Explore the History of Otter Mound
A day trip with everlasting memories awaits at the Otter Mound Preserve on Marco Island. A short drive from Park Shore, the small community of Goodland is home to a 40-acre shell mound believed to be made by the Calusa Indians.
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.
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Cheer on the Racers at the Great Dock Canoe Race
Take to the waters at the 42nd Great Dock Canoe Race, May 12. In the years since its humble start in the spring of 1977, the Crayton Cove race has become a community tradition and one of Naples most popular events.
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.
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Cheer on the Racers at the Great Dock Canoe Race
Take to the waters at the 42nd Great Dock Canoe Race, May 12. In the years since its humble start in the spring of 1977, the Crayton Cove race has become a community tradition and one of Naples most popular events.
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.
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Join In On the Foodie Fun at the Taste of Marco
Spring is in full bloom here in southwest Florida and there’s no better way to experience life on Marco Island than spending your Sunday at the 28th Annual Taste of Marco
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
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Your Adventurous Ride Through the Everglades
A few minutes from our Naples property is a gateway to experience the Everglades like never before. Join a boat tour for an up-close, behind-the-scenes right through the backwaters of the Gulf.
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.
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Your Adventurous Ride Through the Everglades
A few minutes from our Naples property is a gateway to experience the Everglades like never before. Join a boat tour for an up-close, behind-the-scenes right through the backwaters of the Gulf.
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.
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Restaurants for a Romantic Date Night
Heading out for a date night? From intimate settings to impeccable entrees, these dining hotspots will make your evening out unforgettable.
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
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
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
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Lover's Key: A Hidden Gem State Park Perfect for You and Yours
Love always comes to mind at Lover’s Key State Park, making it the picture-perfect day destination for you and yours. For many years, this hidden island gem was accessible only by boat, and the story goes that only those in love traveled there to enjoy each other’s company at the secluded beach.
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.
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Lover's Key: A Hidden Gem State Park Perfect for You and Yours
Love always comes to mind at Lover’s Key State Park, making it the picture-perfect day destination for you and yours. For many years, this hidden island gem was accessible only by boat, and the story goes that only those in love traveled there to enjoy each other’s company at the secluded beach.
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.
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Make the Most of the Naples Zoo
The Naples Zoo is an exciting day trip away that's filled with amazing wildlife and a unique history. In the early 1900’s, the grounds were an expansive botanical garden for botanist Dr. Henry Nehrling. And shortly after his death, the gardens were rejuvenated and animals were added to create a zoo unlike any other.
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.
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