Naples is well known for its wide variety of dining options. But new residents can find the vast number of options overwhelming! Where to begin?

You may want to start with some of my personal favorites and go from there. Here is a short list to get you started!

For pizza: Cosmos Italian Cafe and Pizzeria. Located on Tamiami Trail just north of 5th Avenue S., Cosmos has been voted Southwest Florida’s Choice and Best of Gulf Shore. Besides pizza, Cosmos offers calzones, salads, and a full lunch and dinner menu.

For classic American food and steaks: Chops City Grill on 5th Avenue South. Chops offers a great menu, high quality food and service, and prime location. Eat early, then take in a show at the Sugden Theater, or just enjoy a stroll down 5th.

For seafood: Don’t miss Swan River Seafood! Located in Parkshore Centre, an unobtrusive strip mall along Tamiami Trail, Swan River offers a fresh seafood market, raw bar, and restaurant. Enjoy fresh fish and many New England favorites, with a broad assortment of appetizers and sides.

For Mexican: Try Masa at the Mercato. Masa is the newest in the D’Amico family of local restaurants, offering indoor or outdoor seating amid the ambience of the Mercato. Masa offers contemporary Mexican cuisine made from authentic ingredients.

For beachfront dining: The Turtle Club at the Vanderbilt Beach Resort offers indoor dining, patio dining, or beachfront “sand under the toes” tables. A great place to enjoy the sunset, the Turtle Club is located just north of Vanderbilt Beach.

For a romantic evening: Bleu Provence on 12th St. S. Enjoy fine French cuisine in an elegant, relaxing atmosphere. Bleu Provence offers an outstanding wine selection and servers are well-versed in all menu offerings.

For a weekday lunch: Stop in at Tommy Bahama on 3rd St. S. Recharge during your shopping excursion or meet friends for delicious food in an island-themed paradise. Parking is easy in the lot just behind the restaurant.

For happy hour: Try the Aloha Hour at Roy’s at Bayfront, weekdays from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Roy’s brings a “touch of class” to the traditional happy hour gathering, with featured appetizers and drinks available for $6.

For a sports bar: Tavern on the Bay Sports Bar and Grill, located at Bayfront. Enjoy happy hour drinks and special menu offerings weekdays between 3-7 p.m. Stay to catch a game, have dinner, or stroll past the Bayfront marina.

For local “flavor”: You can’t beat Tony C’s Italian Specialty Market in Neapolitan Way. Enjoy terrific sandwiches made from Italian meats and cheeses, as well as delicious pastries. Don’t forget to browse the imported Italian grocery items or take home something from the deli counter!

For burgers: Brooks Burgers, located downtown just north of Fifth Avenue. Build your own burger or order one of Brooks’ specialties...but don’t forget the onion rings!

For the best ice cream and frozen custard: Abbott’s is a fixture on 5th Avenue South. Try the monkey bread!

This list is only the beginning - you’re sure to discover your own favorites as you become better acquainted with all that Naples has to offer.

Bon appetit!

A year ago, my blog included a post entitled “The Market Is On Fire!” And indeed, 2012, could be described as a year in which the Naples luxury real estate market bounced back.

2013 hasn’t disappointed us! In fact, the market thus far has continued to be strong. Last month, the Naples Area Board of Realtors noted that our market may shift to a “seller’s market” with a steady trend toward increased pricing and lower inventories.

The latest market statistics show March 2013 median home prices up 17% over March 2012. First quarter pricing shows a median closed price up a tremendous 24% over the first quarter of 2012. The current median home price is now positioned at the highest point since April 2009. 

Homes under $300,000 showed an 18% increase in prices during the first quarter of 2013. As this trend continues, fewer and fewer homes will be available at more modest price points; the homes that are under $300,000 today will likely move into the $300-500,000 category as prices increase across our market.

And buyers are taking advantage of the opportunity to invest in Naples real estate. In March, pending sales in the $300-500,000 category jumped 22% over last year at this time. Pending sales of homes from $500,000 - $2 million plus saw steady double-digit increases as well.

Local economic indicators continue to show that the Naples area economy is on a positive track. A few indicators worth watching are:

• 84% of home sales in the first quarter were classified as “traditional” sales; this indicates that the number of distressed homes (foreclosures and short sales) has decreased significantly in Naples.
• Consumer spending is up in Collier County, according to the Economic Research Institute at Florida Gulf Coast University.
• Passenger traffic at Southwest Florida Regional Airport was up 7% over 2012.
• Tourism revenues in Collier County were up 7% in January 2013.
• Single family building permits have nearly doubled over 2012 numbers.

Collier County - and the greater Naples area - is a great place to be! I encourage you to be part of the boom in 2013!

Regular blog readers keep a finger on the pulse of the Naples luxury home market through my monthly market updates. The Naples Area Board of Realtors provides detailed statistics and analysis; I summarize these monthly, providing highlights that may be of interest to my clients.

As 2013 kicked off, the Naples market started strong. This continued the steady upward trends we saw throughout 2012, with a few striking high points.

When compared to January 2012....

• Home inventory (the number of existing homes for sale overall) is down 13%.
• The number of closed sales continued to build strong momentum. Sales in the $500,000 - $1 million market segment increased a tremendous 31%.
• Pending sales are up over 20% in the $300 K - $1 million price categories.
• Median prices increased 16%.
• Average days on the market decreased 7%.

In other words, there is less to choose from in the existing home market. properties are moving faster than they did a year ago, and prices are up, when compared to last year. Finding the right home requires buyers to work closely with a dedicated Realtor who is able to communicate well and move quickly when desirable properties become available.

Current market trends tell us that Naples luxury real estate is a great investment. Our market is on the upswing, and your timing couldn’t be better to choose your next home. Whether you are looking for a vacation home, a larger home to meet your family’s needs, or are downsizing to a condominium, I am delighted to work with you.

Especially in a market on the move like Naples, a professional realtor is a tremendous asset. I look forward to working with you!

We often hear Naples referred to as “Paradise,” and it’s true. Heavenly beaches, scenic roadways, pristine golf resorts, well-planned developments, fabulous dining options....all contribute to the community that we love.

And a key part of Naples’ appeal is our vibrant business community, including a thriving retail base. Visitors and residents alike enjoy exploring the many options for browsing and shopping around town. Here are a few of the best...and a few of my favorites!

Third Street South: Located south of Broad Avenue between 2nd and 4th Streets, Third Street South is known as the “Heart of Old Naples.” Saturday mornings you’ll find the hustle of Naples’ largest farmers market. Pick up coffee and a pastry at Tony’s Off Third - or select your favorite wine to take home - and enjoy browsing the local produce and vendors. But don’t limit your visits to Saturdays! Enjoy memorable dining at Campiello’s or Sea Salt, take in a trunk show at one of the exclusive boutiques, or tap your foot to live music during “Thursdays on Third.”

Fifth Avenue South: Probably the best known shopping locale in Naples, Fifth Avenue South is the “crown jewel” at the heart of Naples’ downtown. Park in the free parking structure and spend a day or evening walking up one side of the street and down the other. Wander into galleries and boutiques, enjoy lunch or dinner, and check out the lineup at the Naples Players on Sugden Plaza. At various times throughout the season, Fifth Avenue South hosts art shows, antique auto shows, and live music, all within easy reach of gulf breezes.

The Shops At Venetian Village: Located at the end of Park Shore Dr., at the corner of Gulfshore Blvd. Venetian Village offers over 50 shops and restaurants, nestled along the shores of Venetian Bay. You’ll meander down pleasant walkways, sip on coffee or enjoy a cone from Ben & Jerry’s, and enjoy the waterfront boutiques. (Need a baby gift or something special for the little one in your life? Stop in to All About April.) Venetian Village hosts Dancing by the Fountain and Village Nights events monthly, with extended store hours and entertainment.

Waterside Shops: Located on the northwest corner of Pine Ridge Rd. and US 41. Waterside Shops’ anchor stores are venerable favorites Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom. In between, you will find a variety of well-known retailers ranging from Pottery Barn and The Gap to DeBeers and Hermes. The Waterside Shops’ courtyard is a well-known destination to sit with a coffee and enjoy the beautiful water features that give this mall its name. Restaurants abound, including Brio Tuscan Grill, Bricktops (try the guacamole), California Pizza Kitchen, and Silver Spoon Cafe. Valet parking is available in front of Brio.

The Mercato: Located just north of US 41 and Vanderbilt Beach Rd. The Mercato offers a full array of shopping, dining, and entertainment, including Whole Foods Market, Silverspot Cinemas, and numerous retailers. Watch for the opening of Nordstrom’s Rack in the months ahead. Stop in for a quick salad at Stage 61 Deli, enjoy nightlife at the Blue Martini, or take your pick of great options for dinner. Keep your eyes open for Movies on the Lawn and Mercato Nights Music Festivals. Valet parking is available at the curb next to Bravo.

Whether you love to “shop till you drop,” or browse till your heart’s content, Naples offers plenty of options!

From Gordon Pass to Barefoot Beach...from Marco Island to the Naples Pier....Naples’ beaches welcome residents and visitors alike.

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.

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.

arco IMsland - 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.

Be sure to put a few days at the beach on your “must do” list in Naples! You're sure to discover one or two that are your favorites!

Those who follow my blog regularly know that monthly market statistics have shown a steady positive trend over the past year.

You may be surprised to learn that 2012 was a record-setting year - 2012 sits just behind the boom years of 2004 and 2005 for total closed sales in the Naples area.

Today, let’s look at a some 2012 market highlights:

• Overall pending sales were up 15% over 2011 numbers.
• Sales in the $300-500,000 price range were up 20% over 2011.
• Sales in the $500,000 - 1 million price range were up 29% over 2011.
• Sales in the $1 - 2 million price range were up 14% over 2011.
• In the 4th quarter of 2012, overall sales increased 22% over the same time period in 2011.

The market gives us important information about home pricing as well. Overall home prices are up a notable 17% in the Naples area over this time last year.

All areas of our community showed growth in sales, with Naples Beach demonstrating the largest upswing in both closed sales and home prices.

What about inventory? The number of homes on the market in 2012 was down a striking 13%. I have noted the impact of a declining inventory in past blog posts, including more buyers considering new construction, increased home prices, and the need to work closely with clients as desirable homes are listed.

These market statistics point to a bright year ahead in Naples area real estate. All signs indicate that an investment in our beautiful community brings great returns!

The growing demand for new homes in the Naples area in 2012 led to a tremendous jump in building permits in Collier County.

Year-end data shows that Collier County building permits are up over 35% over 2011. In the City of Naples, building permit applications for single family homes jumped an astounding 76% in 2012.

Builders report “the best year...in a long time” throughout Florida, with Collier County a definite bright spot. This surge in building and new home sales indicate growing confidence in the Naples area luxury real estate market.

New communities showing strong new home construction activity include

• Riverstone, in North Naples, where over 200 homes have sold in the past year,
• Fiddler’s Creek, which was highlighted in my blog last week,
• Twin Eagles, the golf community that hosted the LPGA tournament in 2012,
• Treviso Bay, located off 41 East, now under development by Lennar Homes, and
• Lantana at Olde Cypress, a new development of 122 homes by Stock Development.

Why the jump in new home construction? Those who follow my blog and keep an eye on local market statistics know that the inventory of existing Naples luxury real estate is down significantly this year; serious buyers consider new construction as an option due to the more limited inventory of existing homes. Overall, some buyers have held back on home purchases based on economic uncertainty; those buyers now see prices inching upward, and feel more confident about making a purchase. Those buyers who seek home financing can still benefit from low mortgage rates in today’s market.

The trend in new construction in Naples and Collier County is expected to continue among second home buyers and year-round residents.

Is a new home an option for you? Let’s work together to identify the community that best meets your family’s needs in this exciting market!

We’ve cleared away the last of the Thanksgiving leftovers, and Christmas is in the air. Naples loves to celebrate, and it’s easy to fill the calendar with holiday cheer! Let’s take a glimpse at some favorite Naples traditions at this time of year.

Miss the white stuff? Pull out your mittens and head for Snowfest on December 1 at Golden Gate Community Park. Tobogganing, ice skating, and 70 tons of snow should satisfy your yearning for a “White Christmas.” This signature event is sponsored by Collier County Parks and Recreation and has been a community tradition since 1985.

The 5th Avenue Tree Lighting is one of my favorites. Music, dance, lights, and holiday spirit abound on this special evening. The date this year is Thursday, Dec. 6, 5 - 9:30 pm.

More lights and special holiday performances follow on December 7, at The Mercato’s Tree Lighting.

Bring the kids to Breakfast with Santa at the Waterside Shops or The Mercato on December 8. Brio Tuscan Grill at Waterside partners with Bravo! Cucina Italiana for this family event. Bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots and enter a giveaway to win a membership to the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, a Wii system, or gift cards to the host eateries.

Holiday Boat Parades lend a special Southwest Florida flair to your holiday celebration. On December 6, a procession of boats will make its way down Venetian Bay with live entertainment and snow at the fountain. On December 8, the Naples Bay Boat parade will benefit the Ricky King fund - best viewing is from the Naples City Dock, Riverwalk at Tin City, or Bayview Park.

What’s Christmas without a parade? The Naples Christmas Parade moves along Broad Avenue, Third Street, and Fifth Street South on December 11, starting at 6 p.m.

Sample a bit of Naples’ local history with Christmas at Palm Cottage. Enjoy oral history of the area and elegant decorations through December 29. Palm Cottage is located at 127 12th Ave. S.

And finally, keep your ears and heart attuned to the many Holiday Concerts offered at this time of year. Ranging from The Naples Philharmonic to Bowzer’s Rock & Roll Holiday Party at the Phil to Barbershop Quartets at the Norris Center, you can have your fill of traditional - and not so traditional - holiday music.

This short list merely scratches the surface. For a full schedule of holiday events, check out the Naples Daily News Countdown to Christmas calendar at:

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2010/nov/18/countdown-christmas-guide-holiday-events-naples/

And whatever your taste in holiday celebration, I hope to see you during this festive time of year. Enjoy the season in beautiful Southwest Florida!