Gordon Drive is one of the main roads in Naples. It runs alongside the Golf of Mexico and is flanked on both sides by massive houses belonging to some of the wealthiest people in America. Most of these are large and modern, and some have…Read More

Gordon Drive is one of the main roads in Naples. It runs alongside the Golf of Mexico and is flanked on both sides by massive houses belonging to some of the wealthiest people in America. Most of these are large and modern, and some have truly unique themes. There are houses laid out like Japanese palaces, houses with fountains in the front yard, and houses painted disturbing Floridian colors, such as the infamous Pepto Bismal house, which has the misfortune to be painted the same shade as the popular nausea medicine.

The houses alone are worth a trip down Gordon Drive, and there is no better way to travel the road than by bike. The road is designed with this in mind, and there is a bike lane starting in downtown Naples and ending several miles farther down the road. Although there are parts of Gordon Drive where you'll have to share the road with traffic or bike on a tiny strip of pavement, many parts are wide enough for two bikers to comfortably ride side by side. The road is long enough to make for a nice afternoon of riding, and it is also completely flat, which makes the ride relaxed and pleasurable. There are trees on either side of the street, so the rider is kept shaded and cool. Although most of the beachfront in Naples is private, there are several public access points along Gordon Drive, so bringing a bathing suit or a picnic lunch would be a good idea. If you want to plan your ride ahead of time, download a free map from Naples Insider. All in all, biking on Gordon Drive is a great way to spend an afternoon. Whether you want to see some amazing architecture, go for a swim, or just get some exercise, a ride on the drive is perfect for anyone with access to bikes in Naples.

At the end of May, it is turtle-nesting period, when the Loggerhead Sea Turtles swim to the shore, go up the beach, and lay their eggs. Amazingly, these turtles go to the same place on the beach each year and come up only at…Read More

At the end of May, it is turtle-nesting period, when the Loggerhead Sea Turtles swim to the shore, go up the beach, and lay their eggs. Amazingly, these turtles go to the same place on the beach each year and come up only at night. A couple of months later, the turtles will hatch and the babies start coming up from in the sand. It’s a long haul, so the first turtle never makes it. Often many of the others don’t make it because they can’t find the water. Birds often have them for dinner.

My friend and I took an adventure around 1am, walking Vanderbilt Beach. Silently and carefully, we walked up and down covering about 3 miles. It had rained earlier, so the sand was smooth. In the moonlight we were able to see about eight tracks from the turtles. Some went up and then turned around, not laying any eggs. We found about two or three that actually did lay their eggs before going back out. You can see a mound of sand that the turtles cover the eggs with. We were elated to see these tracks. The tide was going out, so we were able to determine that the turtles came out around 10 or 11 that night.

We brought a flashlight on the beach, but the moon offered good light. The beaches are patrolled in the morning, and the nests are sectioned off with tape. It is against the law to touch the nests, and fortunately people respect this. Even though we never saw a turtle, we were just so thrilled to be witness to this act of nature. I highly recommend staying up late one night and going on the hunt.

When first arriving in Italy the last place you want to end up is Naples. This city is unlike any other city in Italy. The vibe given off by Naples is not a Travel Friendly feeling. It is a get away from…Read More

When first arriving in Italy the last place you want to end up is Naples. This city is unlike any other city in Italy. The vibe given off by Naples is not a Travel Friendly feeling. It is a get away from my home; I hate the world kind of vibe. Actually it is not that bad, but it is close. Naples is a dirty city, the trash is overflowing everywhere you go, wild dogs running around, and weird people walking up to you when you look lost. To get from the hotel I was staying at to the train station I first had to get on a bus. So we get on the bus, take the train to our desired destination and come back a little early to make sure we catch a bus. After waiting at the bus stop for about an hour, and being harassed by some random Italian guy, I say lets walk back. And both me and my boyfriend know this long walk already because we have done it once before. This is an interesting walk because the people of Napoli don’t speak English, and it takes about two hours. Our goal was just to get back to the hotel before dark, and we did up it sucked. Needless to say the buses in Naples are not to reliable. There is something about Naples, the people just kick back and do whatever, everything is on their time, and that is the way it goes. It is an interesting and very different experience visiting Naples, but I would very much so recommend other cities before Naples such as: Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Positano, Rome, Salerno, and many of the other little towns along the coast.   Close

We decided to take a look at the Fishing Pier of Naples. Naples Fishing Pier is located at the west end off 12th Avenue S. You can park your car close to the pier. The Fishing Pier is one of the popular attractions Naples has…Read More

We decided to take a look at the Fishing Pier of Naples. Naples Fishing Pier is located at the west end off 12th Avenue S. You can park your car close to the pier. The Fishing Pier is one of the popular attractions Naples has to offer.

This is a great spot to hang out for a while. I don’t like fishing, but it’s nice to see some fishermen at work. Fishing is very popular in Florida. Some guy had caught a large stingray; he dragged him to the beach, and then released the stingray.

We were walking along the pier when we saw dolphins swimming right off the pier. There were at least five dolphins. It was very nice to see the dolphins swim.

There is also a snack bar and bait house located in the middle of the pier.

Remember: Use a sunscreen, although you have a nice breeze on the pier, before you know...sunburn! I can know!
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We live in Miami and really needed a relaxing break, but didn't want to drive more than 2 hours. We also didn't want to spend much money. So, we discovered Naples and relaxing Southwest Florida on the cheap... Naples in high season (winter) is typically quite…Read More

We live in Miami and really needed a relaxing break, but didn't want to drive more than 2 hours. We also didn't want to spend much money. So, we discovered Naples and relaxing Southwest Florida on the cheap...

Naples in high season (winter) is typically quite pricey, with many rooms going for $200 a night. To beat the high prices, we often have stayed at the Comfort Inn & Executive Suites (I-75 and Exit 101). Convenient to downtown Naples, and there's a Cracker Barrel next door.

We have stayed in the beach hotels during low season (summer) when they are affordable, but we really didn't want to pay the big bucks for spring break. After checking the Internet and calling around, we found affordable lodgings. However, after calling AAA, they found an excellent deal for us at the Wellesley Inn (5th Avenue South and Tamiami Trail). We got a suite for $65 a night, and even the check-in clerk said it was an incredible deal. Continental breakfast was part of the package, including make-your-own waffles. We also were given access to a health club about a mile away (Health Quest). We were also within walking distance to 8 restaurants, the closest being Olive Garden.

For the low season (summer), we enjoy the Vanderbilt Inn on the Gulf. Any beachfront accommodations should be enjoyable -- try searching the Net for the best deal, then call AAA to see if they can better it.   Close

Naples has many beautiful white sand beaches. We enjoy the Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, next to the Vanderbilt Inn on the Gulf. If the best things in life are free, then watching the sun set into the Gulf is a must. If you're not paying top…Read More

Naples has many beautiful white sand beaches. We enjoy the Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, next to the Vanderbilt Inn on the Gulf.

If the best things in life are free, then watching the sun set into the Gulf is a must. If you're not paying top dollar for a beachfront room, head to Lowdermilk Park (one of the few public access points to the Gulf) to watch the sun's majestic descent into the copper-blue Gulf. Unforgettable!    Close