It’s Summer! The Snowbirds have travelled north, but our area remains a popular destination for vacationers. Visitors and “locals” alike enjoy lighter traffic and lots to do.
What’s happening this summer in Naples?
Get Outdoors! Yes, we are prone to afternoon rains, but getting up and out early allows you to enjoy our beautiful surroundings before clouds typically roll in. Try a morning walk through the Naples Botanical Gardens (open 8 - 3), or check out the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center (Mon.-Sat. 9:30 - 4:30) for a boat tour, bird-watching, or the Discovery Center Sea Turtle exhibit. Take a morning beach walk, or meander out on the Pier. You just might spot a school of dolphins, even in the shallow waters!
Enjoy a Free Concert! Bring the family to The Mercato throughout the month of July for a variety of performers such as Rockin’ Horse on July 2nd from 6 – 9pm. The Naples Beach Hotel also offers monthly jazz concerts on the lawn in July, August, and September.
Eat Fresh and Local! Our farmer’s markets continue throughout the summer months, including those at the Government Complex, Third Street South, and the indoor market at the Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt (now open Friday and Saturday through the summer).
Get Literary! The Collier County Library continues its fine programming of book discussions and films through the summer months. The library offers a great variety of children’s programming through the summer, as well.
Catch a Movie! The Naples International Film Festival offers screenings of a wide variety of international films at the Silverspot Cinema through September. Admission includes informal discussion of the film, as well as a beverage and snack. For those with children, check out the Hollywood Theater’s $1 summer kid flicks every Tuesday at 10 am, or Mommy Matinee Mondays at Silverspot Cinemas. The Mercato offers a full lineup of free movies under the stars through the month of July.
Create Your Own Gallery Crawl! Start at the Von Liebig Center for the Arts; this summer you’ll have the chance to view two excellent exhibits, “Breaking Through with Color,” and “Camera USA 2014.” Then head to Ninth St. North to the Harmon-Meek Gallery’s exhibit, “In the Presence of Sacred Light: The Master Watercolors of Timothy J. Clark.”
Plan a Night at the Theater! The Naples Players’ summer musical is always a treat, but this year will be a blockbuster with Legally Blonde. Get your tickets early!
Tune in to Local History! The Collier County Museum offers free admission. Current exhibits are “Florida’s Final Frontier” and “The History of Transportation in Collier County.” Or take a tour of Palm Cottaage (Tues.-Sat. 11-4) to learn about Naples’ earliest settlers.
Dine on a Dime! Many local restaurants offer top quality cuisine and wine specials during the summer months. Check out your favorites, or try something new; look for “buy one get one” specials, dinner packages including a bottle of wine, or discount coupons in local papers and online
Without a doubt, Naples offers summer visitors and year-round residents lots of options for summer fun!
