Anybody got any recommendations for Naples, Florida?

[UKcat]

Things to do.....places to eat??? We are going next week. Any ideas would be appreciated!!!!

[Blue 24/7]

I was there but it's been about 13 years ago and I can't remember the restaraunts. If you're a golfer, welcome to paradise! But definately buy a golf cancer-card. You will save many dollars with it. And you definately want to play a round at Lely Resort. It's spectacular. My memories of Naples and Marco Island are that we were probably the youngest people down there at 24 years old. Lots of retirees. And it took me a few days to get used to the silver hairs in small bikinis :eek:, but you will in time :icon_neutral:. We're pretty sure that our 1st child was a direct result of our time spent there, so be careful :icon_lol:!!! Beautiful place though. Oh, almost forgot, the deep-sea fishing was ok but the boat ride through Naples Bay was unforgettable. Not sure if you can just get a ride through the bay, but if so, do it.

[Blue 24/7]

My wife just reminded me of one restaraunt we ate at. Very funny. Someone recommended that we eat at Pippen's and told us that Scotty Pippen owned it. We were half way through our meal when it hit me that the restaraunt was actually spelled Pippin's. So when we asked our waiter if Scotty owned the place, he about died laughing. Good food, but you'll be very fortunate if you see Scotty Pippen there!

[UedK]

Yabba Island Grill on 5th Avenue in Old Naples, Great bar, great seafood, a little fancy but casual (Naples is all casual)

The Dock on Crayton Bay , on the west side of Naples Harbor, Sits on the water, nice little bar, great lunch and harbor views.

The Snook Inn on Marko Island (well worth the drive to Marko) On the water, great outside waterfront dining and bar. Pull up in your boat or car.

On Marko and on the way to the Snook Inn is a great marina. Cedar Bay. Rent a bay boat for a full or half day and explore all the mangrove islands on the way up to Naples or beach the boat on the back side of a private island and have the beach all to yourself. Cruise up through Naples Bay and ooogle at all the million $$$ waterfront homes and big beautiful boats. Call ahead.

[UKcat]

Thanks for the suggestions....the drive to Marco Island is one thing we are planning to do. Also, I want to see Captiva Island....I have been to Sanibel Lighthouse, but did not go up to the other end for Captiva.
Has anybody been on the airboat rides out of Everglades City???

[UedK]

Thanks for the suggestions....the drive to Marco Island is one thing we are planning to do. Also, I want to see Captiva Island....I have been to Sanibel Lighthouse, but did not go up to the other end for Captiva.
Has anybody been on the airboat rides out of Everglades City???

If you drive up to Captiva bring swimwear and stop at 'Tween Waters. It's a great resort with a great pool with the greatest pool bar. Hang out at the pool for a few hours, drink a couple 'umbrella' drinks. We just pull into the hotel parking lot and go straight to the pool, there is no pool entrance security and it seems that a lot of non-guests go there regularly. It's located where the two islands meet and the land gets real 'skinny'.

I've not done the airboat thing but I've been bass fishing in the Glades, I've always wanted to ride in an airboat and the Glades are worth seeing. Just 15 miles inland from Naples is the corkscrew swamp. It is full of driveable forest roads and is the last stronghold of the florida panther. I've been through it and never seen one, there are only a few sightings a year.

[UKcat]

For those of you who have been to southwest Florida and have not seen the corkscrew swamp........DO IT!!!!!! It is the most beautiful, natural nature place that I have ever seen. The trees, foliage and flowers are worth it by themselves; the abundance of animals are a plus!!!!! If you are in to that type of stuff.....you will LOVE it!!!

The boat ride that the Everglades National Park office in Everglades City is really nice too. The scenery is gorgeous....you will not be dissappointed.

[UedK]

For those of you who have been to southwest Florida and have not seen the corkscrew swamp........DO IT!!!!!! It is the most beautiful, natural nature place that I have ever seen. The trees, foliage and flowers are worth it by themselves; the abundance of animals are a plus!!!!! If you are in to that type of stuff.....you will LOVE it!!!

The boat ride that the Everglades National Park office in Everglades City is really nice too. The scenery is gorgeous....you will not be dissappointed.

Sounds like you had a great trip.

Isn't the corkscrew swamp one of the areas with a healthy Florida Panther population? I've always wanted to spend some time in there and see a panther. Although I hear hardly any are ever seen. Very shy and very stealthy.

[UKcat]

Yes, there are occasional panther sitings there; we did not see any, but thoroughly enjoyed our time there. The estimated time that it takes to walk the whole trail is 2 to 2 1/2 hours; we were there 4 hours and could have stayed longer. It is truly beautiful. The very rare ghost orchid was blooming when we were there. It was actually the only orchid that I saw blooming, which I was surprised about. I really expected to see many varieties there, but I did not. Still.....it was a great day.:thumbup: