Naples is home to its share of well-known faces. The great thing about Naples is that celebrities can jet into town, toss on a pair of shorts and a t shirt, and head to the beach with the rest of us. The late Donna Summer, a resident of The Ritz Carlton Tiburon Golf Resort community, is said to have enjoyed nothing better than to wander through Costco in her sunhat. 

Celebrity residents of Naples include authors Janet Evanovich and Robin Cook, musician Bob Seger, Hollywood director/producer/screenwriter Steven Spielberg, Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson, and Fox News commentator Bret Bair. 

Bair was recently highlighted in Delta Airlines' SKY magazine, as he discussed life in Naples. Follow the link, and say hello if you see Bair out jogging, or shopping with his family at Waterside Shops!

Regular readers of my blog know that the Naples luxury real estate market has been on a steady upswing for the past few years. I’ve spoken regularly about market statistics that point to increased sales and a tighter inventory - both of which set the stage for higher home prices.

 And indeed, the year end market report for 2013 shows exactly that: Overall median home prices have hit a 57 month high. That’s right - the median home price in the Naples area is now higher than at any point since March 2009. 

 The median home price for closed sales in the Naples area (including Collier County and Marco Island) is up an astounding 19% over last year at this time. The Naples market has endured the roller coaster ride of the housing “bubble” and national economic trends and now stands strong.

 Inventory - the number of homes available on the market - continues to be a challenge. Compared to last year, the inventory of homes for sale is down 17%. Translated into what this means for you as a buyer, when we may have had 50 prospective properties in any given price category a year ago, today we would see only 42. The tight inventory makes it essential for clients to work closely with a qualified Realtor who is aware of available homes in the most desirable communities and how they fit clients’ needs and desires. 

 The market has been especially strong in single family home sales between $300,000 and $2 million, where sales are up 32% across the board over last year at this time. Overall, more than half of all home sales in Collier County are cash purchases. 

 It looks like the “comeback” is here! According o Dr. H. Shelton Weeks, Department Chair of Economics and Finance at Florida Gulf Coast University, this strong performance indicates continued confidence and a well functioning market. 

 I am eager to work with new and returning clients to explore this dynamic market! Whether you are in the market for a condominium, seasonal home, or single family home I will be happy to help you navigate the exciting landscape of Naples real estate. I hope to hear from you in 2014!

It’s the holiday season….and shortly after the New Year, the season for visitors moves into full swing. For those Naples homeowners from northern states, especially, a winter visit to Florida is irresistible! And often times, those winter visits include children. 

How can you best accommodate pint-sized visitors to Naples? Do you need to head out to purchase a nursery full of furniture, toy box full of toys, and cabinets full of games, all the time hoping that you get it right. 

And what will the kids want to do, anyway? 

Fear not! There are fantastic options here in Naples that will help you welcome children to your home. 

Start your preparations at Twinkle Twinkle Little Store, on US 41 just south of Pine Ridge Rd. Here, you can rent (yes! rent!) a full array of baby and kids’ gear, including a stroller, pack and play, crib, baby seats, and even the correct sizes of car seats to assure that all of your vehicles are well equipped for safety. Top it off with a request for a selection of toys for rent - the staff at Twinkle Twinkle will be happy to assemble an assortment toys that are appropriate for the age of your little visitors. Every item is fully sanitized between uses, and in “like new” condition. (Just FYI - when baby gear or toys show signs of wear, they are sold at Twinkle Twinkle.)

Once you’ve outfitted the house with necessary supplies and toys, you’ll want to assemble a list of activities for the days that your visitors are in town. Don’t miss out on 

C’Mon. Naples’ sparkling children’s museum, located on Livingston Rd. adjacent to North Naples Community Park. Kids will enjoy climbing the banyan tree and engaging with the full array of interactive displays. C’Mon invites kids to explore, engage, and let their imaginations take charge. There’s a great gift shop, too. 

The Naples Zoo. During the winter months, your visitors will love exploring our zoo. The weather will be perfect as you feed the giraffes and take the boat to meet the primates. Adults and kids alike will enjoy meeting a few of the rare species housed at the Naples Zoo, including honey badgers, fosas, and striped hyenas. 

The Beaches. Need we say more? Check this blog post for more details. Grab your beach shoes, umbrella and a net for shelling, and kids of all ages will be set for a memorable day. At low tide, head to the Naples pier and see live starfish, sand dollars, and other marine life up close. 

Rockin’ N Stables. The kids will enjoy an afternoon on horseback. Drive out Immokalee Rd. east of Collier Blvd. and take a trail ride through the natural Florida woods. Gentle horses and experienced guides make Rockin’ N a highly rated Naples attraction.

Sun N’ Fun Lagoon. At North Collier Regional Park, kids from toddler age right on up will enjoy this water park, featuring water slides, splash pads, and a “lazy river” attraction. Parking is free and admission is discounted for Collier County residents. 

 Dining out with kids in tow is not a problem in Naples. A few kid-friendly favorites that we have tried include:

The Dock at Crayton Cove. The Dock offers a great kids’ menu, with portions generous enough for youngsters up to age 12. Little ones will be able to share or take home leftovers. When you’re done, the kids will enjoy a walk out the dock, especially as fishing boats come in and pelicans circle looking for their dinner. 

Lunch at the Turtle Club offers beautiful beachfront dining. With kids, request a table outdoors and let them enjoy the feel of sand under their toes. You’ll be able to enjoy a lovely salad or entree while the kids take in the view of the Gulf, paddle boards, and gulls. 

Pizza at Cosmo’s on 41 close to downtown is known as the best in Naples. 

Or try Aurelio’s at Coastland Mall, which offers a great kids menu of Italian favorites. (After the kids tried the spaghetti, we took home a container of Aurelio’s marinara sauce. It’s great!)

Of course, Naples offers all the national chain restaurants. A new family friendly offering along Airport-Pulling Rd. is Culver’s, best known for shakes. 

Whether your guests are the grandchildren or friends with children....you won't have a moment of wondering what to do in beautiful Naples. Let our wonderful community offerings become their vacation playground during their visit!

Naples Gulf beaches are known worldwide for their beautiful sands and peaceful gulf views. Whether you are looking for a family destination, a spot for a romantic walk or sunset, or an invigorating run - Naples beaches offer just what you are looking for.

Best of all, Naples beaches offer easy access! How do newcomers find their way to the beach?

City of Naples Beaches

Access to City of Naples beaches is via parking permit, available at Naples City Hall. County beach permits may also be used at City beaches. Many streets ending at the beach feature parking meters for visitors. Be sure to observe “no parking” signs, and to respect residents as you walk along the residential streets adjacent to beach access points. Both Lowdermilk Park and Naples Pier offer metered parking, as well.

Lowdermilk Park - One of Naples premier beachfront parks, Loudermilk Park is located at the end of Banyan Blvd. Lowdermilk is a great family or group destination, offering a fully equipped playground, shaded picnic tables, and gazebo in addition to the beachfront.

Naples Pier - A Naples landmark, located at the end of 12th Avenue S., Naples Pier is one of the best known sites for fishing, beach volleyball, and viewing a sunset. You may catch an artist at work as you walk along the pier. If you want to try your luck with a fishing line, no license is required for fishing off the pier; the City of Naples has purchased a bulk license for those who wish to fish here.

Naples City beaches have been actively replenished this fall, to mitigate the effects of normal erosion and summer storms. The replenishment project was a massive effort by local officials to maintain beautiful, user-friendly beachfronts. 

Collier County Beaches

Collier County beaches stretch from Barefoot Beach at the north to the Marco Island beaches at the south. County beach parking is available on-site for $8 (pay at the parking kiosk), or by annual beach permit. Beach permits are available for both full-time and part-time residents. Best known Collier beaches include:

Clam Pass - You’ll enjoy the unique approach to Clam Pass, located at the end of Seagate Drive just beyond the fashionable Waterside Shops. From the parking area, take the 3/4 mile boardwalk through a tranquil mangrove forest to the beach itself. Watch for butterflies!

Vanderbilt Beach - The perfect location at the end of Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Vanderbilt Beach is a popular destination for all ages. Park easily in the parking structure and walk a block to the beach. Best feature at Vanderbilt?  Stroll north a block or so along the beach to the Turtle Club for a delicious lunch overlooking the Gulf.

Barefoot Beach - located just off Bonita Beach Rd., Barefoot Beach Preserve offers a great family destination with beach access, fishing, boating, a one-mile nature trail, and ranger programs highlighting the broad range of natural habitat for Florida wildlife.

Marco Island - Drive south to Marco and enjoy sunbathing at South Beach, located at the southern end of Collier Blvd., or combine your day at the beach with birdwatching at Tigertail Beach. Tigertail is listed on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s list of top birding sites in the state.

Florida State Parks 

State Park admission is by daily or annual pass; both are available from park rangers at the entrance.

 Delnor-Wiggins State Park, located at the end of Immokalee Rd/111th Avenue, offers a full mile of natural beach. Five parking areas offer easy access to the beach, complete with sea turtle nesting sites, natural Florida grasses, diving pelicans, and dolphins splashing in the Gulf.

Lovers Key State Park sits on the Collier/Lee county line. For years, Lovers Key was accessible only by boat and it was said that only lovers traveled to the island to enjoy its remote and solitary beach. Today, it is one of four barrier islands that make up this state park. A haven for wildlife, the islands and their waters are home to West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, marsh rabbits, and bald eagles. The two mile long beach is accessible by boardwalk or tram and is popular for shelling, swimming, picnicking, and sunbathing. Black Island has over five miles of multiuse trails for hiking and bicycling. Anglers and boaters can launch their vessels from the park's boat ramp. The park's concession offers kayak tours, as well as bicycle, canoe and kayak rentals.

Beaches are a fantastic natural resource in the Naples area. Pack the car with your favorite beach chair, towel, and umbrella and discover those that will be on your own list of favorites. 

As we entertain visitors and prepare for the holidays, it’s great to know a few of the business around town that are “uniquely Naples.” Local businesses appreciate our patronage, and it’s fun to explore what specialties bring local flavor….whether it’s an item that you’re tucking under the tree, a hostess gift, or a store or restaurant that you’ll be visiting during the season ahead.

Here are just a few!

Naples Olive Oil Company has two locations: one on Fifth Avenue South, and the other in North Naples on Immokalee Rd. Naples Olive Oil Company describes their store as a “tasting gallery” of organic virgin olive oils and infused vinegars. Team up an assortment of high quality oils with locally made pasta, chocolates, and kitchen accessories for a gift that carries the flavor of Naples. 

Naples Soap Company in Tin City is a terrific stop on your shopping route. Founded by a registered nurse, Naples Soap Company opened for business in 2009. The store itself offers a clean and delightful ambience with a full range of “tester” products. Moisturizer sticks, body butter, bath bombs, hair products and more come in a delightful range of fragrances. All products are made of natural and organic ingredients suitable for sensitive skin. 

While in Tin City, swing through the Naples Winery. Can you believe it? A store filled with premium specialty wines, all made from 100% pure Florida citrus? The wine selection is delicious whether you are sampling during daily wine tastings or buying for everyone on your list  - so delicious in fact that the Naples Winery has won over 250 national and international recognitions and medals! From sparkling wines to richer ports, the Naples Winery can round out your gift giving. Add a few accessories for another “touch of Naples.”

A short drive north to 5th Avenue North takes you to Olde Naples Chocolates. Open the door to the sweet aroma of chocolate and an array of gourmet treats…all made on premises. You’ll be truly amazed at the variety and selection - try a truffle, a salted caramel, or a peanut butter cup as you browse. Each confection is created by hand, using natural ingredients. This “taste of Naples” has been family owned for 23 years. 

Indulge your sweet tooth further at Norman Love Confectioners’ Chocolate Salon in the Park Shore neighborhood. Norman Love takes chocolate and artisan desserts to a level of artistry that you don’t find just anywhere. Here, you’ll find truffles, tarts, “black” chocolate, and specialty holiday items and flavors to tempt your palate. Your selection will be packed carefully in a signature Norman Love box - add a bow or card, and you have a gift that will turn heads! (Another great gift idea is a class at Norman Love - ranging from elegant home desserts to molded and dipped chocolates!)

Naples is also home to an artisanal brewery, the Naples Beach Brewery. Enjoy a tour and tasting at this “hands on” local brewery, and select your favorite beers to take home. 

New on the Naples restaurant scene this year is The Local Naples, an eatery dedicated to fresh farm-to-table and sea-to-table cuisine. Located in a strip mall center at Pine Ridge Rd. and Airport-Pulling Rd. (just around the corner from Bed Bath and Beyond), The Local specializes in locally-sourced ingredients. The menu changes daily, so it’s always fun and always an adventure to see what’s in season. 

During your holiday season - and right into the new year - I hope you’ll take advantage of these and many more unique local business in Naples. Enjoy shopping, dining, and exploring the little “something special” that Naples has to offer. 

The holiday season is here, and in sunny southwest Florida, there is plenty to see and do. Naples knows how to do the holidays in style! Take your pick from any number of holiday events and activities!

Third Street South opens its Celebration of Lights on November 26. Browse among twinkling light displays, and enjoy “snowfall” under the stars at 7:30 pm through November 30.

Up on Fifth Avenue South, the annual tree lighting will take place on December 5, with activities from 5 - 9:30 p.m. Enjoy local dance troupes, live music, and a visit from Santa himself!

Enjoy the tree lighting festivities at The Mercato on December 6. Strolling carolers, special music and dance performances, and of course the tree itself will brighten your holiday. 

Who doesn’t love a parade? The annual Naples Christmas Parade is a holiday highlight, set for December 10 at 6 pm. The parade route travels from Broad Ave  to 3rd Street South, to 5th Ave South, and end on 8th Street South. In the mood for something a little different? Stroll down Fifth Avenue South on December 12 to enjoy TUBA Christmas. In combination with the traditional Evening on Fifth, you’ll feel the holiday spirit with and evening of music, dining, and shopping. 

Kids of all ages will want to be at The Mercato on December 14. Start the day with Breakfast with Santa at Bravo! at 9 am., then stay for the Holiday Collector Car Show, which runs until 3 pm. Over 100 classics will be on display for the enjoyment of car enthusiasts and novices alike. 

The evening of December 14, check out the Naples Bay Boat Parade at 6:30 pm. View the boats from Tin City or Crayton Cove. Where else will you see luxurious vessels decked out for the holidays? It adds a uniquely “Florida feel” to your holiday season. 

Starting December 18 and running on selected evenings through January 5, you’ll love Night Lights 2013 at the Naples Botanical Gardens. The beautiful gardens will be adorned with thousands of lights. You’ll enjoy special music and family activities throughout the evening. 

Finally, a local treasure awaits in the Victoria Park Neighborhood off Airport-Pulling Rd. north of Vanderbilt Beach. The entire neighborhood lights up as residents provide a showcase of themed holiday decorations. Make this a special trip, or simply drive through on your way home from dinner one evening during December. You’ll be asked to turn off your headlights and creep along at 5 mph. as you soak in the unique community spirit of Victoria Park. There is no charge for admission - residents consider it a gift to the community. 

Naples does indeed sparkle throughout the holiday season. Music, lights, and plenty of smiles will greet you as you explore all that Naples has to offer. 

The Naples luxury real estate market continues to roll forward….and the market is rolling at a tremendous pace this fall. October’s market statistics show a dramatic 37% decline in “days on the market” compared to October 2012. 

Translated into practical terms, the average home listed for sale last year remained on the market for almost six months before a buyer came along. Today? The average home listed for sale will sell in just over 100 days. 

My advice to buyers is consistent: If you see the home you’ve been looking for….be ready to make your bid. If you wait, you may very well find yourself in a position of dealing with multiple bids on a desirable property, or you may lose out entirely. Remember that that 100 days on the market is an average. Highly desirable properties - those with beautiful views, state-of-the-art updates, and those in move-in condition - will sell much faster than 100 days. 

Market pricing shows stability this month. Significantly, one market segment saw a marked increase in the median closed price: homes (both single family homes and condominiums) in the $300,000 and below segment showed a 14% increase over last year at this time. Local analysts attribute the continued price growth in this segment to the significant decrease in the number of distressed properties (short sales and foreclosures) available. 

While we can’t predict the future, all market indicators - pricing trends, inventory, and rapid sales  pace - show that prices will take another upswing this season. Sellers are well poised for the arrival of seasonal buyers. Those who have been “on the fence” about listing their homes recognize that demand looks  strong and buyers are motivated. 

The real estate market in Naples is an exciting place to be. Let me guide you through the process of finding the home that is right for you! There’s still time to start the new year in your new home in Paradise!

“If you really want to help the American theater, don't be an actress, dahling. Be an audience.” - Tallulah Bankhead

The theater season is in full swing here in Naples, and you’re invited to check out this year’s offerings. Let’s take a look!

 The Naples Players offers top flight community theater at the Sugden Theater on Fifth Avenue South. The level of acting, staging, and choreography impresses every time! The Naples Players celebrated their 60th anniversary last year, and is consistently voted the “Best Live Theater” option. This year’s lineup on the Blackburn Hall main stage includes the classic Our Town, followed by Black Tie, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Moon Over Buffalo. You might also try one of the offerings in the intimate “black box” of the Tobye Studio Theater, or check out the dynamic KidzAct productions throughout the year. The Naples Players is the perfect evening out, combined with dinner or dessert at one of Fifth Avenue’s beautiful eateries. 

 TheaterZone makes its home at the G&L Theater at the Community School of Naples. At TheaterZone, you’ll discover professional theater in an “up close and personal” setting - there’s not a bad seat in the house. The season starts in January, 2014 and features equity actors performing in Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Whistle Down the Wind, the classic Cole Porter musical High Society, the musical Chess, and popular salute to 50’s harmony Forever Plaid. Plan for dinner at nearby Waterside Shops or The Mercato, then head over to the show. 

 The Gulfshore Playhouse offers another professional theater choice, tucked inside the Norris Center adjacent to Cambier Park. The 200-seat theater assures that you’ll feel close to the stage - almost part of the action. This year, enjoy drama with Something Intangible, a new twist on a classic Christmas story with Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol, a world premier with The God Game, comedy with The Game’s Afoot, and a production of Pulitzer Prize winner Arthur Miller’s All My Sons. The location of Gulfshore Playhouse allows you to easily enjoy the evening with dinner on 3rd Avenue South or Fifth Avenue, followed by your evening of theater. 

 I certainly hope you’ll take time to “be an audience” during the Naples theater season this year. 

For tickets and more information:

www.naplesplayers.org

www.gulfcoastplayhouse.org

www.theaterzone-florida.com

You may remember it as “The Phil” - but the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts has a new name. This year, you’ll be visiting Artis - Naples, a name that reflects the full scope of the arts you can discover on the beautiful Pelican Bay campus. 

 Let’s begin with the Baker Museum of Art. If you’re new to the Baker Museum, you might enjoy “Art After Hours,” when your museum admission is free. Held the last Wednesday of each month, you can listen to live music in the courtyard, tour the museum exhibits, and enjoy a snack or beverage. Special exhibits this season at the Baker Museum include Papiers a la Mode, with over 60 period costumes, kimonos, kaftans and other objects intricately crafted out of paper by Belgian artist and sculptor Isabelle de Borchgrave. Or check out “An Ear For Music, An Eye for Art” - an exhibit of modernist works from the collection of Ahmet Ertegün, the Turkish American musician and business man best known as the founder and president of Atlantic Records. 

 If you’re musically inclined, you’ll want to check the concert offerings at Artis - Naples. The season includes a full range of entertainment options. The ever-popular Naples Philharmonic Pops series will set your foot tapping to Broadway and jazz standards, familiar classics from composers such as Gershwin, Hamlisch, and many more. The Philharmonic Orchestra Masterworks series will reacquaint us with beloved classical pieces on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. 

 For those who love Broadway, this year’s season will feature some of the greats, including the wonderful classics West Side Story, Evita, and Porgy and Bess. Get your tickets soon and catch the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons in Jersey Boys. (I can hardly wait for that one!)

 Ballet rounds out the offerings at Artis - Naples, including the Christmas classic The Nutcracker, guest performances by the Miami Ballet, and the Russian National Ballet’s performance of Don Quixote. 

 Special events on the Artis - Naples calendar are sure to turn heads - headliners include Bonnie Raitt, The Masters of Bluegrass, Harry Connick Jr., Second City, Julio Iglesis, The Moody Blues, The Grascals, Tony Bennett….this is just a sampling of the performers that will be making stops in Naples this season!

 Add it up and you will certainly see that Artis - Naples provides an eclectic mix of terrific art and performances throughout the season. Whether you decide to purchase season tickets or select your individual favorites from the Artis - Naples calendar, you’ll agree that this facility is a gem that offers fantastic cultural offerings to all of us fortunate enough to call Naples home.

It’s a short drive from Naples to one of Southwest Florida’s treasures, Sanibel Island. Located less than an hour northwest, Sanibel is easily accessed via the Sanibel Causeway adjacent to Fort Myers Beach.  

Seasonal traffic can be heavy on weekends, so get an early start. Use SunPass to move quickly through the Causeway toll gate.  

What makes Sanibel so special?

Over 6000 acres of Sanibel’s land is dedicated nature preserve, administered by either the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge or the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. To visitors, this means that beaches are left in their natural state, that animal habitats are carefully preserved, and that building codes are strictly enforced. No building over 3 stories is permitted on the island, and the only two chain restaurants are the classic Dairy Queen on Periwinkle Drive and a single Subway restaurant.  

Sanibel is one of the world’s best known locales for shelling, largely because of its unique geography. If you check a map, you’ll see that Sanibel leland is positioned with a distinct east/west orientation, sitting at almost a perfect 90 degrees to the Florida mainland. This orientation puts Sanibel beaches in perfect position for shells to wash ashore in abundance. Plan your visit to arrive as the tide goes out, and you’re likely to see some wonderful additions to your collection. After a storm is a great time to go shelling. Of course, you can’t order up a good shelling day on a platter….but the odds are in your favor on Sanibel.  

Sanibel Island is, at heart, a small town of about 6,000 full time residents.  

What’s to do on Sanibel? 

Start your visit at the east end of the island, with a visit to the Sanibel Lighthouse. Here you will find a great fishing pier and hiking trails. Keep your eyes open for bald eagles and nesting osprey.  

Hit the beach at Bowman’s Beach, along Sanibel-Captiva Rd. This beautiful white sand beach offers easy parking (pay at the kiosk - rates are $2 per hour), ample space for kids to play, shelling, beautiful photo ops, and gentle waters for snorkeling. (FYI - beach access is free along the Causeway Beaches as you enter Sanibel. You’ll see fishermen, kite boarders, and families using the barbecues as soon as you come down off the Causeway. Pull in wherever you like.)

Visit the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Bike, hike, take a canoe trip, or even drive through the preserve. You’ll gain a lot of in-depth knowledge about the island and its tropical habitats. And yes, you may indeed see an alligator. Definitely bring binoculars - even the novice will enjoy bird watching at Ding Darling. The Refuge is known as a photographer’s paradise, so plan to snap at least a few memorable pics.  

Learn lots more about shells at the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. Depending on the weather, this is a great stop if you get caught in an afternoon storm, or need a respite from the sun and a day of outdoor activity.  

Rent a bike. Numerous vendors offer bike rentals, and Sanibel is known for its network of bike paths. Whether you go just a few miles or feel ambitious enough to head up to Captiva, it’s a great way to get around.  

Take a drive and explore the full length of Sanibel and it’s sister island, Captiva. Enjoy views of the Gulf, local shops and galleries, and get the feel of the entire area. 

Shopping on Sanibel will take you through many locally owned businesses and galleries. Bailey’s General Store is a great place to pick up your snacks and beverages for the day. Periwinkle Place is the closest thing you’ll find to a shopping center on the island and offers a variety of specialty and gift shops. Crafty types will enjoy browsing at Three Crafty Ladies.  

Check for special events at the Sanibel Library or BigArts. Especially during season, you may want to schedule your visit to coincide with a classic film, arts workshop, lecture, or art show that sparks your interest.  

Eat, of course. We love the Island Cow - an ultra casual spot on Periwinkle Way, known for huge sandwiches and sweet potato fries. If you’d like something a little more upscale or for a special occasion, try The Mad Hatter Restaurant. 

What to take? 

You’ll want to pack your beach gear, for certain. Add a pail and net if you plan to collect shells. 

Throw in the camera and binoculars. 

Don’t forget insect repellant. The natural preserve status of much of the island means that pesticide use is limited. A quick stop at the DQ at sunset can be a delight….or a battle with Florida’s no-see-ums if you’re not prepared.  

Fishing gear and bikes are welcome.  

A change of clothes to get you from the beach to dinner. Casual dress rules year round.  

What if we decide to spend the night? 

Sanibel is home to a variety of inns, hotels, and cottages. Accommodations book quickly. During season, many highly rated locations book a year or more in advance. Call as early in the day as possible to check availability.  

Sanibel is a bit of a “world apart” only a short drive from Naples. Be sure to explore this national treasure!