An invite to a friend’s home in Cape Coral and a desperate need to get away last-minute for the summer led my partner and me to Naples, Florida last month. While I had visited Marco Island a few years back (check out my review), my hope was to return to this beautiful southwest Florida region again to check out Naples. Opportunity presented itself, and I took my shot!
It’s worth mentioning that Naples and Cape Coral, like Marco Island, aren’t very racially diverse, but that didn’t stop me from choosing them as destinations. I’d heard great things about the beaches and food, which, for a beach bum foodie like myself, is really all I need!
Our home for a few days was the beautiful boutique AC Hotel by Marriott Naples 5th Avenue. One of the main reasons we chose this hotel was the location. It was close to pretty much everywhere we wanted to go. Secondly, they offered a cute (and free, I might add) hotel shuttle that took us almost everywhere we wanted to go, including the beach!
But the amenities didn’t stop there. Upon arrival, we were greeted with glasses of champagne during their daily “champagne happy hour.” (Side note: They were even generous enough to let us take our champagne to go upon departure. My kind of people!)
The standard room was spacious and included a couch and long bench that provided extra seating and storage.
Another major selling point was the rooftop pool with its sprawling deck and abundant sunshine. I’ll add that the pool water temperature can make or break my experience at a property, and I’m happy to report they did not disappoint. I was able to walk right in and enjoy my bath water in peace. (smile)
If you’re like me and prefer to spend your first night in relax mode, the hotel restaurant was perfect. Located right off the pool area, this swanky, reasonably priced spot offered delicious bites and beautiful scenery that almost had us going back the next day.
Beach Days + Good Eats
While the hotel shuttle could have taken us to a nearby beach, we opted for a 15-20 minute Uber ride to Vanderbilt Beach for lunch at The Turtle Club. I’m so glad we did! This beachfront restaurant offered one of my favorite dining experiences of the trip. Food just tastes better when an ocean view and breeze come with it.
Had we known we wouldn’t want to leave, we would have reserved beach chairs on the same property, just yards away. Instead, Cabana Dan’s was only a short five-minute walk and offered lounge chairs and beach snacks. If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, though, opt for The Vanderbilt, but make sure you book in advance!
Our final two dining experiences in Naples were both top-notch, but for very different reasons.
Not only were the decor and ambiance at Blackbird a whole sexy vibe, but the culinary experience was on another level. I loved their nontraditional takes on Asian cuisine, like the smoked brisket fried rice and Gabby’s orange chicken, along with their unique and delicious craft cocktails.
Our brunch experience, just a short free shuttle ride away, was at a quaint neighborhood favorite called The Rooster Food + Drink. As a benny lover, they had me at blackened snapper Benedict. It was a first for me, but definitely not the last. My partner enjoyed perfectly cooked chicken and waffles, and everything was fresh and delicious.
It’s also worth mentioning that one of the best meals we had was at another local favorite and true “hole-in-the-wall,” Grouper & Chips. Trust me, what they lack in ambiance, they more than make up for in flavor. The Fisherman’s Platter had everything I could desire in fresh, fried seafood: lobster, grouper, scallops, and shrimp. Oh my!
Sometimes You Just Need to Go
If there was one takeaway from this trip, it’s that every getaway doesn’t need months of planning, a packed itinerary, or even a special occasion attached to it. Sometimes you realize you need a change of scenery, an opportunity presents itself, and you simply say yes.
Naples gave us a few days of sunshine, really good food, warm water, ocean breezes, and the chance to slow down and enjoy each other. And sometimes, that’s more than enough.
I’m learning that part of living this Golden Life is recognizing those little windows of opportunity when they appear and giving yourself permission to walk through them. Take the trip. Order the seafood platter. Sit by the water a little longer. Drink the champagne. ☺️
Because life doesn’t always give us opportunities to experience joy before the celebration. Sometimes being here, being grateful, and having the opportunity to enjoy it is reason enough.
Until the next adventure…live well, travel often, and stay golden.
For more golden life ventures, visit www.goldenlifeventures.com.
Golden Life Musings 