My wife and I are flying into Fort Myers in October for our 10th anniversary. We're staying at the Hilton Marco Island and renting a convertible.
Any thoughts on what to do? How far is Miami? We cruise often and love to spend time there. We would also like to go to a very, nice restaurant, preferrably one where you MUST dress up. How about the Everglades?

Thanks!

Been to Marco many times.I think a drive to Miami would be about 3 hrs.each way.Hopefully someone who has made the trip will resond.If you are interested in the Everglades that is a very easy day trip from Marco.The western entrance to Everglades Nat'l Park is in Everglades City.The restaurant scence in Marco is fair but not great.There are more trendy/upscale restaurants in Naples which is a short drive from Marco.
Marco is popular with families and retirees.Very relaxing.The beach is nice and sport fishing is great.There is however little nightlife,again Naples could provide more of that.
Enjoy

Definitely GO INTO NAPLES for dinners and shopping---Marco Island restaurants are just ok.....

Patrick, who posts on this board is from Naples, and he can list the newest and best restaurants...


One of our favorites is at the Registry Hotel--called Lafites-- It had the BEST rack of lamb we had ever had-- we went there 2 times during the 10 days in Naples...

Also the Seafood Buffet on Friday nites at the Ritz Carlton is TERRIFIC...

And Bistro 821 is also very good=on Fifth Avenue in Naples....Fifth Avenue has a ton of restuarants and shopping...

We also like the funky Mangrove Cafe:

878 Fifth Ave. S.

262-7076

Fusion food-great portions-unusual casual decor...been going there for a few years...

Dressing up is a confusing term these days. It used to mean jacket or jacket and tie for men, but I find that a guy in a 1980's leisure suit and polyester tie is less dressed up that the designer fashions you'll see at many of the trendy places on Fifth AVenue in Naples. The only three restaurants where you MUST dress up that I can think of is the Ritz (actually I think maybe also at the new Tiburon Ritz), Lafite at the Registry, and the main dining room of St. George and the Dragon.

St. George requires a jacket, but is not trendy, more of an old fashioned restaurant and tends to be an older crowd.

The Grill Room at the Ritz is probably your most dressed up type place around, but frankly really expensive for what it is (other that the paneled dining room which is beautiful).

Lafite has been getting very mixed reviews, and in October it is likely not to be open, due to lack of business.

Chops on Fifth and Zoe's may tend to be the dressier ones, and the very small, elegant and wonderful steakhouse known as Preston's on 41, near Fifth. But I think right now my favorite "trendy" restaurant is Syrah in Bayfront. Put on your "trendiest" dress and you'll feel right.

Thanks for all the great responses. We leave tomorrow morning.
We have dinner reservations at BOTH Risorante Ciao in Naples AND Sale e Pepe in Marco Island. Guess we'll decide tomorrow.

The distance between Marco Island and Miami is 1.5 hours one way - taking US 41. It's a scenic drive through the Everglades (a little boring after a while). Not much of a nightlife in Marco Island, but it is a wonderful relaxing place.

I would blow off marco Island and stay at the Registry or the Ritz in naples. The Hilton is just o.k. anf there is next to nothing to do or see on Marco. It is fun for a weekend.