What museums are a must see for visitors?
The Baker Museum (www.artisnaples.org) is one of the foremost fine art museums in Southwest Florida. Emphasizing modern and contemporary art, the museum hosts several traveling exhibitions annually to complement installations of works from its permanent collections. Dedicated to stewardship and scholarship, The Baker Museum provides world-class exhibitions and educational opportunities for Southwest Floridaโs diverse community. We also have the Naples Botanical Gardens (www.naplesgarden.org), which is absolutely beautiful, especially during the winter holidays when itโs all lit up during the evening.
Which Guided tours do you recommend?
Captain Jacks Airboat Tour (www.captainjacksairboattours.com) is a must do in south Florida. They offer airboat rides, alligator shows, and a nature sanctuary. This is fun for all ages. Naples Trolley Tours (www.naplestrolleytours.com), which travels up and down our main road, allows you to jump on and off, and is a great way to explore the area. If you want to discover the rugged beauty of the famed natural area of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, head for the boardwalk, a 2.5-mile adventure through pine flatwoods, wet prairie, around a marsh, and finally into the largest old growth Bald Cypress forest in North America. Pure Florida (www.purefl.com) offers a variety of guided trips on the water, whether it is fishing, sailing, or just riding around and watching the sunset.
Lisa Renee
What annual events in Naples should we add to our list?
Definitely our annual Naples Pride (www.naplespride.org) event, which will take place on November 20, 2021. It has become our largest annual event in the City of Naples, and the festivities will take place in Cambier Park in beautiful downtown Naples. There is nonstop entertainment all day with drag performers, bands, singers, dancers, and burlesque. This is an event for everyone, and it features food, drinks (including alcoholic beverages), sponsor tents, and events and games for children. We also have a special event called Cars on Fifth (www.fifthavenuesouth.com/cars-on-5th) that is organized by the Naples Chapter of the Ferrari Club of America. This is an annual one-day event in Naples, and the Cars on Fifth concourse features more than 650 cars, including over 150 Ferraris and other exotic, vintage automobiles, muscle cars, and more.
Tell us about some of the beautiful beaches in Naples and what we can expect when visiting them.
Let me start by saying any beach you choose to visit in Naples is going to be a beautiful experience. My personal favorite beach is Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park (www.floridastateparks.org/parks-andtrails/delnor-wiggins-pass-state-park). That is one of the few beaches that is kept natural and has plenty of shaded areas to cool down. This beach also has grills available for cookouts, designated areas where you can go fishing, and a pavilion available to celebrate special occasions. We also have Clam Pass Park (www.collierparks.com/collier_park/clam-pass-park), which has a one-mile boardwalk that you can either walk along or take a tram to get to the beach.
Where are the best places to work out?
I would say, if you are into yoga, you definitely need to try the Yoga Lab in Mercato. It has a great atmosphere and it just makes you feel good. Also, we have Paradise Coast Sports Complex, which is very LGBTQ-friendly and has a very impressive gym/obstacle course. Freedom Park is a great place to walk or bike the boardwalk.
If Someone is looking for a full-service spa, where do you send them?
Woodhouse Day Spa (www.locations.woodhousespas.com) has one of the most unique settings for a spa. They make you feel like royalty without emptying your purse. They will take care of all of your spa needs from top to bottom.
Designer Labels for less?
We have Naples Outlet Collection (www.naplescoastalshoppes.com), which is a small outlet strip mall in Naples close to Marco Island. There is a larger outlet mall about 20- minutes north of Naples in Estero called Miramar Outlets (www.miromaroutlets.com). This is where you will find all the deals you have been looking for. You can shop and dine, while the kids enjoy their award-winning playground.
Clam Pass Beach at Naples Grande Beach Resort
Photo: Courtesy of Naples Grande Beach Resort
What are the best Gay/Lesbian bars in the city?
Our city has one gay bar/restaurant and that is Bambusa (www.bambusaonline.com). This is a small, locally owned bar and grill. They have been in business for 15 years and offer a fun, entertaining, and comfortable atmosphere for anyone. They have delicious food and drag bingo two nights a week, karaoke every Friday night, and a drag show every Saturday night with DJ Kooshie at the turntable. The owners help raise a lot of money for different local charities and truly have made an impact in our community. I also have to say that almost everywhere in Naples is gay-friendly. It has changed a lot through the years, and I find myself being accepted and comfortable just about anywhere I decide to go.
What is the iconic tourist souvenir and where will we find it?
I would have to say seashells. We have some amazing seashells here in Naples and they are free. My favorite place to find unique seashells is close to Vanderbilt beach. If seashells arenโt your thing, you can pick up an alligator memento at any souvenir shop or gas station in town. They come as key chains, paper weights, pens, and just about anything you can think of.
Please finish this sentence: Donโt leave the city withoutโฆ
โฆWatching a sunset at the beach to see if you catch the โgreen flash.โ We have the most beautiful beaches to watch the sun set, my personal favorite being the Naples Pier. Find me at one of my events and say hi!
