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Naples, Florida
More than a place in the sun for snowbirds, Naples, Florida attracts visitors with its luxurious hotels, world-class cuisine, and shopping that will make your heart beat a little faster
Fifth Avenue
by Marion Laffey Fox
Photos by Rick Lew

Miles of pristine white beaches first attracted wealthy investors here in the late 1800s. Today, Old Naples residential neighborhoods are distinguished by clusters of pastel-washed cottages and modest one-story ranch houses tucked along quiet palm-lined streets and intersecting canals. In direct contrast, newer developments have yielded to towering high-rises and a proliferation of gated communities with enormous mansions.

The town reflects a pleasure-seeking lifestyle that spins out in bustling shops and busy res-taurants nestled in a couple of enchanting pockets -- Third Street South and Fifth Avenue South -- not to mention the night scene that springs up in street concerts that change tunes from block to block, with entertainment that varies from opera to hip-hop, jazz to soft rock. Naples is a city that gives back in great events that break records and loves to get all dressed up for a good cause.


WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Museum of the Everglades
A National Historic Site. 105 West Broadway, 239/695-0008.

Historic Palm Cottage
Built in 1895 and filled with period antiques, it is a rare example of tabby construction. 137 12th Ave. S, 239/261-8164.

Philharmonic Center for the Arts
This world-class center founded by Myra Janco Daniels is a hub of activity. 5844 Pelican Bay Blvd., 800/597-1900.

Naples Botanical Garden
160 acres of tropical/subtropical gardens, a butterfly house, and a preserve with seven natural habitats. Each November, at "Hats in the Garden," all fun and frivolous chapeaux come out for the luncheon benefiting the garden. 4820 Bayshore Dr., 239/643-7275.

Naples Winter Wine Festival
The festival is the most successful charity wine auction in the world, raising an unprecedented $12.2 million last year. Along with an auction at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, chefs such as Emeril Lagasse and Wolfgang Puck will strut their stuff at 18 vintner dinners. And everyone is buzzing about the appearance of wine critic Robert M. Parker Jr.Jan. 26–28, 239/514-2239.

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
The nonprofit zoo continues expansions with the recent addition of African red river hogs to the African Oasis area and a new leopard exhibit to open within the year. 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., 239/262-5409.
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