Naples, Florida??

Parent Cafe
1

<p>Friends want to go to Naples with us sometime this winter. I know nothing about the area. What should we plan to do? Where should we stay? Where should we eat?</p>

<p>We’ll be grateful for all your advice!!</p>

2

<p>Do a search, I think someone did start a thread about this location with lots of useful info. I’ve been to Corkscrew Swamp during college at UMiami. An easy walk boardwalk through the swamp. Beautiful.</p>

3

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/1356786-best-places-stay-naples-fl.html?highlight=naples[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/1356786-best-places-stay-naples-fl.html?highlight=naples&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

4

<p>We stayed at a VRBO townhouse in Naples about a mile away from the beach two winters ago for a couple of weeks, but we were “practicing” what it would be like to live in a new place so weren’t situated as tourists. It’s a very nice area for a winter visit with beaches, restaurants, shopping, etc. The Naples boards on TripAdvisor are lively and helpful; suggest you start there and you will see tons of info to help you start your planning. It will give you a good overview and help you narrow your questions down a bit.</p>

5

<p>The Ritz Carlton in Naples is a wonderful property and worth the splurge.</p>

6

<p>We stayed at the LaPlaya. It’s a pretty resort and the tower rooms facing the ocean are wonderful, after that, however, I wouldn’t suggest staying there. The staff was rude, messed up our reservations (large group), nickle and dime you to death and just generally one of the worst 'nicer" resorts we have stayed at. Anywhere along that strip of beach is a good location. The Ritz is just down the beach from there and a good option.</p>

7

<p>Thanks for everyone’s suggestions and the link to the other thread. CCers are very helpful!</p>

8

<p>If you happen to be in Naples for Mardi Gras, they have a big celebration in town with beads, bands, dance performances, etc. There are some very talented retirees in the area!</p>

9

<p>There is not a lot to do but sit in the sun, and go out to dinner.</p>

<p>But nothing wrong with that. Especially if you are coming down from up north. </p>

<p>The town is very upscale.</p>

<p>You can also visit Marco Island and Fort Myers, which are nearby.</p>

<p>In fact, I think Miami is only about a 1:45 minute drive.</p>

10

<p>Naples has a nice art museum and an adjoining concert hall. Depending on your timing and interests, you might be able to get tickets to something you’d enjoy. The Southwest Florida Nature Conservancy is also a good place to visit.</p>

<p>There is a huge mall–Waterside Shops or something like that–with upscale stores. There is also a large outlet mall, Miramar, up the interstate toward Fort Myers.</p>

<p>There is a lovely state park beach, Wiggins Pass, that we prefer to Vanderbilt beach because it is more natural.</p>