marthag

I will be driving from Sarasota to Naples on March 1st to visit relatives for dinner. I will have about 3 hours on my own(with a car) to sightsee. I am not a shopper, not do I need a restaurant. It has been suggested that I walk out on Naples Pier and drive around Port Royal to look at the elegant homes. Is that a good use of my time? Where is Port Royal? Any other suggestions of a cultural or scenic nature? Thanks so much.

Arabella

Don't miss Gulf Shore Boulevard. The pier isn't all that interesting except for the friendly cat who lives there.

The Thomas Edison Winter Estate in Fort Myers is worth a visit on your way to/from Naples.

About 30 minutes away in Estero is the Koreshan State Historic Site. It's the restored community of a 19th century cult from the Midwest who followed their founder to Estero to build a utopian community along the Estero River. The cult practiced celibacy and communual living. Inevitably, the movement died out. The site is very pretty and peaceful.

Patrick

If you head south on US 41 to the center of Naples, you'll find that at Fifth Avenue South, 41 turns to the left towards Miami. Instead turn right and drive towards the gulf on 5th Avenue South. Go all the way to the beach and then turn left at Gulfshore Drive. About 8 blocks south, you will see the pier to your right on 12th Street South. You can park nearby and walk out on the pier. Then get back in your car and head further south on Gulfshore. After a while it will curve to the left for a block, then turn right again following Gordon Drive (this is easier than it sounds, you are simply staying as close to the gulf as you can. You can follow it all the way to the end -- about 2 miles I suppose. Anywhere between those two points turn left into Port Royal (Galleon Drive being one of the main arteries) which you can take to the end then turn around and come back. You will also see some incredibly huge and "glamorous" or "monstrous" estates -- depending upon how you look at them -- all along the gulf.

Heading back north to the center of Olde Naples, turn right at 12 Avenue South and you will come to a flag pole at Crayton Cove. You might want to park and walk the city docks there. Maybe even have a drink there at the Dock.

Further north you could drive along Gulfshore Blvd. North to see all the huge condos, but I'm not sure why anyone would want to do that.

marthag

Arabella and Patrick....I knew I could count on you! Thanks so much for the great suggestions.I'll be admiring your fair city on Saturday.

LilMsFoodie

Patrick, hope you see this. You described my short tour of naples. I used to love a little house right on the beach. It looked to be a beach house that was painted in an American interpretation of the Alpine style. Little floral murals all over it. Looks like the main house is torn down becoming a big foot and I think the cottage is gone too. Please tell me that someone moved it. It was funky and charming. I do not find 18,000 sq. ft. charming.

LMF

Patrick

Alas, LilMsFoodie, no!!! The main house was torn down a year or two ago and the property was subdivided. But that charming guesthouse with the painted flowers remained at the beach on 13th Avenue South. Then just about a month ago (that's where I access the beach every morning on my walk) I noticed a bunch of people there seemingly repairing doors and windows. The very next morning I came by and it was GONE! Bulldozed down. They sodded over the spot and the huge beach lot is currently for sale. There were many letters to the editor including one from a woman who had spend winters in that guest house about 60 years ago. Very sad. The historical society would have liked to have moved it, but no one knew it was being demolished. Wanna buy the lot? I suppose you only need about 10 or 15 million.

Patrick

Just returned from my beach walk, and in the spirit of not wanting to give any misinformation, wanted to correct what I said earlier. Ironically there were brochures in a box on that lot above this morning. The price for the lot is a steal at 5.5 million which surprised me until I realized the lot is smaller than I thought--just 98 feet (on the beach) by 240 feet deep. The real estate taxes on the lot are a mere $45,000 per year.

I just thought I'd report this in case there were dozens of Fodorites trying to get through to their realtors today to grab up this piece of beachfront.

Judyrem

Patrick. I will run down immediately and put a deposit on that wonderful lot, (in my dreams!!!). Naples is a gorgeously expensive area. I love it, but can't afford waterfront property there...wish I could however. Judy

Ferragamo

With only 3 hours, I would use it by going to the Ritz Carlton. The hotel is so beautiful! Go down to the Beach bar and buy a really good glass of Champagne and walk the beach. Or you could go to their afternoon Tea...I always choose the first. Enjoy! Kris

marthag

Thanks again for all the good suggestions and insights into Naples. I guess one thing I WON'T be doing in my three hour visit is real estate shopping.

OliveOyl

Patrick, we are making a quick day trip to Naples tomorrow, and I wanted to track your note down, just in case we had time to do something else after "mission (hopefully) accomplished". As many times as we've been to Naples, we've never done the route you mentioned above, and when you first wrote this, I'd meant to print it off for future reference...never realizing the "future reference" would be only a couple of weeks away.

My mission, seemingly impossible, is "mother of the groom" dress, and after exhausting every possibility in the greater Tampa Bay area, unbelievably, my last hope is Marissa, where I always have great luck. Hopefully, there will be energy left after that for your short tour. If you have any other specific touring suggestions, I'm all ears, but we are out of here by 8 in the morning most likely, and look forward to a pleasant day in your fair city. At this point...I don't even care how much it costs, just let them have something fun, good looking, and NOT matronly!!

Patrick

Have fun, OO. I'm sure Marissa's will have a great choice, and glad you say you don't care how much -- just bring lots of plastic!!
I'm doing nothing tomorrow until my performance of Kiss Me Kate in the evening. Email me if you want or if you get this message so late. Time to meet up for a drink or a lunch? I'm in the phone book -- Ashton. Campiello is right next door to Marissa.

Ferragamo

Thank you OliveOyl! I will be in Naples the first week in April, and I am looking For a Mother of the Bride dress. I have exhausted the Chicago Sub.and had forgotten about the Marrisa Shop in Naples. Let me know if you find what you want their. This gives me new hope! Also let me know how you liked the sightseeing route in Naples.
It sounds like fun.... Good luck,
Kris

marthag

I'm just back from the Gulf Coast of Florida. What a beautiful area! Thanks so much to all of you for your suggestions. I did exactly what you told me to do and I had a great time. I walked the length of the Pier,saw the Port Royal area and spent time in Naples' beautiful downtown. Had a delicious lunch on the patio of Vergina restaurant and then had lots of fun shopping at "The Wind in the Willows" on Fifth Avenue South. Didn't get to the art galleries on 3rd Avenue(or 3rd Street),but I'll be back for a full day next winter. I had a great time in Sarasota on Siesta Key. I went parasailing and can't wait to do it again. Spent a day at Myakka River State Park and saw lots of alligators and beautiful,unspoiled flora and fauna. Took a dolphin/porpoise cruise
(I keep getting them mixed up) and they played around our boat. Saw "Porgy & Bess" at Van Weasel center. I LOVE the west coast of Florida. I'm from the Arizona desert and all that gorgeous turquoise water just knocks me out. Thanks again for giving me a blueprint for exploring Naples. I couldn't have done it without ya.

OliveOyl

Patrick...we'll have to catch you another trip, I'm sorry!! I didn't leave Marissa until around two, being torn between two outfits. Had a quick but very pleasant lunch on the patio at Campiello, then headed out for your tour before heading home. Terrific and successful day.

Kris...lucky you, you get to set the tone. I was trying to follow suit in a difficult situation, but found an outfit that is beautiful, unique and a compromise for two divergent scenarios--a formal 5:30 wedding, but MOB in a tea length dress described as something you might wear to church. Tough. I wouldn't wear mine to church, but as my DH pointed out, I wasn't going to achieve an exact compromise. It's two pieces, champagne colored sleevless (Jackie-O looking) top with like-colored slim ballerina length skirt with tulle overskirt sort of "flocked" with what I first thought were white dots, but on closer inspection realized they were teeny hearts. Really unusual and pretty! What a relief. They do have beautiful and unique formal wear, but limited number of popular sizes (8 evidently). With you free to set the tone you should have a much easier time than I did. They have GREAT clothes! Good luck and congratulations.

Marthag, we have a daughter in Phoenix and she feels as you do about this area, but they love AZ as well of course. It's a nice change for them, but then we love the desert and mountains too when we visit them.

Now for the best part, Patrick, your suggested tour was perfect. Thank you ever so much!! Normally when we leave Naples we have been shopping most of the day and DH is tired and ready to head north..so that is always our direction, doing a few of the streets along the beach closest to 3rd. This was our first excursion south and what UNbelievably eye-popping homes--and what huge setbacks on beachfront property! We were in awe. Saw one with multi-tiered waterfalls in their front lawn, falls forming a broad U a la a mini Niagra. My gawd!! One being built just south of 33rd St was almost sinful in its size! Drove it to the end, then went down Galleon on the way back as suggested. More reasonable in size--but then, it's all relative in Naples, isn't it? What a pretty area. Went to the city docks because of our interest in sailboats...enjoyed that very much, but were somewhat surprised that the boats weren't more spectacular, considering the location. Guess those folk aren't into city docks. gt; STILL haven't made it to the Pier, and it's been on my list of "should" do's for some time. Next trip. Thanks again for suggesting such a pleasant drive and again, I'm sorry we were short on time so could not meet for a drink this trip. Later....

OliveOyl

Meant to add, that DH, a non shopper, amused himself brilliantly at Cutter Buck. Evidently they are doing away will all their retail outlets, the clothes have been sent to Naples for sale at huge discounts--50% off, or this weekend's special of 60% off with a purchase of 5 items. Even the furniture is for sale. Not only did he benefit but both kids did as well...whether they want it or not. gt; (He had to get up to the 5 items gt; There's a dangerous shopper lurking within him I suspect...just glad it rarely gets set free). I actually ended up waiting for HIM to get back to Marissa, futher delaying our progress through the town. Great place you live Patrick. Wish we could have stayed and taken in your play, too--passed the theater and waved.

One last question...we came in via the last Naples exit...Davis Blvd onto 41, but leaving, didn't see Davis, only Sandpiper with signs for 75 to Miami or Lauderdale. We were looking but never saw more signage for 75 north as we drove along 41. Finally stopped for gas and asked at Rattlesnake and were directed up that road to get back to 75. For future reference, on our return trip to Tampa, are we looking for Sandpiper, not Davis?? Every other time we've left we've been returning to Coconut Point, (via 41) so it hasn't been an issue.

Patrick

hmmm. Regarding the signage. Davis angles to the left right where Sandpiper turns off 41 to the right, so you must have missed it. Actually I would think the signs that said to 75 South, should also say 75 North, that is where you should have turned as Davis takes you out to that exit right by the tollbooth to Lauderdale or north to Tampa. But for future reference, it is actually better from downtown to go north on Goodlette Road up to Pine Ridge Road. Goodlette Road is the one just east of downtown where the Comfort Inn is, and Tin City is on the right. If you turn there (just before going across the bridge), you go North to Pine Ridge and then right to I-75, a little shorter than all the way out Davis to catch it.

Sounds like Marissa's is getting good money from the Fodorite ladies. Another poster (real name Claudia, but I forget her new screen name) asked about a place for a dress -- I think also for a wedding and I sent her to Marissa's also. And I'm sure you enjoyed Campiello. Who wouldn't?

That house on the beach, I guess it's just about done, could be mistaken for a new Ritz Carlton -- isn't it outrageous? And although Galleon houses seem small by comparison, until about 5 years ago when they started tearing down the charming Bermuda style houses built in the 60's to replace with the much larger ones, it was really more charming. My favorite story is the house we went to for a party, then was sold for $11 million and immediately torn down to build a new one!!! It all is beyond obscene!!

OliveOyl

I would have thought signs would show 75 north as well, and perhaps we missed it. There are sections where you can get on going north but not south and vice versa, and we thought that might be the situation so didn't turn--esp seeing as we thought the road was Sandpiper to the left too and we knew we needed Davis. I see now between what you said and mapquest, that it's Davis going off to the left, and Sandpiper going off to the right. OK...it is a drive with a lot of red lights, so we'll follow your alternate route next time.

Marissa did quite well by us! I've been with our daughter in the summer when they have terrific sales, but now it's probably cost +++. No matter--I love it and will get lots more use out of it than MOG dress. DH says VISA will deliver this month's bill on a silver platter. gt;

Regarding the house on the beach being mistaken for a new Ritz...the thought did occur to me that it might possibly be a new boutique hotel, but nixed that idea, being sure surrounding residents wouldn't OK commercial development in their midst. It truly is big enough to be a hotel. Do you know who is building it and is it too late for me to get into that profession? We have a similar one here (but I think yours might even eclipses ours in size) on Bayshore Blvd--and it's a young couple with toddlers who own it!! This truly isn't sour grapes, but wouldn't you think they could have been just a bit less ostentatious?! DH and I were commenting as we drove along, that if we lived on that strip we probably wouldn't have much in common with our neighbors...so it's good thing we don't, huh? gt;

I loved the old style boat houses at the turn around at the end of Gulfshore! Sort of New England understated class. They looked old...are they?

Heard a funny tourist question while at the City Docks. We'd gone into the Ships Store as we are hunting down funky tourist things for a beach themed rehearsal dinner. They had some shells for sale in there and one tourist wasn't finding quite what she needed so was asking at the register if there were someplace else she could go nearby to purchase shells. Cashier recommended the Shell Factory and tourist wondered if they actually made the shells there! We were all waiting for the punch line...which never came. I had visions of whelks busily producing new shells which were promptly ripped from their bodies when finished, so they could start building new ones. Or maybe she envisioned machine made shells? hmmm

It's a shame to lose the old Bermuda style home. They are beautiful. Are you saying lots in that area now go for 11 million?! Yup, obscene (and somewhere along the line I guess we missed the danged boat gt;)

Again, thanks for the great mini-tour, it was terrific, and a nice ending to our day. Can't believe we've never gone south before this!

Patrick

Hee hee. Guess I must visit the Shell Factory as I've never watched them manufacture shells.

Regarding whose house that is? No, I don't know. Although some of these estates can be over the top, one thing about Naples -- privacy and discretion have always been KING here. One realtor sold a house to basketball star Larry Bird a few years ago and announced it in the paper (he was so proud of his sale, I guess). He was all but drummed out of the profession for revealing such a private detail and neighbors were outraged as people started driving by to get a look at the house. Many rumors abound who has property here. I do know Billy Joel owns a fantastic apartment in a spectacular one-apt-per-floor condo where parents of a friend of mine live, and there are many celebrity sightings, but we often don't know which of them live here and which ones are visiting.

And about that $11 million tear-down. In all honesty, it got that price because it was built on three lots. The platted lot sizes done in the late 50's or early 60's do not accomodate the size of house most of the people now want to build, so they often have to find two houses next to each other. This was a rarity -- a house on three lots, so it became a "bargain".

Another huge house being built on GulfShore, but not visable because it is shielded by mature trees is being built by a friend of mine in the Naples Players -- actually it is his second wife who has the money from a hybrid seed company they sold in Iowa. Isn't it amazing where the big money comes from? It is a little over 40,000 square feet with a "guesthouse" that is something like 10,000 square feet and has a garage for 16 cars. Although the house isn't done, they let us use the "garage" to build our float for the various parades in Naples.

Oh, and those boat houses at the end of Gordon Drive. Yep, they are very old and were practically falling apart until a few years ago. There was a fire in one that spread, making for the final straw and they were restored. And you are right, the really major boats or yachts are moored behind private houses in Port Royal -- god forbid they'd be docked at the City Dock!!

arriba

Hi Patick! Yes, it's me--CS whom you helped so much with recommendations for our trip there in Feb. I must admit I didn't buy anything at Marissa's, but did find a wonderful wedding gift at "A Mano" which is in that same area and has wonderful Italian and French gift-y sorts of things. Gorgeous store! I have enjoyed this thread as Olive Oyl has posed many of the same thoughts that occurred to us regarding the size of houses for 1 family. What need does a small family have for 40,000 square feet of house? How about the obscene amount of energy required to climate control these monsters? I hate the thought that many are empty most of the year--it just seems like such a waste! I guess the thing that I hate the most is the graceful old houses that are being torn down and lots are being bulldozed to build these most unattractive behemoths. It just seems so Beverly Hills--not Florida Gulf Coast!