What better place to go during the frigid DC winter months then Naples, Florida and the Southwest Florida coast? The beauty of Naples is beachside living with a small town vibe. While Naples is usually known for its plentiful golf and beaches, there are many other aspects to Naples that give it such a charm.
For our next #TravelWithCompass piece, we chatted with our friend Denny Bowers, a fellow Compass agent working and living in Naples and Bonita Springs, Florida to get the lowdown on all things Naples, including where to eat, stay, and visit.
Where do you typically recommend visitors stay when they visit Naples?
Denny: Below are some great options with lots of variety!
Naples Beach Hotel – The Naples Beach Hotel is an iconic and long standing place to stay and relax. Here you can enjoy one of the only bars on the beach in Naples, however it will be torn down in 2021 and a new Four Seasons Residence will be constructed, so get your stay in while you can.
Another option is the Inn on Fifth situated right in the middle of downtown 5th Ave. From here you can walk anywhere and everywhere – shops, restaurants and
For the Ritz Carlton, we have two different Ritz properties with reciprocity between the two with the Golf course (Tiburon) or the Beach Resort.
What are some of the can’t miss restaurants or dining experiences in Naples?
Denny: One spot is the USS NEMO. It’s small, quaint and delicious. Be sure to get the sea bass and thank me later! Another is The Bevy, located just off 3rd Street in Naples. It’s a great spot to eat, sip, and socialize at the craft cocktail bar. Another great spot by the water is Celebration Park. Celebration Park is a newly opened food truck park with a full bar and outdoor venue. Here you can come by boat or car and enjoy some of the best food trucks in Naples.
What are some of the iconic spots to check out in Naples?
Denny: The Naples Pier, extending 1/2 mile into the Gulf of Mexico it is the most visited attraction in Naples and the best place to catch a sunset. Another great spot is the recently rebuilt City Dock. Grab a fishing charter or just enjoy the scenery of all the yachts in the bay.
What are some of the iconic spots to check out in Naples?
Denny: The Naples Pier, extending 1/2 mile into the Gulf of Mexico it is the most visited attraction in Naples and the best place to catch a sunset. Another great spot is the recently rebuilt City Dock. Grab a fishing charter or just enjoy the scenery of all the yachts in the bay.
Tell us more about some of the activities you think people should do or check out when visiting?
Denny: For arts and culture, definitely check out the Naples Botanical Garden, 170 acre sanctuary is our own “secret garden.” Another spot is Artis Naples, the leading performance arts destination of Naples that also has a separate art gallery.
If you’re into boating and fishing, backwater fishing for snook, trout and redfish is at an all time high. Hit 10,000 islands and enjoy the bite! Offshore wreck fishing for snapper and grouper is also fun as well. There’s also the party boat options on pleasure cruises out to Keewaydin Island, favorite hotspot for locals.
Lastly if you have kids in tow, go explore the Naples Zoo, a great place to go nestled just out of downtown. You can also head over to Baker Park, Naples’ newest park was crafted for the whole family with a dog park, playgrounds, greenway boardwalk for running and biking, kayak launch and more. There’s also Golisano Children’s Museum and Fun and Sun Lagoon in North Naples. The museum plus its water park are fun for all ages.
Do you have any listings you want to tell us about?
Yes!
4051 Gulf Shore Boulevard North, Unit 1101
This La Mer condo was stripped to the concrete in 2017 & completely updated & ready for you and your family. The custom renovation included a reimagined floor plan, transforming the space to a 3 bedroom 3-bathroom condo. Complete with new electrical, plumbing, air conditioning system, water heater, and impact sliders and windows to maximize views and protect your finishes. Luxury finishes abound with an under-lit Quartzite kitchen island, hardwood flooring, Jenn-Air kitchen appliances, Miele coffee maker & built-in bar area with wine cooler and refrigerator drawers. Enjoy all that Naples has to offer without the hassle of renovating. La Mer offers updated amenities including a huge beachfront pool and spa, gas barbecue grills, pergola and firepit. Just a few steps away you can enjoy the Park Shore Beach promenade walk and the upscale shopping and dining at Venetian Village.
Oakes Estates is one of the only areas left in town where there are no restrictions and lots of land to live on. The inside is just as stunning as the outside, it’s big, bright and beautiful. Voluminous ceilings, with wrap around windows, and accented wooden beams make for a captivating first impression. Open kitchen with a huge island has plenty of room for everyone to gather around. Upgraded appliances, gas stove, open/closed shelving, breakfast nook, farm style sink, subway tiled wall, and drop-down pendant lighting. All rooms have XL baseboards. Master has picture windows with a great view. Master bath is complete with a walk-in shower, stand alone tub, dual sinks, private toilet area, and huge WIC. There is a working fireplace, barn style sliding doors, built-in shelving unit, and impact windows/sliders throughout. Detached 2+ garage is spacious. It easily handles 2- SUV’s, has storage, and plenty of space to walk around.
