During any given week here in Naples, there is lots going on. The pace picks up as the holidays approach and certainly as our northern visitors and seasonal residents arrive. This week, let’s take a peek at what’s going on locally; it’s a sampling of what every week offers here in Paradise!

• Read! Chime in during a book discussion on the 18th at the Naples Branch of the Collier County Public Library. This week’s discussion features the selection for One Book, Southwest Florida: Gertruda’s Oath. Or if you prefer to talk gardening, check out the Master Gardener Walk in Clinic at the Headquarters Library on Orange Blossom. 

• Catch a Movie on the Lawn! Bring the kids to The Mercato on November 18 for a free showing of The Lego Movie. Valet parking is free. Bring your blanket or lawn chair.

• Tap your feet!  You’ll love The Spitfire Grill at the Naples Players on Fifth Avenue South. Shows nightly Wednesday through Saturday at the Sugden Theater. 
• Go Chocolate! Sign up for the most unique tour of Naples going...the 2 pm Chocolate Stroll on Fifth Avenue South on November 20. Skip lunch and try this one on for size!

• Get Sandy! Head up to Fort Myers Beach on November 21 to check out the 28th AnnualAmerican Sand Sculpting Championship. Rain or shine, daily through November 30. You won’t believe the fantastic sand creations!

• Go “Crazy”! Enjoy Sweet Dreams: A Tribute to Patsy Cline at the Norris Center on November 21. (One show only - don’t miss it!)

• Cook! On November 22, take a cooking class at The Local and pick up some healthy Thanksgiving cooking ideas. 

• Walk! Check out a guided walking tour featuring Birds of the Garden on November 22 at the Naples Botanical Garden. 

• Sing! Join the Voices of Naples on November 23 in the 12th Annual Sing Along Messiah. (It’s fine if you just listen, too!) 

• Browse! Don’t forget the traditional 3rd Avenue South Farmers Market every Saturday. Fresh produce, guacamole and other local products, baked goods, and a touch of local art make any Saturday special. Park behind Tommy Bahama. 

• Putt! Take to the links at Arrowhead Golf Club, voted Naples’ best public course. Save $10 on weekends, but you’ll love this course any day of the week. 

This list is just a cross section of what any given week holds in the Naples area. There’s no shortage of things to do, whatever your interests. Our community resources are rich with opportunities!

Did you know that one of the premier Audubon sanctuaries lies right here in Collier County, northeast of Naples?

If you’ve never visited - or if it’s been a while - you’ll want to make a stop at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary this year, as the facility celebrates its 60th birthday. 

First, a little history. The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary was dedicated in 1954, the result of passionate efforts to rescue the Corkscrew Swamp from decimation by logging. By December 15, 1954, 2880 acres were set aside as an Audubon Sanctuary, preserved for the enjoyment of residents, visitors, and native wildlife. 

Today, the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary spans 13,000 acres and is a center of conservation and environmental education. Your visit immerse you in an outdoor classroom - check out the schedule of guided tours, naturalist-led activities, and even full moon photography walks…or explore on your own.

Pack your binoculars and a camera, and head east on Immokalee Road. Not too far past the Collier County Fairgrounds, you’ll take a left on Sanctuary Road which takes you to the Sanctuary property. 

As you arrive, you’ll enter through the Blair Audubon Center. Check out the artwork and displays - and remember to stop in the Nature Store before you leave. Through this month, you can view a special exhibit of woodcuts by artist Gordon Hartshorne. FYI the Center is solar powered and environmentally friendly. Snacks and drinks are available if you’d like. 

Head out onto the boardwalk to begin your 2 1/4 mile walk. At the start of the boardwalk, check out the signboard and see what varieties of birds and wildlife have been spotted the day of your visit. That list might include species common to the area, migratory birds that have come south for winter, as well as protected varieties. As you walk, you’ll notice the hushed silence as other visitors immerse themselves in the surroundings. 

The boardwalk wanders through pine flatwoods, wet prairie, marshland, and the largest bald cypress forest in America. The forest is home to hundreds of alligators, otters, white-tailed deer and red-bellied turtles. A wide variety of wading birds, songbirds, and raptors can be seen throughout the year. Photo opportunities are available at every turn of the boardwalk trail. One favorite spot is found early on the trail, where you can wait for a glimpse of rare painted buntings zooming in for feedings. Later, you can try your hand at gator watching, spot bald eagles overhead, or watch for wood storks during nesting season. 

And no need to worry about mosquito repellant; the naturally occurring mosquito fish takes care of that. Benches and covered shelters offer spots to rest along the way. 

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a great half-day trip from Naples. Pick up breakfast at Skillets or Mel’s Diner….head out to the Sanctuary….and you can be back in town for a late lunch. Or come later in the day, and capture a fall sunset through the cypress leaves. A trip to the Sanctuary lets you step into another world - the natural world of beautiful Southwest Florida. 

Recently, this blog highlighted some of the theater productions gracing Naples’ stages this season. 

Today, let’s look at the rich offerings in the visual arts in and around town. Create your own “gallery crawl” and combine several museums and galleries into a great afternoon….maybe topped off with happy hour or dinner on Fifth? Or spread your browsing across several weeks - several of these installations will be in place for a month or more, giving ample opportunity to enjoy, take visitors, or even return to your favorites. 

Start off with these…then explore on your own!

The Baker Museum at Artis - Naples features the art of Corita Kent, a former Roman Catholic nun and educator. Kent’s work is known for its vibrant graphics, bold color, and “pop art” inspiration. You’ll also find an exhibit entitled Fine Lines - American Drawings from the Brooklyn Museum, including works by Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper and John Singer Sargent. 

Downtown, the Naples Art Association Von Liebig Art Center displays This is My Life, an exhibit in which three selected artists reveal themselves in mixed media, painting, and sculpture. 

The Trudy Label Gallery on US 41 south of Pine Ridge Road celebrates fifteen years of art in Naples this year. Stop in to enjoy a special exhibit of photography, sculpture, and painting by artists new to the gallery. Spot something totally new! 

The Rookery Bay Learning Center and United Arts Council of Collier County feature their annual juried painting exhibit. Take in this focus on the beauty of Florida’s natural landscapes. 

Origami is more than child’s play - you’ll see it as a full fledged art form when you visit the Bonita Springs Center for the Arts’ installation, Folding Paper - The Infinite Possibility of Origami. 

Don’t forget that we have a university within easy reach! The Florida Gulf Coast University Main Gallery features The Possibility of Function - a sculpture exhibit by Sculpture by Yevgeniya Kaganovich, artist and faculty member at the University of Wisconsin. 

Up in Fort Myers, at Florida Southwest State University in Fort Myers, the Rauschenberg Gallery is worth a mention. Richard Rauschenberg spent the lateryears of his life on Captiva Island, and the Rauschenberg Gallery is home to a number of his works. Right now, you can see the premier piece entitled Chinese Summer Hall, a 100 foot long photo graphic collage. 

Headed to Marco? At the Marco Center for the Arts you can view the Partners in Art exhibit. Here, you’ll see works by three couples - “his and hers” styles illustrate shared lives and views of the world. 

Add these special exhibits to Naples' selection of fine art galleries and discover the many ways that art is blossoming in Naples this fall!

Monthly and quarterly market data from the Naples Area Board of Realtors is out, and the data paint a picture of a complicated real estate market here in Naples. 

As this blog has pointed out over time, the inventory of homes for sale in Naples is tight. In fact, it’s down about 10% when compared to a year ago. 

Does that mean that there’s nothing for a Realtor to discuss with prospective buyers? Hardly!

Realtors know that demand for quality Naples properties remains high, and that Naples is one of the most desirable markets in the nation. We are now balancing client needs with our knowledge of new construction and a limited number of existing homes on the market. And in fact, new home sales play an increasing part in the total Naples real estate picture, with over thirty new developments under construction. 

Personally, I work with my clients to determine their needs and desires. Some are indeed drawn to new construction, and Naples’ newest communities offer beautiful homes with great amenities. Others point out that a location near the Gulf is high on their list, so we limit our searches to existing homes west of US 41 - an area where new construction is almost non-existent. Some buyers don’t flinch at taking on an older home renovation, while others prefer a new home that is move-in ready. 

What does the current sales data look like here in Naples? Here are a few important factors for my clients to know:

• September sales were steady and prices continue to climb. 
• Yes, inventory of existing homes for sale is down about 10% overall, compared to this time last year. 
• 3rd quarter 2014 sales were also down correspondingly, about 10% overall. But when we look closer, we see some important details within this figure.  
• The real dip in sales was found in homes under $300,000. 
• Above $300,000, the number of pending sales in every single market segment went up. 
• The inventory of homes available under $300,000 declined most significantly.
• Other market segments showed actual increases in the number of homes for sale. 
• The most active market segments are single family homes over $2 million, and condominiums between $1-2 million. 

Recent news articles highlighting Naples real estate point out that over 60% of Naples home sales are cash sales. Our market is fueled by international buyers, baby boomers seeking second homes or retirement homes, and investors. And just yesterday, an analysis of real estate prices across the state revealed that Naples and Marco Island lead the state in home prices. 

So while things overall appear to be stable, or even down just a touch, in our local market - don’t be misled. The current market is complex. Finding the right home for you will mean a careful balance of your needs, the inventory of homes on the market, timing, location, and many more variables. 

Ready to look for your dream home in Naples? Let’s talk! I’ll be glad to help you navigate this complicated fall market!

No doubt about it, Naples is something special. 

We have a great blend of natural beauty, the arts, community, and of course unbeatable weather. We are known as a destination for travelers from around the world. Our economy and real estate market are on a definite upswing. 

And all that good news catches the eye of national and international media. 

Recently, Naples’ position as one of the top luxury real estate markets was picked up by Arabian Business News. Naples tied with San Francisco for the number of homes for sale over $10 million, placing in the top ten markets in the United States. A related study by Coldwell Banker Realty points out that Naples’ luxury home market is near the top in all market categories $1 million and higher. 

If romance is on your list, Naples should be on that list too! USA Today ranks Naples as one of Americas most romantic winter getaways!  Walks on the beach, majestic sunsets, and intimate dinners for two…yes, Naples has it all!

If you’ve been tapping your foot and singing “Happy” lately, you just might have Naples on your mind. An analysis released by the U.S. National Bureau of Economic research has listed Naples in the top 10 U.S. metropolitan areas with the highest reported levels of happiness. Here in Naples, we enjoy a quality of life that is enhanced by fantastic weather, ambience, and community resources that clearly outpace other communities of similar size around the nation. 

Forbes Magazine lists Naples among its 25 Best Places to Retire Rich. And yes, Naples does have a good sized population of retirees as well as a better-than-average number of wealthy residents. But for many reasons considered by Forbes, Naples is a terrific destination for families and career minded folks as well. Here, we enjoy great educational and recreational options for families as well as the growing economy of Southwest Florida. With easy access to both Fort Myers International Airport and Fort Lauderdale International Airport, it’s no problem to bring clients to Naples for business events. They’ll love it!

Naples is, in some ways, is a hidden treasure on the Gulf Coast. But the national and international media are catching on, and however you look at it, the news about Naples is good news indeed. 

If you’re thinking of taking a look at getting your own piece of paradise here in Naples, I’d love to hear from you!

Fall is upon us, and that means that the Naples theater scene has arrived! Whether you love comedy, drama or musicals this season offers something you’re sure to enjoy. 

Let’s start with the Naples Players, a top flight community theater that calls the Sugden Theater on Fifth Avenue South its home. This year’s ambitious eight show season includes everything from Noises Off!, a classic farcical comedy, to intense drama in God of Carnage. You’ll want to sing along to Oklahoma! of course - who can resist? And I’m eager to see Spitfire Grill - a long time favorite story of friendship in an unlikely place. Find out more at naplesplayers.com. (And who knows - you might even want to get involved or audition!)

If you prefer professional theater, check out Gulfshore Playhouse at the Norris Center. Gulfshore Playhouse offers an intimate setting for classic and contemporary works. This season, you’ll enjoy edgy pieces including The Mountaintop, set on the eve of Martin Luther King’s assassination. Later in the season you can see works by Pulitzer Prize winner Annie Baker (Body Awareness),  a Tony winner (Vanya and Sonya and Marsha and Spike), and a brand new play (The Butcher). Don’t overlook the offerings at Gulfshore’s New Works Festival, either. Check out more details at gulfshoreplayhouse.org. 

Over at the Community School of Naples’ G & L Theater, you’ll enjoy Theater Zone’s professional lineup this year. Highlights include Sweeny Todd and the foot-tapping Neil Simon musical They’re Playing Our Song. Every seat is a good seat the the G & L Theater, so you’ll be able to relate to what’s happening on stage and see every detail. Explore their website at theaterzone-florida.com. 

Artis - Naples is in a category all its own. Best known as home to the Naples Philharmonic, this Naples landmark on Pelican Bay Drive offers a full array of entertainment options. At Artis - Naples you’ll enjoy the classics, Broadway productions, big names, and more. This season’s theater highlights include Guys and Dolls during the holiday season, as well as Chicago and Pippin. But be sure to check out other offerings that catch your attention; Maybe it’s chamber music, or one of the “All That Jazz” evenings. Maybe it’s the Naples International Film Festival. Maybe its…well, go over to artisnaples.org and see what strikes your interest. 

“The Season” here in Naples has arrived, and brings with it many varied cultural events. Theater is one part of the Naples cultural scene that makes our community special. Whether you opt for season tickets or select your favorite offerings from any of the options here in town, you’ll enjoy a night on the town as curtains go up in Naples. 

For the past two years, my blog has highlighted continuous growth in the Naples real estate market. In fact, there hasn’t been a single month without growth over the past year or past quarter since 2012. 

So it’s no surprise to see that the market has stabilized this past month, with sales activity steady or even down a bit in most areas of town and in most price categories. 

Overall, August sales are down 2% compared to last year. 

But overall closed prices are up 14%. 

As we’ve noted over the last few months, a tight inventory of homes for sale is the critical variable in the current market. We see particular impact of that tight inventory in two primary areas: condos in the Naples Beach area, and homes in the $300,000 and below price range. 

Up in the Naples Beach area, condo inventory dropped a notable 28% when compared to last year at this time. Sales were down proportionally. Prices, on the other hand, jumped 7% over August 2013. It’s the classic law of supply and demand at work. 

Historically, the most active segment of the Naples real estate market is the “Under 300” price bracket. Here, overall inventory is down 20% when compared to this time last year. But when we take a closer look, we see that the number of single-family homes in this price category is actually up a solid 20% over last year’s inventory. The overall drop comes from a significant reduction in the number of “under 300” condominiums available right now. And with that drop in inventory we see a jump in price; the median price in this price category rose 13%. 

New construction impacts pending homes sales is new construction, which continues to swell across our area. However, to be honest, the rising inventory of newly constructed homes will not help buyers looking for homes in the under $300,000 price category because there are few available.

While many home sales in Naples continue to be cash sales, it’s interesting to note that financed sales are on the rise. Qualified buyers are searching the Naples market with financing ready to roll. 

Rest assured, the market hasn’t dried up. We see plenty of demand for homes in Naples, both single-family homes and condominiums, at all points on the price spectrum. Our economic indicators are strong, and Naples remains a highly desirable community. One appraiser remarked that she thought we had seen the top of the current economic cycle a year ago…but that doesn’t seem to be the case. 

I will continue to keep abreast of real estate trends across the Naples market. Our market is complex, with variations from area to area and across price categories. If you’d like to talk about your particular needs, don’t hesitate! I’ll be waiting to hear from you!

It’s easy to spot the familiar “chain” restaurants on a quick drive around Naples. 

But tucked among those well known names are the locally owned spots known as Naples’ Originals. These are independent restaurants, offering great food and personal service. Each has it’s own unique ambience and culinary offerings…but together, they share a commitment to our community. 

You’ll find a full listing of the Naples Originals at www.naplesoriginals.com. But here is a preview of a few that I enjoy. Check these out, then select a few of your own. Discover some new favorite spots!

Riverwalk: Located on the Gordon River in Tin City, Riverwalk features delicious daily “fish market” offerings and unique side pairings. Try red beans and rice or sweet mashed potatoes with mahi mahi or grouper. Watch for drink specials in the bar, and enjoy live music during happy hour. 

The Dock at Crayton Cove: With the same longtime owners as Riverwalk, you’ll enjoy more waterfront dining at The Dock. Here you can enjoy delicious seafood classics, or try something with a distinctly Cuban or Latin flair. Start your dinner with shrimp cocktail in an icy canoe, and after dinner take a stroll out the City Dock for some boat watching. 

Bistro 821 is easy to spot along Fifth Avenue South. Watch for the bright yellow awning, and select a table inside or dine al fresco where the people watching can’t be beat. Menu offerings include Asian style entrees, delicious seafood, and even comfort food with a twist (try Chef Jess’ meat loaf or “shake and bake” pork chop!) And don’t leave without sampling the flourless chocolate cake!

Chops City Grill is another great Fifth Avenue South option. Chops is a definite “cut above” the normal steak house. You’ll enjoy beautiful ambience, aged beef, hand-rolled sushi, and fresh seafood. Service is top flight and you’ll finish your evening knowing that you’ve been somewhere truly special!

On a more casual note, take a drive to North Naples and visit The Blue Monkey, at Vanderbilt Beach Rd. and Collier Blvd. The Blue Monkey is more than your typical sports bar (but yes, you can watch the games there too). Even a burger is a treat at the Blue Monkey, and the Greek salad with steak is a terrific lunch. Sample a few appetizers too - the offerings such as ahi tuna with wasabi, or a crab rangoon roll are among the surprises on the menu. In the same shopping center, the owners of the Blue Monkey have recently opened Cafe Blu, serving breakfast and lunch. 

And speaking of burgers…my blog has talked about Brooks’ Burgers and Dogs before. A Naples classic, Brooks is a “must” for residents and visitors alike. Enjoy a side of onion rings with one of twenty burger selections. Many locals contend that Brooks is the BEST place for a burger in Naples. Try one….and you decide!

Over on Pine Ridge Rd. check out South Street City Grill. Specialties at South Street are brick oven pizza and Philly cheese steaks, topped off with a great selection of craft beers. South Street is well known for its live music offerings, featuring local Naples talent. 

Put a few of the originals on your list of places to go…maybe it’s a date night, maybe a special occasion, or maybe “just because.” You’re sure to enjoy these local treasures and get a bit of the true flavor of paradise here in Naples. 

Bon Appetit!

Naples area resorts and attractions often pop up on “Best of…” and “Top Ten” lists. But when those lists are compiled, it’s amazing how many times our area is celebrated in national polls and rankings. 

Take a look at this recent compilation, from paradisecoast.com.  Future blog posts will fill you in on some additional Naples recognitions!

Area Awards:

• Everglades National Park voted 7th Best National Park by USA Todays 10 Best Readers' Choice, July 2014

• Marco Island, TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice 2014 pick of #1 Island in the U.S. and #4 Top Island in the World. February 2014. 

• Florida's Paradise Coast -- Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades was voted 2014 Golf Destination of the Year by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO). November 2013

• Marco Island named Top #3 Island in the United States by TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice 2013. 

• Naples named a Top 25 Beach in the U.S., according to TripAdvisor's Travelers’ Choice 2011.

• U.S. News & World Report honored Naples as one of the 11 Best Relaxing Getaways in the United States, one of the Top 15 Best US Luxury Destinations and one of the Nine Most Relaxing Beaches in the United States. Naples beachers were also listed as top beaches in America by the Travel Channel and Conde Nast Traveler. 

• Named a 2011 Top 25 Small Cities for Art by American Style Magazine.

• Yahoo! Travel rated Naples as one of their Top Ten Favorite Sandy Spots in the United States. 

• Naples was named The #1 Small Art Town in Americaby author John Villani in his book The 100 Best Art Towns in America.

Naples resorts and hotels are prize winners as well! Check out this summary and remember these the next time you have guests coming into town or are looking to plan a special event: 

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples

• Recipient of the prestigious Forbes Five Star Award and the AAA Five Diamond Award for 22 consecutive years

• Ranked as the 24th best large resort in the U.S. and Canada in 2010 Travel Leisure'sWorld's Best Awards – the highest ranked resort in Florida

• Ranked #14 on the 2010 CondéNast Traveler's Reader's Choice Top 100 List for Mainland U.S.

• Made 2010 Condé Nast Traveler's list for Top Spas in North America

• Made 2011 Condé Nast Traveler's coveted Gold List of the Best Places to Stay in the World, chosen by its readers (Only 14 hotels in Florida made the Gold List.)

The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples (Also known as Tiburon)

• Ranked as one of the 10 Best Hotels in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report

• Ranked as the 39th Best Large Resort in the U.S. and Canada in 2010 Travel Leisure's World's Best Awards.

• Ranked #18 on the 2010 Condé Nast Traveler's Reader's Choice Top 100 List for Mainland U.S. Resorts

• Ranked #1 on 2010 Condé Nast Traveler's list of Top 10 Florida Golf Resorts

• Made 2011 Condé Nast Traveler's coveted Gold List of the Best Places to Stay in the World, chosen by its readers. (Only 14 hotels in Florida made the Gold List.)

• Recipient of the AAA Five Diamond Award 2011

The Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa

• Ranked as the 70th Best Large Resort in the U.S. and Canada in 2010 Travel Leisure's World's Best Awards

• Honored as Marriott’s Golf Property of the Year

La Playa Beach and Golf Club

• Made 2014 Condé Nast Traveler's gold list and list of Top Spas in North America

• Ranked #8 on 2010 Condé Nast Traveler's list of Top 10 Florida Golf Resorts

Bellasera Hotel

• Named by TripAdvisor as among its Top Ten Hidden Gems in the U.S.