On February 29th I flew Air Canada direct from Toronto to Fort Myers, FL on my way to my vacation in Naples, FL. My flight was delayed, but I was given access to the Air Canada lounge, which was great. There were free drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), free snacks (such as fruit and cookies) as well as a shower available for those travelers that feel the need for one. Additionally there were quiet places to read and relax, and a business center.
Once the flight took off the flight crew were great, we had terrible turbulence, but they managed to get everyone their in-flight drinks in a timely fashion. The private televisions in the seats were also great and definitely made the flight fly by (pardon the pun).
During my 10-days in Florida I spent nights at three different hotels, so as to get a varied experience. The first hotel was the Naples Golf and Beach Resort, which is located on Golf Shore blvd. steps away from the water. The rooms were nice and the grounds were immaculate, in addition to having a band play in the bar area every night, which made up for the pricey drinks. I would say the hotel definitely had an older crowd.
The next hotel was the Cove Inn, located downtown off of 3rd street and backs onto the water. The rooms were simple and obviously recently renovated. The hotel featured an amazing private restaurant and being right in the heart of downtown was surrounded by things to do.
The last hotel was the Inn on 5th avenue. It’s a beautiful hotel inside and out with a great hotel bar/restaurant.
Speaking of bars and restaurants, I ate at a different restaurant each night, and was not once disappointed. Our first night was spent at Big Als, located right on Tamiami Trail. It was a great place for a sports bar type atmosphere with very reasonable prices and great food.
The next night we went to the Ales House, located close to the i75. It had great food and a massive beer selection on tap.
The Bonefish Grill, located off Tamiami Trail close to Tin City had a lot of seafood, higher end prices great atmosphere and great service.
Pinchers’ oysters are 60cents during happy hour and 2 for 1 drinks everyday. Located right beside the dock where the day cruises go out of so great people watching, also right across from all the fishing boats. It has a very casual atmosphere and great seafood.
The Docks, located right at the public Docks, and right on the water, has good food and is always packed. Be warned though, you will in all likelihood have to wait for a table.
Café Luna, located right on 5th Avenue is an amazing place for good hearty Italian food. They have specials every night for 2 people, which includes a bottle of wine for 29.95. It is great value for great food.
Located about 40 minutes from Naples, in the heart of everglades is the rod and gun club, beautiful building very old, everything has been restored but still has that old charm, we sat on the enclosed veranda and had lunch, service was a little slow but the food was good, located right on the water again so great views.
Mr Tequila located on Tamiami trail great place for Mexican food, the best sangria I have ever had is served there and prices are very very reasonable.
I did a tour of the everglades company was called CAPTAIN DOUGS, which is an hour long tour on an air boat , holds 6 people cost is 40.00 per person takes you right into the glades unfortunately did not see 1 alligator but the tour was awesome if you like speed you will like this one
also did the new jet boat tour in Naples, opened up in Feb of this year, new attraction to Naples definitely not for the faint at heart, you go fast and he does crazy twists and turns at about 35 miles an hour. The tour is 90 minutes give and take depending on boat traffic, it takes you from the pier right into the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way you see huge mansions on the water they narrate everything and dolphins swim along the side of the boat.. Cost is $42.00 per person but totally worth it. You might get a little wet, but not enough to wear a bathing suit.
Naples are a great destination for relaxing and enjoying, the beaches are incredible and never crazy busy because there is so much to do. The food is very good and affordable, making Naples a great vacation spot of a week or so.