Vanderbilt Inn
on the Gulf. Budget-minded pairs find moderate, yet cozy quarters at
The Olde Naples Inn. Just four short blocks from the beach, area
shops, galleries and bistros of Old Naples.
Honeymooners can get discounted rates for a three-night stay. It
includes a Continental breakfast in bed, dinner for two and a sunset
sail. Inland, a Naples Trolley shows the city's highlights and offers
some of the best stores in Florida. Shopping here is considered an art
form. The Avenues, Third Street and Fifth Avenue are on par with Rodeo
Drive. The Mediterranean-styled Village at Venetian Bay overlooks the
bay. Boutiques line the avenues.
Tin City is a renovated section of Old Naples with a collection of
stores and gift shops offering patrons everything from anklets to toy
zebras. For collectors and those fond of stuffed animals, a "beary"
special place to visit is the Teddy Bear Museum. On display there is a
replica of the Three Bears' house and much more.
Evening pursuits are a bit laid back in Naples. The best time to be
had is the dinner cruise on the Naples Princess. Others test
their luck at the tables in Fort Myers on the Europa FunKruz.
You may just want to share a private moment along the beach while
wandering over to the Soleil Bar's sunset celebration at the La Playa
Beach Resort.
Visitors and locals alike are always hoping to catch a glimpse of the
famous "green flash" as the sun disappears. Naples lures visitors to
miles of beaches, warm rays and a carefree lifestyle. Two things you
won't find here are fast food chains and tacky T-shirts shops. It's a
place that tolerates change but not at the expense of nature.
