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!

Listen to the Music!

Live Music for the Family  The Mercato Shops located at the corner of U.S. 41 and Vanderbilt Beach Road offer live music on the green across for THE PUB  and PURE~URBAN OASIS the first Friday of every month.  Tomorrow they are sure to have great music that can be enjoyed by the entire family.  Bring the kids and enjoy Pizza while listening to the music.  Let the kids enjoy themself with others their own age while they run on the green and dance to the vibes.  Bring a chair or a blanket if you prefer to sit instead of stand since it is an open green that doesn't provide seating unless you choose to enjoy a cocktail or bite to eat at one of the many establishments in this area of the Mercato that offer an outdoor dining option.  You can have a full meal, a lite fare, pizza, yogurt, a burger and much more.  It is a great family activity that doesn't have to cost you a penny.  The entertainment is free.  Your only expense is if you choose to support the local businesses at Mercato that have arranged for the entertainment.  So if the weather is permitting tomorrow evening between 6 & 9 pm, why not come out with the kids and enjoy some great live music.  I have had the opportunity to listen to many of bands throughout the year and I cannot say I have heard a terrible one yet.  In fact most of them are quite good.  So why not get out and enjoy the music with friends, family or even by yourself.  What else do you have to do?

Night Time Entertainment

If you miss the live music at Mercato, you can catch some great tunes at the BLUE MONKEY located on the corner of Collier Boulevard (951) and Vanderbilt Beach Road.  You can get bite to eat, have a few cocktails, enjoy a night out with your spouse, friends, date or by yourself.  Meet some new friends or meet a group of those you already have.  Enjoy yourself!  Dance to the beat, if you choose.  The music is always great on Friday and Saturday nights.  Usually begins about 9 pm but the service can be a little off from time to time.  Just take it upon yourself to get the waitress when you can.  Once the band starts the place is a bit dark, busy and the music is awesome.  Check it out if you haven't or come out and join in the fun again if you have.  You are sure to have a great time~ even the designated driver will enjoy themself with the music being played.

Other places in Naples that often offer live entertainment are THE PEWTER MUG;  SOUTHSTREET . . .  Will talk about others in future postings.  Have a great week!

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!

Sunny Naples

Beautiful Sunny weather in Naples today.  A great day to take in the beach with clear baby blue skies laying on sugar white sand listening to the sound of the tide washing in and out while reading a new suspense novel enjoying my solitude followed by a long walk along the south shore of Naples along the beach backed by Gordon Drive all the way to point where you can see Keewaydin in the distance.  Then the walk back to 16th South, a dip in the Gulf, a bit more sun to dry off before loading up the car and heading home.  This is the life in Naples when you are unemployed but enjoying the life while you can.

 The beaches in Naples are beautiful and anyone who visits the area needs to make sure they spend some time walking the shore that is not completely contaminated with condominiums common in many other areas of the coast but homes to millionaires.  I've had the opportunity to see many of the homes decorated and just built through the years and it is never the size that amazes me, it is often the furnishing or decor.  You look at them and you would agree with me I am sure, who lives here.  No one who takes their shoes off and just sits down.  No one who puts their feet up on a table or the sofa.  There are decorative statues or in one carousal horses set out but there were no personal items, keepsakes or decorative pieces on the kitchen counters.  Nothing seems out of place anywhere.  In fact, many of the furnishings look like museum pieces and you might wonder as I do~ just where do you put your feet just to watch the news.   There are walls decorated in cloth or marble floors that clearly need polishing daily to eliminate any foot prints.  At least if I lived there they would. I don't know about you but I like walking around in my bare feet;  I like to put my feet up on the furniture once in a while.  Don't get me wrong, I like everything in it's proper place in my house  and I like my home clean, tidy and decorated.  However, I also like to feel like it is a home; that someone lives there; that you can touch things; or set something down.  I think my home is better (sure smaller than the monstrosities) and it feels lived in.  It's okay to put the paper on the table for the day or hang clothes to dry in the laundry, put bananas on the counter, or forget to make the bed once in a while.  My home has breakables and items I don't want others touching all the times but you can just sit, enjoy yourself, relax, recline and take a nap in comfort.  I think I prefer mine over theirs.  You?

Rainy Day?!?

The skys are gray and it looks like rain today in sunny Naples, Florida.  But don't fret, there are many things to do.  You can read a good book in the comfort of your air conditioned home.  You can catch a great movie at my favorite theatre located at Mercato- Silver Spot Cinemas.  You will enjoy the comfort of posh leather seating while watching the latest movies with a date, a group of friends or even by yourself.  BUT Don't forget a drink ( wine, beer .  .  .) or a snack to take into the theatre with you so you can enjoy all the comforts available.  Afterwards have a cocktail at one of the establishments conveniently located in the Mercato shops- The Pub for a great Ale; Pure for a special concoction; the Blue Martini or even the Cigar Bar.  If it's dinner time plan on eating at one of the great restaurants located in the Mercato.  They all offer excellent food with a variety of cuisine to satisfy any one's palate. 

If you are lucky enough to plan your night out the first Friday of the month, you will also enjoy live music from 6-9 pm outdoors on the green between the Pub and Pure.  I have enjoyed many of the bands that have played throughout the year.  It is also a great place to allow the kids to run while you are listening to music.  And did I mention it is FREE! 

Today looks like a day for a movie for me and dinner at McCormick and Schmucks.  I am being encouraged by the men in my life to go see Hangover 2.  Not my first choice but I do hope it is good.  If you have seen it or have any insight, please let me know.  Hope you have an enjoyable weekend and remember I have only mentioned a couple of things you can do in Naples on a rainy afternoon.  There are many more to cover in the future, so stay tune.

Hot and Humid-But I love It!

It is another hot and humid day in Naples, Florida with the sun shining amongst blue skies with very few clouds.  There is not a wind today or if there is you will not notice.  You can enjoy the beach, a dip in the pool or a cool beverage to help you tolerate the heat. Naples is located in Southwest Florida and I love it.  The medians are well-landscaped; buildings all built to code; cleanliness is unsurpassed by any other city I have ever visited and the average automobile is a luxury model.  You will not see poverty if you travel through Naples because for years it has been well-hidden.  You will notice the shopping districts, banks, golf-courses and multitude of restaurants that are surrounded by multi-million dollar homes in many areas of the city. 

Naples is a great place to visit and the perfect place to live especially if you grew up here as I did.  Naples has all the amenities to keep most people busy.  There are fishing charters, festivals, theatres, live performances, golf, tennis, and much, much more.  The city has definitely grown in the forty years I have lived here.  I have lived a couple other places in my adult life and visited many others but none of them compare to the clean feeling you get when you drive around Naples.  It has the best health care for all ages and the school system has always been outstanding.  I do miss the small town feel but I enjoy the amenities that have come with the growth- parks, well-maintained beaches, excellent roads, . . .  It's a great place.  If you have never been to Naples, Florida, now is the time to plan a visit.  I am betting you will fall in love with it.  I have:)

Don't get me wrong, there is poverty in Naples and everyone including myself is not wealthy.  It is just the vibe generated by what you see when you visit.  Most of the full time residents of Naples are middle class and live in mid-range housing but unless you are looking that is not what will catch your eye when visiting our town.  It's just the way the town is and has been for as long as I can remember.  Maybe that is one of the reason I like living here.

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.