by Ann Wojtysiak and Leonardo Tombelli, Guest bloggers
Traveling to Florida can be a welcome break to interrupt the Michigan winter and this year we decided to return to Naples, Florida.
We briefly visited Naples in 2023, so we decided to take advantage of what we learned the year before and rented a condo for two weeks.
The thing about Florida is that there are a lot of contrasts! Of course, the oceanside resorts, beaches, and natural beauty are undisputable. However, we wanted to avoid the traffic congestion, overly populated tourist spots, and the endless driving that can be experienced in the autocentric suburban landscape of Southwest Florida. So, we focused on “Old Naples”.
We were delighted to enjoy the sidewalk cafes, lush foliage, and easy-going ambiance.
Downtown Naples 5th Avenue and Third Avenue South: Old Naples has two distinct downtowns several blocks apart. Both are a delight for pedestrians as the city has generous sidewalks, landscaping, bike lanes, and safe crossings. Traffic is not banned but just creeps alongside parallel parking.
New Urbanism
The character is intentional as Old Naples has implemented the best of New Urbanism planning standards by preserving the character of a small town. The downtown and adjacent blocks are all woven together with shopping, restaurants, mixed-use retail with housing above, multi-family, and single-family houses, some hotels, and condos, The result is joyfully pleasant, walkable downtowns, and neighborhoods that welcome tourists and sustains its residents. Our spot was just a few blocks from 5th Avenue, and a short distance to the several public beaches.
We enjoyed walking but a ride in a vintage FIAT 500 “Spiaggia” with rattan seats would have been nice!
The Beaches
The Beaches: As the city of Naples is laid out on a street grid, many of the streets are perpendicular to the Gulf of Mexico end up with public access to miles of connected public beaches such as the Vanderbilt, Calm Pass, Lowdermilk, Delnor Wiggins, Barefoot Beach, and the historic Naples Pier.
If you get to the Lowdermilk Park early enough, you can claim one of the Tiki Huts for shade!
It can be fun to take in the prime waterfront real estate known as Billionaire’s row along Gulf Shore Drive, but we loved the historic charm of the Old Naples neighborhoods and its cottages that are mostly restored bungalows from the early 1900s. Visit Palm Cottage, home of the historical society which documents the Collier family’s efforts to build the town in the 1920s. The video presentation of the earliest resident’s interviews is inspiring! See Napleshistoricalsociety.org.
Mid-century courtyard style apartments that are now condos are mixed in with other housing. Other activities: downtown Cambier Park with its special events like an art fair and jazz concert.
The weekly Farmer’s Market is wonderful with local produce, pop up food stalls, and entertainment.
Farmer’s Market entertainment- Parrot petting anyone?
Food Scene
Food scene: So many choices abound with breakfast at “Badass Coffee”, or Roosters, Lunch, or dinner at Bayside Mire Mare, Mediterrano, or Seventh Avenue Social, and perhaps a favorite, Tony’s Off Third or Old Naples Pub for a great Grouper sandwich! Winn’s Market is fantastic for grab-and-go fish, deli sides and dinners, or for a picnic at the beach.
For more Naples, Florida adventures, stay tuned to Old Naples, Part 2! Next week.
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