Blog Staff Picks

Likely once the village area for the Calusa Indians, the shell mound created a tropical hardwood hammock over time—be sure to look up at the canopy of tall trees above. And due to fast development in the area, Otter Mound is one of the few remaining tropical hammocks in South Florida. You can feel the history of the site as you wind through the nature preserve’s tropical trails, or even as you soak up your surroundings on one of the many benches that dot the path along the way. However you like to take in nature, it’s impossible to ignore the beauty of Otter Mound.

Head down to the beautiful Fifth Avenue South on March 21-22 and join thousands of locals as they soak up the sun just blocks from the beach and shop the booths of over 250 artists. Creatives from all over the country set up their shops in varying mediums from digital art to leatherwork—and some even take commissions if you’re feeling inspired to have a custom piece created just for you. Ranked as one of the top art shows in the country, the Naples Downtown Art show also offers up live music, great food and drinks, and a Kids Zone if you’ve got the family in tow. With a gorgeous backdrop and beautiful pieces to inspire, it’s hard to leave without picking up at least one piece to take home.

Happening the weekend of February 7-9, this three-day event is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its amazing food, performances, and spirit. Taking place at the St. Katherine Greek Orthodox in Naples, the fest is ideal for everyone in the family and will have dancers, music performers, artists, and more to give you a sneak peek into the vibrant and beautiful world of Greek culture. Friday and Saturday the festival will be open from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. and on Sunday, from noon to 7 p.m., making it a great choice no matter if you have the whole day or an hour to enjoy the festivities.

On January 4 and 5, enjoy the warm, Florida sunshine and an opportunity to immerse yourself in the community’s lively art scene at this fun two-day event. Each year, over 250 artists from around the country come together on the prestigious Fifth Avenue South to dazzle, demonstrate, and educate crowds on their creative talents. Visitors can enjoy meeting with artists firsthand, discovering new art mediums, and even purchasing a few favorite pieces. Along with the fabulous collection of artworks at your fingertips, you’ll also enjoy great music, food, libations, and a fun Kid’s Zone for those traveling with little ones. Whether you are an artist yourself or someone with a great appreciation for art, you will love this event and walk away with an even greater love for the arts.

On Saturday, December 14, we’ll take our holiday festivities straight to the water for the annual Naples Christmas Boat Parade. From 6-8:30 p.m. you’ll want to head down to one of the many viewing points to get a front-row seat for this exciting annual event. Boats decked out with colorful lights and Christmas-themed decorations will make their day down around the Naples City dock and landings, making for a beautiful display of the holiday spirit. With the water reflecting the shimmering lights, visitors are in for a truly special treat. You can see the parade from a number of spots, including Naples City Dock, Pinchers Tin City, Riverwalk Restaurant, Naples Landing, Kelly’s Fish House, The Boat House on Naples Bay, and Bayview Park. Don’t miss out on this fun, festive Naples tradition!

Gather your group for a fun afternoon of gourmet bites, fine wines, craft beers and savory spirits to sample. Whether you’re a foodie, chef, or simply along for the ride, you’ll love this event-filled day highlighting the very best of America’s culinary scene, all through a unique Southwest Floridian perspective. With a plethora of tastings, exciting cooking demos, and even an appearance from celebrity guest Martha Stewart, there’s truly something for everyone to dig into! Enjoy this tasty festival with friends or family, and make the rounds as you explore some of the region’s best restauranteurs, sommeliers, and more. This event is 21 and up and goes from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, November 23.

Back in its tenth year, this community tradition will celebrate all weekend long with good drinks, swoon-worthy views, and (of course) unbeatable eats from Friday, October 25 to Sunday, October 27. Situated along the idyllic Naples waterfront, the festival is a true celebration of all things Naples. Check out the live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, and even take advantage of the discounted cruises aboard the Naples Princess! No matter how you like to have fun, you can find it here at this lively fest attended by both visitors and locals alike. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, this is a can’t-miss event in Naples!

If you don’t want to miss out on spectacular water views while you shop, you’ll find the backdrop of The Village On Venetian Bay simply perfect. The shopping destination has more than 45 waterfront restaurants and stores to explore, creating an idyllic luxury experience no matter what time of day you visit. This is especially true on September 28, when from 5-7 p.m. you can join in on the special evening of “Wine Around the Water.” With your ticket, benefitting SNIP Collier, you can sample over 20 wines from The Village’s participating stores and receive a wine glass, shop passport, and exclusive discount card to some of the restaurants. Once back on land, continue the fun with a stop into the art galleries, boutiques, and cool eateries calling your name!

This exciting avenue hosts weekly events to gather locals and visitors alike to meet, mingle, and enjoy new local happenings. Join in on the family-friendly fun every Thursday of the month, year-round from 6 to 9 p.m. when a portion of Third Street—from courtyards to plazas—will come alive with entertainment, live music, food tastings, and more to capture a slice of life here in Naples. Keep an eye on the calendar for special events and activities throughout the year, like wine tastings, garden tours, and art exhibitions! Here, there’s never a dull moment and it’s impossible not to feel the electric and inviting atmosphere that makes Third Street South one of our favorite places to explore in Naples.

Of course, it all starts with our exciting annual Independence Day parade and wraps with a thrilling, colorful firework show. In between then? You and your family won’t want to miss out on the Red, White and Bloom at the Naples Botanical Garden. If you come dressed in your best patriotic attire, you’ll receive five dollars off the Garden’s admission. This yearly event is looked forward to by visitors and the Naples community as a whole. As you step in, you’ll immediately be swept away by the astounding beauty of the botanical garden’s flowers, plants, and foliage. Enjoy getting lost through the winding paths, and look out for fun patriotic-themed additions during your visit. Happy Fourth!

Here, everyone can be a kid once more and uncover the thrilling discoveries this fun-filled museum has to offer. Make your way through each hands-on, interactive exhibit (new ones are coming in all of the time!), and watch as your kids are mesmerized with each activity. Be sure to check out the farm and grocery store, where kids can push carts, sort produce, and run a cash register—it’s a huge hit! Around every corner are a new detail and fun activity waiting to be discovered. For the older kids, check out the upstairs space with air hockey, checkers, and so much more. The Children’s Museum is a great visit on its own, but especially when you need a mini-break from the sun and sand.

This year’s theme is ‘Heroes and Villains,’ so get there early to stake out a spot to catch the creative and colorful costumes and headgear from the contestants. Join others from all over the country who come to participate in the race or cheer on the contestants from the dock. After the race, enjoy the theme parade and the award show with awards like Ambitious Amateurs, Truly Tenacious, and Tippycanoe VIP Sprint Winners. Whether this is your first time at the race or your 43rd, the Great Dock Canoe Race is a community get together that’s a simple must for an authentic Naples experience.

On Sunday, April 28 between 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. head on down to Marco Island’s Esplanade for a day of fun, friends, and seriously amazing food. The festival is a popular community event that attracts locals and visitors and brings the best of the best of the region’s restaurants, eateries, food trucks and everything in between for you to dig in to. To work off the calories, join in on the good vibes on the dance floor with live music from the Ben Allen Band going on all throughout the afternoon. Other exciting activities include raffles and wine auctions, food and beverage awards, kids games, and much more. Bring the family or join your friends for this perfect afternoon out on the beautiful Marco Island!

Every year, the celebratory parade takes to Downtown to march down Fifth Avenue South for an afternoon of excitement in honor of the Irish-inspired holiday. Saturday, March 16, find the perfect viewing spot on Fifth Avenue South before the parade begins at 11 a.m.—you’ll cheer on the colorful floats, enjoy the performers, and love waving to the groups marching along the parade route of this 40-year community tradition. The festivities attract over 40,000 people to the downtown area and raises money for local educational programs. Afterward, you and your family can pop into the many boutiques, galleries, and eateries that will have their doors open. It’s always a good time on Fifth Avenue South, but St. Patrick’s Day ensures that the popular street’s celebrations last all day long!

Close to our property is a gateway to a romantic escape as you cruise the calming waters of Naples Bay and Port Royal. Time your voyage right and you and your loved one can take in the beautiful sunset to put a dreamy touch on your lovely evening. After the sun has set and the candles have been lit, head indoors for a delicious gourmet dinner with fresh selections of seafood and land-fare, cooked to perfection. The live musical entertainment will help set the mood while you savor the dinner—just don’t forget to save room for dessert! Though you won’t go farther than the Naples area, an evening aboard the Naples Princess is like taking a journey around the world.

Returning this year on January 5 and 6, the Naples New Year’s Art Show is a vibrant celebration of the artistic community here in Naples. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days, explore and shop your way through 5th Avenue South’s most creative vendors. The Art Show offers a refreshing chance to walk off those holiday calories and mingle with the show’s 250 professional artists from all over the nation. Whether you’re an artist yourself or simply an admirer, you’ll love looking over the incredible offerings—from acrylics and watercolors to mixed media and leather, all mediums are welcome! Recently ranked the 17th best outdoor art show in the country at Sunshine Artist Magazine, you won’t want to miss this colorful celebration of the arts!

 The popular event will light up the water with colorful and Christmas-themed light displays on participants’ boats as they cruise around the Naples City dock and landings. With the water reflecting the beautiful lights, viewers are in for a special treat with memories to last through the next year. Every year the boat displays become more and more elaborate, working to claim most colorful boat decorations. One thing is for sure, the annual Boat Parade is a community-driven event that shows visitors how locals celebrate the holiday season here in Naples. With the ones you love and a beautiful display of boats, you wouldn’t want anything more!

Full of twinkling string lights and colorful decorations, Third Street South lights up with the merry Holiday magic of the season. Everywhere you turn, soak up the festive music and bells that liven up every store and courtyard on the Third Street. Didn’t think it snowed in south Florida? Think again. Thanksgiving week watch snow fall Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday evening at 7 p.m. The spirit of the season is infectious, and whether you stay for all the celebrations or simply walk through, you won’t be able to ignore the holiday cheer around every corner. It’s always an amazing time to visit Third Street South thanks to the great dining, shopping, and entertainment scene. But Christmas on Third Street South is its own fantastic celebration—we hope to see you there!

Film lovers and artists can connect over a weekend of thought-provoking cinematic wonder with more than 60 screenings over the course of the four-day event. Catch exclusive screenings and listen in on conversations with the team behind the films to get the inside look into what it takes to create and produce a film. The International Film Festival gets better year after year, presenting a thoughtfully curated weekend with a mix of domestic and international films that cover a wide range of mediums. From short films to documentaries, the festival is a refreshing collection of films that encourages the viewers to question and discuss the concepts. A true place for film lovers, the Naples film festival is a must-see during the month of October.

A refined mix of elegance and comfort, 5th Avenue South stands as the meeting ground for friends and family to reconnect since its very beginnings. Admire the historic architecture and colorful storefronts as you stroll down the long stretch of paradise—from Tamiami Trail to the Gulf of Mexico in Old Naples! Here you’ll find sophisticated boutiques to shop to your heart's content, covering everything from home décor to fashion to art galleries. Afterward, or in between (since we all have to refuel at some point!), enjoy refined dining selections perfect for everyone in the family. No matter your plans, a day on 5th Avenue South is the ideal day for both visitors and locals to uncover what Naples is all about.

Where we’re headed? Right to the Naples Botanical Garden. In addition to 170 acres of cool gardens featuring tropic and subtropic plants, the botanical garden is home to a number of events throughout the summer. In the month of August, you can catch a part of their music series in the Water Garden. On August 11, Kelly & Mason duo will take the Water Garden Stage with a fun mix of soulful classics and pop songs. And on August 25, catch Roy Schneider & Kim Mayfield for a sweet and soulful blend of folk and rock music. Each show goes from noon to 2 p.m.—don’t forget to bring your own seating!

In the morning, join locals and visitors alike at the City of Naples July 4th Parade. Taking off at Broad Avenue to Third Street, then proceeding north to Fifth Avenue, the parade is an upbeat march with music and performers that reflect the close-knit community of Naples. Local restaurants will be decked out with their best red, white and blue gear and at night, get ready for an exciting fireworks display. Every year, bright and colorful fireworks of all varieties explode into the night sky 1000 feet out from the Naples Pier. No matter where you spent your USA day, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better way to wrap up the memorable holiday.

People travel from all over the country to join in on the fun, whether that’s participating in the race or watching it all go down from the dock. This year’s theme of “Reel or FantaSea” will have contestants thinking outside of the box to create fun, colorful costumes and headgear for the showdown and the theme parade. From experts to first-timers, the event awards racers across all categories including Practically Professional, Ambitious Amateurs, and Truly Tenacious. And whether this is your first time at the race or a family tradition, it’s impossible not to connect with the strong sense of community and joy that this event evokes in all of Naples.

Held on April 8, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., the Esplanade will come to life with the island’s top restaurants and chefs, live music from Marc Kircher and the Greg Miller Band, and bubbling atmosphere. Kickback with cool drinks including beer and wine, and dig into flavorful dishes prepared by the area’s very best. Awards will be handed out, like the popular People’s Choice award, Best Theme, and more. This community event has been a favorite for years and all proceeds benefit the Marco YMCA Scholarship Fund. Take part in activities including kids games, giveaways, raffle prizes, and live entertainment to make your trip to Marco Island one-of-a-kind.

Individual tickets: $8, Children under 12: Free. Food, drink, and game tickets: $1 increments

If you’re looking for an exhilarating, informational activity fit for the whole family, Everglades Excursions might be the perfect solution. Cruising through the exciting Ten Thousand Islands, you’ll wind through mangrove tunnels and old Native American trails, spot alligators and manatees, and take in the serene, natural beauty of the area. Choose from a half day or full day tour—which includes an Everglades luncheon—depending on your schedule, and walk away with a ton of information and a deeper understanding of this unique eco-system. Every tour is led by a knowledgeable, park-trained guide who’ll ensure you see all the wildlife you can and leave with an experience you’ll look back on for years.

M Waterfront Grille

Modern, refined, innovative…these are just a few words to describe this upscale surf ‘n’ turf waterfront restaurant. With fresh seafood, steaks, and pastas made in-house, M Waterfront sets the bar high with a tasty menu and an unbeatable view of Venetian Bay.
4300 Gulf Shore Blvd, 239-263-4421

USS Nemo

This award-winning restaurant’s underwater-like atmosphere will provide an impressive ambience to the expertly-crafted seafood dishes. Enjoy local favorites like miso-broiled sea bass, prime tuna, and seared scallops.
3745 Tamiami Trail N, 239-261-6366

The French

If anyone knows a thing or two about crafting a romantic dinner, it’s The French. Dig into country and coastal items like Coq Au Vin and Poisson du Marché while taking in the charming Parisian décor.
365 5 Avenue South, 239-315-4019

It still remains the ideal secret getaway, but now it’s fortunately a whole lot easier to get there (thank you boardwalk and tram)! As one of four barrier islands, Lover’s Key is a tranquil home to shimmering waters, marine life like manatees and dolphins, and soft sand that seems to go on forever. Can’t get enough of the water? We don’t blame you. The two of you can also rent canoes and paddle boards, or set up a kayak tour to explore the marine wildlife. With over 700-acres, there’s always a place for lovebirds at Lover’s Key.

With a main path that wraps through tropical gardens, it’s easy to feel lost in paradise in this local favorite. Spot all kinds of endangered and protected animals in spacious enclosures such as American alligators at Alligator Bay, both black and spotted leopards at Leopard Rock, Malayan tigers in Tiger Forest, and many more. Plus, the Primate Expedition Cruise provides a close-up view of the primate exhibit while cruising along Lake Victoria in a catamaran. With so many incredible species to see, there's no better place to admire their beauty than at the Naples Zoo.