Not Just A Place for the Retired Folks

When I moved down to Naples, I had this preconceived notion that I just might be the youngest person living in that city. That proved to be false. I’ve been to a few of Florida’s hot spots and Naples is #1 on my list. The beaches are pristine, high end restaurants, fancy boutiques and the BEST sunsets you’ll ever see on the east coast (because Naples sits on the Gulf Coast).

This swanky beach city makes for the perfect girls trip! I recommend renting a car and staying close to Downtown Naples. Wake up and enjoy a delicious breakfast at Janes Cafe on 3rd. Yummy mimosas, bellini’s and Bloody Mary’s all the girls can enjoy. Unless you’re visiting during hurricane season, the weather will call for a beach day. I’d usually frequent Naples Beach which gives you a nice glimpse of the pier (also THE spot to go to capture some AMAZING sunset pictures later in the evening). Lowdermilk Park or Vanderbilt Beach are other options for beaches in Naples. You won’t be disappointed with any of them.

Naples has the reputation of being expensive and, yes it is but, it doesn’t have to be. You can save yourself a great deal of money by taking advantage of the happy hour specials that many of the restaurants offer. Plan to leave the beach a little early one day to get yourself ready for an early dinner. Take a walk down Fifth Ave and many restaurants will have great deals on their menu. The restaurant I used to work at, Caffe Milano, offers half off the ENTIRE menu and $5 cocktails from 3-5 EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.. We’re talking authentic, gourmet Italian food. Delicious, homemade from scratch entrees at half off. High quality, tender Filet Mignon with truffle mashed potatoes and roasted brussle sprouts for only $18!? ARE YOU KIDDING? Tell my boy Max I sent you :)! If you’re not ready for bed after all the delicious Italian food, walk a couple doors down to Ocean Prime where their happy hour ends at 6 PM. If you’re celebrating something special, it’s worth looking into The Turtle Club, Baleen or Gumbo Limbo. This is where you can enjoy a dinner with your toes practically in the sand. (I’d call and make reservations far in advance as these popular places book up). If you’re looking for cheaper options, you can’t go wrong with picking up a pizza and a bottle of wine to watch the sunset on the beach.

If you and your girls are looking to turn up for a night, you could consider driving 2 hours across Alligator Alley to Miami’s nightclubs although that’s not entirely necessary.. Mercato in North Naples has bars that are open later and some fun night clubs like Blue Martini & Cavo. Slam a shot of just one of the 200 varieties of tequila at Rocco’s Tacos or sip on a craft beer at South Street’s Reggae Mondays & enjoy some live music.

Sometimes, us girls might not want to party and just kick back and relax? Am I right?! Naples’ healthy-forward lifestyle makes it easy to find activities that don’t revolve around drinking. Take advantage of the weather and check out Groupon for sweet deals on paddle boarding or kayaking. Take a day trip over to Key West. Maybe take a golf lesson in the golf capital of the world! Wander through the botanical garden - a 170-acre world-class garden paradise that features the plants and cultures of the tropics. Ride your bikes down Gordon Drive to see all the multimillion dollar homes then construct a plan with your girls on how you’ll meet the men who live in these homes ;)! There are many yoga/spin classes to sign up for and homeopathic therapies that will leave you feeling relaxed and ready to get back to reality.

Naples is a special place for me and I am confident that you and your girls would make many memories here :)