Winter warmth

Written By Whitney Ward
 

Winter in Naples Florida

My husband and I have recently become “empty nesters” with our youngest off to freshman year of college this past year. We decided to make the winter of our dreams a reality by spending a month in warm weather and a month skiing. Here’s a recap of our time in Naples Florida.

We rented an Airbnb for the month in Naples Park area and it was perfect! We had a fenced in yard for our golden doodle Lola. We could walk or ride bikes to a secluded section of Vanderbilt beach and only a 5 min drive to Mercato shops which had Whole Foods, shops, restaurants and our favorite yoga studio - Yoga Lab!

Naples is renowned for its pristine beaches, upscale shopping, and vibrant arts scene. Here are some of the top highlights:

  • Naples Pier: A historic landmark offering beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico, ideal for fishing, dolphin spotting, and sunset watching.

  • Fifth Avenue South: This bustling downtown area features a mix of boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants, perfect for a leisurely stroll and dining experience.

  • Naples Botanical Garden: Showcases diverse plant collections from around the world, including tropical and subtropical flora in carefully curated gardens.

  • Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: A natural haven with elevated boardwalks winding through wetlands and forests, offering a chance to see native wildlife.

  • Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: One of Florida’s most popular state parks, known for its white sandy beaches, picnic areas, and opportunities for swimming and kayaking.

  • Artis—Naples: The premier cultural center featuring the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and the Baker Museum, focusing on visual arts.

  • Tin City Waterfront Marketplace: A historic fishing village turned shopping and dining destination, showcasing local crafts and fresh seafood.

  • Clam Pass Park: Offers a scenic boardwalk through a mangrove forest leading to a beautiful beach with ample opportunities for birdwatching and kayaking.

Naples balances natural beauty with cultural richness, making it a top destination in Southwest Florida.

We loved:

  • Yoga Lab - amazing hot fun yoga.

  • Happy hour game is a 10! Our favorite spots:

    • Rocco’s

    • Bar Tulia

    • The 239

    • Hampton social

    • Bravo!

    • Bar 821

  • Favorite restaurants:

    • Del Mar

    • The French

    • The Bay House

    • Vergina

    • Rocco’s

    • The 239

    • Hampton Social

Send me a message if you go or have any questions/ suggestions!

XO

Whitney Ward
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