Naples a Brief History:
Naples was founded during the late 1880s by former Confederate general and Kentucky U.S. Senator John Stuart Williams and his partner, Louisville businessman Walter N. Haldeman, the publisher of the Louisville Courier-Journal. Throughout the 1870s and '80s, magazine and newspaper stories telling of the area's mild climate and abundant fish and game likened it to the sunny Italian peninsula. The name Naples caught on when promoters described the bay as 'surpassing the bay in Naples, Italy'
Downtown Naples
Visit the many fine shops, galleries, restaurants, sidewalk Cafes, and hotels along the landscaped promenades in this historic setting near the beach.
Fifth Avenue South is Naples Main Street and is filled with businesses ranging from fashion boutique shops, gourmet restaurants, cafes, ice cream shops and delicatessens. European and American antique stores, traditional and contemporary art galleries, gift stores, jewelers, home furnishing and design showrooms, beauty salons, hotels, financial houses, bookstores, apartments, realtors, travel agencies, banks, a famous family food market, neighborhood pharmacy and professional offices. It has become a popular place for visitors and residents alike to stroll along the freshly landscaped promenades and enjoy sidewalk dining. Here's where you'll find that the aura of small-town friendliness and historical landmarks amid the sophisticated boutiques, neighborhood shops and colorful buildings of downtown Naples.
Naples Parks and Beaches
The Naples Area is home to several major land reserves, including the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, and Picayune Strand State Forest. The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is known not only for its 11,000 acres (45 km2) of landscape and wildlife, but for a two and a half mile length boardwalk winding through the sanctuary. The Naples area is also home to the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, which dates back to 1919
Vanderbilt Beach is a several mile long stretch of white sand beach in Naples, Florida. It is a popular tourist destination, situated near a number of hotels. There is a 340-space public garage next to the beach.
Naples Beach and Historic Naples Pier is located on the Gulf of Mexico at the West end of 12th Avenue South. On-street parking is supplemented by a parking lot one block East, with additional parking at beach ends on the avenues to the north and south.
The Naples Pier is a favorite location for sightseers and fishermen with plenty of space to cast a line. It features restrooms, a concession stand with a covered eating area and beach supplies.
Fishing from the pier does not require a fishing license, as the City of Naples has purchased a bulk fishing license for the pier. The beach at the pier also features volleyball nets, and is one of the best places to catch a spectacular Naples sunset.
Marco Island is about 20 minutes driving from our condo. The largest Island in Florida's chain known as Ten Thousand Islands, Marco Island features two public beaches, as well as offshore island beaches and proximity to the popular beaches in Naples, Florida. For the beach-goer looking for quiet, pristine beaches and an escape from the party scene of other Gulf of Mexico beaches, Marco offers an ideal destination. Though home to several beachfront resorts, Marco Island attracts more retirees than rowdy vacationers looking for a beach party or an active club culture. Beautiful landscaped walkways and surrounding properties set Marco Island beaches apart from others in the area.
Tin City Naples:
In the 1970s, seven of Tin City’s sturdy old buildings were transformed to become “The Old Marine Marketplace at Tin City” – a colorful maritime-mix of shops and eateries.
Today, Tin City still holds its historic, old Florida charm, and is home to over thirty unique boutiques, two waterfront restaurants and a variety of water and boating adventures that are fun for all ages.
Mercato:
We recommend a visit to Mercato. Anchored by Whole Foods Market and Silverspot Cinema, an 11-screen premier-style theater, Mercato offers 12 notable restaurants, over 20 upscale retailers. Mercato hosts a vibrant year-round event calendar with most events free and open to the public.
