Destination Naples, Florida

The beaches in Naples, Florida are spectacular! and one of the top reasons people love visiting Naples. Consistently calm gulf waters, sunshine, clean & quiet beaches are enjoyed by all ages. My favorite beach is Clam Pass Park, you might enjoy a 3/4 mile walk to the beach on the lovely boardwalk or take a shuttle that runs continuously from the parking area. Clam Pass has a cafe, beach rentals (kayaks, chairs, umbrellas & more) plus shower and restroom facilities.  Clam Pass Park

Golfing! Tee off on one of Naples 95! golf courses. The weather is great year ’round (my golfing friends tell me to schedule a sunrise tee time in the summer months and stay hydrated)
Fun fact; this summer the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club’s course is being renovated. Sixty-five years ago, an 11-year-old kid was on vacation and ended up playing golf with his dad at the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club. He shot a 37, the first time he broke 40 for nine holes. That young boy was golf legend Jack Nicklaus. Mr Nicklaus is a consultant for the $4.5 million dollar re-do! We can’t wait to see the response when the course reopens!

Speaking of the Naples Beach Hotel, don’t miss the sunset celebration There is live music & dancing under the stars every Sunday night. This beach bar is favorite hang out among locals and visitors, alike. Sunset is always break time for the band, give your feet a little rest, find a spot to watch the sun say goodnight and then dance the night away. Check on their website for hours, in the summer the entertainment is from 6-9.

If you find yourself in recovery Monday morning head over to my recent fabulous discovery Kunjani coffee shop. In addition to a great cup of coffee, Kunjani has a gallery of fine art, handmade and unique crafts. A percentage of proceeds from sales in the gallery and coffee are used to give back to the communities they support. Love.  (Kunjani Coffee Shop on FacebookDon’t forget to check their Facebook page for special events ranging from Yoga to pop up shops.

Year long residents of Naples retreat to their homes when the frequent afternoon storms hit. Nothing wrong with taking a break and resting up for an evening of activities! But, what should you do and not waste a moment of fun while your on vacation? Check out the Revs Institute. Car buffs, history lovers and those who appreciate beautiful design will be awed by this private collection of automobiles. I strongly recommend the docent led tour. Make sure to plan your visit ahead, admission to the museum must be reserved in advance.
Art lovers will enjoy the 30,000 square foot Baker Museum- Artis Naples. 

Shopping and dining options are abundant in Naples from Third Street South and Fifth Avenue north to the Villages on Venetian Bay, Waterside Shops and Mercado.
For a fun night check out Taste of Naples Tours. This 5 hour chauffeured and hosted food & wine tour, begins and ends at your door. Aboard a luxurious 10 passenger coach, you’ll be served specially selected wines while learning about the Naples area from your delightful hostess and owner, Sandy. The tour includes two separate {hidden gems} dining stops and a wine tasting. 

Nature Lovers! Southwest Florida offers many opportunities for you. The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is not only an animal lovers paradise it is home to many tropical plant species. The Botanical Gardens is a favorite outdoor attraction for Naples visitors. My number one outdoor activity is the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, hike the trails, take a leisurely boat tour of the Gordon River or explore the mangroves and waterways on your own with a kayak rental.

I wish I could explore all of the wonderful things to see and do in Naples with you! I’ve left out  many  more of my own favorites and once you visit I’m sure you’ll have plenty  to add to the list.

10 Reasons to Visit Buenos Aires

No. 1

Palermo is BA’s trendiest neighborhood; filled with 5 star hotels, luxury boutiques, fine restaurants and a lively nightlife. Also, home of the Botanical garden.

No. 2

Teatro Grand Splendid Bookstore a bookstore as majestic as it’s name. Ornate carvings and painted ceilings remain as they were when the building was a vibrant theater. Slip into a theater box to peruse your book or visit the Cafe behind the velvet curtained stage. Link Here {Just  20 minutes walk from the theater turned bookstore is the well-known Teatro Colón; named of the 5 best concert venues in the world for its near perfect acoustics}Link here

Visit Buenos Aires

No. 3

Skip breakfast at your hotel and head to one of the many sidewalk cafes where you can enjoy the breakfast of the locals; Medialunas, coffee &  people watching. (Medialunas are a lightly sweetened croissant or try any other pastries …yes, pastries you can’t have more than one- it’s okay you’ll be walking around in abundance)

 
Visit Buenos Aires

No. 4

Angels are plentiful at the Recoleta cemetery, it is an amazingly beautiful and peaceful place. Not to be missed, even if you are the sort that is creeped out by cemeteries. This is the resting place of Eva Perón and many other notable Argentinians.
Visit Buenos Aires

No. 5

The San Telmo Street Market is Open only on Sundays, here you will find blocks and blocks of street vendors and small shops, literally packed from floor to ceiling, for the serious treasure hunter, one day will not be enough to see all the unique treasures.

Visit Buenos Aires

No. 6

On the Sunday I visited, the entire city of Buenos Aires smelled like a typical American back yard BBQ, but there’s no comparison to the delightful taste. Omnivores will definitely enjoy grilled meats whether at a fine restaurant or street vendor, your meat loving taste buds will thank you.
Visit Buenos Aires

No. 7 and 8

Passion- Tango. While you will see the Tango danced on any given street corner, it’s most appealing in the colorful neighborhood of La Boca. La Boca is a quaint neighborhood that will take you back in time.  You must give the Tango a try with a private lesson or at least watch the artistry from your seat at one the many nightly shows held all around BA.  And more Passion-Football.  Join the mayhem, chants that shake the stadium and excitement while catching the Boca Juniors game at La Bombonera “the Chocolate Box” in La Boca or their rivals River Plate north of Palermo.

Visit Buenos Aires

No. 9 and 10

Puerto Madero, the entire Port area is park like, with abundant fine dining and some American chains ( T.G.I.F) The Punte De La Mujer is a rotating foot bridge. walk across this beautiful sculpture and hop aboard the floating 1898 Navy training ship- the Sarmiento museum.

Plaza Mayo and the Pink House. This historic square is named for May 25 revolution that lead to Argentina’s Independence, the adjacent Pink House is the center of Government. The Pink House is the home of the executive offices of the President of Argentina. After visiting the square continue walking toward Avenida 9 de Julio to view the Obelisk. Note: there are frequent protests in both areas, but they are generally quiet.

Visit Buenos Aires

•Bonus•

For an outdoor adventure a day away plan a camp out on the dunes of Balneario Los Angeles, Necochea. Visit this Blogger for a unique view of the area from an American ex-pat living in Argentina. http://www.seashellsandsunflowers.com
Visit Buenos Aires

Serena Vista Design

Serena Vista is beginning to show all the fabulous design work that has gone into this home. Growing up with a father who enjoyed woodworking as a hobby {and was quite good at it}. I know the ability to create great design and achieve a grand finish is incomparable. We have a great team working with us!
Take a look at this post to explore some of the designs in this home.