Naples, Fla.(2008) - If you haven't visited the greater Naples, Florida area lately, there might be some surprises in store. From a dynamic downtown cafe scene along Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South to sightseeing via yachts, small boats and Segways, along with nearby Everglades exploration, there are plenty of appealing activity choices to round out your hours of sun-soaked beach and pool time.
To quote writer Meghan McEwen from The New York Times February 3, 2006 Escapes section, "This city - named after the one in Italy because of its beautiful bay - is most widely known for its sugar-sand beaches, warm winter weather and gated communities that attract, older, well-off snowbirds who live to golf but go to bed early. 'But now Naples is starting to draw a younger, more dynamic crowd attracted to outdoorsy pursuits off the course, high-end shopping and late-night noshing - all in a laid-back, upscale setting with enough cultural interest to support more than 130 art galleries and a symphony orchestra."
Whether you stay in Naples, on the crescent shaped beach at Marco Island or in nearby Everglades City, there is a wide range of accommodation choices from full service resorts complete with spas and golf to charming boutique inns.
Several of Naples' best known resorts each present newly revitalized environments for guests. The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, renovated for its recent 20th anniversary, offers new guestroom decor and plenty of special packages to enhance a visit to Naples, along with the state-of-the-art Natures Wonders children's program. Naples Grande Beach Resort, formerly The Registry Resort & Club, and its sister property the Edgewater Beach Hotel, have new contemporary looks in their lobbies and restaurants, as well as new room decor. The first Golden Door spa on the US east coast opened in 2007 at Naples Grande. The Inn on Fifth has added The Spa on Fifth, with an elegant Feng Shui design and philosophy. Bellasera Hotel recently opened Verde, their completely organic spa.
Visitors are joining the locals in discovering that saltwater fishing is excellent during spring, summer and fall months. There are many half and full day fishing charters available, and the expert assistance of a guide is a great way for visitors to experience an action filled day of angling. You can focus either on the beautiful backcountry mangrove estuaries filled with redfish, snook and tarpon, or head out for deeper waters in the Gulf of Mexico where you'll find snapper, grouper and cobia.
Back on land, indulge in spa treatments or browse the art galleries and museums located throughout the area, followed by innovative dining at one of the many new restaurants or one of the long time local favorites. Golfers will find easier access to courses after the area's many winter residents depart after Easter, and greens fees often drop by half in the summer months.
Families will find some new attractions as well. Naples Zoo is expanding, with a new leopard habitat other ongoing enhancements to the visitor experience at their historic 52-acre site. The Sun-n-Fun Lagoon water park at North Collier Regional Park provides exciting water slides, a lazy river and multiple pools for cooling off during the summer months.
To begin planning your escape to the Paradise Coast of Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades, visit www.paradisecoast.com or call 1-800-688-3600 (239-225-1013 from outside the USA) and ask for a free visitors guide.
Media contact: JoNell Modys, jonellmodys@colliergov.net, 239-252-2425
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