While you were in Naples did you happen to see La Playa Beach Resort? Any info is appreciated. THanks A Lot.

Oh gosh- how did I forget to mention that one! My mom lived there 20 years, I go to Naples twice a year, at least.La Playa did a lot of renovations and it looks much, much nicer now. I have not eaten there- we love the Ritz and usually choose it.The beach area is really nice at LaPlaya, and it is a lot more laid-back IMO. Quieter. I topped a thread by some folks who have stayed there recently. BTW, if you do Naples in the summer, it is very quiet, which is great!

Thanks so much Linda. I have never been to Naples before and I am contemplating staying at La Playa because I got good rates via internet. I just hope it is as nice as the site claims. I was wondering about the public areas also. How far is it to the Ritz? Is it within walking distance? Your reply is much appreciated.

Suzie,
La Playa is a bit north of Naples on Vanderbilt Beach. The Delnor-Wiggins state park and nature reserve is near there. This is a public beach, but cars pay to enter so it never gets very crowded.There are protected areas on this beach- natural shade, some picnic tables and guest racoons, etc. Yes, I've walked to the Ritz- it's a little less than a mile away. However, downtown Naples- the old shopping area on 5th , etc- is about 8 miles away, so I suggest renting a car. There is a newer shopping area about 2 miles away (The Waterside Shops at Pelican Bay)which is lovely.I hope this helps.

Thanks so much Linda. I hate to keep bothering you but I've never been to Naples. Do you know how far I would have to go to take a airboat tour of the everglades? Any other suggestions on things to do there? I have 17 and 22 year old boys with me along with my husband of 28 years. Thank you so much for all of your info.

Suzie,
Wow, this is a challenge. I have 2 girls who love to beach and shop....I don't know what Naples has to keep the boys active. Fishing charters,golf perhaps.I took an Everglades tour out of Everglades city. It's down highway 41 bout 30 miles. Give yourself about 45 min. to get there.Here's a good site to check out activities in Naples.
http://www.discovernaples.com/index.htm I'm going to keep thinking here- anybody else out there have any good ideas???

Thanks again. How was the everglades tour? Did you take the half day or full day? We also like the beach, but the boys are not much for shopping. Do you know of any good restaurants? Thanks for all your time.

Suzie,
Again, many restaurants I like in Naples may not be suitable for your boys. I e-mailed a friend of mine down there, and she said La Playa has excellent food. Other suggestions from the both of us are : Tommy Bahama's- casual, fun ;Mangrove Cafe- great for lunch; Roy's in Bonita Beach; Buzz's- close to La Playa, also casual; Snook Inn on Marco- you gotta love this place!; Syrah for finer dining in naples- excellent food. Suzie, why don't you do another post on this forum and ask for Naples dining suggestions, mentioning your boys' ages.I'm sure you'll get some good suggestions. Oh- BTW, we did a 4-hr Everglades tour and enjoyed it immensely. Also, there's a VERY cool place in N. Ft myers called Babcock Farms. It is awesome- you take a safari vehicle through swamps, marshes and see all kinds of wildlife, native flora, etc. My kids loved this place. http://www.babcockwilderness.com/

Thanks again Linda. All of your suggestions sound wonderful. Could you ask your friend in Naples if she has visited La Playa since the renovations? I am curious because their website has very few pictures. Thanks for all your time, nice people like you are hard to find today. If you have any questions on Disneyworld, Hawaii or Las Vegas I know I can help and would be happy to share my thoughts. Thanks again.

I just heard from Jeanette- said LaPlaya did a great job. They have not stayed there (since they live there) but have eaten there and looked at the hotel. I value her opinions- they are very picky! Also, they have children and grandchildren who visit often, so we always share info on where to take kids and what to do. Thanks for the offer...I know Disney and Vegas well, but skipped Hawaii in favor of the BVI.When are you leaving? We are taking the girls to St Pete in July- they've never been to that area. There's a lot for families there and they really want to do Busch Gardens. Hope we miss the hurricanes! Have fun, be sure to post a trip report!

Thanks for all the info. We are not going until Dec., but I like planning ahead for cheaper flights. We have never been to St. Pete's, maybe another time. Your info on La Playa and Naples has been very helpful I appreciate it. Hope you have a great time in July. Keep me posted. Thanks again

Dear Linda,
I hate to bother you again, but do you or your friend have any recommendations on where to go to see Manatees? I understand that they come to this area between Nov. and March. Thanks again for any help you can give me.

There is a place called 10,000 Islands about 20 miles south of Naples. It is a refuge- you will be near the Everglades tour. here's a link:http://southeast.fws.gov/TenThousandIsland/

You are incredible. I feel like I have my own Naples travel agent. Thanks again your time is appreciated.