The City Column: What To Do In Naples, Florida
This city in southwest Florida is equal parts luxe and laid-back.
You’d be forgiven for spending your entire holiday on its stunning white-sand beaches, but be sure to make time to enjoy the fantastic seafood and explore an exciting gallery scene. Scroll for our guide to Naples!
Where to Stay:
New: The Capri Inn
Close to downtown, this inn offers that old-school south Florida experience. A one-story, two-bedroom guest cottage has a private entrance, full kitchen and spacious living room, plus a small patio that’s perfect for relaxing with a drink as the sun sets. Enjoy the pool, or hop on a bicycle and discover Old Naples.
955 7th Ave. South, opalcollection.com/capri-inn
Classic: The Ritz-Carleton, Naples
On the edge of Vanderbilt Beach, this popular waterfront hotel unveiled its extensive renovation last year. The new Vanderbilt Tower features the 4,000-square-foot Club Lounge, the largest for the hotel group. Find a reprieve from the heat and snack on fresh local bites.The hotel revamp also includes a lobby bar, pools, cabanas and refreshed guest rooms.
280 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., ritzcarlton.com
Where to Eat:
New: The Claw Bar
The best seats at this Bellasera Hotel restaurant are the six curved around the shellfish bar with a view to the kitchen. Indulge in an iced seafood tower, filet mignon and lobster tail, or try the Southern-inspired brunch featuring beignets, pimento cheese cornbread and fried oysters with bayou rémoulade.
221 9th St. South, theclawbar.com
Classic: Truluck’s
A local favorite, especially during stone crab season (October through May), Truluck’s does away with the work of enjoying seafood and whole fish by taking care of the shell cracking and deboning before it gets to the table. The sides are equally appetizing, from lobster mashed potatoes to crab fried rice.
698 4th Ave. South, trulucks.com
What to See:
New: PDA Gallery
Yes, PDA stands for public displays of affection, and it’s hard not to fall for the fun, theatrical pieces on display. What grounds this avant-garde collection is its twist on everyday objects, such as the lounge chair by Italian architect and designer Gaetano Pesce that looks like it’s covered in spaghetti, and the haunting Oba-Q Ghost lamp by Japan’s Shiro Kuramata.
41 9th St.South, pdagallery.com
Classic: Method & Concept
This gallery is a home for progressive and emerging artists, led by creative director Chad Jensen, a leader in Naples’ arts and culture scene. Don’t miss Artworx, a series featuring ceramicist Scott Daniel, paper artist Matthew Shlian, painter Carmelo Blandino and more.
111 10th St. South, Suite 112, methodandconcept.com
Where to Shop:
New: Cocoon Gallery
Artist Mitchell Siegel opened this shop to showcase his furniture and home lines. Working with artisans, he creates spectacular one-of-a-kind pieces — think towering abstract sculptures made from tree roots, decorative capiz-shell plates and carved wood pedestals.
602 5th Ave. South, cocoongallery.com
Classic: N.color Salon, Boutique & Home
This hair salon and home boutique is filled with playful decorating accents and design books curated by designer Wilfredo Emanuel. Candles, vases, objets and art are organized by colour and shape by Wilfredo himself.
4760 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 1, ncolorsalon.com