A Shopper's Paradise

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 restaurants 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.

Naples offers hundreds of activities and charitable events that celebrate the history, culture, and spirit of the town. Here are our favorites.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

• Museum of the Everglades: A National Historic Site. 105 West Broadway, 239/695-0008, www.florida-everglades.com/evercty/museum.htm.
• 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, www.napleshistoricalsociety.org.
• 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, www.thephil.org.
• 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, www.naplesgarden.org.
• 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. 239/514-2239, www.napleswinefestival.com.
• 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, www.napleszoo.com.

 

HOTELS & DINING
The hospitality industry began in the 1880s with the Naples Hotel, a landmark destination that set the tone for the resort scene. Today there are dozens of options either with beach access or in the heart of town. As for restaurants, in a city whose residents have appetites honed by the finest cuisine, the bar is set high. Not to mention that every year, Naples hosts a wine auction to benefit the Naples Children and Education Foundation. As a result, restaurants have flourished, and wine shops offer only the best.

WHERE TO STAY

• The Inn on Fifth: European-style luxury in the heart of downtown Naples. Find cutting edge dining at Trulucks. 699 Fifth Ave. S, 888/403-8778, www.innonfifth.com.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Naples: Most of the 450 rooms boast water views. 280 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., 239/598-3300, www.ritzcarlton.com.
• The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort: A 36-hole course designed by Greg Norman. Guests can share the amenities at each world-class property. 2600 Tiburón Dr., 239/593-2000, www.ritzcarlton.com.

 

 WHERE TO EAT

• Bleu Provence: Fine French fare revered by locals who seek authentic cooking and expert wine pairings. 1234 Eighth St. S, 239/261-8239, www.bleuprovencenaples.com.
• Blu Sushi: A sleek atmosphere, sushi, and a serious martini bar. 1170 Third St. S, 239/403-9901, www.blusushi.com.
• Café and Bar Lurcat: A green glass bar and white slipcovered chairs in a Casablanca-ish atmosphere. 494 Fifth Ave. S, 239/213-3357, www.cafelurcat.com.
• Campiello: Don't miss the signature potato chips with fresh herbs. 1177 Third St. S, 239/435-1166, www.campiello.damico.com.
• Chops City Grill: The best steaks and cocktails in town. 837 Fifth Ave. S, 239/262-4677, www.chopscitygrill.com.
• Ridgway Bar & Grill: More than 600 wines complement great fare. 1300 Third St. S, 239/262-5500, www.ridgwaybarandgrill.com.
• Tony's Off Third: Wine shop with tasty pastries, coffee, and gourmet lunches. 1300 Third St. S, 239/262-7999, www.tonysoffthird.com.
• USS NEMO: Seafood with an Asian-fusion twist. 3745 Tamiami Trail, 239/261-6366, www.ussnemorestaurant.com.
• Zoë's: An oenophile's dream, with more than 1,500 wines. 720 Fifth Ave. S, 239/261-1221.

 

SHOPPING
The Naples shopping scene is almost nonpareil. High fashion distinguishes this town, and the appreciation for interior design and antiques is well-established. Marissa Collections is credited with fueling the fashion scene, and retailers and residents have responded with equal passion. At the homes shops, you'll find plenty of tableware, stationery, and linens -- people love to entertain here. And the art and antiques options are impressive, offering pieces that work well in the city's grand estates.

 

WHERE TO SHOP FOR CLOTHING

• Femme Fatale: Fresh, young, retro collections. 1170 Third St. S, 239/434-8383, www.femmefataleboutique.com.
• Leggiadro: This shop is all about the sunny Florida look. 1209 Third St. S, 239/649-4454, www.leggiadro.com.
• Marissa Collections: 10,000-square-foot space featuring designers such as Valentino, Oscar de la Renta, Chloé, and Alexander McQueen. 1167 Third St. S, 877/263-4333, www.marissacollections.com.
• Persona Boutique: Magnet on the north side of town that caters to the ultra-chic 25- to 40-ish crowd. 2700 Immokalee Rd., 239/593-5482, www.personaboutique.com.
• Sassy Boutique: Trina Turk, Tibi, and Three Dots. 1300 Third St. S, 239/435-0004.
• Sonja Benson: This tiny shop is all about handbags. 1209 Third St. S, 239/263-8042, www.sonjabenson.com.
• Waterside Shops: New high-end mall featuring designers such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, and Gucci. 5415 Tamiami Trail, 239/598-1605, www.watersideshops.net.
• Yamron: Fine jewelry from designers such as Roberto Coin, Henry Dunay, and Harry Winston. 380 Broad St., 239/598-1605, www.yamron.com.

 

WHERE TO SHOP FOR HOME DECOR

• A Mano: Provençal pottery and Italian dinnerware. 301 13th Ave. S, 239/261-3220, www.amano.bz.
• And So To Bed: Exquisite linens and tableware. 3860 Tamiami Trail N, 239/262-3362.
• Arabesque of Naples: Beautiful and outrageous invitations and writing paper. Check out the bottle stoppers. 350 Fifth Ave. S, 239/403-0043, www.arabesqueofnaples.com.
• Gattle's: The 100-year-old shop is the place for everything from $3,500 sheet sets to towels, lingerie, and embroidered handkerchiefs. 1250 Third St. S, 239/262-4791, www.gattles.com.

 

WHERE TO SHOP FOR ART & ANTIQUES

• C.W. Smith: Museum-quality Asian antiques. 1260 Third St. S, 239/213-0749, www.cwsmithinc.com.
• Harmon-Meek Gallery: The oldest gallery of fine American art in Florida. Owned by respected dealer William Meek. 599 Ninth St. N, Ste. 309, 239/261-2637, www.harmonmeek.com.
• Marianne Friedland Gallery: Wolf Kahn, Milton Avery, and other American artists. 359 Broad Ave. S, 239/262-3484, www.mariannefriedlandglry.com.
• Provenance Naples: Gilded Age table accessories and antique glassware. 1300 Third St. S, 239/263-4457, www.provenancenaples.com.
• Rue Toulouse: An important source for French, Italian, and Swedish antiques. 944 Fifth Ave. N, 239/261-5211, www.ruetoulouse.com.