Naples~It's My Town!

Naples is a place like no other.  It is a town that appears to all that visit or live in it to be clean, well maintained and manicured throughout with beautiful beaches of white sugar sand that you can walk for miles just listening to the relaxing sound of the tide washing in.  I love taking long walks on the beach with no worries or concerns about anything at all.  It is a great place to relieve stress and just let your thoughts wander.   The the selection of fine restaurants, shopping and entertainment is vast.  I have always enjoyed living in Naples as an adult but when I was a teenager I remember I couldn't wait to escape.  So what changed? 

Naples has grown in many ways since I was a teenager.  Many would admit that some are good while others bad.  I guess I would say I found
Naples to be a rather small fishing town when my parents first moved our family here when I was eleven (41 years ago) but each year we were here we saw the town experience growing pains~ Fast food restaurants opened around the high school first McDonalds then Burger King (now gone);  the opening of Kmart was once a big deal since Walmart, Target or the mall were nonexistent at that time; influx of people crowding the roadways from many different origins which brought on the local housing boom beginning with Park Shore then moving first north, then northeast, then southeast with our first true towering condominiums coming down on Vanderbilt then all along the North-Central Naples coast line; the state owned park providing paved parking and beach access at a price; hotels and condos cutting off direct beach access; road expansion; stop-lights galore and the never-ending golf courses that were developed.  Some of this growth took place in my absence when I was attending FSU in Tallahassee earning my degrees, making new friends, and trying to find my place as a young career-minded adult.   Once again believing Naples was not a place I planned to return to but then came marriage, responsibilities, a slowing job market in North Florida and here we were newlyweds in Naples with the original intent of always returning to North Florida.  We made our family here; were gainfully employed in jobs we enjoyed; and found ourselves wanting to stay for the services, amenities and schools which we felt benefited our young family and children.  We became part of the community as adults.  Love the beach, the parks, the amenities, the restaurants, old friends and new . . .  So we grew into the community as adults and lost that immature attitude we had as young people.  But don't get me wrong there are many things that we have lose through the growth of Naples that will never be returned- the freedom to drive right up to the beach without a permit; the hunting grounds  now known as the estates or even subdivisions east of 951 (Collier Blvd).  But most of all we lost the small hometown fishing village feeling; the closeness of the community; the securities often found in small towns; and the familiarity of all of our neighbors.  When I went to school there was one Naples High School and now there are six with people living in all the areas that we once viewed as undisturbed. 

I remember the days when life was carefree; school was fun; friends were many; and you could drive on the road without finding yourself backed up in traffic . . .  I remember the old roller rink; driving around town with little to no traffic; parties at the beach; camp outs at the beach; and the relaxed nature of this area.  I remember when the mall was in Ft. Myers or Miami not across the street from the high school which was once just a vast area of trees for students to escapes in for one reason or another.  It's been a long time since my family first moved to Naples and it has definitely changed.

When I was a teenager I thought living in North Naples in Palm River was like living out in the boondocks, so far from everything.  I rode a school bus for the first time since we moved from a city in which I could once walk to anything.  But that city is no longer a good place to raise a family now with all the places I once freely wandered as a child full of gangs and those who no longer welcome the pure joys of just living.  Naples however is a place and will always be a place I can enjoy those pure joys of living with the freedom to travel only to find myself appreciated all the amenities and progress that Naples has.  I haven't found another place that can compare and I am still young compared to the average age in this paradise, HaHa!

Restaurant Review- "PURE ~ URBAN OASIS"

Are you anything like us?  Eat out 2-3 times or more a week?  Like to stay within a few miles of home?  Prefer to stay away from fast-food of any kind?  Enjoy a beer or drink with our meal?  Like to choose from a variety of establishments to avoid monotony?  Like good food without emptying the bank?

Well if you are, then you want to pay attention to my Wednesday blogs.  Wednesdays will look at one restaurant in Naples~ the cuisine, specialty drinks, entertainment (if applicable), service and price points.  Due to convenience, we tend to end up at one of the many restaurants located in ths Shops at Mercato located at the corner of U.S. 41 and Vanderbilt Beach Drive.  PURE URBAN OASIS is one of those spots.  They typically offer a specials menu that includes the chef's selections which can be a seasonal fresh catch, lamb chops, seasonal carpaccio, or rice toppers.  One great thing about this restaurant is they offer a simple menu with a varied selection of foods.  You may want to start out your meal with Rice Toppers (Tuna, Beef or Shrimp); Carpaccio (Beef or Tuna); or a Small Plate ~ Bacon wrapped dates; Sliced blackened shashimi tuna; Cajun sea scallops; Escargot; Pot stickers; Crunchy shrimp; Chicken skewers; Crab stuffed mushrooms; or Lobster corn dog.  If you prefer a more traditional start to a meal, you might like to choose between the Lobster Cappuccino (buttery cocoa blended bisque which is delicious) or Black bean soup.  If you order a salad to eat before your entry, you want to make sure you express your desire to the wait staff because the typical PURE salad is substantial and filling.  They offer five salads which you can add your choice of meat to if you wish (chicken, salmon, shrimp, or beef).  The salads include Apple vinaigrette salad; Baby spinach salad; Chopped Caesar salad; BLT salad or my favorite the Tomato Mozzarella salad.  Make sure you request all dresssings on the side since on occassion I have found the salad can get drenched if you forget.
PURE offers two types of main courses~

1. PURE Spa Cuisine (lighter choices with fewer carbs without sacrificing taste~ these selections are also guilt and gluten free)
• Grilled Chickn Breast with lemon grass vinaigrette
• Beef Filet
• Pan seared Atlantic Salmon with grapefruit vinaigrette
2. PURE Main Dishes (a combination of great ingredients and flavors)
• Beef Filet with peppercorn crust
• Grilled Shrimp with white wine and sundried tomatoes
• Sea Bass with honey ginger miso
• Hollies Chicken with goat cheeses and sundried tomatoes
• Chicken~ cranberry crusted

PURE  also offers a variety of side dishes and Desserts that can be added to any meal ~

• Side Dishes~ Bread points; Sweet potato fries; Truffle fries; Vegetable of the Day; Grilled vegetables or Parmesan Potatoes.
• Desserts~ Loaded cheesecake; Lava Cake; Gelato (variety of flavors); and Big Apple Fritter al a mode, of course.

We have eaten at PURE several times in the past two years and have never had a bad meal.  Once in a while the serves is a bit slow and the guy playing the 'horn' gets a bit carried away with the volume but the food has always been exellent.  There are ample servings without stuffing you like a Thanksgiving Turkey.  However my favority part of PURE is the specialty drinks.  They have over two dozen specialty drinks to choose from.  Each one I have tried has been wonderfully delicious.  One of my favorites is Hot Mango Night (rain organics honey mango melon vodka, jalapenos, fresh mango, lemon and lime).  If you want to have your dessert as a cocktail you have to try Original Sin (Dutch chocolate Van Gogh vodka, chocolate liquer, creme de menthe and dark chocolate shavings, whipped cream, double Dutch chocolate mint gelato, fresh mint)- it is definitely sinful but exceptionally good.  You are sure to have a good meal and time, if you choose to visit PURE located at 9123 Strada Place Suite 7135~Naples~Florida~34108~ (239) 514-PURE.  For more information, hours of operation, updates on specials and changes made to the menu, visit www.pureurbanoasis.com  Head out Friday evening between 6 & 9 pm and listen to live music while you enjoy your meal on PURE's patio or eat indoors and enjoy the music before or after.  The Starda at Mercato offers live music the first Friday of each month on the green across from PURE or you can catch a movie at the Silver Spot Theatre~ the only place to watch movies in town.    You will definitely want to at least try a cocktail- YHMMMM!

Build or Remodel a House in Naples with ONLY the BEST!

A. VERNON ALLEN BUILDER, INC.  has been building houses in Naples since 1951.  Who could ask for more experience?  Not only do they build and remodel existing homes, they do the BEST work in town!  They are well-known for the details to every level of construction fine tuning every element to meet the owners expectations and needs. 
They not only build the home of your dreams but they will take care of you and the work they have done well into the future.  Unlike many builders that purchase a menial insurance policy to cover the workmanship of their construction, AVA stands behind their workmanship for years to come.  The people who work for AVA are their to make you feel at ease through every step of the process and help you make the decisions needed to build and create a home that will endure for many years.  They have been well-established in Port Royal and Downtown Naples for over 60 years now and have built amazing structures.
 I have had the opportunity to see their work from plans, pilings, foundations to the final decorator touches and the workmanship is outstanding.  You will not find better workmanship in Southwest Florida. 
You may find that the owner is a bit eccentric but you will find that he has nothing but your best interests at heart.  He can be a bit overwhelming but again he has and will continue to build and stand behind the product that they have built for ages.  They have even been hired to go in and clean up the messes that other contractors in the area have created with poor workmanship and the inability or wiliness to guarantee the work.  That is one thing you will never have to worry about with AVA, they will always be there to complete the project with excellent workmanship and a guarantee offered by no other.
 You are a fool, if you go with the cheapest bid in this area because you will get just what you paid for, substandard workmanship.  You need to consider what years of guaranteed quality workmanship will provide you from day one.  And I know if you do, you will have no doubts about choosing the ONLY QUALITY CONTRACTOR in Collier County.

For more information on A. VERNON ALLEN visit their website at
http://www.avernonallenbuilder.com/index.php   There website will share a gallery of homes built by this quality contractor as well as remodeled (special projects) homes with before and after pictures.  From this site you will also find more background on the company, links to sites in Naples and contact information for AVA. 

Thinking about building or just remodeling~  Want quality with a guarantee~ Contact them today!

Key West Express

Naples to Key West via Ft. Myers Beach or Marco Island on the Key West Express which sails year round from both locations.  You can find more information at www.keywestexpress.us  or call 239-463-5733.  It is a great way to enjoy the sun and travel to Key West in half the time it would take to drive.  Not to mention you avoid all the stress that driving can bring upon us.  You will see amazing sea life and enjoy panaramic views on this trip.  All you do is relax and enjoy.  Now that is the way to visit the keys, don't you agree?  Not to mention you can enjoy a cocktail and the captain takes you back to port as your very own designated driver.  Make it safe and simple for all by booking a room at the Marco Marriott Resort or the Lani Kai on Ft. Myers Beach allowing you to enjoy your vactation with no worries of driving while enjoying yourself.  So pack for the sun or a day or more of fun in Southwest Florida.  I live in Naples and I, too,  enjoy a weekend sailing to the south (Keys) and staying at the beach every once and in awhile.  It is the perfect way to relax and unwind! 

Beautiful Sunshine

Naples, Florida is especially a beautiful place this time of year.  The sun shines daily with limited cloud cover and mild winds.  Today I spent the morning taking a leisurely 10 mile ride on my bike enjoying the sites as well as the flowers, bushes and trees that are blooming this time of year.  Lately we have experienced limited rain fall which is unfortunate for the drought index but most enjoyable for anyone, like myself, who likes to spend time outdoors this time of year.  If you have been to Naples, please share your experiences and thoughts and if you haven't plan on visiting us soon.  There are always things to do and regular entertainment for your enjoyment.  If you need to know where to stay or what to do, if you are planning a trip to our beautiful city, let me know and I will be glad to give you several suggestions.  I hope everyone is enjoying a beautiful sunny day where ever you are.

Beach Photos

 Naples Pier

 Naples Beach

Naples Sunset

Perfect Sunshine

Spent this morning basking in the sunshine at one my favorite Olde Naples beaches just south of the Pier.  The sky was a beautiful cloudless blue, the sand sugary soft, and the water a bit too cold, yet for this Napolean. It was wonderfully peaceful and serene while I walked the gulf's edge and sat reading a new mystery novel listening to the sounds of the ocean waves.  What an ideal morning.